7 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Tondabayashi City, Osaka! A Town with Remaining Historic Buildings

Tondabayashi City, rich in nature, is famous for Jinaimachi, a district where streetscapes reminiscent of the Edo period still remain, making visitors feel as if they have traveled back in time. In this city, where the breath of history and the blessings of nature coexist, let’s explore some must-visit tourist spots.

1. Stroll Through the Historic Streets of "Tondabayashi Jinaimachi"

Jinaimachi is a self-governing settlement that was primarily established around Jodo Shinshu temples during the medieval period. In Tondabayashi City, the traditional streetscape of Jinaimachi, which still retains the atmosphere of the medieval era, remains intact. Tondabayashi Jinaimachi, which originated in the Sengoku period, later prospered as a key transportation hub during the Edo period.
A ten-minute walk from Tondabayashi Station takes you to the Jinaimachi area. Here, traditional houses with tiled roofs line the streets, and the stone-paved roads—selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Roads"—offer a charming retro ambiance. The area is dotted with stylish cafés and quaint shops, making it an ideal place for a leisurely stroll. It is recommended to start your tour by obtaining a map at the "Jinaimachi Exchange Center."

2. A Stately Merchant Residence Full of History – "Former Sugiyama Residence"

The "Former Sugiyama Residence" is one of the major highlights of Jinaimachi, which is home to many luxurious merchant and samurai houses. This mansion, representing a prominent merchant family, belonged to the Sugiyama family, which flourished as a sake brewery. Its four-tiered roof is particularly striking. The residence, the oldest surviving house in the area, is open for interior tours. Designated as a National Important Cultural Property, the Former Sugiyama Residence offers a glimpse into the prosperity of wealthy merchants from the past.

3. The Beauty of Traditional Japanese Architecture – "Former Tanaka Residence"

The "Former Tanaka Residence" is a historic house located across from the Former Sugiyama Residence. While not as large in scale, this residence evokes the nostalgic beauty of traditional Japanese homes. One of the rooms inside is available for rent as a cultural activity space for a fee, but general tours of the house are free of charge. Jinaimachi is dotted with various traditional Japanese houses, each with its own unique features, so take your time to explore and discover them.

4. Enjoy Beautiful Flowers and a Harvesting Experience at "Tondabayashi Agricultural Park Savor Farm"

"Tondabayashi Agricultural Park Savor Farm" is a pastoral tourist farm where visitors can relax amidst blooming flowers and freshly harvested fruits. The park covers an expansive 200,000 square meters—large enough to fit six Koshien baseball stadiums. Depending on the season, visitors can enjoy fruit and vegetable picking, experiencing the fresh flavors unique to each time of year.
Popular fruit-picking experiences include strawberries in spring, grapes in summer, and mandarins in winter. The fresh taste of self-harvested fruits and vegetables is exceptional. The farm also offers a barbecue area where visitors can enjoy all-you-can-eat vegetables grown on-site. The park is adorned with seasonal flowers, with the vibrant poppies of spring being particularly famous.

5. A Relaxing Natural Retreat – "Nishikori Park"

"Nishikori Park" is a vast park filled with nature, located on a hillside and resembling a small forest. It is a popular spot not only for families but also for those who enjoy walking. The park is divided into different themed areas, such as "Mizube no Sato" (Waterside Village), "Sakuragi no Sato" (Cherry Blossom Village), and "Yancha no Sato" (Playful Village), each offering a unique experience.
With its natural terrain full of slopes, the park provides great exercise while allowing visitors to refresh themselves in a forest-like atmosphere. A major attraction for children is the three different types of slides, ensuring fun for both kids and adults. The park is also known for its seasonal flowers, including cherry blossoms, azaleas, and plum blossoms, which add to its charm throughout the year.

6. A Unique Hidden Gem – "Shiroyama Orange Garden"

"Shiroyama Orange Garden" is an incredibly unique farm-themed park created by its famous owner, known as "Yama no Oyaji" (Mountain Old Man). It gained nationwide attention after being featured on a television program.
Nestled in a lush green mountain setting, the spacious grounds are filled with the owner's quirky ideas and passion. The park offers a variety of activities, including an adventure course, crayfish fishing, a field airsoft gun area, and a mini fishing pond, all designed with a distinct handmade touch that makes for a memorable experience. Visitors can also enjoy barbecues and seasonal fruit-picking, such as mandarin oranges. Even the journey to the park is part of the experience, with numerous amusing and eye-catching signs placed throughout the area.

7. The Guardian of Eyesight – "Takidani Fudo Myoo Temple"

This Shingon Buddhist temple is known as one of Japan’s three great Fudo temples. The large temple grounds house multiple structures, and the temple is famous for its blessings related to eye health. Many visitors also come to pray for traffic safety, and it is common to see cars around the city with protective stickers received from the temple.
On the 28th of every month, a lively festival is held with food stalls lining the temple grounds, attracting many visitors. On this day, the road leading to the temple is closed to vehicles, so be sure to plan accordingly.

◎ Summary

The highlight of Tondabayashi City is undoubtedly Jinaimachi, where visitors can take a leisurely stroll and enjoy its historic charm. Walking through the atmospheric streets, one can feel time slowing down. In addition to its historic sites, the city offers many opportunities to connect with nature, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway.

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