Have fun in the dynamic nature. Be spellbound by the starry skies.
A short time spent in Sayo will leave a lasting impression.
Nishi-Harima Astronomical Observatory
The observatory, located on the summit of Mt. Onade, boasts the largest telescope in the world open to the general public, the 2-meter Nayuta telescope. There are also strolling paths around the observatory designed to incorporate the natural environment, an obstacle course, a restaurant, and lodges for groups or families to stay at. The observatory holds “star parties” each night for overnight guests. Day visitors can join in the daytime star parties on Sunday (reservations needed for Saturdays), and there are many other star-related events throughout the year, making it a great place to feel close to space and the stars. Mt. Onade offers fun experiences for all both in the daytime, enjoying its nature, and at night, admiring the stars.
●6 km from Sayo Station on the JR Kishin Line/Chizu Line
●6 km from Sayo IC on the Chugoku Expressway
●407-2 Nishigaichi
●Tel. 0790-82-0598
●Closed: 2nd & 4th Mondays, New Year’s holiday period
Municipal Sasagaoka Villa
Sasagaoka Villa is surrounded by verdant mountains and the clear Chikusa River. Dine on traditional kaiseki cuisine using seasonal flavors as you enjoy the ever-changing scenery throughout the four seasons, as well as the special winter stews. After your meal, enjoy a long, relaxing soak in the bath made from lava from Mt. Fuji, rich in minerals (or just come for the bath). The invigorating log house, where you can be even closer to the refreshing flowers and green hills, is especially pleasant.
●3 km from Kozuki Station on the JR Kishin Line or 1 km from Kusaki Station on the Chizu Line
●Approx. 11 km from Sayo IC on the Chugoku Expressway
●423-11 Enkoji
●Tel. 0790-88-0149
●Closed: New Year’s holiday period
Yu-Ai-Ishii
Offers guest rooms named after herbs and a tearoom/restaurant. With a multi-purpose hall, a barbeque garden, a sports ground, and even a gym, there are many ways to relax and have fun here. You can also use Yu-Ai-Ishii as a base for outdoor leisure or strolling through nature, company training sessions, school events, and many other activities.
●3 km from Ishii Station on the Chizu Line
●10 km from Sayo IC on the Chugoku Expressway
●764-1 Kami-Ishii
●Tel. 0790-85-0100
●Closed: 1st Tuesdays, New Year’s holiday period
Nanko Nature Village
The Village is noted as a proper outdoor facility available year-round, and designed to blend with the Chikusa River, one of Japan’s 100 Best Waters. It offers unique Tourist Houses, cottages with wood stoves, an unusual Finnish-style sauna, and baths open for free, 24 hours a day. The well-equipped cottages are fully air-conditioned for summer and heated for winter. In summer, enjoy playing in the river or catching insects. There are all sorts of hands-on events around the year, so anyone, young or old, and families in particular, can have a great time here.
●16 km from Harima-Tokusa Station on the JR Kishin Line
●21 km from Sayo IC on the Chugoku Expressway
●222 Funagoshi
●Tel. 0790-77-0160
●Closed: New Year’s holiday period
●No pets
●Entry fee: 500 yen (200 yen for pre-school age children)
