Katsuyama

(Source : 園田義久 / PIXTA)

Katsuyama is a flourishing castle town that used to be a key point of transportation and trade. On the street, sake cellars, storehouses, merchant houses and samurai's mansions are lined up. You can still observe how the town looks like during the Edo period. This place is known for production of ink stones that is used to make ink from charcoal. In fact, the traditional craft, Takada Suzuri ink stone is admired by many famous calligraphers. In addition, in front of many houses or stores, charming vegetable dyed noren (curtains) are hung. It is interesting just to see these noren while walking on the streets.

(Source: おかやま旅ネット)

Colorful "Noren" curtains welcome you

Recently, there are many tourists who visited the city of Katsuyama where the old town is still maintained. Many people love to see colorful noren that are hung in front of stores. These nore make the sad old town bright and eccentric.

(Source: 路地裏統合サイト【町角風景】)

(Source: コロカル)

Remains of Takasebune still intact

Asahikara river has been an important transportation route for merchants from the medieval time to the early modern period. The landing place of the boat Takasebune is situated at the uppermost stream. Although it was abandoned as the railway appeared at the beginning of the Showa period, the stone pavement along the river still remains the same today. The charming view can be observed at the landing place of Takasebune boat.

(Source: 真庭市)

Best festival in Katsuyama

Katsuyama Matsuri is the hottest festival in Katsuyama, that takes place on October 19 and 20 every year. At night, Kenka danjiri, in which approx. 2-3 tons of dashi (palanquin) collide with each other, takes place. Many visitors are excited to see this event.