Izushi, located in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, is an attractive area steeped in history and atmosphere.
In this article, we will explore Izushi’s historical background, its beautiful castle townscape, and the charm of Izushi soba, a local favorite. Let’s explore the wonders of Izushi together.
Overview and characteristics of Izushi
Izushi, located in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, has been selected as a nationally designated ”Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings”, and its scenery is truly timeless and beautiful.
The famous “Izushi soba” has a taste unique to this area and is loved by locals.
We will also introduce Izushi soba, including its history and how to enjoy it.
The history of Izushi and the charm of the townscape
It once prospered as the castle town of Izushi Castle. The history of Izushi dates back to the Muromachi period, when Izushi Castle was built in 1604 at the southern foot of the Yamana clan’s Arikoyama Castle. During the Edo period, it flourished as a castle town of the Sengoku family.
Although more than 80% of the buildings were destroyed in the great fire of 1876, the town layout remains almost exactly as it was in the 1810 Bunka 7th year (1810), with temples, townhouses, and samurai residences from the Meiji era still standing. The historical scenery of the castle town in the late modern period is passed down to this day.
Izushi has been selected as an ”Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings“, and efforts are being made to preserve its landscape.
Izushi is also known as “Tajima’s Little Kyoto” and is dotted with sightseeing spots that are fun to explore on foot.
Highlights include traditional buildings, temples, and samurai residences. In particular, the townscape of Izushi gives a sense of the times and gives visitors a nostalgic feeling.
The charm and history of Izushi soba
Izushi soba is a local soba dish eaten mainly in Izushi-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. The origin of this soba dates back to the mid-Edo period, when Masaaki Sengoku, who moved from the Ueda domain of Shinano Province to the Izushi domain of Tajima Province, brought Shinshu soba craftsmen with him. The current Izushi soba is called Wariko soba, and this form was established at the end of the Edo period.
Izushi soba is served on five plates per person, and each plate has about two to three bites of soba.
It is common to enjoy soba using dashi stock and condiments (chopped green onions, grated daikon radish, grated wasabi, tororo, raw chicken eggs).
In addition, the soba noodles served on small Izushiyaki plates at each store are visually appealing.
Izushi’s Famous Soba Eating Contest Every year on the third Sunday of April, the “Izushi Famous Soba Eating Contest” is held at Izushi Castle.
This is a Wanko Soba-style eating contest, and is an event where you can enjoy local food culture. Participants can eat large quantities of Izushi soba and receive souvenirs.
Izushi soba Nanshi
This is the Izushi soba restaurant I visited on this tour. There are many Izushi soba shops in the surrounding area.
Basic information about “Izushi Soba Minamieda”
| Basic Info | Izushi soba Nanshi ■Location 70 Koto, Izushi-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture ■Business hours 11:00-15:00 ■Regular holidays Thursday ■Telephone number 0796-52-6311 ■Parking Parking available ■Website www.nanshi-soba.com |
| Map |
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Summary
Izushi, Hyogo Prefecture, is a beautiful region full of history and charm, and its charms are wide-ranging.
Starting with the historical background of Izushi, we explored the pleasures of strolling through the beautiful streets of the castle town, and the charm of the local Izushi soba.
Izushi soba is a traditional food culture that has been passed down locally, and its flavor and way of enjoying it is worth a visit.
Please come and experience the wonders of Izushi.
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