A Peiron race, a medieval mountain castle complex and a camellia garden give the municipality of Aioi a distinctive character. Culture, hiking and the seasons offer different starting points for planning your trip.
Peiron tradition: festival, history and boats
The Aioi Peiron Festival takes place every May in Aioi Bay. The night before, there is a fireworks display over the water; the festival also includes a race with four Peiron dragon boats and a parade on land. The exact dates and program vary from year to year, so check the event details for the relevant year before your trip.
The history of the race in Aioi dates back to 1922, when workers from the Harima shipyard who came from Nagasaki brought the Peiron race to Aioi. Opened in September 2017, the Aioi Peiron Kaikan houses a boathouse with twelve Peiron boats, displays historical materials about Aioi Peiron and has a viewing lobby overlooking Aioi Bay. Peiron boat rides are also available; check the latest operating details before your trip.
Scenery and seasonal discoveries
In the southern part of Aioi Shi, Setonaikai National Park covers part of the municipality. Koyasunoki grows alongside Chitosekazura in the evergreen broadleaf forests along the valleys, including near Iwaza Shrine and in Uryu Rakankei.
The camellia garden at Manyō no Misaki has about 30 varieties and more than 200 trees. Red, white and pink camellias bloom in succession from December to April. The blooming season may vary depending on the year and weather.
Yano no Ōmuku is also associated with a traditional story: the tree is said to be more than 600 years old. According to the story, it was revered and protected as a sacred tree at the site of a former grove belonging to Kōjin Shrine.
Castle ruins and hikes of varying lengths
The ruins of Kanjōzan Castle lie on 301-meter-high Mount Kanjōzan, which extends across Yanocho Uryu and Mori. Features still standing include stone walls, building remains, foundation stones and well remains. The ruins are considered an important medieval mountain castle complex in the Harima region. Rakan no Sato is a park with a campground, recreation area, children’s forest and the ruins of Kanjōzan Castle. If you plan to camp, please check current availability; details about the facilities may also change.
A short path from the Tomiyama Park parking lot leads to the viewpoint in about 15 minutes; cherry trees line both sides of the path. From the park, you can see the southern urban area of Aioi Shi and Aioi Bay. The seasonal scenery along the path varies. Mount Mitsuyama is the highest mountain in the municipality of Aioi; the hike is estimated to take about four hours. Hiking options range from a short walk to the viewpoint to a considerably longer trek.
Fish and a stop along the way
The Aioi Municipal Seafood Market opened in 2007. It sells fresh fish from around Aioi Bay, seasonal seafood and processed products year-round. These include grilled conger eel and Ikanago no kugini.
Michi-no-Eki Aioi Hakuryujo has a natural hot spring with an open-air bath, a restaurant and a shop selling local specialties. It serves as a rest stop for drivers and a place for residents to meet and relax. Offerings and opening details may change; check the operator’s latest information before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Nishinomiya, Kato, Ashiya, Kami, Sasayama, Himeji, Kōbe, Sumoto
For the broader travel overview: Hyōgo Prefecture.
