Nishiawakura brings together a mountain village in a valley, riverside scenery, forest and historic sites. This gives your trip several possible focuses: you can explore the forest landscape, learn about a traditional house and a mysterious stone circle, or include bathing options in your plans.
A valley between river and forest
Nishiawakura lies on the northeastern edge of Okayama Prefecture, on the southern slopes of the Chūgoku Mountains. The clear Yoshino River flows through the middle of the bell-shaped terrain. Narrow plains with farmland and settlements stretch along the river. The village and riverside landscape are thus closely connected within the same valley, rather than the area being defined by a single attraction.
The Nishiawakura Hundred-Year Forest area is designated as an important satoyama landscape, encompasses the entire village and preserves its forest resources. The Wakasugi Natural Forest lies at the northernmost edge of Nishiawakura. It covers about 83 hectares and is part of Hyonosen-Ushiroyama-Nagisan Quasi-National Park. Alongside old beech trees, maples and Mongolian oaks grow there; 199 tree species are represented in total. Those interested in forest landscapes will find a specific topic here, distinct from the historic sites in the valley.
Traditional house and mysterious stone circle
Doyashiki is a traditional Edo-style house. Its hearth and an old well have been preserved, and 300-year-old trees line its thatched roof. Historical documents are displayed inside the house. At Doyashiki, both the architectural style and the preserved features of the house take center stage.
Nearby, at the destination, is the Stone Circle at Dargamine, a group of stone pillars in the mountain forest. It is thought to be human-made, but there is no reliable evidence to support this; the purpose of the site is unknown. Stone tools and Yayoi pottery have been found in the area. The stone circle therefore offers a different historical connection from Doyashiki: its origins and function remain unclear.
Nature experiences and bathing options
Awakura Onsen Motoyu is an onsen guesthouse where people and nature, as well as villagers and travelers, come together. Its offerings include fresh local game dishes and Hinoki beer, an egg sauna and a natural hot spring bath. In the evening, guests can enjoy the starry sky around a campfire. Guest and day-use policies may change, so check the current arrangements before planning a visit.
The accommodation-based offering 森喫 (Shinkitsu) is located in Nishiawakura, surrounded by forests. It offers river activities year-round as well as camping in the snow. As seasonal operating conditions may change, it is advisable to check the current options in advance.
Outside the snow season, the grounds of the Ogamoya Ski Resort are used as a campground. Other nature experiences include stream fishing for yamame and iwana, as well as walks in Wakasugi Natural Forest. These activities can be considered separately from the bathing options: they focus on the river and forest rather than a stay centered on hot spring water.
Visitor information
Yutopia Ogonsen is a day-bathing facility with mildly radioactive cold mineral or radium hot spring water. As a rough guide, it is about a 15-minute walk from Awakura-Onsen Station on the Chizu Express, and about a three-minute drive from the Nishiawakura interchange on the Tottori Expressway. Check these details again against local conditions before setting out.
When planning, it is also helpful to understand the difference between the bathing options: Yutopia Ogonsen is a day-bathing facility, while Awakura Onsen Motoyu is a guesthouse that offers not only a natural hot spring bath but also food, a sauna and an evening campfire experience. Which option suits your trip depends on whether you are looking for a day bath or the broader guesthouse experience. Check the current terms of use in advance for each.
Discover more destinations: Setouchi, Okayama, Tsuyama, Asakuchi, Kagamino, Kurashiki, Hayashima, Tamano.
Return to the overview of destinations: Okayama Prefecture.
