Hakone Sekisho feels like stepping into a page from an Edo-period history textbook! It was once an important checkpoint in Hakone, where the shogunate strictly inspected travelers, especially to prevent weapons and women from entering Edo. The buildings have now been restored to their original appearance, and you can climb up to the lookout post. The stairs take a bit of effort, but from the top you can take in sweeping views of Lake Ashi and the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, you can even spot Mount Fuji's white peak in the distance. Afterward, you can stroll along the lakeshore and visit the museum for a relaxing outing with a touch of history. It's easy to include on your itinerary and highly recommended for anyone who enjoys historic sites!
Hakone Sekisyo | Review by wendy
Other Reviews by wendy
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Sumoto Castle Ruins
Castle ruins located at the summit of Mt. Mikuma, Approx. 133 meters above sea level, in eastern Awaji Island. From the Sengoku period to the Edo period, it served as a base for governing Awaji Province. It is said to have been built in 1526 by the Ataka clan, who led the Awaji navy, and was later renovated by the Wakisaka clan into the stone-walled castle that remains today. From the ruins, you can enjoy a sweeping view not only of Sumoto City but also of Osaka Bay, making it a stronghold worthy of being called a fortress of the southern seas.
I originally thought the Sumoto Castle Ruins on Awaji Island would just be a small historic site, but I didn't expect the views to be this good! The Sumoto Castle Ruins are located on Mt. Mikuma. Although the grounds aren't very large and there aren't many complicated routes to explore, it's a great place to slow down, stroll around the castle ruins, take photos, and soak up the historic atmosphere of an old Japanese castle.
What I liked most was the scenery after climbing up. From the top, you can look out over the Seto Inland Sea, and the combination of mountains and sea is really relaxing, with wide-open views. When the weather is good, the blue sky, mountains, and ocean look beautiful together from any angle!
This is also a well-known local cherry blossom viewing spot. If you happen to visit during cherry blossom season, it should offer a different kind of romantic scenery.
If you're traveling to Awaji Island and want somewhere that doesn't take too much time to visit but still offers beautiful ocean views, the Sumoto Castle Ruins are well worth adding to your itinerary. Compared with busy tourist attractions, I prefer small places like this where you can take a leisurely walk and quietly enjoy the scenery
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Underground Mall Grand Festa / Festa BLD. in front of Himeji Station
Underground Mall Grand Festa is the expansive 7,000㎡ shopping hub that’s directly connected via underground passages at select Himeji Station exits. The entire floor is divided into “streets” 1 through 6, each zone with plenty of Himeji soul food classics, apparel, cosmetics, local sake, Japanese confections and more to shop.
When visiting Himeji, besides planning a trip to Himeji Castle, Himeji FESTA near the station is also well worth stopping by!
After visiting Himeji Castle this time, I stopped by Himeji FESTA next to the station. The location is really convenient, with no need to make a special detour, and it’s just a short walk away.
This is a commercial complex combining food, restaurants, and shopping. There are quite a few local Himeji specialties, as well as stores where you can shop for souvenirs. You can stroll around and check out the local products, and if you get hungry, you can easily find a restaurant for a meal.
I think the biggest advantage here is the convenience. Especially when planning a day trip to Himeji, you don’t have to spend time on transportation and can take care of both dining and shopping along the way. After sightseeing, you can return to the area near the station to recharge and buy some souvenirs, making the whole itinerary flow very smoothly.
If you’re visiting Himeji Castle, you can definitely include this place in your itinerary. There’s no need to rush off—leave some time to experience the lively atmosphere around Himeji Station!
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Himeji City Zoo
Located within the grounds of the World Heritage Site, Himeji Castle, next to the Sannomaru Plaza, is the "Zoo Inside the Castle." Upon entering the zoo and walking straight ahead, you'll come across the red "Shiromi Bashi Bridge," which offers a picturesque view of Himeji Castle over the moat. From the west side of the old elephant house, you can see the castle's main keep reflected upside down on the moat's surface-a unique viewing spot that draws many visitors.
This time I visited Himeji City Zoo next to Himeji Castle. I originally thought it would just be a small attraction to stop by along the way, but I didn’t expect to find an excellent spot for photographing Himeji Castle here!
The zoo isn’t very large, and there aren’t as many kinds of animals as I had imagined. Overall, it feels more like a small zoo for a relaxing stroll, and it doesn’t take much time to see everything.
However, what surprised me most wasn’t the animals, but the hidden photo spot inside the zoo! From a certain angle, you can photograph Himeji Castle. The white castle paired with the surrounding scenery is truly beautiful and offers a different perspective on the trip.
If Himeji Castle is on your itinerary, you might as well stop by for a walk, see the cute animals, and don’t forget to look for this secret angle for photographing Himeji Castle. You may come away with an unexpectedly beautiful view from your trip!
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