Gansenji Temple
This temple cannot be missed when discussing the origins of the town of Kaizuka. It was once home to the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu sect, Japan's leading Buddhist denomination. The cultural assets in the precincts of the temple, such as the main hall, the treasury, and the bell tower, which have survived for more than 300 years, are also worth seeing.
Kaizuka Terauchi-machi
This area is lined with old houses, some dating back more than 300 years to the modern era, and is characterized by the differences in lifestyles at different times. The stories of the families that have kept each house alive are also interesting.
Shiogo
This is a long-established Japanese confectionery famous in the Senshu region. If you come to Kaizuka, you must try their signature product, the famous confectionery Murasame, which has been made with the same taste since the shop was founded at the end of the Edo period. Made from red beans, sugar, and rice flour, this steamed confectionary is popular with locals for its sticky texture and refined sweetness.
Takamatsu Beijuen Tea Shop
This tea shop is located in the Kaizuka Central Shopping Arcade. In addition to fresh tea leaves available in budget-friendly quantities, it also sells tea utensils for use in the tea ceremony. The shop also offers a range of ceramics and other household goods, which give the impression of a lifestyle that has continued from the good old days of Japan. The shop's rustic appearance, including the price tags on the shop front written in brush strokes, is also noteworthy.
Handmade soba noodles Sentaro
This soba restaurant is popular with locals. The homemade buckwheat noodles have a unique texture, and the freshly fried tempura is also an attractive feature of the buckwheat dishes. The shop, which was converted from a row house built in the Taisho and early Showa periods, blends traditional architecture with modern design, creating a unique but relaxing space.
Mizuma Railway
After exploring the streets of Kaizuka, take a ride on the local train. The Mizuma Railway started operating in 1925 as a pilgrimage railway connecting to Mizuma Temple. The line is 5.5 km long and the ride takes about 15 minutes.
Along the line are rural and residential areas, offering a unique view of Kaizuka.
Mizuma Kannon Station
The station has a unique shape that evokes Buddhist architecture. It has remained the same for over 90 years and has been designated an important cultural asset due to its rarity. Cute stone statues based on legends are placed along the road from the station to the Mizuma Temple, which is also a fascinating place to find them along the road.
Mizuma Temple
The temple is said to be over 1,200 years old. The vast temple grounds contain 15 Buddhist temples, including the main hall and a three-story pagoda. The temple is a popular spot for all ages, with power spots where legends have been left behind and a hall that has been chosen as a sacred place for lovers.
