Nishiawakura – Mountain Village on the Yoshino River

Nishiawakura between Mountains and River

Nishiawakura lies on the northeastern edge of Okayama Prefecture, on the southern slope of the Chūgoku Mountains. The mountain village stretches through a valley. The clear Yoshino River flows through the center of the bell-shaped terrain; narrow plains with farmland and settlements extend along the river. The description of the area thus brings together the mountain slope, river course and cultivated land in a continuous landscape. This geographical orientation provides the setting for nature and cultural experiences in Nishiawakura.

Forest Landscape and Nature

The Nishiawakura Hundred-Year Forest area is designated as a significant Satoyama landscape. It encompasses the entire village and preserves its forest resources. Wakasugi Natural Forest, also called Wakasugi Primeval Forest, lies on the northernmost edge of Nishiawakura. It covers about 83 hectares and is part of Hyonosen-Ushiroyama-Nagisan Quasi-National Park. In addition to old beech, maple and Mongolian oak trees, it is home to a total of 199 tree species.

The two designations refer to different scales: the Satoyama designation encompasses the whole village, while Wakasugi Natural Forest refers to a specifically named area on the northernmost edge. This makes it possible to understand the landscape from the perspective of the village as a whole to that of a particular natural forest.

Traditional House and Unresolved History

Doyashiki is a traditional Edo-style house. Its hearth and an old well have been preserved; 300-year-old trees line its thatched roof, and historical documents are on display. The features of the house thus range from everyday life around the hearth and well to its historical documentation.

Near the destination is the Stone Circle at Dargamine, a group of stone pillars in a mountain forest. It is believed to have been built by people, but there is no reliable evidence; its purpose remains unknown. Stone tools and Yayoi pottery have been found in the surrounding area. These finds form part of the archaeological context, but do not answer the open question about the site's purpose. The subjects are therefore clearly different: Doyashiki is notable for its specific features as a house, while the Stone Circle has a presumed origin and an unexplained purpose.

Onsen and Outdoor Activities

Awakura Onsen Motoyu is an onsen guesthouse where villagers and travelers come together, and the relationship between people and nature plays a role. Its offerings include fresh local game dishes and Hinoki beer, an egg sauna and a natural hot spring bath. In the evening, you can enjoy the starry sky by a campfire. As guest and day-use offerings may change, check in advance which type of use is available at the time of your visit.

Shinkitsu (森喫) is an accommodation-based offering in Nishiawakura, which is surrounded by forests. It offers river activities year-round and camping in the snow. As seasonal operations may change, check the current options before making plans.

Outside the snowy 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. The seasonal distinction is clear: camping at the Ogamoya grounds is available outside the snowy season, while Shinkitsu offers river activities year-round and camping in the snow.

Day-Use Bathing and Getting There

Yutopia Ogonsen is a day-use bathing facility featuring weakly radioactive cold mineral or radium hot spring water. 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. These estimates refer to different starting points and modes of travel: the walk from the station and the drive from the expressway interchange. Check local access information before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Asakuchi, Kagamino, Kurashiki, Maniwa, Tsuyama, Hayashima, Mimasaka, Tamano.

To the main travel guide: Okayama Prefecture.