Sights

Seaside Promenade

Stretching across 7km of coastline, Takahama's seaside promenade is a scenic walking route with spectacular views of the ocean. Loved by locals and visitors alike. It also makes for a peaceful jogging and cycling path.

Nakayamadera Temple

Nakayamadera temple is said to have been founded in the year 807 by the great Daitoku Taichou Daishi, a shugendo monk and teacher of the Nara period. The main structure was rebuilt several times with the current building dating back to 1343. Located 100 meters above sea level, the grounds include a modern style tea house that offers a splendid view of Wakasa Bay and ...

Daijoji Zen Temple

Originally founded in 1351, Daijoji-Temple was destroyed by fire and subsequently rebuilt in 1394 under the patronage of the feudal lord of Obama. The magnificent two-storied gate was added in 1821, and is designated as an important cultural property of the town. The temple is also the 31st site of the Wakasa 33 Kannon Pilgrimage Route.

Seikai Shrine

The approach to Seikai shrine is surrounded by trees and runs along a gentle stream, giving it a serene and tranquil atmosphere.It upholds many Shinto festivals, including "Shiba no Minoire", which is an ancient ritual held every year in February, where the shrine parishioners strike the male Shinto priest with ceremonial brushwood (shiba) and pray for a good harvest and prosperous business for the year.

Sugimori Shrine

Sugimori Shrine is home to two very rare ohatsuki-icho, a rare type of ginkgo tree which were designated as national natural monuments in 1935. The circumference of their trunks is about 3.4 meters, with a height of about 36 meters, and the trees are said to be 100 years old.

Zen Master Soen Shaku’s Birthplace

This site marks the birthplace of Soen Shaku, a pioneer of Zen Buddhism who was the first Japanese monk to introduce Zen Buddhism to Europe and the United States. Soen was born in Takahama in 1859 and led a remarkable life. With the help of his disciple Suzuki Daisetsu, Soen's teachings have helped to spread the message of Zen to the western world.

Herbal Village

Located by the entrance to one of Mt. Aoba's hiking trails, Herbal Village is a tranquil retreat where you can learn about a variety of medicinal plants that can be found on this mountain.Its spacious garden is a great place to be in nature, and the visitor center has an exhibition hall displaying an array of tradition herbal medicine, with explanations on their uses. There ...