【Kamitani Tachinomiya Shrine】

This shrine has a deep historical significance.

It is the only shrine in the Kinki region that enshrines Tamba Michinushi no Mikoto, one of the powerful generals sent to take control of this region under the 10th Emperor Sujin (who ruled 97-30 BCE). The treasured sword “Kunimi Ken” that was worn by Tamba Michinushi no Mikoto is also enshrined here.

The main shrine building is a designated Kyoto Prefecture Cultural Asset. There is a huge “iwakura” or sacred rock on site at Kamitani Shrine dedicated to the enshrined gods and it is said to have enabled farmers to know the perfect time for agriculture and harvesting based on the angle of the sunlight hitting the rock as it rises over Mount Kabutoyama in the east.

【Inaba Family Merchant House】

The Inaba Family were wealthy merchants who earned money through the production of malted rice and used it to start a very successful shipping business focused on international trade.

They built the main building over 130 years ago and it is a Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property.

【The Streets of Kumihama】

The center of Kumihama town was formerly developed as a castle town under the order of feudal lord Hosokawa Fujitaka​ in the Sengoku Period (1467-1568 CE). To this day the characteristic traditional wooden townhouses with thier uniform appearances remain.

​Kumihama used to be home to the local governor’s office under the shogun leader in the Edo Period (1603-1868 CE) and the prefectural office in the beginning of the Meiji Period (late 1800s). The townscape of Kumihama is designated as a Kyoto Prefectural Scenic Asset for its elegant atmosphere stemming from its history as a castle town.

【Mount Kabutoyama】

Standing at 191.7m elevation to the southeast of Kumihama Bay is Mount Kabutoyama. It is an isolated hill composed of rhyolite volcanic rock. Near Mount Kabutoyama bead-shaped stones made of weathered sand and rhyolite can be found.

On the summit of Mount Kabutoyama, there is an observation deck offering magnificent views of Kumihama Bay, Shotenkyo and the Sea of Japan.