HyogoFood

Tatsu-Koro (Drum Clock Tower), Izushi Castle

Flow of the course

Previous stop: Climb the Inari approach lined with vermillion torii gates and enjoy a panoramic view of the castle town's traditional houses

About 10 min from the previous stop

About 60 min here

About 10 min to the next stop

Next stop: Enjoy the local specialty plate soba, varying your condiments with each small plate and competing on plate count

About this spot

A clock tower about 13 meters high standing on the turret platform beside the former main gate of Izushi Castle's third enclosure. Built in 1871 as a drum tower to announce the time, it received a large clock in 1881 and has been keeping the town's time ever since. Known alongside Sapporo's clock tower as 'one of Japan's oldest clock towers,' it is the symbol of Izushi and stands upright beside the moat—truly the face of the castle town. Its silhouette against the backdrop of tiled-roof houses is sure to photograph beautifully, and this is the standard spot to capture your trip's commemorative photo. The surrounding area is lined with shops dealing in Izushi pottery, souvenir shops, and food stalls, so after your photo shoot, take a leisurely walk browsing the street and work up your appetite for plate soba.

Tips

It faces the main street in the town center, just a short walk from Izushi Castle Ruins. The interior is not open to the public, so enjoy viewing and photographing the exterior. Aiming from the moat's edge or from a distance with tiled roofs in the frame makes for a picturesque shot. Since the surrounding area is bustling with souvenir shops, it's best to purchase light items gradually rather than heavy ones.