The whole top of the mountain is flat as it was removed in order to build the castle. The castle was demolished following two sieges by the long-term enemy of the Amago clan, the Mori clan. The second siege in 15… See more

Another local legend associated with Shikanosuke Yamanaka connects to the Kiyomizu temple in Yasugi. This Kiyomizu temple is just as grand, if not more exciting but less visited, than the Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto. The … See more

Very close to the Hitachi Metalworks factory is the Wako Museum (Museum of Japanese Metal). Outside the museum is a fine display of kera (iron and steel blooms) that date from the Edo period, through the Meiji to Mo… See more

Close by in Hirose is the Kanayago shrine dedicated to the goddess of iron and steel production. Many tatara have legends that Kanayago founded their site by landing in a Katsuragi tree riding a bird. Local tatara curator Tos… See more