The symbol of Katayamazu is, without a doubt, Shibayama Lagoon ♪ Enjoy a wide range of views and scenery depending on the season, time, and place. In summer, the view of the fireworks festivals seen from houseboats on the lake is exquisite, and is something you should experience at least once!
This large fountain puts on a show 15 times a day in the center of Shibayama Lagoon. It reaches heights of approximately 70m, and is controlled automatically according to the weather. At night, it is lit up like a swan spreading its wings, creating a beautiful and impressive sight.
This temple stands on Shibayama Lagoon and is connected to the land by a floating pier. You may feel like you’re standing in the middle of the lagoon! This temple enshrines Saraswati and naga, taking after the legend of the "dragon king and the girl."
This cycling route lets you enjoy the relaxing scenery of Shibayama Lagoon. There is also a bicycle rental service at each ryokan in town, making it fun to tour around Shibayama Lagoon (about 7km) and hit the sightseeing spots when the weather is nice!
This is a convenient little place to unwind.This is the kind of fun you can only have in a hot springs town ♪ At this seated footbath, located at the Aiai Plaza in Sunahase Park, you can experience the healing effects of Katayamazu Onsen’s water in a convenient, drop-in style.
The "Soyu" building is a communal bathhouse where locals from Katayamazu come to relax and chat. Enjoy two hot springs and locations in this modern glass-walled building. There is also a cafe with an open terrace on the 2nd floor, letting you truly relax and unwind.
The source of Katayamazu Onsen’s hot springs. There is a pier that leads to the houseboat departures and arrivals and the floating temple, making this a must-visit if you want to make the most of Shibayama Lagoon! The SHU/LASCO cafe & bar can also be found here, and the Kappa-do rents out boats.
It may seem unusual at first glance, but it plays a key role in delivering water to each inn at Katayamazu Onsen. The triangular roof is done up in the palatial style of Heian era architecture, and Bhaisajyaguru, the patron deity of Katayamazu Onsen, is enshrined below it.
This building was where geisha were assigned to various jobs in the inn district. The red iron oxide latticework and glossy stage enhance the classic hot springs atmosphere. The Fukusa tea house, with a sunken hearth, can be found on the first floor. There are also workshops and events on the second floor, like the Akikozome experience and hot springs tofu making experience, which are super popular!
This temple enshrines Bhaisajyaguru as its principle object of worship, with other Shinto and Buddhist deities. This temple offers stylish and unique items, such as the Isshin Ema, a votive plaque with a heart in it that is auspicious for matchmaking, and a charnel house decorated with cut glasswork. The hill at the back houses an observatory with great views.
This is a historical site associated with a battle where Tezuka no Taro Mitsumori, a young samurai associated with the Minamoto clan, cut off the head of the elder Taira clan general Saito Betto Mitsumori and washed it in the pond here, giving the pond its name. This is also the origin of the haiku by Matsuo Basho: "How piteous! Beneath the warrior’s helmet, a cricket cries."
This is an ancient battlefield known for the battle between Taira no Koremori and Kiso Yoshinaka. There is a monument to Saito Betto Sanemori, who is said to have dyed his gray hair before the battle, with large pine trees here seeming to look back to days gone by. It is also famously known from the noh song "Sanemori."
This venue commemorates Uchikiro Nakaya, the world-renowned physicist who created manmade snow for the first time and penned the romantic phrase, "Snow is a letter sent from heaven." Experience the wonders of science with workshops such as ice pendant crafting, or relax in the stylish tea room.
This small hall Katayamazu Hall has been specially acoustically treated to allow for miniature classical music concerts. It is also a memorial to Toshiro Nakade, a native of Katayamazu and composer of the song "Sakuragai," which appears in junior high school music textbooks.
