Maniwa
Discover Maniwa
Okayama Momotaro Airport (岡山桃太郎空港) is the nearest airport. By car, it takes about 1 hour to reach the Kuse area or 85 minutes to reach the Hiruzen Highlands. Alternatively, Yonago Airport is a 1 hour drive from the Hiruzen Highlands and 80 minute drive from the Kuse area. Even Izumo Airport and Tottori Airport are within striking distance if they are more convenient from your location. If you are using public transportation, none of the airports offer direct buses to Maniwa, so wherever you arrive from, you'll have to take a taxi or take a bus to a train station where you can transfer to a train or bus to reach the city. The JR Kishin Line runs through Maniwa with Chugoku-Katsuyama Station as the main station. The line can be reached via a transfer in Niimi from the west or Tsuyama to the east. Trains along this line are infrequent. If traveling from Okayama, your planned departure/arrival time will determine which connection will get you to Maniwa faster. For many people, the bus (below) is a better alternative.
What to Experience in Maniwa
Taste of Maniwa...
Hiruzen Yakisoba (ひるぜん焼そば) is a dish from the Hiruzen Highlands: miso-seasoned fried noodles with chicken and cabbage. It was awarded first prize at the B-Gourmet Grand Prix. B-Gourmet is a name given to dishes connected to a specific city, town, or area, sometimes colloquially referred to as local "soul food". The Grand Prix is a nationwide competition between these dishes.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsOkayama Momotaro Airport (岡山桃太郎空港) is the nearest airport. By car, it takes about 1 hour to reach the Kuse area or 85 minutes to reach the Hiruzen Highlands. Alternatively, Yonago Airport is a 1 hour drive from the Hiruzen Highlands and 80 minute drive from the Kuse area. Even Izumo Airport and Tottori Airport are within striking distance if they are more convenient from your location. If you are using public transportation, none of the airports offer direct buses to Maniwa, so wherever you arrive from, you'll have to take a taxi or take a bus to a train station where you can transfer to a train or bus to reach the city. The JR Kishin Line runs through Maniwa with Chugoku-Katsuyama Station as the main station. The line can be reached via a transfer in Niimi from the west or Tsuyama to the east. Trains along this line are infrequent. If traveling from Okayama, your planned departure/arrival time will determine which connection will get you to Maniwa faster....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
The Katsuyama Historic District is accessible on foot from Chugoku-Katsuyama Station and a handful of sights are within walking distance of Kuse Station. Most other sights are too far to reasonably walk there directly from any station. 6-7 buses per day from Kuse Station and Chugoku-Katsuyama Station to Kanba Falls, Yubara Onsen, and Hiruzen Highlands. Bihoku Bus operates buses from Kuse Station out to the Yamada area, the closest public transport location to Bitchu Kanachi Cave (with an additional 1 hour walk). Route 313 runs from south to north through the city, passing by nearly all of the city's most popular tourist spots: Kuse, the Katsuyama area, Maga Onsen, Yubara Onsen, and the Hiruzen Highlands. Route 201 branches off from Route 313 leading to Kanba Falls. Places with limited or no bus access can be reached by taxi.
Money & Budget
Hiruzen Yakisoba (ひるぜん焼そば) is a dish from the Hiruzen Highlands: miso-seasoned fried noodles with chicken and cabbage. It was awarded first prize at the B-Gourmet Grand Prix. B-Gourmet is a name given to dishes connected to a specific city, town, or area, sometimes colloquially referred to as local "soul food". The Grand Prix is a nationwide competition between these dishes.
Safety Information
Glimpses of Maniwa
A table is set with decorations and flowers.
An empty cafe with wooden tables and chairs.
a typical Fairfiled hotel in Japan features a big public area where guests can sit around a low table.
A table is set with decorations and flowers.
An empty cafe with wooden tables and chairs.
a typical Fairfiled hotel in Japan features a big public area where guests can sit around a low table.
A table is set with decorations and flowers.
An empty cafe with wooden tables and chairs.
a typical Fairfiled hotel in Japan features a big public area where guests can sit around a low table.
A table is set with decorations and flowers.
An empty cafe with wooden tables and chairs.
a typical Fairfiled hotel in Japan features a big public area where guests can sit around a low table.
A table is set with decorations and flowers.