Takahashi

A scenic gorge with picturesque rock formations. It is also popular among rock climbers.

A remote art museum along the Nariwa River. It was founded as a way to showcase the art of Torajiro Kojima who was born here. The museum also features special exhibits throughout the year. The building was designed by the famous architecture, Tadao Ando.

One of Japan's many remaining Edo-period villages, Fukiya is well known for the unique burnt orange color of the buildings. The color comes from a mix of iron-oxide and vermillion known as bengara, a bastardized pronunciation of Bengal, where the pigment was originally produced. Some of the buildings are locally-owned shops, while others, such as the post office, can only be viewed from the outside.

Built in 1909 when the area was still wealthy from the copper mines, the school, like the rest of the Fukiya area, saw its population dwindle as the mines closed. In 2009 only 6 students remained in the entire school. It was known as the oldest wooden school still in use in Japan until it finally closed in 2012. The school has been preserved as an important local landmark and popular attraction for visitors. You can only view it from the outside, yet many consider it to be one of the area's highlights.

One of the old copper mines.

A collection of buildings that walk visitors through the steps of gathering and creating the bengara dyes, as well as the dyeing process.

The house was built by the Nishie family who prospered from both the copper mines and the bengara dyes and fabrics. The house remains the property of the Nishie family.

The house, built in 1810, belonged to the Hirokane family, a merchant family who made money off the copper mines.

The Fukiya area is famous for its rusty-red bengara dyes which it has been producing since the Edo Period. Those who like the color can of course purchase various articles of dyed clothing at various shops in the town however, there is another option for those interested in bengara dyes: learn to dye your own scarves. Those interested in the dyeing experience need a reservation at least 2 days in advance.

The view of Bitchu Matsuyama Castle shrouded in a sea of clouds (雲海 unkai) has gained a lot of attention. Castle fans and professional and amateur photographers alike have become interested in how to get the shot of the "Castle in the Sky" (天空の城) themselves. There is a viewpoint about 8.5 km from Bitchu-Takahashi Station. An early morning bus is available during peak season to take visitors to the viewpoint; however, you must make a reservation with the Tourist Information Center at least 1 day in advance. Because the sea of clouds are visible in the early morning, if you are serious about seeing it, spend the night in Takahashi and get up extra early.

A firework festival with roots dating back to the Edo Period.

A dancing festival that began in the 17th century. It features a dancing parade, a samurai dance performance (仕組踊り), and the yatosa (ヤトサ) in which observers are welcome to join the dance.

Lanterns line Fukiya's historic street and traditional dances are performed.