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Core city in Kansai, Japan
Photo: Ujigis, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Takatsuki (高槻) is a city in northeastern Osaka prefecture, near Kyoto. The neighboring rural districts of Shimamoto (島本) and Oyamazaki (大山崎), just across the border in Kyoto, are also covered here.
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今城塚古墳
One of the largest burial mounds (kofun) in Japan, thought to date from the 6th century and possibly the burial place of Emperor Keitai. Unlike most kofun, which are strictly off limits to the public, this one has been turned into a park and there are active archaeological excavations in progress. The neighboring museum showcases finds so far, including haniwa clay statues, replicas of which are dotted around the park as well.
摂津峡
Gorge of the Akuta River on the north side of Takatsuki, with pathways, hikes and hot springs (see Sleep). Cherry blossoms in spring, fireflies in summer, autumn colors in the fall.
アサヒグループ大山崎山荘美術館
The elaborate Gothic-Tudor villa of wealthy businessman Shotaro Kaga, now turned into an elegant art museum showcasing mostly Taisho-era art from the 1920s. Has a rather jarring modern annex by Tadao Ando bolted on, with three works by Monet. The coffee shop serves Taisho era delicacies like hot Calpis and azuki bean chiffon cake.
なちゅぴ食堂
Okinawan food with an impressive selection of awamori liquor to wash it down with.
Pint-sized place (2 tables and a few counter seats) serving up okonomiyaki and snacks. Try the "Yamaki" house special, with pork, egg and chopped shiso leaves on top. English menu.
サントリー 山崎蒸溜所
Opened in 1923, this is Japan's first commercial whisky distillery and the home of the famed Yamazaki Single Malt. Taketsuru Masataka, founder of Japan's second distillery Nikka, also worked here before branching off on his own in 1934. There are various types of tours, ranging from free self-guided museum visits (no access to factory) to a factory tour and whisky tasting Prestige Experience costing ¥10,000 (English available). All tours need to be booked in advance online and demand often outstrips supply, with a lottery system used to allocate places. For tour visitors only, there is a rather spectacular tasting lounge on site with a wide selection of whiskies. Oddly, the gift shop's range is far more limited, although there are a few distillery-only specials.
山水館
Classic Japanese hot spring hotel set right next to the gorge. Some rooms have private onsen tubs.
Takatsuki is bisected by both the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line (JR Osaka to JR Kyoto stations) and the Hankyu Kyoto Line (Umeda to Kyoto-Kawaramachi).
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