Aioi: Peiron Tradition, Bay and Nature

In the municipality of Aioi, Peiron tradition, Aioi Bay and natural attractions offer a range of reasons to visit. It is worth noting the relevant periods and times: the Peiron Festival takes place in May, camellias bloom from December to April, and a hike on Mitsuyama is listed as taking about four hours.

Peiron Tradition and Aioi Bay

The Aioi Peiron Festival takes place every year in May in Aioi Bay. The program includes a race featuring four Peiron boats, a parade on land, and a fireworks display over the water on the eve of the festival. Specific dates and program details vary from year to year; check the event information for your travel dates.

The history of Peiron boat racing in Aioi dates back to 1922. At that time, employees of the Harima Shipyard who had come from Nagasaki brought the race to Aioi. The Aioi Peiron Kaikan opened in September 2017. It houses a boathouse with twelve Peiron boats, displays historical materials about Aioi Peiron, and has an observation lobby overlooking Aioi Bay. Visitors can take a ride in a Peiron boat there. Check current operating details and reservation procedures before your trip.

Scenery, Plants and Views

A section of Setonaikai National Park lies in the southern part of Aioi municipality. Koyasunoki grows alongside Chitosekazura in evergreen broadleaf forests along the valleys, including near Iwaza Shrine and Uryu Rakankei. The local abundance of these plants may vary.

At Manyō no Misaki is a camellia garden with about 30 varieties and more than 200 trees. Red, white and pink camellias bloom in succession from December to April. The flowering period depends on the year and the weather. The garden offers a seasonal natural attraction that differs in timing from the May festivities.

From Tomiyama Park, you can look out over southern Aioi’s urban area and Aioi Bay. A short trail leads from the parking lot to a viewpoint in about 15 minutes; cherry trees line both sides of the path. The roughly 15-minute estimate refers to this walk to the viewpoint. By contrast, the hike on Mitsuyama is listed as taking about four hours. Mitsuyama is the highest mountain in Aioi municipality; this approximate time does not indicate the level of difficulty.

Mountain Castle and Local History

The ruins of Kanjōzan Castle are located on 301-meter-high Kanjōzan, which stretches across Yanocho Uryu and Mori. The surviving remains include stone walls, building ruins, foundation stones and the remains of wells. The ruins are considered an important medieval mountain-castle complex in the Harima region. Rakan no Sato is a park with a campsite, recreation area, children’s forest and the ruins of Kanjōzan Castle.

Another local tradition concerns the Yano no Ōmuku. It is said to be more than 600 years old. According to the tradition, the tree was revered and protected as a sacred tree at the site of a former grove belonging to Kōjin Shrine.

Seafood and Visitor Facilities

The Aioi Municipal Seafood Market opened in 2007. Fresh fish from the waters around Aioi Bay is sold there year-round, along with seasonal seafood. Processed products include grilled conger eel and Ikanago no kugini. Year-round fish offerings and seasonal seafood provide different culinary highlights.

Michi-no-Eki Aioi Hakuryujo offers a natural hot spring with an open-air bath, a restaurant and a shop selling local specialties. The facility serves as a rest stop for drivers and a place for residents to meet and relax. Offerings and opening hours may change; check the latest information with the operator before visiting.

Discover More Destinations

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For the broader travel overview: Hyōgo Prefecture.