Theme：
Ribbon Road at the
Foot of the Mountains
Course No. ①
Ribbon Road at the Foot of the Mountains (East)
This course takes you through the residential area of Mikage and Sumiyoshi on the hillside carved out of the mountains. Starting from Hanshin Ishiyagawa Station, you'll pass through neighborhoods with remaining stone walls made of Mikage stone, making your way towards the Hakutsuru Fine Art Museum.
You can enjoy the place names associated with the stone called "Mikage," which is the origin of Ishiyagawa and Mikage stone, as well as the stone walls of many remaining residences.
History
Origin and History of Ribbon Road at the Foot of the Mountains(East)
In the Mikage and Sumiyoshi hillside areas, there are many remaining stone walls and fences made of Mikage stone. The road leading to Arima Onsen is called Arimamichi. There is also an Arimamichi monument, with the Arimamichi shopping street extending to the hillside main road. There were many waterwheels in the Rokko foothills during the Edo period, especially in the Sumiyoshi River basin, where there were as many as 88 waterwheels supporting sake brewing in Nada, including oil pressing, milling, and polishing of sake rice.
START!
Ishiyagawa Station
Spot 1
Ishiyagawa Park
The Ishiya River was named so because of the rows of stone dealers along the river that processed the Mikage stone quarried from Mt. Rokko. The Ishiya River marks the boundary between Nada Ward and Higashinada Ward. It is a short, rapid stream from the foothills to the mouth of the river, with the middle reaches turning into a raised bed river. A promenade and park were developed along the Ishiya River, lined with pine trees.
Other Points of Interest
Mikage Kokaido
・Reviving the atmosphere of its construction in 1933, it has undergone seismic reinforcement and renovation.
・Registered as a national tangible cultural property, it is currently used as a meeting facility.
・There is a dining hall on the basement floor where you can also visit a long-established Western-style restaurant that has been there since its construction.
Spot 2
Fukada-ike Park
Most of the site is occupied by a pond, resulting in a quaint park where you can experience the four seasons, including cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.
There are benches around the pond, offering a good view and serving as a local gathering spot for relaxation. It is conveniently located near Hankyu Mikage Station and faces a bus route, making it easily accessible.
Other Points of Interest
Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine
・Dedicated to Emperor Ojin as the main enshrined deity.
・After the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995, the main hall, shrine gate, and lattice fence were promptly rebuilt, and impressive efforts were made to construct a new torii gate and perform stone stacking work on the slope, enhancing the shrine grounds.
Spot 3
Kakinoki Jizo Statue
This road was busy in 1854, when quarried Mikage stone and ox carts transporting rice from the water mill came and went. A Jizo statue was built to pray for traffic safety and continues to watch over the safety of the community. The current Jizo was rebuilt by local people in 1921 on the original pedestal. It has been worshipped in the area for a long time.
Other Points of Interest
Hakutsuru Fine Art Museum
・Founded by Jihei Kano (the 7th president of Hakutsuru Sake Brewery) in 1934.
・The main building, reminiscent of an Oriental palace, exhibits world-class treasures such as ancient Chinese bronze ritual vessels, silverware, mirrors, and ceramics.
・A masterpiece of Showa-era architecture that preserves the appearance of the time of its opening.
Spot 4
Nada's Waterwheels
Many watermills have lined the Sumiyoshi River basin since the Edo period, used for oil pressing, milling, and polishing rice for sake brewing.
During its peak, there were nearly 100 waterwheels, and efforts have been made to preserve this waterfront space and its waterwheels and water channels. There are two waterwheels of different sizes, affectionately named "Yamada Taro Wheel" and "Jiro Wheel," respectively.
Other Points of Interest
Yuzuruha Shrine
・A spiritual spot known for its divine blessings of warding off misfortune, promoting good luck, ensuring household safety, protecting against traffic accidents, bringing victory, and fostering good relationships.
GOAL!
JR Sumiyoshi Station
