Shrines, temples and other religous buildings
Tsuwano Catholic Church
æ´¥åé天主ææ - a nice church with tatami mat floors and if you go on a fine day the sunshine shines through the stained glass windows; very good for photos. You can also pick up a copy, for a small fee, of the story of the Otome-Toge Matyrs. Carp food is also available to buy.
Chapel of Saint Maria
In the area known as Otome-toge Otome Pass behind the station. 36 Japanese Christians were tortured and killed here during the Meiji Period. When Japan "opened" to the West, many Japanese Christians mistakenly thought that meant it was okay to come out and admit their faith but Christianity was still illegal, so those found to be Christian were taken here and to other special places and killed. This small church is run as a memorial to them.
Taikodani Inari Jinja
One of the Five Great Inari Shrines. It was built in 1773 by Tsuwano's seventh generation feudal lord Kamei Norisada to enshrine a share of the rice spirit Inari worshipped at Fushimi Inari in Kyoto. The walk up the mountain-side, through over a thousand bright red torii gates, leads to a great view over the town.
Tsuwano Castle
æ´¥åéåè·¡ was built around 1325 and demolished during the Meiji Restoration, five and a half centuries later. The stone foundations are pretty much all that remains, but the summit offers views over the valley and town. It can be reached via chair lift ¥450, 10AM-5PM near Taikodani Inari Jinja; alternatively, from Taikodani, walk down to the car park and along the road ~50m, then follow a small path on your right — the walk will take around 30 minutes.