Mihara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
The History of Mihara City
Mihara, a former castle town in the midst of much natural beauty, is a city with a long and interesting history. The city now stands as a vital land, sea, and air transportation link in Japan and holds much promise for the future as a developing centre of commerce and industry.
Famous places to see: Mihara Castle Ruins
Kobayakawa Takakage, a notoriously resourceful war-lord built this famous castle 450 years ago during Japan’s period of civil strife.
Because the castle almost seemed to sit on the ocean, it was called “Ukishiro” or floating castle. Just the lookout platform and surrounding moat remain of that great castle.
Festivals: The Yassa Matsuri
The main festival in Mihara is the Yassa Matsuri, said to have been started after Kobayakawa Takakage completed Mihara Castle about 450 years ago. The Yassa Matsuri is a three-day event, starting on the Friday before the second Sunday of August. When the Matsuri is in full swing, the streets are full of a whirlwind of energetic dancer, a scene which is now associated with summer in Mihara.
Famous products: Tako (octopus) Cuisine
From olden days, fishermen have enjoyed big catches of delicious tako from the ocean around Mihara. These tako go into a variety of dishes, so there is plenty to choose from. 
There are many other fascinating festivals and delicious foods to try in Mihara, in addition to the Yassa Matsuri and tako cuisine! And with access made easy by the close proximity of the Hiroshima airport and the shinkansen train station, why not stop by and enjoy all that Mihara has to offer? We hope to see you there one day!
