I never expected to find the best oyster of my life in Hyogo—but here we are! Even after a years of exploring this prefecture, it still finds ways to surprise me.

Nestled along the tranquil Seto Inland Sea, Sakoshi is located in Ako city and is a hidden coastal gem with a history spanning over a millennium. During the Edo period (1603-1868), ships from all over the country would stop at the Sakoshi port, delivering salt from Ako to large cities such as Edo and Osaka.

Sakoshi is one of the most charming port towns I`ve ever been to!

Today, Sakoshi remains one of the best-preserved historic merchant towns in Western Japan, offering a captivating blend of tradition, stunning seaside views, and some of the finest oysters you’ll ever taste. Let’s dive into its timeless charm! And if you’re planning a trip to this part of Hyogo, check out my other article for more things to do in the area.

How to Get to Sakoshi

Despite being a hidden gem, Sakoshi is easily accessible from major cities like Himeji, Kobe, and Osaka.

●From Himeji: Take the JR Sanyo Line to Sakoshi Station. The entire trip takes about 30 minutes.

●From Kobe(Sannomiya): Take Tokaido/Sanyo Main Line to Sakoshi Station.The journey takes approximately 70 minutes.

●From Osaka: Take Tokaido/Sanyo Main Line to Sakoshi Station.The journey takes approximately 95 minutes.

Getting Around Sakoshi

Once you arrive, exploring Sakoshi is a breeze! Bicycle rentals are available near the station, making it easy to navigate the town and its scenic coastline at your own pace.

One of the best-preserved historic merchant towns in Western Japan

Nestled along the serene coast of Hyogo Prefecture, Sakoshi is a hidden treasure that remains untouched by mass tourism.

It was once a vital port town in the Banshū region (southwestern Hyogo Prefecture), playing a key role in Japan’s Kitamaebune trade route during the Edo (1603–1868) and Meiji (1868–1912) periods. The Kitamaebune were merchant ships that transported goods between Osaka and Hokkaido, stopping at various ports along the way to trade items like rice, salt, and seafood. Thanks to this bustling trade network, Sakoshi thrived as a commercial hub.

The town’s historic storehouses (kura) and merchant homes

Even today, the town’s historic storehouses (kura) and merchant homes (shōka) stand as reminders of its rich maritime past. But Sakoshi isn’t just about history—it’s also embracing a new wave of revitalization. In recent years, charming cafés, and even an architectural design office have been opening inside these beautifully preserved old buildings, breathing fresh life into the area.

Newly opened restaurant inside an old Japanese house

Most places open after 11 AM, so it’s best to plan a relaxed visit. Also, keep in mind that many shops and cafés close on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so checking their schedules in advance is highly recommended!

Does this sweet remind you of the seashell? This is one of the most popular sweets in town!

One of the town’s historical highlights is Ōhsake Shrine, a spiritual center for fishermen and merchants since ancient times. The shrine offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline, and I swear I could have spent hours gazing at the sparkling sea through its gates—it was that beautiful! From the shrine, you can actually continue climbing for a short hike, but since it was a particularly windy day, I decided to save that for a warmer occasion.

Ohsake Shrine

By the way, I heard from the locals that Ohsake Shrine looks even more stunning in spring, when delicate sakura petals add a touch of magic to the view!

Oysters: The Pride of Sakoshi

Before my visit, I had no idea that Sakoshi is famous for its premium oysters—considered among the finest in Japan! Nestled along the calm, nutrient-rich waters of the Seto Inland Sea, the town provides an ideal environment for oyster farming. Every winter, both locals and visitors indulge in fresh, plump Sakoshi Bay oysters, enjoyed in a variety of ways—raw, grilled, or in traditional hot pots (kaki nabe).

Fresh and delicious oysters straight from the sea

To fully appreciate the craft behind these delicacies, I went to Umi no Eki Shiosai Market, where I learned about the intricate cultivation process and even had the chance to enjoy some of the freshest seafood right by the sea.

A Must-Visit: Umi no Eki Shiosai Market (海の駅 しおさい市場)

Just a five-minute bike ride from the heart of Sakoshi, you’ll find Umi no Eki Shiosai Market, a lively seafood hub offering a great selection of fresh fish, shellfish, and seaweed—with Sakoshi oysters as the star attraction. From January onwards, the market bustles with visitors (and plenty of curious seagulls! ) eager to savor the season’s freshest catch.

You can observe the oyster cleaning process before your eyes!

The market bustles with curious seagulls eager to savor the season’s freshest catch

While at the market, I decided to try something special—”Whole Rope Oyster Harvest” (Ippon Marugoto Kaki Dorobou, 一本まるごと牡蠣泥棒), available by reservation only from January to February. This special event lets you purchase an entire rope of oysters directly from the farm at an incredibly low price:

●Full oyster rope (approx. 300 oysters): 18,000 yen (tax included)

●Half rope: 10,100 yen (tax included)

First time trying cleaning oysters myself—and let me tell you, it was no easy task!

Due to high demand, reservations must be made at least two days in advance, and availability is limited to three ropes per day. Be sure to check the market's official website for seasonal updates, as the starting period depends on oyster growth conditions.

For specific reservation methods, please call the phone number listed here to make a reservation. As there isn't always staff available who can speak English, it is advisable to call with someone who understands English or to use a translation app.

Cleaning the oysters to grill them on-site!

You can choose to wash and grill the oysters on-site for a fresh, seaside feast or take them home to enjoy later. I had the chance to try cleaning oysters myself—and let me tell you, it was no easy task! The process requires patience, strength, and skill, making me appreciate the dedication of those who do this work daily.

That was honestly the best oysters I've ever tasted!

Despite how busy the market workers were—this being their peak season—they still found time to explain the process to me, and share their insights with warm smiles. Their hospitality and passion for their craft made me feel genuinely welcomed here!

I loved how cheerful the workers are here!

Next to the market, you’ll also find food stalls serving local specialties like kaki fry (deep-fried oysters), oyster rice bowls, and more. It’s the perfect spot for a quick, delicious meal after exploring the market!

Market Information

●Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Stand Café: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM)

●Closed: Tuesdays (If Tuesday is a public holiday, the market remains open but closes the following day instead)

●Tip: Parking fills up quickly, so arrive early to secure a spot if you are coming by car!

What else to do in the area?

If you have a car or don’t mind cycling a bit, I highly recommend visiting 壱枚乃絵 赤穂店 (ICHIMAINOE sea)—a cozy seaside café that serves some of the best coffee in the region! Originally founded in Ako, Hyogo, this specialty coffee shop has been roasting high-quality beans in Tatsuno for over 40 years before finally returning to its birthplace by the Seto Inland Sea. But this café isn’t just about great coffee—it’s about appreciating the view. Every seat

offers a breathtaking panorama of the sea, making it the perfect stop for a relaxing break after a day of exploration.

Every seat offers a breathtaking panorama of the sea

I tried their house-roasted coffee along with their signature fluffy pancake—and let me tell you, it was absolutely delicious! The balance of fluffy texture, fresh strawberries, and just the right amount of sweetness made it a perfect treat.

Final Thoughts on Sakoshi

Sakoshi is a place where time seems to slow down, offering stunning coastal landscapes that shift with the seasons and quiet streets lined with traditional Japanese buildings, making it a hidden gem for architecture lovers. But it’s not just about history—the town has everything you could ask for: incredible food, warm-hearted locals, and a peaceful atmosphere that’s easy to fall in love with.

If you’re planning to explore Hyogo, Sakoshi is a great starting point! Just a short boat ride from town takes you to Ieshima Island, a breathtaking yet lesser-known island chain perfect for a serene escape. (I wrote about this island here—check it out! ) Or, if you’re up for a short cycling trip, head to Ako City, Japan’s Salt Capital, known for its historic salt-making industry, soothing onsen, and rare local crafts. (I’ve also written about Ako—read my article here!) That’s it for now—see you next month for another adventure!