Just 30 minutes from Himeji, Ako City in Hyogo Prefecture is a hidden gem along the Seto Inland Sea. Once the country’s leading salt producer, Ako’s rich history, stunning coastal scenery, and rare local crafts make it far more than just a former salt town. This area offers an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience rarely found in Japan’s more crowded destinations. Let me be your guide to exploring Ako City!

How to Get to Ako from Himeji, Kobe, or Osaka

Ako is easily accessible by train, making it a great day trip destination even if you don’t have a car.

●From Himeji Station Direct JR Sanyo Line train to Banshu-Ako on the JR Ako Line→ Banshu-Ako Station (~35 min, direct train)

●From Sannomiya Station JR Sanyo Line (Special Rapid) → Banshu-Ako Station (Transfer at Himeji Station, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes)

●From Osaka JR Sanyo Line (Special Rapid) → Banshu-Ako Station (Transfer at Himeji Station, approximately 1 hour 40 minutes) Most attractions, including the salt-making experience, scenic shrines, and onsen, are a short taxi or bus ride from Ako Station. You can also rent a bicycle next to the station!

A Town Built on Salt: Why Ako Became Japan’s Salt Capital

Since Japan doesn’t have any natural rock salt, all salt production relies on seawater. But extracting salt from seawater isn’t as simple as it sounds—only 3% of seawater is salt, so traditional methods required huge amounts of firewood to evaporate enough water to make salt.

This challenge led to centuries of technological innovation in Japanese salt production, and Ako played a pioneering role in this evolution. With the Seto Inland Sea’s calm waters, mild climate, and mineral-rich river sediments, Ako became the perfect place for large-scale salt production. By the Edo period, over 400 hectares of salt fields made Ako the country’s largest salt-producing region.

However, with the rise of imported rock salt and factory-made salt, domestic salt production declined, and similarly, the production of salt in Ako has also contracted. But the town never forgot its roots—and today, visitors can experience this incredible history firsthand. One of the best ways to do so is by joining a salt-making workshop at the Ako Marine Science Museum

Experience the beautiful preserved salt-making field at Ako Marine Science Museum

The bamboo structures where the sun and wind accelerate evaporation

Here, you can also learn about the Flow-Down Salt Fields (流下式塩田, Ryūka-shiki enden), a more efficient salt-making method developed to reduce labor and costs. Instead of relying on tidal movements, seawater was pumped onto bamboo structures resembling artificial trees, where the sun and wind accelerated evaporation. The concentrated brine was then collected and boiled, dramatically improving salt production efficiency. Imagine—just 70 years ago, all of the coastal area of Ako was covered in these salt fields!

Salt-Making in Ako: A Hands-On Experience

While the large-scale salt fields of the Edo period are no longer active, you can still experience traditional salt-making at the Ako Marine Science Museum for free! (the museum admission is required – 200 yen).

The process starts by evaporating concentrated seawater (brine), which has already been enriched. Unlike regular seawater (only 3% salt), this brine is 18% salt, making it much more efficient for production. After 10–15 minutes of boiling, tiny white salt flakes begin to form.

Boiling concentrated seawater (brine) to make salt

Once the water fully evaporates, you’re left with freshly made Japanese salt—hand-harvested just like in the Edo period. The process takes time and skill to create the fine, silky salt sold in stores. But don’t worry—the friendly staff will guide you through it!

This trip completely changed the way I think about salt!

This was my first time making salt, and I never realized how much effort goes into something we use every day. Unlike Western rock salt, which is simply mined, Japanese salt-making is a craft that relies on time, nature, and skill. This trip completely changed the way I think about one of the most basic ingredients in our kitchens!

Information:

Place: Ako Marine Science Museum (赤穂市立海洋科学館)

Cost: Free (Museum admission required – 200 yen)

Duration: 20–25 minutes（Making salt experience)

Reservations: Not required for individuals; groups of 10+ need reservations

Workshop Times:

① 9:30 ② 10:20 ③ 11:10 ④ 12:00

⑤ 13:30 ⑥ 14:20 ⑦ 15:10 ⑧ 16:00

(Note: 13:30 session unavailable on furnace-boiling demonstration days)

By the way, even though I couldn't make it this time, I've heard there are some amazing spots where you can savor gourmet dishes made with Ako salt! If you're into foodie experiences, be sure to check them out!

"Shio-gama ( ingredients are wrapped in salt and baked dish) Lunch," a lunch course that includes dishes featuring baked salt, which is broken with a wooden mallet before eating. (at Kamenoi Hotel Ako)

Beyond Salt: The Best Things to Do in Ako

While salt may have shaped Ako’s history, the city’s scenic landscapes, historic sites, and traditional crafts make it a destination worth exploring beyond its salt-making legacy.

Ako Misaki Onsen: A Relaxing Seaside Retreat

After making salt, I headed to Ako Misaki Onsen, one of the most beautiful coastal hot springs in the area. The outdoor baths here offer breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea, allowing you to soak while gazing at endless blue horizons. The mineral-rich hot spring water is known for its healing properties, leaving your skin feeling incredibly smooth and refreshed. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.

The surrounding area is just as charming as the onsen itself. I highly recommend taking a leisurely stroll along the coast—the sound of the waves, the salty sea breeze, and the peaceful atmosphere make for an incredibly relaxing experience. Here are some must-visit spots nearby.

Iwatsuhime Shrine: A Hidden Shrine with a Stunning View

Iwatsuhime Shrine is probably insanely beautiful at sunset!

Just a short walk from the onsen, Iwatsuhime Shrine (伊和都比売神社) sits atop a small hill overlooking the sea. Many locals visit Iwatsuhime Shrine to pray for love or a happy marriage, so you’ll often see heart-shaped wooden ema (prayer plaques) hanging from the shrine.

Kira Kira Slope: A Hidden Path with Coastal Charm

Stairs at the Kira Kira Slope

Just below the shrine, look for Kira Kira Slope (キラキラ坂)—a charming coastal pathway leading down to the shore. The name "Kira Kira" means “sparkling”, describing how sunlight reflects off the sea. According to locals, a nearby restaurant owner named it, and the name stuck ever since. This area feels like something out of a movie—narrow streets, wooden cafés, and a peaceful coastal vibe.

How to Get to Ako Misaki Onsen Area

From Himeji Station, it takes just 30 minutes to reach Banshu-Ako Station by the JR Ako Line. From there, hop on the Shinki Bus bound for Misaki and ride to the final stop, Misaki Bus Stop (御崎バス停). The onsen is just a 5-minute walk from the bus stop, making the total travel time from Himeji only about 50 minutes—a quick and easy escape for a relaxing hot spring experience by the sea.

Short on Time? Try a Local Craft Experience Near the Station

If you don’t have time to take a bus to Ako Misaki Onsen or the Ako Marine Science Museum, but still want to try something truly unique to Ako, visit 技術・研修工房つむぐ (Gijutsu Kenshū Kōbō Tsumugu). This workshop near Banshu-Ako Station is dedicated to preserving the art of Ako Dantsu (赤穂緞通).

The Connection Between Ako Dantsu and Salt-Making

As you may remember from the beginning of the article, salt-making was a large-scale industry in Ako, requiring intense physical labor. Many women, unable to participate in the physically demanding work, turned to weaving Ako Dantsu as a way to support their families. Thus, the two industries developed side by side, both deeply rooted in the region’s history and culture.

Ako Dantsu in the making

Dantsu means "carpet," and you won’t believe that Ako Dantsu was created single-handedly by a woman named Naka Kojima. Inspired by Chinese Benrekisen rugs, she spent over 20 years experimenting before finally commercializing Ako Dantsu in 1874. Her breakthrough came when she improved the region’s traditional high cotton looms, allowing for the intricate designs that became highly sought after.

At Gijutsu Kenshū Kōbō Tsumugu, just a 10-minute walk from JR Banshu-Ako Station, visitors can observe artisans and students weaving these intricate rugs. The process involves two advanced techniques: "Hasami" (挟せ, interlocking) and "Tsumami" (摘み, pinching), both of which require extreme precision.

It took more than a day to finish making this tiny patch of rag!

I decided to try weaving for myself, booking a hands-on session. And let me tell you—I nearly cried. The sheer difficulty of the process was overwhelming. To become a master, students must train for 5 to 10 years, and it takes up to one year to complete just one rug. Given this dedication, it’s no surprise that the starting price for an Ako Dantsu rug is over 1 million yen—a small price for something that requires an artisan’s entire year of work.

I decided to try weaving for myself, booking a hands-on session

To be honest the sheer difficulty of the process was overwhelming!

I can only hope that this remarkable craft continues to flourish in the years to come. If you're in Ako on any day except Tuesday (the only day the workshop is closed), I highly recommend stopping by to witness the artistry firsthand.

Momoi Museum

For a deeper understanding of Ako Dantsu, head to Momoi Museum (桃井ミュージアム), a small but fascinating museum showcasing antique Ako Dantsu pieces, traditional weaving tools, and other local crafts.

The beautiful interior of the museum

Ako Dantsu at the Momoi Museum

Beyond textiles, Momoi Museum houses a beautiful collection of antique ceramics and tea utensils, many dating back to the Edo and Meiji periods. The museum also features 雲火焼 (Unkayaki), a rare type of pottery produced in Ako. Unkayaki tea bowls are prized for their warm, earthy tones and delicate craftsmanship.

View from the garden

One of the most charming aspects of the Momoi Museum is its serene Japanese garden, home to several Suikinkutsu (水琴窟)—small underground water basins that create gentle, musical tones as water drips into them. Take a moment to listen to the soothing sounds and enjoy a truly meditative experience. There are many other unique activities I highly recommend, but I’ll leave out the details so you can experience them firsthand!

Final Thoughts

I arrived in Ako expecting to learn about salt-making but left with a deep appreciation for its resilience, artistry, and beauty. From the delicate textures of Ako Dantsu to the peaceful sea views at Ako Misaki Onsen, this town offers a quiet charm that stays with you long after you leave.

Though this was my first visit, I know I’ll be back—perhaps in spring, when cherry blossoms transform the coastal town into a sea of pink. The lack of crowds, combined with its rich heritage and stunning landscapes, makes Ako a perfect alternative to Japan’s more overrun destinations.

And this is just the beginning—Ako’s proximity to other fascinating places in Hyogo Prefecture makes it an ideal base for deeper exploration, something I’ll be sharing in my next article!