A Culture-rich Landscape Where People Live in Harmony with the Forest: Chizu, Tottori

In these forests, the atmosphere is both majestic and tranquil.
Leaves rustle in the breeze and birdsong echoes among the trees.
This striking landscape was created not only by the power of nature but also by generations of human activity.

During the Edo period (1603–1867), Chizu thrived as a bustling post-station town, where travelers could find food and lodging, at the crossroads of the Inaba and Bizen Roads. The town was nestled among communities that fostered a symbiotic relationship with the woodland.

People tended trees and made their way through the mountains and forests, shaping the land as they went.
The enduring connection between people and nature can be felt in every corner of the land.

Map

Experience

Helping to Shape a Landscape with Your Own Hands

The distinctive culture that developed around this landscape was safeguarded and passed down through the generations.
From time-honored forestry practices and traditions of mountain stewardship to the town’s rich history as a waystation, this is the story of a living heritage—one where the forest landscape is intertwined with the everyday lives of local people.

To inherit these traditions means stepping in slowly and carefully, working with others to continue shaping the land and its story.

Immersing yourself in the local culture through hands-on learning and collaboration, you can help carry it into the future.

Join the people of Chizu to experience a deep connection to the forest, and become part of the town’s story.

Discover Experience Arrow

Immerse yourself in the forestry culture of Chizu and feel its deep ties to nature.

Step into the forests of Chizu and discover the time-honored wisdom of local forestry techniques.

See historic architecture up close and immerse yourself in the craftsmanship behind its restoration.

Experience04

CHIZU TRAIL

Follow in the footsteps of Chizu Town, once a prosperous post town surrounded by forests

Hands on Gallery

Outdoor dining at Sugi Shrine with dishes that feature local ingredients

Satoyama cuisine experience at Mitaki-en

Experiencing traditional architecture in Chizu-juku

Dinning

Talmary https://www.talmary.com/

Talmary

A combined bakery, brewery, and café in Chizu Town specializing in naturally leavened bread and craft beer. Enjoy products made with local ingredients and lovingly fermented using a natural process.

Tanoshi https://chizutanoshi.com/

Tanoshi

Set inside a 135-year-old renovated kominka (traditional Japanese house) in the heart of Chizu-juku, this eatery and guesthouse serves seasonal local dishes. It is also a friendly gathering spot where local residents and travelers come together to socialize and relax.

Mitaki-en https://ashidumitakien.jp/

Mitaki-en

The food at this rustic restaurant in the lush Ashizu area of Chizu highlights local mountain vegetables and homestyle dishes. Dine in a charming thatched-roof farmhouse, savoring handmade tofu, konnyaku, seasoned rice, and other simple yet flavorful dishes while enjoying beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons.

Yama no Blanc https://chizukankou-kurashiya.jp/gourmet/restaurant/yamano/

Yama no Blanc

Nestled in Chizu’s abundant natural surroundings, this restaurant offers inventive cuisine featuring locally grown organic produce and wild game. Relaunching in June 2024 as a reservations-only venue, Yama no Blanc now serves a single, chef-selected course menu.

Access

Train

From Tokyo 4h30min

3h

Tokaido Shinkansen

1h10min

Express Train - Super Hakuto

Tokyo

Himeji

Chizu

From Osaka 2h15min

2h15min

Express Train - Super Hakuto

Himeji

Chizu

Google map