Ako in Hyogo Prefecture, Castle Town of the Legendary and Tragic 47 Ronins, High-quality Sea Salt and Oyster Farming

Ako Castle is perhaps best known for its association with the story of the 47 ronins (masterless samurai), who in 1702 avenged the death of their lord, the Daimyo of Ako Castle, by killing Yoshinaka Kira, a master of ceremonies at the Edo shogunate. Kira had publicly humiliated their lord, leading to his retaliation and forced suicide. After the assassination, the ronin were also ordered to commit ritual suicide. The Castle was completed in 1648, and the castle's stone walls and turrets stand in good condition to this day. Despite intentions, the keep was never built at Ako Castle since permission was denied by the Edo regime. However, the foundations of the keep were built, and they stand to this day. Within the grounds of the castle are the delightful Ninomaru Gardens and Oishi Shrine, dedicated to the leader of the 47 ronins, Yoshio Oishi. The shrine hosts an annual festival on December 14 to commemorate the day of the 47 ronins' revenge on Kira. The castle is notable for its cherry blossoms in spring and its meandering moats. The castle was originally located next to the sea, and boats could set sail from the port within the castle walls, but land reclamation projects mean the castle is now located several blocks from the sea.

Salt production in Ako has been developed through ancestral wisdom and local advantages. The Seto Inland Sea, often compared to the Mediterranean, boasts calm seas, abundant sunshine, and a warm climate year-round. Among its towns, Ako is particularly appealing, nestled between the Chugoku Mountains to the north and the Harimanada Sea of the Seto Inland Sea to the south, offering a serene and pleasant landscape. Leveraging these local advantages, salt production flourished here since the Edo period (1603-1868). Furthermore, through salt transport ships, it spread primarily to the Kanto region, and since then, “Ako Salt” has established itself as a recognized brand. You can learn the history of Ako and salt, experience salt making and even enjoy dining with the salt. The plains spreading across the mouth of the Chigusa River (one of Japan's 100 Famous Waters), which flows into the Harimanada Sea, feature a beautiful urban landscape blending remnants of the castle town centered around Ako Castle with the old port town's streetscape. Sakoshi (one of Japan's 100 Urban Landscapes, a Japan Heritage site), known for its thriving oyster farming, and Misaki, home to Ako Hot Springs within the Setonaikai National Park, are also notable.