Katō: A Modern City of Culture and Religion
The developed city of Katō, Japan is under the rule of the prefecture of Hyōgo. While it was established in the first quarter of 2006, it already had over 40,000 residents by 2012. Visiting the town by land is also easy as the Japan National Route 372 and Japan National Route 175 passes through the city.
Best Time to Visit
While there are no huge celebrations in Katō, you can always visit the nearby town of Miki, someone and a half-hour drive away. The city hosts the annual Miki Autumn Harvest Festival in October, attended by a couple of hundred visitors. Most of Katō, Japan hotels are still quite packed during this time of year, as the fall is considered the second busiest tourist season for the city.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Learn more about Katō’s culture with a trip to the Chokoji Temple and Kiyomizudera Temple. The latter literally translates to “Pure Water Temple” and is among the most celebrated temples in the country since its foundation in 780. The Chokoji Temple, on the other hand, is a quiet temple nestled in the residential area of the town, some 15-minute drive from Kiyomizudera Temple. If you like to stay inside the city, feel free to check out Nikkoen, a 2.5-star hotel within roughly four miles from the city center. The inn is complete with en-suite amenities, a 24-hour front desk, and a garden area. You can also stay at The Celection Premiere Kobe Sanda Hotel, located in the neighboring town of Sanda. Breakfast is served at any of the three restaurants in the area to make your stay more convenient.