The reason that many people visit Kobe is for the Kobe beef. But the city has much more to offer, including some spots with stunning scenery created by the plum blossoms. While the flowers on the sticks of the plum trees may look less impressive compared to the cherry blossoms, the volume and their sweet […]
The Ultimate Guide to the Plum Blossom Spots in Kobe Read More »
If you like visiting museums and historical sites, Ōnaka-iseki Park (大中遺跡) is the perfect spot to appreciate the plum blossoms and the historical site from approximately 1900 years ago! The 20 plum blossoms at Ōnaka-iseki Park and the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Archaeology usually bloom between mid to late February. The locals often have picnics
Ōnaka-iseki Park: The Pit Houses and the Plum Blossoms Read More »
Visiting a place related to the imperial family always feels a bit special. Why not stop by the Suma Rikyū Park (神戸市立須磨離宮公園) if you visit Kobe in spring to early summer? The park is best known for its fountain garden, reminiscent of the Palace of Versailles. The panoramic view of Osaka Bay is also impressive.
Suma Rikyū Park: The Scenic Park That Was an Imperial Villa Read More »
If you want to spend a couple of hours at a rural site accessible from Kobe, Mitoro Fruits Park (加古川市見土呂フルーツパーク) in Kakogawa City is THE perfect spot! The 12,000 square meter plum grove has around 200 plums of 11 varieties. The plum grove is divided into two parts, one for harvesting fruit and one for
Mitoro Fruits Park: The Plum Blossoms and Fruit Picking Read More »
Away from Kobe‘s city center, the Sumaura Sanjō Yūen Park (須磨浦山上遊園) is a scenic amusement park on the slopes of Mt. Tekkai (鉄拐山) and Mt. Hatsubushi (鉢伏山). It overlooks Awaji Island (淡路島) and Akashi-Kaikyō Bridge (明石海峡大橋). Once a battlefield for the Battle of Yashima (屋島の戦い) back in 1185, this park is now a famous place
Sumaura Sanjō Yūen Park and the Plum and Cherry Blossoms Read More »
If you are looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations in the Kansai region, head to Yabu City in Hyōgo Prefecture. The city is perfect for outdoor recreation activities. It also has some amazing scenery that will captivate you any time of the year!
Yabu – The City in Hyōgo that is Full of Natural Wonders Read More »
Just like Mt. Hyōno, Torokawa Valley (瀞川渓谷), also in the Hyōnosen-Ushiroyama-Nagisan Quasi-National Park (氷ノ山後山那岐山国定公園) has such stunning scenery that it was chosen to be one of Japan’s Top 100 Hidden Scenic Spots! The mountain trail in Torokawa Valley is more suitable for those more experienced in mountain trekking. There are several places where you must
Torokawa Valley: A Top Picturesque Natural Spot in Kansai Read More »
Mt. Hyōno (氷ノ山), with a height of 1,510 meters, is the highest mountain in Hyōgo Prefecture. The mountain blessed with an excellent natural environment was chosen as one of Japan’s 200 most famous mountains. The area is decorated with rare plants and animals, such as the National Natural Monument Golden Eagle. The Torokawa Valley (瀞川渓谷)
Hiking Mt. Hyōno, The Highest Mountain in Hyōgo Prefecture Read More »
If you plan to visit Takeda Castle Ruins by car and likes hiking, there is a spot in Yabu City that you can visit on the same day. Tendaki Falls (天滝), with a height of 98 meters, is the best waterfall in Hyōgo Prefecture and one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls! If you are coming
Tendaki Falls: A Spectacular Waterfall Near Takeda Castle Read More »
If you have ever wondered where the copper of the Great Buddha at Tōdaiji Temple in Nara was from, then you must visit Akenobe Mine (明延鉱山) in Hyōgo Prefecture, discovered in 809!
Akenobe Mine – The Best Mining Site in Japan Read More »