The ryokans and hotels in Kinosaki Onsen are generally expensive. This is particularly the case during the cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons. So if you want to enjoy what the gorgeous town has to offer but don’t want to splash on accommodation, staying around Toyooka Station is a good idea. Among the couple of […]
Toyooka Green Hotel Morris: The Best Hotel Close to Kinosaki Onsen Read More »
If you have read our Kinosaki Onsen article, do you remember our history talk about the monk, Dōchi Shōnin (道智上人), who uncovered the spring source of the hot spring town? The story continues and is the origin of Onsenji Temple (温泉寺) at Mt. Daishi. In the past, those who visited Kinosaki for the hot spring
Onsenji Temple: Kinosaki Onsen’s Guardian Temple Read More »
If you can only visit one castle in Japan, Himeji Castle is undoubtedly the one to visit. The castle that escaped the fate of being bombed isn’t just the most elegant castle in Japan but is also one of the top cherry blossoms and fall foliage destinations in the Kansai region. If you feel hungry
The Best Guide to Himeji’s Vegan-Friendly Restaurants Read More »
As you might already know, the port city of Kobe is more than just the Kobe beef. It is a great destination to enjoy Japan’s nice hot springs, nature, harbor cruise, and much more. But the term Kobe beef might deter you from visiting the city if you are a vegan or a vegetarian because
The Best Guide to Kobe’s Vegan-Friendly Restaurants Read More »
Japan’s Kansai region is best known for attractions such as the USJ, Osaka Castle, Kiyomizu-dera, and Kinkaku-ji. While these spots are surely stunning in the fall, the areas are now considered overcrowded and touristy. So if you are planning your second or even third visit to Osaka and Kyoto, how about venturing out of the
14-Day Kansai’s Amazing Less-Visited Spots Autumn Itinerary Read More »
Akashi City, west of Kobe, is best known for its magnificent view of the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, the Seto Inland Sea, and Awaji Island as the backdrop. But what many are not aware of is that the city also has a few plum blossom spots worth visiting from late February to mid-March. If you plan to
The Best Plum Blossom Spots in Akashi City Read More »
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 »