Hyōgo Prefecture

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Enjoy a Feast of Music at Rokkō Mori no Oto Museum

Nestled in the lush greenery of Mount Rokkō, the Rokkō Mori no Oto Museum (formerly the International Box Museum) offers a magical escape into the world of mechanical music. This unique Kobe destination invites visitors to wander through a serene “SIKI Garden” while listening to the delicate melodies of vintage music boxes and automated instruments. […]

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Rokkōsan Pasture: The Best Spot in Kobe to Meet Animals

For all the farm animal lovers, you will have a lot of fun at Rokkōsan Pasture (神戸市立 六甲山牧場), meeting their sheep, goats, horses, rabbits, and even guinea pigs! Especially the sheep: although they graze on grassland, they are used to being around humans. So unlike some sheep in other pastures that will start escaping from

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How to Get to and Travel Between Mt. Rokkō and Mt. Maya

If you are a nature lover, visit Mount Rokkō (六甲山) and Mount Maya (摩耶山) when you come to Kobe. There are a couple of ways to get to the top of the two mountains. The attractions in Mt. Rokkō and Mt. Maya can be easily accessed by bus services running on the mountains. How you want

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Mt. Rokkō and Mt. Maya Ultimate Getaway Guide

Mount Rokkō (六甲山) and Mount Maya (摩耶山) are two mountains in Kobe City’s northeast, popular weekend getaway destinations for locals and international travellers alike. The mountains aren’t your typical natural beauty; they also offer Japan’s best city views at night. In summer, it is an excellent escape from the summer heat in big cities. On

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The Vegan-Friendly Spots in and Close to Kinosaki Onsen

Kinosaki Onsen (城崎温泉) in northern Hyōgo Prefecture has become more and more popular among tourists both locally and overseas. Not only does the hot spring town have Michelin’s two-star rated scenery, but it is also filled with historical and cultural charms. But because the region is famous for Tajima beef, it might be difficult to find

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Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden and Nunobiki Falls Ultimate Guide

Escape the urban bustle of Kobe for a breath of fresh alpine air at Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden and Ropeway (神戸布引ハーブ園/ロープウェイ), home to over 75,000 herbs and flowers. Your journey begins with a 10-minute scenic ride on the ropeway, offering panoramic views of the city skyline. Nature lovers can also hike the lush trails to

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Japan 2 Week Itinerary: Explore Kansai’s Less-Visited Spots

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

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Toyooka Green Hotel Morris: The Best Hotel Close to Kinosaki Onsen

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

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Onsenji Temple: Kinosaki Onsen’s Guardian Temple

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

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