Nunobiki Falls (布引の滝) is considered one of the Three Greatest Divine Waterfalls in Japan, together with the Nachi Falls (那智の滝) in Wakayama Prefecture and the Kegon Falls (華厳滝) in Nikkō National Park in Tochigi Prefecture. And of course, the Nunobiki Falls was also chosen as one of the Top 100 Waterfalls in Japan. So it […]
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden and Nunobiki Falls Ultimate Guide 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
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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 »
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 »
Kobe (神戸), a fashionable port city only a 30 minutes train ride from Osaka, has many hidden gems that many international visitors aren’t aware of. As an international trading port since 1868, many choose to pass it by when they visit Kansai because the city seems to be filled with western elements that aren’t unique
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One of the best ways to enjoy what a port has to offer is by taking a ship that cruises around the harbor. Especially at night when the buildings that line Kobe Port are all lit up, your time on the cruise ship is extra romantic and pleasant. Currently, there are three main companies that
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If you visit Kobe via a cruise, the first area in the city you will encounter is the Meriken Park (メリケンパーク). It is basically the area around Kobe Port. The park hosts some shopping and restaurant districts and several attractions, including Kobe’s landmark: Kobe Port Tower. You will also find an earthquake memorial park that
Meriken Park: The Must-Visit Commercial Area in Kobe Read More »
Speaking of plum blossoms in Japan, many Japanese would think of Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真). The famous scholar from the Heian period (794 – 1185) is known for his love towards plum blossoms. Therefore, most, if not all, of the Tenmangū shrines in Japan have plums planted. The Tsunashiki Tenmangū (綱敷天満宮) in Kobe isn’t an
Tsunashiki Tenmangū: The Plum Blossoms & Interesting Rituals Read More »
If sightseeing is what you are after in Kobe, stopping by the Kitano Ijinkan-Gai (北野異人館街) is a must, even if you come from a European country with similar house features. The old houses open to the public have all been renovated into museums with different themes. From the ones where you get to peek into
Kitano Ijinkan-gai and the Most Interesting Old Houses You Will Ever Find Read More »
If you only have time to visit a few houses in Kitano Ijikan-gai, ensure the Platon Decorative Arts Museum (プラトン装飾美術館) is on the list. The fundamental difference between the Platon Decorative Arts Museum and the other Western-style houses in the area is that this one is privately owned. Probably because of this, the staff welcoming
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