- Attractions by Region -
Make the most of Hyogo with Himeji Castle, Kobe Harborland, and Arima Onsen!
Himeji Castle
The dazzling white keep of one of Japan’s three great castles. Enjoy its stately beauty through the seasons together with surrounding gardens.
Kobe Harborland
Kobe’s waterfront playground. Shop at Mosaic Garden, soak in night views, and stroll by the sea.
Arima Onsen
One of Japan’s three oldest hot springs. Enjoy contrasting mineral springs called “Kinsen” (gold) and “Ginsen” (silver).
Graceful as a white egret—Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage castle is a national treasure.
Did you know this “White Heron Castle” is famed as a castle of “no war and no fire”?
Beloved as “Shirasagijo,” Himeji Castle captivates visitors worldwide with its pure white elegance.
Completed in its current form in the early Edo period, it has never been ravaged by war nor destroyed by major disasters for over 400 years, earning the nickname “the castle of no war and no fire.” A true miracle!
Its complex multiple-keep structure, maze-like paths, and ingenious defensive devices are full of highlights.
It was Japan’s first property inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Come feel its grandeur and refinement up close.
Icon of Kobe Port! The red tower and chic seaside complex.
Fun fact: the tower’s unique silhouette is inspired by a traditional Japanese drum!
The beloved red Kobe Port Tower, landmark of Kobe’s harbor, sports a graceful hyperboloid form modeled after the “tsuzumi” hand drum—surprising, right?
Surrounding Meriken Park and across the water at Harborland you’ll find shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas, and a Ferris wheel—Kobe’s popular waterfront playground.
At night, the illuminated Port Tower, Maritime Museum, and Ferris wheel paint a romantic nightscape.
Enjoy sea breezes on a stroll or hop on a harbor cruise to savor Kobe’s port-town charm.
One of Japan’s three oldest hot springs—beloved by Toyotomi Hideyoshi for its “gold” and “silver” baths.
Did you know “Kinsen” literally changes color when exposed to air?
Situated on the northern slope of Mt. Rokko in Kobe’s Kita Ward, Arima Onsen ranks alongside Dogo and Shirahama as one of Japan’s three ancient hot springs, with origins said to reach back to mythic times.
Its signature springs are the iron- and salt-rich “Kinsen,” which turns reddish-brown on contact with air, and the clear “Ginsen,” comprising carbonated and radium springs. The contrasting mineral qualities make bathing here uniquely enjoyable.
It’s said Toyotomi Hideyoshi often visited for therapeutic retreats; you’ll still find historic sites like the “Taiko no Yudono Museum.”
Stroll the atmospheric spa town, hop between public baths, and let history and famed waters soothe your soul.
One of Japan’s top three “fighting festivals”—lavish floats and fierce mikoshi clashes.
Roaring shouts under the autumn sky—Japan’s most soul-stirring rough festival
Held annually on October 14–15 at Matsubara Hachiman Shrine in Himeji, Nada no Kenka Matsuri is among Japan’s three great “fighting” festivals, renowned for its vigor and spectacle.
The highlight is the ferocious collision of three gorgeously adorned mikoshi (portable shrines)—so intense they sometimes break—hence the “fighting” nickname. Seven former villages also parade opulent floats (“yatai”), each brimming with pride.
Grandstands are set up for crowds who come to revel in the excitement. The brave shout of “Yo-iyasa!” and thunder of drums echo across the Banshu Plain, as the whole region is swept up in festival fever—an unforgettable experience.
Stroll in yukata for a seven-bath hopping experience along willow-lined canals.
This hot spring town embraces the concept of “the whole town as one ryokan”!
With over 1,300 years of history, Kinosaki Onsen in Toyooka City offers timeless charm.
Locals see the “station as the entrance, streets as corridors, inns as guest rooms, and the seven public baths as the bathhouse”—so yukata and geta are the proper attire for strolling this “one big ryokan” town.
The seven unique “soto-yu” public baths (like Satono-yu, Ichino-yu, and Goshono-yu) are the main attraction. The sodium-calcium chloride springs are said to help relieve neuralgia and muscle pain.
Celebrated as the setting of writer Naoya Shiga’s “At Kinosaki,” the willow-lined Otani River with its arched bridges makes for a lovely walk.
Snack your way through Kobe’s Chinatown—pork buns, xiaolongbao, and more!
Look closely—the plaza hides the twelve zodiac animals in stone!
Nankinmachi is one of Japan’s three major Chinatowns alongside Yokohama and Nagasaki.
In an area about 270 m east–west and 110 m north–south, roughly 100 eateries, grocers, and shops are packed in—perfect for street food like pork buns, xiaolongbao, and braised pork burgers.
At the center, the Chinese-style gazebo anchors Nankinmachi Square—around it, stone sculptures of the 12 zodiac animals are tucked away. Try finding your sign!
During Lunar New Year, the Spring Festival brims with dragon and lion dances. Soak up the exotic flavors and energy.
Meiji-era Western residences dot the hilly streets—an exotic stroll.
Some of these residences are even famed “power spots”!
After Kobe Port opened, the Kitano hills blossomed as a foreign settlement. Many Western-style houses from the Meiji and Taisho eras still stand along the slopes.
Nearly 20 residences are open to the public, including the iconic Weathercock House and Moegi House, each with its own character. Some are popular “power spots,” like the “Devil’s Chair” at Yamate Hachibankan, said to grant wishes.
Cobblestone lanes, stylish cafes, and shops make for a delightful wander—like stepping into Europe.
Kobe’s mountain resort—farm, alpine garden, and glittering night views.
Japan’s oldest music box is housed here!
Rising behind Kobe, Mt. Rokko offers abundant nature and a variety of attractions.
The “Million-Dollar Night View” from the Garden Terrace is breathtaking. The Rokko Music Box Museum even preserves what’s said to be Japan’s oldest cylinder music box—let its delicate tones soothe you.
You’ll also find the Rokko Pasture, Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, and the “GREENIA” athletic park—plenty to explore year-round via cable car and ropeway.
Birthplace of the nation in myth—flowers, sea, and gourmet on the Setouchi’s largest island.
Fun fact: Awaji’s onions are among Japan’s top for production and sweetness!
The Seto Inland Sea’s largest island, Awaji is linked to Honshu and Shikoku by the Akashi Kaikyo and Onaruto Bridges, and is steeped in “nation-birthing” legends from Japan’s ancient chronicles.
With its mild climate, enjoy flower fields, beaches, hot springs, and superb local fare—fresh seafood, Awaji beef, and famously sweet onions.
Highlights include Awaji Yumebutai, Nijigen no Mori theme park, and whirlpool cruises. A leisurely island drive is the best way to take it all in.
“Castle in the Sky,” “Japan’s Machu Picchu”—a dreamy hilltop fortress rising above sea clouds.
Only the stone walls remain—yet it’s wildly popular!
Perched atop Mt. Kojo (353.7 m) in Asago City, only the stone ramparts of Takeda Castle survive, but their scale and beauty earned it a spot among Japan’s Top 100 Castles.
On clear autumn and winter mornings, sea fog often blankets the valley, making the ruins appear to float—hence the “Castle in the Sky” moniker that draws travelers and photographers alike.
Built in the Muromachi period, ruled by Akamatsu Hirohide after Toyotomi’s conquest of Tajima, and abandoned after Sekigahara, its imposing walls whisper of the past.
For the best “sea of clouds” view, head to nearby Ritsuunkyo—rise early and catch the magic.
The world’s longest suspension bridge—its night illumination is stunning.
The main towers are nearly as tall as Tokyo Tower!
Connecting Kobe and Awaji Island, the bridge spans 3,911 m with a central span of 1,991 m—the world’s longest suspension bridge (as of 2023).
Each of its two main towers soars about 298.3 m above sea level—comparable to Tokyo Tower (333 m). Colossal in every sense.
At night, pearl-like illumination befits its nickname, the “Pearl Bridge.”
Visit the Bridge Exhibition Center or join the “Bridge World” tour to see inside—human ingenuity at its finest.
“Mt. Hiei of the West”—a mountaintop temple complex and film location.
Yes—this was a filming location for “The Last Samurai.”
Spread across the summit of Mt. Shosha in north Himeji, this Tendai temple was founded in the Heian era by Saint Shoku.
Revered as the “Mt. Hiei of the West,” its vast grounds include the Maniden and the three halls known as “Sannodo.” It famously appeared in “The Last Samurai” and in historical dramas.
Ascend by ropeway, and you’ll find yourself in a tranquil world of centuries-old trees.
Try sutra copying or shojin-ryori meals. Escape the bustle and refresh your spirit.
A mine that powered Japan’s modernization—explore the tunnels and history.
The tunnels keep a steady 13°C year-round!
Mining began here in the Muromachi era; it later became a Tokugawa shogunate territory, and in Meiji times a government-run mine underpinning modernization.
Part of the tunnels are open, with mannequins and machinery showing mining scenes. At around 13°C year-round, it’s pleasantly cool in summer and mild in winter.
Once called “the Orient’s top silver mine,” it employed many workers at its peak—a microcosm of Japan’s mining history.
Don’t miss the museum and the old mining town traces. Feel the romance beneath the earth and the legacy of industry.
A cluster of Edo-style Japanese gardens with Himeji Castle as borrowed scenery.
A favorite filming spot for period dramas!
Built on the former Western Bailey of Himeji Castle, Koko-en is a gorgeous stroll garden complex borrowing the castle as a backdrop.
Composed of nine distinct gardens recreating samurai residences and townscapes, it’s frequently used for jidaigeki period dramas and films—you may recognize a famous scene!
From the Mansion Garden and Tea Garden to the Flowing Flat Garden, each corner soothes the soul. Seasonal illuminations, especially during autumn foliage, are superb.
Pair with a castle visit to deepen your feel for Edo samurai and garden culture. Dine at “Kassuiken” on site.
Refined streets with historic Western buildings and luxury boutiques.
A slice of Europe in Kobe—quintessential “haikara” elegance
Established after the 1868 opening of Kobe Port, the neat, tree-lined district preserves dignified modern Western architecture that recalls its foreign-settlement days.
Former trading houses and consulates have found new life as luxury brands, cafes, restaurants, and offices. Buildings like No. 15 and No. 38 are Important Cultural Properties—perfect for an architecture walk.
At night, gas-lamp-style lighting lends a romantic air. Shop, stroll, and spend an elegant, history-tinged afternoon in central Kobe.
Land of the 47 Ronin—immerse yourself in the history behind “Chushingura.”
Its rare “modified concentric” layout is fascinating!
Built by Asano Naganao in the early Edo period, Ako Castle is famed for its connection to the 47 Ronin of “Chushingura” fame.
The castle plan features a rare modified concentric layout with the Honmaru at the core, enveloped by Ni-no-maru and San-no-maru in comma-shaped rings, and it was also a sea castle with sluice gates—unusual for the time.
Today, the Honmaru and Ni-no-maru gardens are restored, along with turrets and stables. Nearby are Oishi Kuranosuke’s residence site and the Ako Oishi Shrine.
Every December 14 the “Ako Gishi Festival” draws crowds—come feel the loyalty and lore of this storied castle town.
Step into the worlds of Astro Boy and Phoenix—follow the legacy of the “God of Manga.”
The building itself looks like it leapt out of Tezuka’s manga!
Tezuka spent his youth in Takarazuka, where this city museum now honors his life and works.
The futuristic building could cameo in his comics, and a Phoenix sculpture welcomes you at the entrance.
Inside are rare materials and original art from classics like “Astro Boy,” “Black Jack,” and “Princess Knight.” Try animation-making in the studio as well.
It’s inspiring for longtime fans and new readers alike—a museum brimming with creativity and wonder.
Kobe’s guardian deity “Ikuta-san”—famed for matchmaking and longevity.
It may have given Kobe its very name—one of the city’s spiritual hearts
Said to be founded in 201 CE, Ikuta enshrines the deity Wakahirume no Mikoto and is believed to bless love, matchmaking, health, and longevity. The term “Kobe” is thought to derive from “kanbe,” households serving a shrine.
The sacred Ikuta Forest recalls the Genpei War battleground—an oasis of quiet in the city. The bright vermilion shrine has survived war and earthquakes, symbolizing Kobe’s resilience.
Enjoy the popular water omikuji and various sub-shrines. Steps from bustling Sannomiya, it offers a truly calming space.
“Little Kyoto of Tajima”—historic lanes, Shinkoro clock tower, and famous plate soba.
The clock tower began life as the castle’s drum turret!
Dubbed the “Little Kyoto of Tajima,” Izushi in Toyooka City centers on the Meiji-era Shinkoro clock tower.
Originally a taiko (drum) turret by the castle gate, it once signaled time by drum; the clock came later. Today its stately presence anchors the townscape.
Explore Izushi ware kilns and savor the specialty “plate soba.” The historic district is nationally preserved for traditional buildings.
Rent kimono for a retro stroll—you’ll love the fusion of history, culture, and good eats.
Japan’s largest herb garden with seasonal blooms and sweeping city views.
Float to a fragrant paradise—an oasis for all five senses
Ride the “Yume Fusen” ropeway for a 10-minute sky cruise over the famous Nunobiki Falls and historic Gohonmatsu Dam to reach the hilltop gardens.
Some 75,000 plants across roughly 200 varieties bloom across 12 themed gardens. Enjoy a herb footbath, herb-inspired dining, and unique gifts.
At night, the gardens glow under the “Forest of Illuminations,” and the terrace serves up Kobe’s “million-dollar night view.” A romantic, sensory escape.
Dedicated to the wise and brave Masashige Kusunoki—beloved locally as “Nanko-san.”
A shrine to loyalty and virtue founded by imperial will
Enshrining the famed Southern Court general Kusunoki Masashige, Minatogawa Shrine was established in 1872 by the order of the Meiji Emperor at the site of Masashige’s death in battle.
Revered as “Nanko-san,” the deity embodies wisdom, benevolence, and courage, granting blessings for study, warding off misfortune, and family safety. The ornate main hall ceiling and the huge “Great Blue Dragon” ema are must-sees.
The grounds include historic memorials, such as the “site of martyrdom” and a monument erected by Tokugawa Mitsukuni (Mito Komon). Steps from JR Kobe Station, it’s a serene pocket of history.
A shrine tied to the Ako loyalty—blessings for victory and protection.
Where the 47 Ronin are said to have prayed for success
Dating to the early Heian period, Ako Hachimangu venerates Hachiman (Ojin), Empress Jingu, and Hime no Okami.
Legend says the Ako warriors prayed here before their fateful raid, making it a place to seek victory and fulfillment of great wishes. It is also revered for warding off misfortune and safeguarding families and travel.
The quiet precincts, carvings, and old stone lanterns exude history. Add it to your Ako heritage walk.
One of Kansai’s classic zoos—home to both a panda and a koala.
For years it was Japan’s only zoo where you could see both giant pandas and koalas!
Opened in 1951 in Kobe’s Nada Ward, Oji Zoo has cared for some 800 animals across about 130 species.
Long beloved for housing both giant pandas and koalas—the only such pairing in Japan at the time (as of 2023)—plus polar bears, Amur tigers, elephants, and more.
The grounds include a small amusement park and the former Hunter Residence (Ijinkan). It’s also a cherry-blossom hotspot in spring.
Otters and dolphins by the sea—Kobe’s storied aquarium.
Japan’s first successful sea otter breeding happened here!
Nicknamed “Suma Suizokuen,” the aquarium opened in 1957 (currently undergoing a major renewal; partial operations).
It has led with initiatives like the nation’s first sea otter breeding and its Amazon building‘s giant freshwater fish displays. Dolphin shows and penguin walks have long been favorites.
It’s scheduled to reopen as “Kobe Suma Sea World,” with anticipated orca performances. Can’t wait to see its next chapter.
Dreams and romance—be dazzled by the Takarazuka Revue’s glittering shows.
Even the main curtain is a priceless work of art!
Home to the all-female Takarazuka Revue in Takarazuka City, the Grand Theater has birthed countless hits like “The Rose of Versailles” and “Elisabeth.”
The opulent costumes, sets, and precision chorus line are breathtaking. The main theater curtain is often designed by renowned painters and designers—a highlight in its own right.
Explore the Takarazuka Hall of Fame, restaurants, and shops—step into a world of beauty guided by the troupe’s motto: “Purely, Righteously, Beautifully.”
Flower-filled, all-weather park where animals roam close—immersive encounters.
Some zones let animals roam without cages or fences!
On Port Island, Kobe Animal Kingdom lets you meet animals up close amid lush indoor gardens.
Many species roam free in mixed exhibits—capybaras, alpacas, kangaroos may wander past, and a sloth could be overhead.
Don’t miss the bird performance show and pet zones. Rare residents include shoebills and sand cats.
Feel the breath of life in an immersive setting that mirrors forests and grasslands—a soothing, moving experience.
Also called the “Lantern Festival”—lavish floats and mesmerizing lantern parades.
Thousands of lanterns ignite the night—Banshu’s grand “Chosa” spectacle
Held October 21–22 in Aboshi (Himeji), the “Tsunomiya” autumn festival is famed for its lantern processions, earning the moniker “Lantern Festival.”
Eighteen opulent floats parade with vigorous performances, hoisted high to cries of “Chosa!” The evening’s multi-thousand-lantern towers are a magical sight.
Lion dances and sacred rites round out this fusion of faith and community pride, counted among Banshu’s three great festivals alongside Nada no Kenka.
Nature’s stone art—basalt columnar joints designated a Natural Monument.
Clues from these rocks revealed Earth’s past magnetic reversals!
About 1.6 million years ago, volcanic activity formed striking columnar joints in basalt here: Genbudo, Seiryudo, Byakkodo, North Suzaku-do, and South Suzaku-do.
Their hexagonal pillars look like nature’s sculpture. Studying Genbudo’s rocks, geophysicist Motonori Matuyama discovered that Earth’s magnetic field reversed in the past—the first such find worldwide.
Visit the adjacent museum for minerals and fossils—perfect for a geopark adventure.
Tadao Ando’s architecture meets flowers—nature fused with art.
The “Hyakudan-en” garden is a memorial to the Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake victims
On Awaji’s east coast, the complex designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando blends nature and culture.
The “Hyakudan-en” stacks 100 terraced flowerbeds along the slope—a symbol of remembrance and hope after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
Explore “Shell Beach,” the open-air theater, and one of Japan’s largest greenhouses, the “Miraculous Planet Museum of Plants.”
Japan’s premier sake region—brewery tours steeped in aroma and history.
The secret to Nada’s sake? A special water called “Miyamizu.”
Stretching from Kobe’s Nada Ward into Nishinomiya, the “Nada Gogo” has long been one of Japan’s greatest sake regions.
A key to its excellence is “Miyamizu,” mineral-rich groundwater from the Rokko range, ideal for brewing.
Breweries like Kiku-Masamune, Hakutsuru, and Sawanotsuru offer tours and tastings (some by reservation). Learn the process and pick up limited bottles.
Stroll the brewery district with its intoxicating aroma—paradise for sake lovers.
One of Japan’s top three night views—“a sky you could scoop with your hands.”
The name suggests stars so close you could scoop them up
Near the summit of Mt. Maya in Kobe’s Nada Ward, Kikuseidai offers a panoramic night view rivaling Hakodate and Nagasaki.
The name evokes beauty so breathtaking you could “scoop the stars” with your hands. From ~700 m up, Kobe and Osaka Bay sparkle below.
Visit just after sunset on a clear day—access via cable car and ropeway makes the journey part of the fun.
Get up close to some of the world’s largest tidal whirlpools—pure adrenaline.
Naruto Strait boasts one of the world’s fastest tidal currents
Between Awaji and Shikoku, the Naruto Strait’s powerful tides create massive whirlpools.
Board the stately sail-style sightseeing ships Kanrinmaru or Nipponmaru to approach vortices over 20 m across at peak times.
Counted among the world’s three great tidal currents (with Messina and Seymour), its speed fuels the spectacle.
Aim for spring and autumn spring tides—an unforgettable encounter with nature’s raw energy.
Tadao Ando’s concrete poetry by the sea—soak in art and architecture.
Spot the giant frog “Mikaeru” on the roof!
Set on the HAT Kobe waterfront, the museum is a Tadao Ando design where light and shadow shape airy spaces.
On the roof sits “Mikaeru,” a huge frog by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman—a social-media favorite.
With over 10,000 modern and contemporary works—sculpture, prints, paintings—plus ocean views, it’s a gem for art and architecture lovers alike.
An aquarium–art fusion—immersive, theatrical, and surreal.
Home to one of Japan’s largest sphere tanks, “AQUA TERRA”
Inside Kobe Port Museum, átoa crafts themed, multi-sensory worlds—light, sound, fragrance, and motion with aquatic life.
The star is “AQUA TERRA,” a near-planetary sphere tank where fish orbit like cosmic bodies.
Meet Humboldt penguins, Asian small-clawed otters, and more—an aquarium unlike any other.
Jaw-dropping views right beneath the bridge—Awaji delicacies all in one place.
Set at a spectacular spot directly under Akashi Kaikyo Bridge!
At the island’s northern tip, this roadside station sits beneath the world’s longest suspension bridge—breathtaking by day and night.
Savor local seafood, onions, and Awaji beef—don’t miss raw whitebait bowls and Awaji beef burgers.
The gift shop overflows with island specialties—a destination in its own right, not just a pit stop.
“Little Kyoto of Tanba”—samurai homes and merchant houses along graceful streets.
Local specialty: wild boar hotpot (botan nabe)!
Centered on an early Edo castle in Tamba-Sasayama, the well-preserved townscape is nationally protected.
The region’s hunting tradition makes winter’s wild boar hotpot a must-try. You’ll also find Tamba pottery kilns and shops for black soybeans and chestnuts.
Visit the O-shoin (great study hall) of Sasayama Castle, too—steeped in samurai heritage.
World stone culture and the “Swan Castle”—tour the globe in a day.
The Swan Castle is modeled after Neuschwanstein!
A quirky park where replicas of world monuments dot the grounds—Great Wall, Terracotta Army, pyramids, Arc de Triomphe, and more.
The elegant “Swan Castle,” inspired by Bavaria’s Neuschwanstein, crowns the complex—its interior hosts trick-art exhibits.
It’s a photogenic, fun escape with “around-the-world” vibes right in Himeji.
A 98°C geyser springs forth—setting of the drama “Yumechiyo Nikki.”
People cook eggs and vegetables in the source pool!
Part of the San’in Kaigan Geopark, this 1,200-year-old spring is said to have been opened by Jikaku Daishi.
At the center of town, the “Arayu” source gushes 98°C water at about 470 L/min—the steam is spectacular.
Locals and visitors alike practice the traditional “yugaki” custom—boiling eggs, vegetables, and wild greens in the hot spring water. Try your own onsen egg!
The town starred in the TV drama “Yumechiyo Nikki,” with sites like Yumechiyo Plaza and Museum—classic hot-spring nostalgia.
Wander the world’s forests—1,200 tree species amid Rokko’s nature.
Selected among “Japan’s 100 Forest-Bathing Forests”
Spread across Rokko’s hills, the arboretum groups representative trees from Japan and across the globe by region—like a world tour of forests.
Famous for spring rhododendrons, early-summer hydrangeas, and autumn foliage—the hydrangea garden ranks among western Japan’s largest.
Rich in birds and insects, it’s ideal for nature observation and deep relaxation.
Experience Japan’s rural heritage—thatch-roof farmhouses and terraced paddies.
Several thatched houses were relocated historic farmhouses
This national park in Kobe’s Kita Ward preserves Japan’s traditional satoyama landscape—thatch-roof homes, terraced rice fields, and coppice woods.
Some houses date to the Edo period and were relocated here. Hands-on programs include rice planting/harvesting, vegetable picking, and charcoal making (some require reservations).
A wholesome spot for families to play, learn, and reconnect with pastoral Japan.
Year-round floral paradise—vast greenhouse and trails around Kamenokura Pond.
The great greenhouse blooms with tropical flowers all year
In Kasai City, the center showcases seasonal blooms across a vast park.
The greenhouse brims with tropicals and carnivorous plants—bougainvillea and hibiscus add splashes of color any month of the year.
Rose, peony, iris, and tulip gardens shine in their seasons, and waterfowl visit Kamenokura Pond. Workshops and events are held throughout the year.
Home of Kobe Wine—tours, tastings, BBQ, pottery, go-karts, and more.
All Kobe Wine here is made only from grapes grown in Kobe City
In Kobe’s Nishi Ward, the winery complex crowns a gentle hill.
Tour the production line and taste various Kobe Wine (some paid). Enjoy BBQ with vineyard views, try pottery, or hit the go-karts and dog run—great for families.
Find your favorite “grown-in-Kobe” bottle to take home.
“Salt Country,” rides, camping—vast seaside leisure park on the Seto Inland Sea.
The “Salt Country” area recreates real Edo-period salt pans
In Ako City on the Seto Inland Sea, the park spans a huge coastal tract.
Learn about Ako’s salt heritage at “Shio no Kuni,” where Edo-era sun-baked pans and equipment are faithfully reproduced (hands-on programs available).
The “Waku Waku Land” amusement park, auto-campground, tennis courts, and petting zoo round out a full day of seaside fun.
San’in Geopark vistas—cliffs, arches, and sea caves along a rugged ria coastline.
Its sunsets are among Japan’s “Top 100 Sunsets”
Running from Kami Town’s Kasumi to Takeno, the coastline features dramatic cliffs, caves, and bizarre rocks carved by the harsh Sea of Japan—like “Yoroi no Sode” and “Kaeru (Frog) Rock.”
Sunsets here are exceptional and recognized among Japan’s Top 100—watch the sea glow crimson at day’s end.
Take a sightseeing boat for views from the water, or hike coastal trails for nature’s grand sculpture garden.
Snow in winter, lush greens in summer—one of Kansai’s leading highland resorts.
A paragliding mecca with panoramic flights
Northern Hyogo’s Tajima highlands host adjoining Hachi and Hachikita ski areas—broad slopes buzzing with skiers and boarders in winter.
Come summer, hike, camp, and take to the skies: paragliding from Mt. Hachibuse’s summit is wildly popular for its sweeping views.
A four-season escape for pure nature therapy.
Amusement rides, hot springs, BBQ, fruit picking—theme-park-style roadside station.
Stay in a traditional Mongolian ger—yes, really!
In Kobe’s Ozo area, this is far more than a rest stop—an all-day family attraction.
Expect a small amusement park, seasonal fruit picking, a natural hot-spring bathhouse, BBQ area, hotel—and unique cottages modeled after Mongolian gers.
European-style gardens and a farmer’s market with local produce round out the experience.
“Kojin-san,” deity of hearth and fire—blessings for warding off evil and good fortune.
The temple’s “hibashi” tongs symbolize nipping away misfortune
In Takarazuka City, this temple venerates Sanbo Kojin, protectors of fire and hearth, long beloved by common folk.
Famous for warding off evil, safeguarding homes, and aiding business. The grounds also host an art museum and archives.
The lucky “hibashi” tongs given here signify plucking out ill luck and inviting in fortune—an intriguing charm with a story.
Lively stalls line the approach—old-town warmth meets heartfelt faith.
“Little Kyoto of Harima”—white-walled storehouses and the aroma of soy sauce.
This soy town is tied to the songwriter of “Akatonbo” (“Red Dragonfly”)
Along the Ibo River, Tatsuno preserves samurai homes, storehouses, and soy-brewing heritage—earning its “Little Kyoto” nickname.
The castle’s main hall and turrets are restored at the mountain’s foot. The town’s famed light soy sauce industry connects to poet/songwriter Miki Rofu—born into a soy-brewing family here.
Explore soy sauce museums and immerse in the town’s fragrance and history.
The “Nine-Shaku Wisteria”—a purple shower in early summer.
The wisteria trellis stretches about 120 m—spectacular in full bloom
This Tendai temple in Tamba City is famed for its early-May “Nine-Shaku” wisteria, with flower clusters over 1.5 m long—like a purple rain.
The trellis runs roughly 120 m long and 8 m wide. Nighttime illuminations lend a mystical glow.
Autumn foliage and rhododendrons also delight—flowers for all seasons in a tranquil setting.