Spots List

Harborland

Located on the west side of Kobe Port, Harborland is Kobe's representative waterfront complex where shopping, gourmet, and entertainment fuse. From "Umie Mosaic" spreading along the sea, you can gaze at the night view of Meriken Park on the opposite shore and moored cruise ships, making it very popular especially for couples and families. You can see a panoramic view of the Kobe cityscape from the iconic "giant Ferris wheel." Additionally, there are shops utilizing former brick warehouses and the Anpanman Children's Museum, offering enjoyment all day for children and adults alike. It is a spot symbolizing Kobe modern where...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Mt. Rokko

Mt. Rokko, towering behind the city of Kobe, is one of Japan's leading mountain resorts where you can enjoy various leisure activities and superb views. Climbing to the summit by ropeway or cable car, you'll find the "Rokko Garden Terrace" and the "Rokko Shidare Observatory," where you can enjoy mystical light productions. The "10-million dollar night view" from the summit sparkles like scattered jewels and fascinates all who visit. In addition, there are plentiful cultural facilities such as the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden and the Music Box Museum. You can enjoy hiking throughout the four seasons and skiing in winter,...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Arima Onsen

One of Japan's three oldest and three most famous hot springs, Arima Onsen has been loved by many great figures such as the Imperial Family and Toyotomi Hideyoshi since ancient times. The greatest feature of this hot spring is that you can enjoy two different water qualities: the reddish-brown "Kinsen" (Gold Spring) containing iron and salt, and the colorless and transparent "Ginsen" (Silver Spring) containing carbonic acid and radium. In the hot spring town with many slopes, traditional lattice-door inns, souvenir shops, and live demonstrations of carbonated crackers are crowded together, allowing you to feel the Japanese atmosphere as you...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Accommodation
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hana-no-michi (Takarazuka Station – Takarazuka Grand Theater)

Hana-no-michi (Takarazuka Station – Takarazuka Grand Theater)

Stretching from Takarazuka Station to the Takarazuka Grand Theater, "Hana-no-michi" (Flower Road) is a promenade that invites you into the world of the Takarazuka Revue, with seasonal flowers in full bloom. The elevated walkway utilizes the former embankment of the Muko River, and in spring, a tunnel of cherry blossoms in full bloom creates an exhilaration as if walking on a storybook stage. Along the road, bronze statues related to the Revue stand in line, and retro-style shops and cafes are plentiful. Spending time for a slow stroll while immersed in the glamorous afterglow of the Revue is a special...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Nakayama-dera Temple

Nakayama-dera Temple

Nakayama-dera Temple in Takarazuka City is an ancient temple said to be the first Kannon pilgrimage site in Japan established by Prince Shotoku. In particular, as a temple for praying for safe childbirth, it has gathered wide faith from historical figures such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi to many modern families. Within the grounds, there is a very rare "purple five-story pagoda," and its colorful beauty and power surprise visitors. In addition, because it is located on a mountainside, it has a good view, and accessibility has improved with escalators, so anyone can worship with peace of mind. It is a famous...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Nunobiki Falls (Ontaki)

Nunobiki Falls (Ontaki)

Although it is only a surprising 15-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station on the Shinkansen, this magnificent waterfall is counted as one of Japan's three major divine waterfalls. Among them, the largest "Ontaki" boasts a 43-meter drop, and the sight of water heroically flowing down the steep rock face is overwhelming in its power. The surroundings are enveloped in deep forest, filled with rich nature and negative ions that make it hard to believe it's right behind the city. It has a history of being loved by many men of letters since ancient times, including the Heian-era poet Ariwara no Narihira,...

Hyogo
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kamo Shrine

Kamo Shrine, located in Murotsu, Tatsuno City, is a venerable shrine that has continued since the Heian period and flourished as a mikuriya (shrine estate) of the Kamo-wake-ikazuchi Shrine (Kamigamo Shrine) in Kyoto. The greatest characteristic is that all the shrine buildings are built facing the sea. From the grounds, you can overlook the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea, and especially the view seen through the giant "sago palm" tree (a National Natural Monument) emits a unique beauty where tropical atmosphere and sacred air mix. It is a power spot where people's faith for maritime safety and bountiful...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Murotsu District, Tatsuno City

Murotsu District, Tatsuno City

Murotsu, boasting over 1,300 years of history, was once one of the leading port towns on the Seto Inland Sea where envoys to Tang China and daimyo on sankin-kotai stopped by. Old houses built crowdedly along the coastline and the remains of the "Gohonjin," a former guesthouse, convey the prosperity of those days. The streetscape spreading across a steep slope facing the sea creates a unique landscape, overflowing with nostalgic and calm marine flavor. It is also famous for its fresh "oysters" in winter. This is a hidden gem for history fans and photographers where you can feel the history...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tatsuno District, Tatsuno City

Tatsuno District, Tatsuno City

Tatsuno, called the "Little Kyoto of Harima," is a town full of flavor where history as the castle town of Tatsuno Castle flourished and the scent of soy sauce brewing drifts through the air. Old white-walled storehouses and samurai residences still remain, and it is designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. At the museum of the soy sauce maker "Higashimaru Shoyu," you can learn about the history of brewing that has continued for 400 years. In addition, it is the home of Miki Rofu, the lyricist of the children's song "Aka Tombo" (Red Dragonfly),...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Post Town Hirafuku

Post Town Hirafuku

Located near the prefectural border with Okayama and along the Sayo River, Hirafuku is a historic streetscape that flourished as one of the largest post towns on the Inaba Kaido during the Edo period. The "stone walls along the river" lined up by the river, together with the scenery of white-walled mansions and storehouses standing there, exude an atmosphere as if you have slipped back in time to the Edo period. Also, traces of legends remain, such as "Konzo-ji Temple," the place where Miyamoto Musashi is said to have had his first duel. In addition to being able to stroll...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tonamine Kogen

A vast grassland of about 90 hectares spreading across Kamikawa Town, Hyogo Prefecture, known as one of the leading silver grass colonies in Western Japan. In autumn, the entire area is covered with golden silver grass, and the way it sways in the wind looks just like a sea of light. Famous as a filming location for the movie "Norwegian Wood" and Taiga dramas, its quiet and beautiful scenery stretching endlessly deeply heals visitors' hearts. Its seasonal expressions are also attractive, such as mountain burning in spring, vivid green in summer, and snowy landscapes in winter. It is a photogenic...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kamitategani-iwa Rock

Kamitategani-iwa Rock

A giant strange rock about 30 meters high towering on the coastline of Nushima. It is likened to the "Ame-no-Nuboko" used by the two gods Izanagi and Izanami when creating the nation in Japanese mythology, and is known as a power spot symbolizing the island. In the center of the rock, there is a naturally formed heart-shaped cavity, and it is said that if you capture this in a photo, good luck will come, or love will be fulfilled. Its appearance of standing with dignity while being buffeted by rough waves is divine, and the dynamism when viewed up close...

Hyogo
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

S BRICK (Former Kanebo Factory Red Brick Warehouse)

S BRICK (Former Kanebo Factory Red Brick Warehouse)

A complex facility in Sumoto City, Awaji Island, renovated from a red brick spinning factory built in the Meiji era. While the heavy brick exterior that feels the history remains as it is, the interior is a creative space where a modern-design cafe, workspace, and kids' space fuse. Here you can touch dishes using local fresh ingredients and crafts unique to Awaji Island. The sight of former modern industrial heritage coming back to life as a community exchange place is beautiful, making it a perfect modern stop-off spot for enjoying nostalgic photography or relaxing in a sophisticated space between travels.

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Sumoto Castle Ruins

Sumoto Castle Ruins

Located at the summit of Mt. Mikuma, these castle ruins retain grand stone walls from the Sengoku to the Edo periods. "Nobori Ishigaki" (Climbing Stone Walls), which are rare in Japan, still exist, allowing visitors to see robust defensive technology of the time up close. From the simulated castle keep rebuilt on the summit, a panoramic view of the Awaji Island castle town Sumoto and the calm Osaka Bay spreads out. Especially in spring, cherry blossoms color the surroundings of the stone walls, making it a superb view spot where heavy history and natural beauty harmonize. It is one of...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Onokorojima Shrine

Onokorojima Shrine

Located in the southern part of Awaji Island, this shrine symbolizes the "Kuniumi" (Birth of the Nation) legend in Japanese mythology. The 21.7-meter-high "Giant Torii" standing at the entrance path is counted as one of Japan's three major torii and its overwhelming presence can be seen from afar. This land is said to be the place where the two gods, Izanagi and Izanami, first created Japan, and within the grounds, there is a hill associated with the "Ame-no-Nuboko" (Heavenly Jeweled Spear) used by the two gods to create the country. It is very famous as a god for matchmaking and...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Nushima Island

A comma-shaped island floating about 4 km off the south of Awaji Island. In Japanese mythology, it is a mysterious place where the legend remains of "Onokoro Island," the first island created by the gods. The greatest highlight is the giant "Kamitategani-iwa" (Standing God Rock), about 30 meters high, protruding from the sea surface. Its shape is said to look like a halberd or a heart, emitting an overwhelming presence fitting for a mythological stage. Shrines associated with mythology are scattered across the island, and a cruise around the island allows visitors to fully enjoy rough strange rocks and clear...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Oishimisaki Observatory

Oishimisaki Observatory

An observatory located on a cliff at the southeastern tip of Awaji Island, overlooking the Kii Channel. It was once a place where a battery was placed as part of the Yura Fortress, and the remaining red brick ruins still exude memories of military history. The view from the observatory is breathtaking, and on clear days, you can see Tomogashima, Wakayama, and even Shikoku in the distance. Nostalgic landscapes reminiscent of the world of "Laputa" are scattered around, such as the "First Battery Ruins," allowing visitors to enjoy historical exploration and superb views at the same time. In the silence...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Wakauudo-no-Hiroba Park

Wakauudo-no-Hiroba Park

A quiet park on Awaji Island featuring a memorial tower for students who died in the war, designed by architect Kenzo Tange. Located on a hill about 150 meters above sea level, a panoramic view of the Naruto Strait spreads before your eyes. Once in ruins after the war, it was redeveloped as a beautiful park in 2014. The contrast between the concrete tower stretching sharply toward the sky, the surrounding lush greenery, and the endless blue sea prompts visitors to deep reflection on peace. The view at dusk is wonderful, a spot where artistic architecture and nature melt together...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Onaruto Bridge

This is a magnificent suspension bridge with a total length of 1,629 meters, connecting Awaji Island at the southern tip of Hyogo Prefecture and Tokushima Prefecture. The greatest appeal of this bridge is that you can observe the "Naruto Whirlpools" swirling directly under the bridge from above. In the walkway "Uzu-no-Michi" inside the bridge, a glass floor is installed at a height of 45 meters above the sea, allowing a thrilling and exciting experience of looking down at the fiercely swirling currents from directly above. In addition, from the surrounding observatories, you can enjoy the calm islands of the Seto...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Meriken Park

This is an open park representing the Kobe Port waterfront. With the Kobe Port Tower, a symbol of Kobe, and the Kobe Maritime Museum, with its wave-symbolizing appearance, lined up, it is a highlight of Kobe sightseeing where you can stroll while feeling the sea breeze. Within the park, there is also the "Kobe Port Earthquake Memorial Park," which preserves records of the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, allowing you to learn the steps of reconstruction. Recently, the giant "BE KOBE" monument is popular with travelers from all over the world as an SNS-worthy spot. At night, the illuminated night view...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Goshikizuka Kofun

Goshikizuka Kofun

Located on a hill overlooking the Akashi Strait along the coast of Kobe City, this is the largest front-and-rear mound tomb in Hyogo Prefecture. Built at the end of the 4th century, this giant kofun has been restored and maintained so that you can see its magnificent appearance covered with countless fukishi stones and haniwa clay figures lined up in order, just like it was back then. If you climb to the top of the tomb, a panoramic view of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Awaji Island spreads before your eyes, allowing you to experience a mysterious sensation where ancient...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

This is one of the world's largest suspension bridges, connecting Kobe City and Awaji Island with a total length of 3,911 meters. Its magnificent scale and graceful curves attract attention worldwide as a masterpiece of Japan's advanced civil engineering technology. Especially at night, it is lit up in different colors depending on the season and time, glowing fittingly for its nickname "Pearl Bridge." At the "Promenade" on the Maiko side, a thrilling experience of looking down at the intense currents through the glass floor at your feet from a walkway about 47 meters above the sea level is possible. It...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Koko-en Garden

Located right next to Himeji Castle, Koko-en is a vast Japanese garden of about 3.5 hectares built on the former site of Edo-period samurai residences. It consists of nine gardens with different atmospheres that incorporate the beautiful figure of Himeji Castle as borrowed scenery. You can encounter different landscapes each time you walk, including a full-scale "pond strolling garden" with waterfalls and ponds, gardens with seasonal flowers, and a bamboo garden. Especially during the autumn foliage season, light-ups are held, and the vivid colors reflected on the water's surface are of mystical beauty. In the tea house within the garden,...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Himeji Castle

Registered as Japan's first UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, this is the masterpiece of fortifications that Japan boasts to the world. Its beautiful appearance, covered with pure white plaster, is compared to a white heron with its wings spread and is affectionately known as "Shirasagi-jo" (White Heron Castle). The main keep and turrets almost entirely retain their appearance from over 400 years ago, and the layers of roofs and complex structures exude overwhelming beauty. Entering the inside, you can feel the ingenuity for defense of the time and the warmth of wood, experiencing the wisdom of samurai from the...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter