KOBE ROKKO MEETS ART 2025 beyond – Art Festival Held on the Mountain | Latest Information of 2025

Kobe Rokko Meets Art is an annual modern art festival that takes place at the top of Mt. Rokko in Kobe every year from late August to late November. This article will tell you how to enjoy the artworks in an efficient and satisfactory way, including how to get to the top of the mountain, what to wear, and some recommended spots.   -INDEX- 1.  About Mt. Rokko in Kobe – Only an hour away from Osaka 2. What is “KOBE ROKKO MEETS ART 2025 beyond”? 3. How to visit facilities on Mt. Rokko of “KOBE ROKKO MEETS ART  2025 beyond” 4. Recommended Clothing and What to Bring of “KOBE ROKKO MEETS ART 2025 beyond” 5. Recommended artworks and time required for each area of “KOBE ROKKO MEETS ART 2024 beyond”     (1) Rokko Cable Car (Rokko Cable Shita Station, Sanjo Station, and Tenran Observatory)     (2) Hyogo Prefectural Mt. Rokko Visitor Center (Memorial Monument)     (3) Rokkosan Silence Resort (Former Rokkosan Hotel)     (4) Rokko Musical Box Museum & Gardens MORINONE     (5) Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden     (6) Trail Area     (7) Rokko-Arima Ropeway Sancho Station     (8) Rokko Garden Terrace Area     (9) Chapel of the Wind Area 6. Model route of “KOBE ROKKO MEETS ART 2024 beyond” 7. Recommendations for places to eat of “KOBE ROKKO MEETS ART 2025 beyond”     (1) Sora no Dining (Rokkosan Silence Resort)     (2) Mori no Cafe (Rokko Musical Box Museum & Gardens MORINONE)     (3) Cafe Edelweiss (Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden)     (4) Rokko View Palace (Rokko Garden Terrace)     (5) Rokkosan Genghis Khan Palace (Rokko Garden Terrace)     (6) Granite Café (Rokko Garden Terrace) The area of Mt. Rokko includes large and small mountains spanning the cities of Kobe, Ashiya, Nishinomiya, and Takarazuka in southeastern Hyogo Prefecture.The highest peak in this mountain range is Mt. Rokko which rises 931 meters above sea level. Although located near the urban area, Mt. Rokko is rich in nature.    Click here to know more about Mt. Rokko.   Mt.Rokko is conveniently accessible from Kobe Sannomiya and Osaka Umeda area. Get off at either Hankyu Railway Rokko Station, JR Rokko-michi Station, or Hanshin Electric Railway Mikage Station, and take Kobe City Bus No. 16 or 106 from in front of the station to Rokko Cable Shita Station, the entrance to Mt. It takes only 10 minutes to the top of the mountain by Rokko Cable. Rokko is located near Arima Onsen, one of Japan’s “Three Famous Hot Springs.” We recommend that you incorporate a visit to the hot springs before or after your visit to Mt. Rokko Arima Ropeway, one of the venues, is available for access. “KOBE ROKKO MEETS ART” is a contemporary art festival where visitors can enjoy artworks exhibited on the Rokko Mountain in Kobe while hiking around the mountain.This will be the 16th time the exhibition will be held, and the duration has been extended for a total of 100 days.   Date: August 23 (Saturday) – November 30 (Sunday), 2025 Hours: 10:00-17:00 (varies by venue) *No closing day. Only the Rokkosan Silence Resort will be closed on Mondays between August and October (except when Monday falls on a national holiday, in which case the museum is closed the following day) Venue: Rokko Musical Box Museum & Garden MORINONE, Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, Rokko Garden Terrace area, Chapel of the Wind area, etc. Viewing passports or single venue tickets are required if you plan to go. If you purchase an Viewing Passport, you can enter the four paid facilities (Rokko Musical Box Museum & Gardens MORINONE, Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, Chapel of the Wind Area, and Trail Area) for a discount compared to purchasing tickets at each facility. Passports for viewing artworks can also be purchased at the information counter inside shop 737 of Rokko Sanjo Station. ●Adult (13 years old and older) 3,000 yen ●Child (4 to 12 years old) 1,200 yen To purchase the ticket please click here   On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from September 20 to November 30, a light-up event called “Hikari no Mori – Night Art Stroll ” will be held at Rokko Musical Box Museum & Garden MORINONE and Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden. Prices with Night Pass are different. ●Adult (13 years old and older) 4,000 yen ●Child (4 to 12 years old) 1,700 yen  To purchase the ticket please click here   Besides, Omote-Rokko Round Trip ticket is recommended, which includes both the Rokko Cable and the Rokko Sanjo Bus. Since you will need to get on and off the bus frequently to visit each facility, buying this ticket will allow you to get on and off the bus many times without the need for coins, and the fare is very economical. The ticket can be purchased only at the Rokko Cable Station, so be careful not to forget to buy it. ●Adult (13 years old and older) 1,800 yen ●Child (6 to 12 years old) 900 yen   Kobe Rokkosan Tourist Pass is highly recommended for those who go by public transportation. The Pass including Kobe City Bus + cable car + Rokkosan Sanjo Bus costs 1,900 yen. To purchase Kobe Rokkosan Tourist Pass please click here The Rokko Sanjo Bus operates between the various facilities on the mountain. Bus schedules are available at each bus stop and on the MAP distributed at the site. Some areas do not have many buses, so we recommend that you check the bus schedule and decide how long you will stay. If you have trouble figuring out bus times, please refer to the model course to get around the area.   IC cards are not accepted on the Rokko Sanjo Bus. If you are not comfortable with this, we recommend you purchase a “Rokko Sanjo Bus 1-DAY Ticket”. The ticket can be purchased at the Rokko Cable Sanjo Station. ●Adult (13 years old and older) 800 yen ●Child (6 to 12 years old) 400 yen It is about 5 degrees cooler on top of Mt. Rokko. It is fine during the hot August to early September, but from mid-September onward, it is recommended to bring a piece of clothing that is easy to put on and take off, as the weather in the mountains is changeable. Also, since you will be viewing the exhibition in a natural setting, you may encounter bees and insects. It is best to avoid wearing black clothing, which bees like. Moreover, please wear shoes that are easy to walk in, such as sneakers, etc., as the trail area is on forest roads and some of the paths in the facilities are hilly or difficult to walk on. A backpack or similar bag that allows you to keep both hands open is also recommended. *Below is the report for 2024; please wait for the 2025 update. The following is an introduction to the nine venues of Kobe Rokko Meets Art 2024 beyond, among which (4) Rokko Musical Box Museum & Gardens MORINONE, (5) Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, and (9) Chapel of the Wind are highly recommended. Hope the following will help to decide which venues to visit. The artwork that greets us at Rokko Cable Shita Station is “Different Direction of the Red and the Green” by Zhou Yiqiao.   Approximate viewing time: 5-10 minutes (Possible to enjoy during waiting for the cable car) Two artworks are exhibited in this area, and the photo shows “The Tiger Swimming in Annual Rings of Rokko” by Taz Kurafuji. The work is 10 meters long and imitates the shape of the Rokko mountain range, and from two platforms, visitors can see the entire image of the annual ring with the motif of a tiger.   Approximate viewing time: 15-20 minutes The artwork is displayed in the restaurant “Sora no Dining” across the street from the main building. It is possible to enter the restaurant only to view the artworks, but since this is a special opportunity, we recommend that you dine in the space where the artworks are located.   Approximate viewing time: 20 minutes In “SIKI Garden～The Path of Sounds～”, Marie Ikura “Come, Come”, which was selected as the main visual for 2024, is on display. The characteristic of Marie Ikura’s artworks is to draw on a swaying cloth. You can find it swaying in the wind among the nature of Mt. Rokko. The work shown here is Ruri Takahashi’s “Spending a secret time between two people”. There are many works buried in the ground, which is inspired by hydrangea. She said she has a friend who is not fond of flowers because they make her eyes meet, and she created this work while thinking about how the hydrangea would look to that friend. Many of her works are in front of you, so remember to look around as you walk.   In the outdoor zone of SIKI Garden, “Peeking into the forest, The mountain hole.” by Misa FUNAI and other 8 regular artworks are exhibited. *Exhibition date varies on different work   In addition to the artworks, there are many other places to enjoy the nature of Mt. Rokko, such as a hammock area and a tree house. Artworks are also displayed on the third floor of the building.   Approximate viewing time: 45-90 minutes Single ticket: Adult 1,500 yen, Child 750 yen When entering the botanical garden, two pheasants are pinned against the wall of the Shop Alpicola. This is Yuuna Tanaka’s “Pheasants can’t help but chirp”, which is inspired by the fact that pheasants are often seen on Mt. Rokko, and they sometimes appear in the Alpine Botanical Garden. In order to have such pheasants see the work, it is exhibited semi-outdoors, which is unusual for a dyed work. The chests of both pheasants depict a view from Mt.Rokko to Arima and Sannomiya direction. This is Reiichi Namatame’s “Hikari Island – Nocturnal Plant “UkarukuPa” Phosphorescent Experimental Zone”. The inside is coated with fluorescent paint, so it glows at night when illuminated by a black light, which is a must-see not only during the daytime, but also at night. The artwork shown in the picture is HAFEN Kou Honda’s “Wind of Plants Hill”. It was created to be a resting place where visitors can enjoy the environment of Rokko to the fullest. Inside there are benches so that visitors can also experience the comfort of Mt. Rokko.   You may also enjoy the seasonal flowers and plants in the Alpine Botanical Garden as you stroll around the garden.   Approximate viewing time: 40-60 minutes Single ticket: Adult 900 yen, Child 450 yen The Trail Area, newly opened in 2023, is an area where visitors can view artworks during hiking in the nature. The area has expanded since this year, and has become more as an area where visitors can fully enjoy the nature and art of Mt. Rokko. There are no restrooms along the way, so be sure to use the restrooms and prepare for your drinks before entering the area. Since there are few lights in the area, it is recommended to visit early in the day. In the picture shown is Naoshi Kondo’s “My Grave”. The houses are assembled as tombs, with objects from the artist’s daily life placed inside the houses and the radio playing. Before entering the Rokko Musical Box Museum & Gardens MORINONE, you can see Tadashi Kawamata’s “Rokko Floating Bridge and Terrace: Extended Bridge and Terrace” being exhibited continuously since last year in New Pond next to the parking lot. This year, a sunken bridge and a small terrace have been newly added. If you are not planning to explore the trail area, this work located a minute’s walk from the parking lot is easily accessible.   Approximate viewing time: 60-140 minutes (Depends on the walking pace) Single ticket (Shin pond/Banno Villa/Yansen Atelier): Adult 700 yen, Child 250 yen The Rokko-Arima Ropeway Sancho Station is about a 5-minute walk from the Rokko Garden Terrace area. On the second floor, you can see Taichi Yoshimura’s “Four Flowers”. Mr. Yoshimura told us that for this artwork, he would like visitors to see the video inside the gondola and then see the wood carvings outside.   Approximate viewing time: 10-15 minutes The Rokko Garden Terrace area has three restaurants, making it a convenient base for lunch and souvenir shopping.  On display on the terrace overlooking not only Kobe but also Osaka is Rintaro Fuse’s “New Gnomon: Sundial for a New Earth” which displays time via the natural sunlight. Although it is not included in the passport to view artworks, the Shidare Museum in Rokko Shidare Observatory is also a must-visit spot.   Rokko Shidare Observatory “Shidare Museum” ●Adult (13 years old and older) 1,000 yen ●Child (4 to 12 years old) 500 yen   Approximate viewing time: 30 minutes One of the works you should not miss is Aiko MIYANAGA’s “Sound of the Path” at Tadao Ando’s “Chapel of the Wind”. The Chapel of the Wind is one of a trilogy of chapeles designed by architect Tadao Ando, along with the Chapel of Water and the Chapel of Light. The approach to the building is beautiful. Hope you will take as much time as possible to think about the path in the cool church.   In addition, eight works can be viewed at the nearby Rokkosan Art Center and three works can be viewed at the former Rokko Sky Villa.   Approximate viewing time: 90-120 minutes Finally, for those who have trouble figuring out bus connections, or would like to go but access is a bottleneck, here is a model route on the mountain.   <START> Rokko Cable Sanjo Station (Departure: 12:35) ↓ Rokko Garden Terrace (12:44 arrival / 13:55 departure) Lunch is also available here. ↓ Musical Box Museum (13:58 arrival / 15:00 departure) ↓ 5 mins walk ↓ Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden (15:05 arrival / 16:03 departure) For those who are tired, we recommend spending a relaxing time at the Café. ↓ Chapel of the Wind (16:06 arrival / 16:46 departure) On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from September 21 to November 24, “Lighting Forest – Night Art Stroll” is held, so it is recommended to take the bus from Chapel of the Wind (departing at 17:09) and return to the Alpine Botanical Garden to enjoy the evening events. ↓ Rokko Cable Sanjo Station (16:50 arrival)   Take the Rokko Cable down to the bottom station, and then transfer to a Kobe City Bus to Hankyu Railway Rokko Station. It only takes about 10 minutes to Kobe Sannomiya Station and about 30 minutes to Osaka Umeda Station.   ▼Check this article▼ 10 Delicious Gourmet Foods in Kobe! Local Specialties and Local Foods Recommended by Locals 7 Osaka Umeda Night Activities. Enjoy the night in the city with bars, cafes and night views! This dining room overlooks Osaka and Kobe. Lunch is mainly courses, and is recommended for those who can take their time. It is also open until 8:00 p.m. (last entry at 7:00 p.m.), so it can be used as a dinner after sightseeing. Located inside the Rokko Musical Box Museum & Gardens MORINONE, this café offers semi-self-service one-plate lunches and café menu items. There is also seating outside, so it is pleasant to eat on the terrace when the weather is nice.   Down: Kobe pork hamburger steak 1,630 yen (tax included) Up left: Raclette cheese plate 1,880 yen (tax included) Up right: Awaji Onion Curry 1,350 yen (tax included) Other plans include a reservation plan with lunch for a private use of the park’s 360-degree transparent “SIKI Dome,” which is recommended for those who want to spend a relaxing time at the Rokko Musical Box Museum & Gardens MORINONE.   More details about reservation of SIKI Dome please click here There are two entrances to the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, and Café Edelweiss is located near the east entrance. We recommend the terrace seats overlooking the trees of the botanical garden. This semi-self-service restaurant offers a casual Western menu of curry rice, hamburgers, stews, and other dishes. Seats by the window overlook the cityscape of Kobe. Many Japanese people probably associate Mt. Rokko with Genghis Khan. It has been a specialty of Mt. Rokko since ancient times. Enjoy the view from the mountain while eating Genghis Khan. This café offers chef’s special dishes and sweets made with seasonal ingredients. You can enjoy curry and hamburgers made with “Yamamitsu,” honey from Mt. Rokko.   Left: Cheese hamburger steak with Rokko Champignon and special demi-glace sauce (with soup, salad, rice or bread) 2,300 yen Center: Marron latte with Rokko miso caramel (hot or iced) 800 yen Right: Rokkosan Yamamitsu Omu Curry (with soup and drink bar) 1,700 yen *Marron Latte is a limited menu item during the Kobe Rokko Meets Art exhibition starting on Saturday, August 24. The view is perfect here.   There are not many places to eat, so all the restaurants are crowded during lunchtime on weekends and holidays. Try to eat well by staggering your meals or using take-out.   Rokko Meets Art is an autumn-only event that can be enjoyed along with the beautiful nature of Mt. The artwork changes every year, so be sure to visit this annual autumn event.

A Guide to Night Views from Mount Rokko in Kobe｜Access, Best Viewpoints, Dining, and a Comparison with Mount Maya

Kobe is home to one of Japan’s top three night views, often called the “10 Million Dollar Night View.” From the sparkling lights of downtown Kobe and the shimmering Kobe Port to the vast expanse of Osaka Bay in the distance, the scenery is truly breathtaking. These unforgettable views are especially popular among couples looking for a romantic getaway. This guide introduces some of the best spots to enjoy Kobe’s legendary nightscape and everything you need to make the most of your visit.   Index How to Get to Mount Rokko’s Night View Spots: Train & Rokko Cable Car Mount Rokko Night View Spot 1: Rokko Garden Terrace – A Stunning Panorama of Kobe Mount Rokko Night View Spot 2: Tenrandai Observatory – A Romantic Nightscape Experience Comparing Kobe’s Top 3 Night Views: Tenrandai, Rokko Garden Terrace, and Kikuseidai on Mount Maya Dining with a View: Best Restaurants & Cafés on Mount Rokko Souvenirs & Shopping on Mount Rokko: Enjoy the Night View and Take Home a Memory Mount Rokko by Day: Breathtaking Views, Nature, and Fun Outdoor Activities Reaching Mt. Rokko is easy with a combination of train, bus, and the scenic Rokko Cable Car. It takes less than an hour from Osaka, making it a perfect evening trip. Once you reach the base of the mountain, hop on the Rokko Cable Car and you’ll arrive at the top in just 10 minutes. The ride itself is part of the experience—watch as the view opens up dramatically with every passing moment.   From Kobe to Mt. Rokko Take the Hankyu Kobe Line from Kobe-sannomiya Station and get off at Rokko Station, or take the Hanshin Main Line and get off at Mikage Station. Then transfer to a Kobe City Bus and ride to Rokko Cable Shita Station. Travel time: Approx. 30–50 minutes   From Osaka to Mt. Rokko Take the Hankyu Kobe Line from Osaka-Umeda Station and get off at Rokko Station, or take the Hanshin Main Line and get off at Mikage Station. Then transfer to a Kobe City Bus and ride to Rokko Cable Shita Station. Travel time: Approx. 50 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes   Ride the Rokko Cable Car to the Summit From Rokko Cable Shita Station, board the Rokko Cable Car and in about 10 minutes, you’ll arrive at Rokko Sanjo Station at the summit. This is the gateway to Mt. Rokko’s top attractions. From there, transfer to the Mt. Rokko Sanjo Bus to reach popular spots like Rokko Garden Terrace and various restaurants and cafés. The Rokko Cable Car offers a unique experience with its open-window design, which is very uncommon in Japan. Feel the fresh mountain air and enjoy the ever-changing scenery of the four seasons, making the ride itself feel like an outdoor attraction. Rokko Garden Terrace is one of Mt. Rokko’s most iconic viewpoints, offering sweeping views and a range of things to enjoy—from dining and shopping to art installations. During the day, you can see as far as the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, the Osaka Plain, and even Kansai International Airport. But when night falls, the famous “10 Million Dollar Night View” unfolds beneath you in all its glittering beauty. The terrace features multiple observation spots scattered throughout the area, allowing you to take in the night scenery from a variety of angles.   〈Access from the Summit〉 Take the Mt. Rokko Sanjo Bus (Route 1) from Rokko Cable Sanjo Station and get off at Rokko Garden Terrace. Travel time: Approx. 10 minutes Rokko-Shidare Observatory Perched at an altitude of around 880 meters, the Rokko-Shidare Observatory is a must-visit landmark on Mt. Rokko, blending nature, art, and panoramic scenery into one unforgettable experience. This striking cypress wood dome resembles a massive work of art rising from the mountaintop—and it’s just as stunning on the inside. At night, the view transforms into the dazzling “10 Million Dollar Night View,” with city lights spreading out as far as the eye can see. Inside, you’ll also find interactive art installations like bubbles, slides, and swings—fun for both kids and adults alike. Miharashi Terrace Take a seat on the stepped Miharashi Terrace and enjoy a moment of peace while soaking in the scenery. During the day, you’ll find wide-open views stretching across the region, while at night, the city lights create a magical atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the view at your own pace. Miharashi Tower Inspired by old European architecture, the 11-meter-tall Miharashi Tower is a charming lookout spot with a spiral staircase leading to the top. Once you reach the summit, a breathtaking 360° panorama unfolds before your eyes. It’s one of the best places on Mt. Rokko to snap that unforgettable night view photo—so don’t forget your camera! Miharashi Deck From the Miharashi Deck, you can enjoy sweeping views all the way to Osaka. On clear days, use the telescope to spot Hanshin Koshien Stadium, home of the beloved Hanshin Tigers baseball team. Don’t miss the chance to try “kawarake-nage,” a traditional Japanese activity where you toss small clay discs while making a wish—often for good luck or protection. Challenge your friends to see who can throw theirs the farthest! *Kawarake discs can be purchased at the nearby Rokko Souvenir Shop (5 discs for ¥100). Tenrandai Observatory is one of the most conveniently located night view spots on Mt. Rokko—directly connected to Rokko Cable Sanjo Station. The spacious viewing area invites you to take a leisurely stroll while soaking in the crisp mountain air. Telescopes are available to help you appreciate the view in even greater detail. As you gaze out over the glittering city lights, you’ll find yourself leaving everyday life behind.   〈Access from the Summit〉 Right next to Rokko Cable Sanjo Station. Located on the western side of Mt. Rokko’s highest peak, Mt. Maya is home to one of the area’s best night view spots—Kikuseidai Observatory. While Rokko Garden Terrace and Tenrandai offer expansive panoramic views, Kikuseidai lets you experience Kobe’s city lights up close, making it especially atmospheric. You can also reach Kikuseidai from Mt. Rokko summit area by taking the Rokko Sanjo Bus (Route 2), with a travel time of approximately 20 minutes. Within Rokko Garden Terrace, you’ll find a variety of unique food courts and cafés, each offering its own special charm. Enjoy a luxurious meal while taking in Kobe’s dazzling night view from this exceptional location.   Rokko Genghis Khan Palace Genghis Khan-style grilled lamb and vegetables—a long-time local specialty of Mt. Rokko—is both healthy and hearty. The restaurant’s warm, wooden interior creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for couples or groups to enjoy a fun, lively meal together. Recommended: Fresh lamb that’s never been frozen during distribution. It’s tender, juicy, and has minimal gamey flavor—definitely worth trying! Rokko View Palace This casual, open-air food court offers stunning views along with a wide menu of dishes like curry and ramen. It’s a great option for families with kids and ideal for relaxed dining. At night, enjoy your meal while gazing at the illuminated cityscape. Granite Café Modern yet calm, Granite Café offers a serene setting where you can unwind while taking in the glittering night view through large windows. It’s a perfect spot to share a memorable moment with someone special. Rokko Souvenir Shop Conveniently located within Rokko Garden Terrace, this shop is perfect for picking up Kobe- and Hyogo-themed souvenirs. You’ll find original items you can’t get anywhere else, such as “Rokko Natural Mineral Water Cider,” “Rokko Cheesecake,” and “Rokko Mountain Honey” made by local bees. If you’re looking to take home a memorable gift from Mt. Rokko, don’t miss this shop—you’re sure to find something special! Mt. Rokko is also home to many other attractions worth exploring. At the Rokko Musical Box Museum ＆ Gardens MORINONE, you can relax to the soothing melodies of music boxes while enjoying a peaceful stroll through the adjacent garden. The Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden offers a chance to admire seasonal alpine plants and immerse yourself in nature. For those seeking adventure, GREENIA is one of Japan’s largest outdoor athletic parks, where both adults and children can enjoy a full-scale outdoor experience.   ▼For more details▼ Enjoy “sound” in the great outdoors Rokko Musical Box Museum & Garden MORINONE One of the largest athletic facilities in Japan, Mount Rokko Adventure Kingdom GREENIA Report! Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden   ▼Check here for more about Mt Rokko’s charm▼ Leisure Spot Mt. Rokko   While Mt. Rokko is delightful during the day, it truly shines at night—literally. With breathtaking night views that resemble a glittering carpet of lights, the area transforms into a romantic wonderland. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or a loved one, a nighttime visit to Mt. Rokko promises unforgettable memories. Be sure to make it part of your Kobe itinerary!

6 Tadao Ando Buildings You Should Visit in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe

Tadao Ando is world-famous for his innovative buildings made of cast concrete. As his hometown is Osaka, there are many architectural works by Mr. Ando in the Kansai region. Here are some spots where you can experience culture and art while enjoying his distinctive architectural designs.   １．【KOBE】Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art ２．【KOBE】Chapel of the Wind ３．【OSAKA】Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest ４．【KYOTO】Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art ５．【KYOTO】Garden of Fine Arts Kyoto ６．【HIMEJI】Himeji City Museum of Literature Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art opened in 2002 as a symbol of “cultural recovery” from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. Nicknamed the “Art Museum,” it houses approximately 10,000 works of art, including modern sculptures and prints from Japan and abroad. In addition to exhibiting these works of art, another highlight of the museum is the building designed by Mr. Ando, which is a simple but gigantic labyrinth-like structure that creates changes in light. Visitors can savor a complex and diverse spatial experience in a place of fusion of various art forms.   After passing through the entrance hall with its calm atmosphere, visitors are greeted by a glass-walled corridor surrounding the exhibition rooms, which are flooded with natural light, and other various parts of the building, each with a richly shaded expression. The “circular terrace,” the symbol of the museum, connects the first basement floor to the outdoor space on the second floor, linking the exhibition buildings, gallery buildings, and the sea and mountains. The cast concrete forms a beautiful spiral, creating shades of light and shadow. In 2019, Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art open a second exhibition building (Ando Gallery) to showcase Ando’s architecture. With exhibits of architectural models of his masterpieces such as “Sumiyoshi Row Houses” and “Church of Light,” as well as introductions to various projects in Japan and abroad, this is an unmissable spot for visitors to learn about Ando’s work. The Sea Deck, an observation deck on the third floor of the outdoor space of Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, looks as if it extends out to sea. A large green apple sculpture, which Mr. Ando designed based on the poem “Youth” by the American poet Samuel Ullman, is placed here. The fourth floor also includes the “Mountain Deck” and the “Wind Deck”. On the other side of the first floor entrance, there is a large staircase leading up to the outdoor areas on the second and third floors, where visitors can sit with their backs to the museum and look out over the ocean spread out before them.   The greatest charm of this museum is that it changes its appearance in various ways depending on the time and season you visit, changing both in terms of getting lost and inconvenience. And the pleasure of finding this museum architectural gimmick! Why not visit to savor a spatial experience that can only be felt at any given moment?   ▼Check out this article▼ 10 BEST Museums and Art Galleries in Kobe The Chapel of the Wind is one of the “church trilogy” designed by Tadao Ando, and was the first church building for him, completed in 1986. Located on top of Mt. Rokko, it is called the “Church of the Wind” because of its refreshing natural surroundings. It was designed and operated as a wedding church for the hotel, but is now closed to the public. It is open to the public during “Kobe Rokko Meets Art”, a contemporary art event held every year from late summer to autumn.   The Chapel of the Wind has a rectangular tower mounted on a cast concrete frame, a characteristic of Ando’s architecture, and light streaming through the gaps between the walls and ceiling creates a sacred and serene space. The design originates from the “Notre Dame de Senancq Abbey” in Provence, southern France, which was built in the 12th and 13th centuries. It was created after Ando visited the chapel and was impressed that the light shining through the small windows in the rough-hewn stone walls was the star of the spatial presentation. One of the most distinctive features of the Church of the Winds building is the “Colonnade”, a 40-meter colonnaded corridor leading to the chapel. It is made of celadon-colored frosted glass. The colonnade was developed from the colonnade surrounding the courtyard of the “Notre-Dame de Senancq Abbey” in the form of a straight line. The wind blowing through, the surrounding greenery, and the building are fused together to create a fantastic space. The Church of the Wind is tucked away in the forest on Mt.Rokko. The shadows of the light create a beautiful space, a special spot where an extraordinary time flows. Spend your time listening to the tones of nature and feeling the wind blowing through the air. From the top of Mt. Rokko, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kobe and Osaka.   The Church of the Wind is normally closed to the public and will be open only during the “Kobe Rokko Meets Art” exhibition period. For more details about the event, please check the official website. Don’t miss this rare opportunity!   ▼Check out this article▼ KOBE ROKKO MEETS ART 2024 beyond – Art Festival Held on the Mountain “I want children to pick up a variety of books and develop unlimited creativity and curiosity. I want them to spontaneously come into contact with the words, feelings, and ideas in books and learn that there are people and lifestyles in the world that are different from their own”.  With this in mind, Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest was designed by architect Tadao Ando himself and donated to the City of Osaka to be established in Nakanoshima,Osaka in 2020. Its daily operation is supported by donations from citizens and companies. A green apple stands out on the entrance terrace of Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest. The motif is based on the poem “Youth” by the American poet Samuel Ullman, and represents Mr. Ando’s wish that many people will be touched by this symbol of youth full of challenging spirit. In designing the Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest, Mr. Ando placed importance on making more than adequate use of the Nakanoshima location, which is steeped in Osaka’s history and culture, and on ensuring that children would play a leading role in the facility. The building along the Dojima River is made of fair-faced concrete, a characteristic of Ando’s architecture. To the west are the Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka, the Osaka Central Public Hall, and other cultural and artistic facilities. The interior of Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest is a three-story atrium with staircases and bridge passageways that resemble a three-dimensional maze. All the walls are covered with wooden bookshelves, creating an exciting atmosphere as if one were to wander into a “forest of books” and search for books. In the “rest room,” a cylindrical space with no concrete floor, video works are shown to arouse children’s interest in books. The same books displayed on the top shelves are also placed on the lower shelves for browsing. The books are placed on the lower shelves for browsing. All the furniture is made of wood, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Sculptures of words” are displayed here and there on the bookshelves. Impressive short sentences extracted from books appear in three-dimensional letters in the space. Although a book must be picked up and its pages turned in order to experience its world, children often pass by the bookshelf. We wanted to create an opportunity for children to start reading a book with the charm of a single sentence by slipping a word into their field of vision. This was the idea behind the production. “Children’s Book Forest” is a place where children and adults alike can immerse themselves in the fascination of books. The facility is a fusion of Ando’s architecture and the riverside scenery of Osaka, the city of water, where visitors can fully enjoy the world of books. Advance reservation required for use of facilities. Check the official website of Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest for information on how to enter. Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art was built by businessman Shotaro Kaga as a villa from the Taisho era (1912-1926) to the early Showa era (1926-1989). Over time, the villa was on the verge of falling into disrepair, but in 1996, in response to calls to preserve the precious architecture and surrounding nature, it was restored to its original state and reopened as an art museum with a new wing designed by Tadao Ando. The main building portion, designed by Shotaro Kaga, was constructed of wood in the Taisho era and substantially expanded in the early Showa era. The main building incorporates an eclectic mix of techniques, including carved beams and columns. The upper section of the main building incorporates a half-timber system showing the wood frame characteristic of the English Tudor Gothic style, and is constructed of reinforced concrete with a steel frame for the roof section. The terrace on the second floor offers a magnificent view of the three rivers flowing through Kizu, Uji, and Katsura, unchanged since its construction. Designed by Ando, the Jichu-kan addition is connected to the main building by a passageway. The passageway is made of fair-faced concrete with glass walls on the upper four sides and the front. The surrounding seasonal scenery is visible to the eye, creating a sense of harmony between the building and nature. A small pond with water lilies blooms beside the stairs leading to the Chichu-kan “Chichu-no-Jewel Box. From the window at the end of the long flight of stairs, you can see the pond at the same height as your eye level. Since the building is located on a slope, it is important to be able to enjoy the view from inside the building as well. The Chichu-kan, named the “Underground Jewel Box” by Mr. Ando, is designed in a cylindrical semi-underground structure to harmonize with the surrounding landscape. The roof above the exhibition space is planted with trees to blend in with the surrounding greenery. In 2012, a new building, Yamatekan “Box of Dreams,” designed by Ando, was completed. The new building is a box-shaped structure, in contrast to the “Chichu Jewel Box. The straight concrete building is placed so that it is buried in the trees, and like the Chichu-kan, the upper portion is planted to create a sense of unity with nature.   The new Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art, which has been brought to life in a perfect balance of old and new buildings and the surrounding environment, offers visitors a sense of “rebirth” in the Ando style. The Garden of Fine Arts Kyoto opened in 1994 as the world’s first painting garden that can be viewed outdoors. Designed by Mr. Ando, this facility exhibits outdoors sturdy ceramic board paintings that reproduce the beauty of masterpieces in their original form. The garden features a waterside setting with large and small waterfalls and ponds, and the atmosphere of the works changes depending on the viewing location, viewpoint, and weather conditions.   The Garden of Fine Arts Kyoto is a three-story structure, with a gentle slope leading down from the ground level to the second basement level, where visitors view the works in order from the bottom. On display at the Garden of Fine Arts Kyoto is a total of eight masterpieces from around the world. Four of them were created for the “International Garden and Greenery Exposition” held in 1990 and displayed in the “Garden of Masterpieces,” a pavilion designed by Mr. Ando. The other four were created for this facility.   Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgment,” which is almost full-size and over 13 meters high, can be viewed from all floors of the corridor. Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper” sandwiched between the sky and the water. The painting is designed to be reflected in the water, and it is also interesting to see how differently the painting looks on the surface of the water. A doubly enlarged version of the National Treasure, Caricatures of Birds, Beasts, and Humans. The long scroll, read from the right, is displayed so that visitors can appreciate it in a natural flow along the direction of travel.   The works of Van Gogh and Renoir, viewed through windows in the concrete walls, offer a different atmosphere from the paintings. Monet’s “Waterlilies, Morning” is displayed underwater to give visitors an impression of his worldview, and viewing it as if peering into the painting from above is a unique experience. The unique way to enjoy the paintings along with the changes in light and the shimmering surface of the water is only possible with ceramic board paintings.   The Garden of Fine Arts Kyoto, designed by Tadao Ando to take advantage of the outdoor environment, is a recommended place to experience art in a different way than an indoor museum. The Himeji City Museum of Literature, located northwest of the World Cultural Heritage and National Treasure Himeji Castle, was established in 1991 as a center for all literary activities, including the collection and study of materials by writers and scholars associated with Himeji and other Harima areas. Ando’s unique building design, “designed as a space for circulation and dialogue with literature with the castle in the background,” blends in with the old townscape and creates a new landscape. As the design concept suggests, Himeji Castle, nicknamed “Shirasagijo Castle,” can be viewed from inside the building, making it a special place where visitors can feel Himeji from both inside and outside the building.   The Himeji City Museum of Literature consists of the three-story North Wing and the two-story South Wing. The grounds also include the “Boukeitei”, a Taisho period(1912-1926) Japanese house with a 40-mat Japanese-style room and a tea ceremony room. The “Himeji Castle Historical Story Corridor” on the first floor of the North Wing introduces the stories and history of Himeji Castle and the region through video and graphics. A total of 26 episodes are displayed in a long arc-shaped corridor, which visitors can appreciate by following the curve. On the same floor is the “Forest of Words” exhibition room, where visitors can come into contact with the impressive words left by literary figures associated with Harima and their lives, and on the second floor is a corner dedicated to Watsuji Tetsuro, a philosopher born in Himeji City. The South Wing includes the “Ryotaro Shiba Memorial Room” and a café where visitors can relax. This glass-walled space seen from the outside is a “yoiko no heya” for parents and children to enjoy together. It is a bright and colorful space like a sunroom. Here, visitors can take off their shoes, read picture books, and play with toys while relaxing. The tapestries and mobiles are inspired by the stories in “Harimakuni Fudoki,” which is also the origin of the name of Himeji. The landscape where the building stands in harmony with the surrounding nature, blending straight lines and curves, light and shadow, is like a beautiful work of art. The buildings are like beautiful art, blending lines, curves, light, and shadow in harmony with the surrounding nature.   ▼Check out this article▼ Top 12 Recommended Tourist Spots in Kobe for Parents and Children to Enjoy! In addition, we also recommend “VS.”, a facility with a distinctive cube-shaped exterior designed and supervised by Tadao Ando, which will be built in 2024 in “Grand Green Osaka” in Umeda, Osaka. “TADAO ANDO YOUTH” is on view through July 21, 2025. When discussing architecture, Tadao Ando is a must-see. If you travel to Japan, why not experience the world-renowned architecture of Tadao Ando along with sightseeing?   ▼Check out this article▼ This is the place to go! An overwhelmingly beautiful architectural spot that harmonizes with the nature of Awaji Island!

10 Best Places to see Hydrangea in Kansai

Hydrangea is a seasonal flower which is native to Japan and there are more than 50 diverse varieties of this flower. In Japan, a rainy season called Tsuyu starts around mid-June, and actually many people hate this season because of this gloomy weather. However, at the same time, you can feel many Japanese attractions which can’t be found in any other season, and Hydrangea is one of them.   Hydrangea flowers change color depending on the acidity of the soil. We will introduce spots in Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo where various kinds of hydrangeas such as blue, purple and pink bloom. <Table of Contents> 【Osaka, Suita】Expo ’70 Commemorative Park 【Osaka, Ikeda】Kyuan-ji Temple 【Kyoto, Ukyo-ku】Umenomiya-taisha Shrine 【Kyoto, Nishikyo-ku】Yoshimine Temple 【Kyoto, Nagaokakyo】Yanagitani-Kannon 【Hyogo, Kawanishi】Shounsan Raikouji Temple 【Hyogo, Kobe】Kobe Municipal Arboretum 【Hyogo, Rokko】Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden 【Hyogo, Rokko】Rokko Cable Car 【Hyogo, Rokko】Rokko Musical Box Museum & Garden MORINONE About 4,000 hydrangeas of about 30 varieties, including Western hydrangeas and Yaenoamacha, will be in full bloom at the Hydrangea Forest in the Nature Park of Expo ’70 Commemorative Park. Enjoy the fantastic space surrounded by diverse hydrangeas in red, blue, pink, etc. ▼Check out this article▼ Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is a great place to visit in Osaka! Highlights Explained! Kyuan-ji Temple has a path of hydrangeas so overgrown that they hide people. The gradation of hydrangeas on both sides of the path is a feast for the eyes. Floating hydrangeas on the pond are also popular as they look great on Instagram. The “Ajisai-Ukabe” usually held from mid to late June is even more impressive than the “Hana-Chozu”(flower water with handkerchiefs)! At Umenomiya Taisha Shrine, visitors can enjoy approximately 140 varieties of unique hydrangeas from the East Shrine Garden to the North Shrine Garden. You can also appreciate Hanashoubu, which blooms at the same time of the year. Located in the precincts of Yoshimine Temple halfway up the mountain is the Hakusan Hydrangea Garden, which boasts an area of 3,000 tsubo (about 1,000 square meters). About 8,000 hydrangea plants, including gaku hydrangea, color the entire slope of the garden. ▼Check this article▼ Kyoto Nishiyama｜An undiscovered sightseeing spot in Kyoto! Visitors to Yanagitani Kannon can enjoy a cluster of about 5,000 hydrangea plants, including Japanese and Western hydrangeas. The hydrangea corridor in the precincts of the temple allows visitors to view the hydrangeas at their leisure without getting wet, even if it is raining. Yanagitani Kannon is famous for its “Hana-Chozu” (flower water with handkerchiefs). Many visitors come to the temple for Hana-Chozu, which is decorated with colorful seasonal flowers. Shounzan Raikoji Temple is commonly called “Hydrangea Temple”. About 500 plants, including Western hydrangeas lovingly nurtured by the temple’s priests, bloom in large profusion. Take a stroll through the temple grounds and enjoy the different colors of the flowers. The Kobe City Forest Botanical Garden is home to many rare hydrangeas, such as the fantastic Shichidanka flower and the clustered white Annabelle. The forest of approximately 50,000 hydrangeas of about 350 varieties is a sight to behold. At the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, located near the top of Mt. Rokko, 865 m above sea level, the “Shichidanka” hydrangea, said to be a phantom hydrangea, blooms. Characterized by its double-petaled flowers with overlapping petals, visitors can enjoy its pretty purple appearance. Also recommended is the “Hydrangea Garden,” where a wide variety of hydrangeas bloom, including the “Himehydrangea,” the city flower of Kobe City. The Rokko cable is a rare spot where you can enjoy hydrangeas while riding the cable car. The beautiful blue coloring of the hydrangea is known as “Rokko Blue”. Starting from the hydrangea at the lower station of the cable car, more than 2,500 hydrangeas in total will be in full bloom from early to mid-July. The cable car has a lovely retro body, and from inside you can enjoy the view of the city of Kobe and the sea. Located on top of Mt. Rokko, where the temperature is about 5 degrees cooler than in the city, the hydrangeas are at their best about a month later than in the city, and more than 350 hydrangeas of more than 20 varieties can be enjoyed. The southern German-style building and the harmony with the surrounding nature provide an extraordinary experience and a peaceful space where visitors can appreciate the flowers in a more natural state. Flowering conditions may vary depending on the weather. Please check SNS for the latest blooming status. ▼Check out this article▼ Enjoy “sound” in the great outdoors Rokko Musical Box Museum & Garden MORINONE Hydrangeas shine in the rain. Feel the change of the season by looking at the pretty blue, purple, and pink flowers.

11 Summer Events in Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe area)! Experience and learn about Japanese traditions and customs

Praying with one’s feet in the river water and dancing in a circle! At first glance, Kansai’s summer events and rites may seem strange. Traditional events are filled with wisdom and ingenuity to keep you cool and comfortable during the hot summer.   Please enjoy your trip to Kansai with events and rites that can only be experienced in summer!   １．[Kyoto] Various places in Kyoto City / Gion Festival ２．[Kyoto] Matsuo-taisha Shrine / Wind-bell Prayer: Sound of Good Luck and Disaster Elimination ３．[Osaka] Mizunase Jingu Shrine / Wind of Invitation ４．[Kyoto] Shops along the Kamo River in Kyoto City / Kawayuka(Riverside Terrace) ５．[Osaka] Minoh Waterfall / Summer Festa Minoh Park 2025 ６．[Osaka] Umeda area / Umeda Yukata Matsuri (Yukata Festival) ７．[Nishinomiya, Hyogo] Nishinomiya Shrine / Summer Ebisu ８．[Kyoto] Shimogamo-jinja Shrine / Mitarashi Festival ９．[Osaka] Yodogawa riverside / The 37th Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival １０．[Kyoto] Various places in Kyoto City / Kyoto Gozan Okuribi (Bonfire on Five Mountains) １１．[Kobe] Meriken Park / Kobe Umi no Bon Dance 2025 Period: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 – Thursday, July 31, 2025   If you are traveling to Kyoto in the summer, a visit to the Kyoto Gion Festival is a must! You will be overwhelmed by the gorgeous floats!   For more information, check out the article below! ＜Kyoto＞Gion Matsuri｜Highlights of Japan’s Greatest Festival Period: Usually from June 1 to September 1   About 800 wind chimes will be displayed on the ceiling of the Matsunoo Taisha Shrine awarding office and throughout the shrine grounds. It is said that the tones of the wind chimes comfort the gods and purify sins and impurities. At Matsunoo Taisha Shrine, you can write your wish on a strip of paper. Let your wish be delivered to the god. Period: Usually July – early September   A wind-bell prayer will also be held at the Mizunase Jingu Shrine. Passing through the wind chimes, visitors can listen to the cool sound of the light chirping of the wind chimes. During the period, the shrine will also be decorated with kazaguruma, toys that rotate with the wind, and illuminated with lanterns. Period: May 1 – October 15, 2025 (period varies by store)   “Kawayuka” riverside terrace is one of the traditional summer cultures of Kyoto. It is a place to enjoy the cool air while dining on delicious food at outdoor terrace seats that jut out into the Kamo River. Visitors can enjoy a variety of gourmet foods at 87 restaurants ranging from Japanese cuisine to Italian and French cuisine. Among them, “B STORE 1st” opens from 8:00 a.m. as riverside terrace morning. Why not start your day with  “Kawayuka” riverside terrace? ▼Check this article▼ 7 Best Breakfasts in Kyoto | Near JR Kyoto Station and Popular Tourist Attractions Period: Usually mid-July to early September   Minoh Waterfalls and other famous spots in Minoh Park are illuminated in this popular event! Also, until Monday, November 3, 2025, “Kawayuka (riverside terrace)” will be held at riverside restaurants in Minoh Park, where you can enjoy kaiseki cuisine while enjoying the sounds of nature. Enjoy a quaint moment (reservations required). ▼Check this article▼ 8 recommended gourmet restaurants in Minoh Waterfall! Cafes & Shops to stop by for sightseeing Note on how to get to Minoh Waterfall! Points that international travelers should know before going there Main Content Dates: The dates for 2025 have not yet been announced.   Umeda Yukata Matsuri (Yukata Festival) is a large-scale event held in the Umeda area of Osaka, where you can enjoy Japanese summer culture all at once! Umeda Yukata Matsuri (Yukata Festival)  will feature a traditional “Bon Odori Dance”, “Uchimizu” (sprinkling water on the streets to cool off), and “fairs” like typical of summer festivals. The entire town will be decorated in summer! Period: Monday, July 7, 2025; Wednesday, July 9 – Thursday, July 10, 2025   Natsu Ebisu is an event that takes place mainly on July 10, and on Thursday, July 20, miko (shrine maidens) perform “Yutate Kagura,” in which they sprinkle visitors with bamboo branches submerged in boiling water, praying for the reprieve from the heat and for good health. At the “Ebisu Mandoro (Lantern Festival)” starting at 6:00 p.m., the precincts of the shrine are transformed into a fantastic world of light with lit andon (lanterns) and candles. Period: Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 27, 2025   The Mitarashi Festival is a summer event in Kyoto, also known as “Ashitsuke Shinji(Ritual of Foot-soaking)”, in which people take a knee-deep dip in the Mitarashi Pond on the grounds of Shimogamo Shrine to purify themselves of any impurities and pray for good health. Walking through the cool water is a great way to feel cool, and is a fun event for the whole family to participate in. Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025 *October due to the duration of the Osaka-Kansai Expo   Fireworks festivals held in various locations are also a major annual summer event! Please come and see the delicate Japanese fireworks display! ▼Click here for more details▼ 5 fireworks shows in Kansai! This is how Japanese people enjoy fireworks! Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025   This is a traditional summer event in Kyoto to return the spirits of ancestors who were welcomed during Obon to the underworld. A fire is lit on a pyre in the middle of the mountain, and the Chinese characters “Dai”, left “Dai”, “Myou”, and “Hou”, as well as the shape of a boat, float on the pyre. The lights are lit one after the other starting at 20:00, and each can be viewed for about 30 minutes. See the website below for the lighting time and viewing locations. https://kyoto.travel/en/ Date: The dates for 2025 have not yet been announced.   The Bon Odori Festival is held at Meriken Park, the port of Kobe. People dance in a circle to typical folk songs from all over Japan. The choreography of Bon Odori is simple! Let’s join in while watching everyone else dance! Summer events & activities are held mainly at night. Even if you have visited Japan many times, you may discover something new by participating in these limited-time events!

Kobe-1 Day Trip｜Tour of Kobe Shrines along the Hankyu Railway

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Arima Onsen-1 Day Trip｜Enjoy Hot Springs, Gourmet, and Nature!

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