KOBE
Kobe has so many facets waiting to be enjoyed including a refined harbour area, mountains offering views of the night scenery, streets overflowing with an exotic mix of cultures, and even a storied hot springs resort.
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7 cherry blossom illumination in Kyoto, Osaka and Hyogo. Fantastic Japanese Spring Nights
Cherry blossoms are an essential part of the spring scenery in Japan. Many people choose the right time of year to visit Japan to enjoy the cherry blossom scenery. While it is nice to visit famous cherry blossom viewing spots during the daytime, the fantastic scenery of cherry blossoms illuminated at night is also very tasteful. This article introduces spots in Kyoto and Hyogo where cherry blossoms are illuminated at night. *Please note that the admission fees and charges for viewing cherry blossoms illuminated at night may differ from the regular admission fees and charges. *Please check the official website of each spot for details such as the time of the event. -INDEX- 【Kyoto】World Heritage Site Nijo-jo Castle/”NAKED Sakura Festival 2024: World Heritage Site Nijo-jo Castle” 【Kyoto・Higashiyama】Kodai-ji Zen Temple/Spring Night Special Entrance(illumination) 【Kyoto・Higashiyama】Jodo Shu head temple Chion-in 【Kyoto・Okazaki】Heian Jingu Shrine/Sakuraotoyo2024 【Osaka】Expo’70 Commemorative Park/Cherry blossom trees along Higashioji Street illumination 【Hyogo・NIshinomiya】Shukugawa Park/Sakura Illumination Kurakuen 【Hyogo・Himeji】Himeji Castle/Himeji Castle Night Cherry Blossom Viewing Party Dates: March 8, 2024(Friday) -April 7, 2024(Sunday) Nijo-jo Castle, a World Heritage Site, is home to approximately 300 cherry trees of 50 varieties. Cherry blossoms are usually short-lived, but the blooming period of cherry trees at Nijo-jo Castle differs depending on the variety, allowing visitors to enjoy them for as long as one month. A nighttime event, “NAKED Sakura Festival 2024: World Heritage Site Nijo-jo Castle” will be held at the same time. Cherry blossom projection mapping at the Kara-mon Gate, an important cultural property, and digital artwork featuring the painted barriers inside the Ninomaru-goten Palace, a national treasure, will appear. In addition to enjoying an artistic hanami experience, there will be cherry blossom-themed alcohol, drinks, and sweets for sale. *Illumination viewing areas will be limited. Dates: March 15, 2024 (Friday) – May 6, 2024 (National Holiday) Higashiyama is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kyoto. Kodai-ji Zen Temple is one of the most popular temples. During this period, the entire temple grounds, including the hall, garden, and bamboo grove, will be illuminated. The cherry blossoms in the Hashin-tei garden in front of the Hojo (main building) are especially wonderful when illuminated. The pink cherry blossoms standing alone in the white sand garden of Karesansui (dry landscape garden) are showered down like a shower. The dignified appearance of the cherry blossoms in the spotlight is a sight to behold. Dates: March 23, 2024 (Saturday) – April 3, 2024 (Wednesday) Jodo Shu head temple Chion-in is especially famous for the cherry blossoms in front of its national treasure, Sanmon. The beauty of the pretty pink cherry blossoms against the massive and powerful Sanmon is nothing short of impressive. In addition to the approximately 200 cherry trees, the National Treasure Mieido and Daishoro, an important cultural property, are also illuminated, making it a must-see. From Chion-in to Maruyama Park and Kodai-ji Zen Temple, famous for the “Gion-no- Yozakura” (cherry blossoms at night in Gion), and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, it is recommended to visit all the famous night cherry blossoms in Higashiyama, Kyoto, at the same time Dates: April 3, 2024(Wednesday) -April 7, 2024(Sunday) The Shinen of Heian Jingu Shrine is a Japanese garden representative of the Meiji era. Of the vast grounds totaling approximately 33,000 square meters, the red weeping cherry trees in the south and east shrine gardens are famous, and are illuminated at night. One of the most popular nighttime cherry blossom viewing events unique to Shinen of Heian Jingu Shrine is the annual concert held at the Higashi-Jinen-Kihinkan. This elegant event allows visitors to enjoy the fantastic cherry blossoms while listening to live gagaku and classical music performed on the banks of Seiho Pond. *Additional fee is required to view the concert. Dates: March 25, 2024(Monday) -April 3, 2024(Wednesday) Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Osaka, selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots. cherry blossoms start blooming around mid-March and the park is dyed in beautiful pink. From March 25 to April 3 (Wed.), the cherry trees along Higashioji Street will be illuminated. The rows of lustrous cherry blossoms lining both sides of the road are a sight to behold. During the daytime, there will be special openings of the “Pan-an and Banri-an” tearooms in the vast Japanese garden, and tea ceremonies at the “Pan-an” (for a fee). Why not experience a typical Japanese spring scene with cherry blossoms and tea? ▼Check out this article too▼ Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is a great place to visit in Osaka! Highlights Explained! Dates: March 23, 2024 (Saturday) – April 7, 2024 (Sunday) (subject to change depending on blooming conditions) About 10 minutes by Hankyu train from Kobe-Sannomiya station, and about 20 minutes by Hankyu train from Osaka-Umeda station. The rows of cherry trees along the riverside, which can be seen from the platform of Hankyu Shukugawa Station, are one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Hyogo Prefecture, selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan! Approximately 1,660 cherry trees and 1,520 pine trees are planted along the riverside avenue. In particular, the view of Mt.Kabuto and the cherry blossoms from the bridge just outside Hankyu Kurakuen-guchi Station is spectacular. At night, “Nishinomiya Tourism Association” and “Kurakuen Stores Meeting”, a shopping association around Kurakuen-guchi Station, sponsor a illumination event, which can be enjoyed free of charge. The cherry blossoms are reflected on the surface of the river like a mirror, creating a spectacular scene. The area around Kurakuen-guchi Station is a residential area, so there are many families and unique restaurants scattered around the area. This is a spot where you can fully enjoy the charm of cherry blossoms from the perspective of everyday Japanese people. Dates: March 29 (Friday) – April 7 (Sunday), 2024 Himeji Castle, designated as a World Heritage Site and a National Treasure, is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot. A night cherry blossom viewing party will be held in Nishinomaru Garden. Himeji Castle is also called “Shirasagi-jo” (White Egret Castle) because it looks like a white egret with its wings spread. The collaboration of its majestic figure, which rises white in the darkness under the lights, and the cherry blossoms is a sight to behold. The cherry blossoms are illuminated only for a short period of time in spring! Enjoy the heart-stopping scenery and make it a precious memory of your trip.
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The 10 best food and sweets in Arima Onsen Town
Arima Onsen is one of the three oldest hot springs in Japan, and is close enough to make a day trip from major Kansai cities such as Umeda, Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. In this hot-spring city, visitors can enjoy the retro atmosphere of a hot spring resort and two distinctive types of hot water, making it a popular spot among Japanese people. A stroll through such an onsen town is not complete without tasty gourmet foods and sweets! Let’s enjoy the historic town with gourmet foods to eat and drink! -INDEX- Yoito Manju at Mitsumori Main store Warabi mochi (bracken-starch dumpling) at INANO SABO Soy milk donuts at Mamekiyo Arima Raw Carbonated Rice Cracker at Yunohanado Honpo Taikodori store Soda cracker tiramisu at Mitsumori Cafe Gelato at alima gelateria Staglione Croquettes at Takenaka butcher store Arima Sansho Bread, Tanba Kuromame Bread, and Salt Bread at Pain de Bow Akashiyaki at Akashiyaki Arima Juhachiban Arima Beer Japan Ale at ARIMA BREWERY Hot manjuu (steamed buns) are a staple of hot spring resort eating! You can also find them in Arima Onsen Town. Manju is a sweet made by kneading wheat flour and other ingredients into a dough, wrapping it with sweet bean paste and steaming it. The bite-size “Yoito manju” has a smooth sweet bean paste inside, and its simple taste will make you feel at home. You will want to eat as many as you can! Soy milk-based sweets store run by a former tofu maker. The soy milk doughnut “Bounatsu” is just right for eating and walking around! Three small soy milk doughnuts on a skewer have a cute, photo-worthy shape. There are many flavors to choose from. Soft ice cream topped with soy milk doughnuts is also available. The “Raw Carbonated Rice Cracker” was invented by Yunohana-do Honpo to enjoy the crispy and light Soda Senbei with a soft texture. After receiving a freshly baked soda rice cracker from the staff, eat it right away. The dough hardens quickly, so the shelf life is 5 seconds! Taste the unique texture. Tansansan senbei (Soda cracker) are rice crackers made crispy and light by using soda water, and are a traditional specialty of the Arima hot spring resort area! If you walk around the hot spring resort area, you are sure to see them at souvenir stores! Each brand has its own special flavor and taste, so it is recommended to compare them. Recently, an evolutionary type of soda cracker has been invented, and Mitsumori Cafe offers it in a tiramisu style. A simple snack gets a stylish makeover! All gelato at the handmade gelato specialty store “arima gelateria Stagione” is made using only milk from cows raised at the foot of Mt. Rokko, which is adjacent to Arima. We recommend the “Rokko Premium Milk” for its rich milk flavor. The “Salted Mascarpone with Kinkan-scented Amazake” is the flavor that won first place in the Japanese Gelato Championship. Kobe beef is a must when you come to Kobe! At Takenaka butcher store, a long-established Kobe beef specialty restaurant in Arima, you can enjoy Kobe beef in a casual setting. A must-try is the handmade croquette, of which 1,000 are sold per day! The sweetness of the meat and potatoes is exquisite. If you want to eat with gusto, try the grilled Kobe beef on a skewer! Look out for breads full of originality made with ingredients unique to Arima! The “Arima Sansho Bread” contains tsukudani (food boiled down in soy sauce) made from Arima’s specialty, Arima pepper! The “Salt Bread” has a simple flavor using salt made by cooking the golden spring water pumped from the source of the Arima Onsen hot spring. Tanba Kuromame Bread is also popular. Akashiyaki is a local delicacy from Akashi, Hyogo, which is said to be the origin of takoyaki. Akashiyaki Arima Juhachiban is the only restaurant in Arima Onsen where Akashiyaki is served. The thick batter made of flour and eggs is grilled on an iron plate and served with an original blend of kombu dashi (kelp soup stock). The texture of the dough and the deliciousness of the broth are a perfect match with the crunchiness of the plump octopus inside! ARIMA BREWERY is a craft beer stand bar. It sells local beer and sake from Hyogo Prefecture, including “Arima Beer,” a locally brewed beer made by a long-established liquor store in Arima Onsen. Among them, “Arima Beer & Japan Ale” is a brand that has won a gold medal in a global beer competition. Served fresh from the keg, Japan Ale is the perfect drink to enjoy after a hot spring bath! We also have a video showing the stores we introduced! Please take a look! Arima Onsen town can be enjoyed as a day trip. Please enjoy Arima’s specialties and gourmet foods while touring the emotional town.
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The latest in 2024 | 21 Cherry Blossom Spots in Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo)
From famous cherry blossom viewing spots to hidden gems, here are some of the best places to view cherry blossoms by area for your reference in the spring of 2024. -INDEX- [KYOTO area] [KYOTO Arashiyama area] ・Togetsukyo Bridge, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Arashiyama ・Randen (Keifuku Electric Railway) Cherry blossom Tunnel ・Tenryuji Temple, where you can enjoy cherry blossoms while overlooking the city of Kyoto ・Daikakuji Temple, where you can enjoy cherry blossoms reflected on the surface of water [KYOTO Higashiyama area] ・Keage Incline is popular for its rows of cherry trees in full bloom ・Kodaiji Temple, a popular cherry blossom viewing spot for its illumination ・Cherry Blossom Walk “Philosopher’s Walk” ・Heian Jingu Shrine, famous for weeping cherry blossoms [KYOTO Nishiyama area] ・Shobo-ji Temple to enjoy cherry blossoms at a temple called Ishi-no-tera ・Phantom Sengan Cherry Blossom, Oharano Shrine ・Commonly known as the Temple of Flowers, Shouji-ji Temple ・The entire mountain is dyed pink at Yoshimine Temple [OSAKA area] ・Japan Mint, Cherry Blossom Passage ・Osaka Castle Park with a spectacular view of the castle and cherry blossoms ・Osaka Sakura Cruise ・Ikeda Satsukiyama Ryokuchi, cherry blossom viewing spot for the whole family] [HYOGO area] ・The cherry blossoms along the river are magnificent at Shukugawa Park ・Oji Zoo where you can enjoy cherry blossoms even with small children ・Sumaura Sanjo Yuen Park, where you can enjoy the view overlooking the Seto Inland Sea and cherry blossoms ・Takarazuka Hana no michi, a beautiful walking path to Takarazuka Grand Theater ・Kokoen Garden, a Japanese garden in Himeji for cherry blossom viewing There are many picturesque cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto. You can never miss the famous spots! I want to go to a place where there are as few people as possible! Here are some cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto by area that will fulfill both of your wishes. Arashiyama is rich in seasonal changes. The clear Oigawa River and the graceful appearance of the Togetsu Bridge over it attract people’s hearts no matter what time of year they visit. In spring, the view of cherry blossoms, mountains, river, and bridge together is magnificent. The view of the Togetsukyo Bridge over the overflowing cherry blossoms and Arashiyama beyond is as beautiful as a picture scroll. ▼Click here for a model course that allows you to quickly capture Arashiyama sightseeing in half a day. Kyoto Arashiyama Sightseeing Half-day Model Course! Capture the bamboo forest, temples, nature, and major spots! A tunnel of cherry blossoms appears between Narutaki and Utano Stations on the Randen Kitano Line. Someiyoshino cherry trees line both sides of the line for about 200 meters. The retro trains that run through the cherry blossoms are also attractive. Tenryuji Temple was built by Ashikaga Takauji. It is a beautiful spot with cherry blossoms in the distance, such as weeping cherry trees blooming against the backdrop of Dahouden Hall and Mochikyo-no-oka overlooking Arashiyama in spring. Cherry trees are planted around Osawa Pond, the oldest man-made garden pond in Japan, and visitors can enjoy a 1-kilometer walk around the pond. The cherry blossoms reflected in the water mirror are also beautiful. Higashiyama is home to a concentration of Kyoto’s most famous sights. The area, which is easily accessible from downtown Kawaramachi, Kyoto, is dotted with cherry blossom viewing spots. Please enjoy the town of Higashiyama dyed in pink. A total of 582 meters of inclined railroad near Nanzenji Temple, and now visitors can freely walk on the rails. In spring, you can enjoy the romantic scenery amidst the rows of cherry trees that fill the area. This Zen temple was built by Nene to mourn the loss of Hideyoshi. In spring, weeping cherry trees in the Hojo Garden bloom beautifully, their bright pink color shining on the white sand of the garden. During the nighttime viewing, the Hojo front garden with weeping cherry trees will be illuminated. Friday, March 15, 2024 – Monday, May 6, 2024 (national holiday) 17:00 (light-up) – 22:00 (reception closes at 21:30) Wherever you go along the Philosopher’s Walk, there are cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms! The side trips to shrines and temples scattered along the way are also enjoyable and make you lose track of time. Most of the cherry trees that adorn Heian Shrine are red weeping cherry trees. As the name suggests, these cherry trees are bright red in color. The contrast with the vermilion shrine pavilions is magnificent. There’s even a spot away from the city center of Kyoto where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms! Enjoy the cherry blossoms in a relaxing atmosphere at this ancient shrine nestled in the nature of Nishiyama. ▼Kyoto Nishiyama is the next hot spot in Kyoto! For more information, please click here. Kyoto Nishiyama|An undiscovered sightseeing spot in Kyoto! The “Garden of Birds and Animals,” lined with stones that resemble animals and birds, is a beautiful spot where weeping cherry trees stand dignifiedly. The most notable cherry blossom on the grounds of Oharano Shrine is the “Sengan-zakura” (cherry blossom with a thousand eyes). It is said to be a phantom cherry blossom that blooms for only two or three days, and if you are lucky enough to see it, your wish will come true. At Shouji-ji Temple, commonly known as “Flower Temple,” about 100 cherry trees spread their branches spontaneously. The temple is famous for the “Saigyo Cherry Blossoms,” which are said to have been planted and loved by the monk Saigyo. Various varieties of cherry trees, including higanzakura (higan cherry), shidarezakura (weeping cherry), yamazakura (mountain cherry), and botanzakura (botan cherry), color the spring scenery in the precincts. The temple is also famous for its dynamic view. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Kyoto. There are many cherry blossom viewing spots in the Osaka area, including cherry blossoms to be enjoyed in the city and in parks. Japan Mint Bureau is a regular spot that is often voted No. 1 in the ranking of Osaka’s cherry blossom viewing spots. Although the grounds are not accessible during the day, they are open for a limited time only during the “Cherry Blossom Passage,” which is held when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. *In 2023, online pre-registration (first-come, first-served) was required, but no information is yet available for 2024. Cherry blossoms at Japan Mint are mainly late-blooming yaezakura, and many types of cherry trees can be enjoyed while walking along the 560-meter promenade. Each cherry tree is planted with a different variety of cherry blossom, so find the one you like best! This lush green park stretches around Osaka Castle and offers a spectacular view of cherry blossoms with the castle tower in the background. The Nishinomaru Garden, surrounded by important cultural properties, is famous for its approximately 300 cherry trees, mainly Someiyoshino. The castle tower and the pink-colored cherry blossoms are a spectacular view unique to Japan. ▼Check this article for recommended castle spots other than Osaka Castle! 5 castles in Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo. From World Heritage Sites to the Newest Castles, Places to Visit for Sightseeing The “Naniwa Tanken Cruise with Rakugo Storytellers,” which offers sightseeing in Osaka City with the entertaining guidance of Rakugo storytellers, will be operated as the “Cherry Blossom Special Cruise” for a limited time in spring. This is a very popular cruise every year, where you can enjoy the rows of cherry blossom trees that are slightly tinted with spring colors from the surface of the river. The cruise takes about 120 minutes and you can see the cherry blossoms along the Okawa River. Satsukiyama Ryokuchi, located in Ikeda, Osaka, is a popular spot where you can enjoy a free zoo, hiking, barbecues, and playground equipment all day long. On weekends during the holiday season, the park is crowded with families with children and hikers. From the entrance of the park to the Hinomaru Observatory at the top of the mountain, Someiyoshino and Yamazakura cherry trees are in full bloom everywhere. There are many places famous for cherry blossoms in the Hyogo area. Kobe, Takarazuka, Himeji, etc., offer a different atmosphere from Osaka and Kyoto. Shukugawa Park has a beautiful view of the cherry blossoms reflected in the river. It has been selected as one of the “100 Best Places for Cherry Blossoms” and is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. The path lined with cherry blossom trees on both banks is a perfect walking course. You can also enjoy the cherry blossoms from the nearest station, Hankyu Shukugawa Station. At Hankyu Shukugawa Station, there’s a cute bench with a cherry blossom motif! Opened in 1951, Oji Zoo is one of the best leisure spots in Kobe where parents and children can enjoy a full day of close observation of animals. Oji Zoo is also a great place to enjoy cherry blossoms. There are about 480 cherry trees in the park alone, and nearly 800 cherry trees in the entire Oji Park. The collaboration of animals and cherry blossoms, including giraffes and elephants, is fascinating. Please enjoy the warm weather and be healed by the animals. Sumaura Sanjo Yuen Park is a popular amusement park for parents and children, where you can enjoy the view of the blue sky and the sea. You can get there by taking the Sumaura ropeway and gondola. You can see the collaboration of cherry blossoms with Osaka Bay and Akashi Strait. It is famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot in Kobe. The number of cherry trees in bloom here and there in the park is one of the largest in Kobe. The “Hana no michi” that leads from Hankyu Takarazuka Station to Takarazuka Grand Theatre is filled with cherry blossoms in spring. The tunnel of cherry blossoms in full bloom looks like a flower path on a stage. It is also popular among Takarazuka Revue fans. Kokoen Garden is a popular tourist spot when visiting Himeji. This is a Japanese garden with World Heritage “Himeji Castle” in the background. The garden area is large along the southwestern part of Himeji Castle. The gardens are approximately ten thousand tsubos (about 3.5 hectares). Those who come to visit Himeji Castle must not miss out to come and visit this garden. This garden consists of 9 separate strolling-style gardens of different sizes and landscaping themes in the style of the Edo Period. Various types of gardens such as hills and ponds, tea ceremony gardens, bamboo groves, or flower gardens are designed to allow us to enjoy the beauty of the four seasons in Japan. You can only enjoy the cherry blossom-colored scenery of Japan during the short spring period. Please check it out as soon as possible and use it as a reference for your travel plans.
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Very popular in Japan! 5 strawberry afternoon tea recommendations around Osaka
“Afternoon tea” is now a popular trend in Japan! Afternoon tea originated in England, but Japanese afternoon tea is gaining popularity for its gorgeous appearance. Every year from December to spring, “strawberry” themed afternoon teas appear in hotels and cafes. Strawberries, with their eye-catching bright red color are one of the most popular afternoon teas of the year. Therefore, this article introduces strawberry afternoon tea offered at hotels in Osaka and Hyogo, where you can enjoy an extraordinary experience. *All photos are images. -INDEX- 1.【Osaka Umeda】Hotel Hankyu International “Afternoon Tea Set -Supreme-“ 2.【Osaka Umeda】Hotel New Hankyu Osaka “-Yam café- Strawberry Princess” 3.【Osaka Fukushima】Hotel Hanshin Osaka“Night Afternoon Tea -very berry night-” 4.【Hyogo Takarazuka】Takarazuka Hotel “Winter Afternoon Tea -berry×chocolate -” 5.【Osaka Fukushima】Hotel Hanshin Osaka“Winter Japanese Afternoon Tea -Nagomi-” Period: December 1, 2023 (Friday) – February 29, 2024 (Thursday) ※Quantity limited Hotel Hankyu International’s strawberry-themed afternoon tea begins with a welcome drink. It is served on a beautiful tea stand with five savory dishes and scones. The savory menu is authentic and delicious, skillfully using a variety of ingredients, such as lobster royale (Western-style steamed egg custard) with caviar, and roast beef with the aromatic scent of truffle oil and strawberry croissant sandwiches. Meanwhile, four sweets, including strawberry pavlova and strawberry tiramisu, and strawberries are on one plate. The chef’s ideas of combining unexpected ingredients shine through, such as using fu(wheat gulten bread) chocolates as an accent and rice cooked with milk. Afternoon tea is served with petit fours and free-flowing drink such as“JING TEA”, a tea brand founded in 2004. Period: Limited to Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from January 6, 2024 (Saturday) – March 31, 2024 (Sunday) Popular afternoon tea at French & Chinese restaurant“MONSELET”, a restaurant where you can enjoy both French and Chinese cuisine. The theme this time is “Strawberry × Princess”! This strawberry afternoon tea is full of cuteness that will tickle a maiden’s heart. The menu consists of nine strawberry-filled sweets and four Chinese savories, including cute pink dim sum. Each item is so beautifully presented that you will fall in love with it, and you will never get tired of it. The free-flow drink lineup includes tea and coffee as well as Chinese tea and strawberry tea. In addition, the afternoon tea concludes with a plated dessert! You will be satisfied with the hospitality that will continue to surprise you until the very end. Period: December 1, 2023 (Friday) – February 29, 2024 (Thursday) Closed: Sunday, Monday, Holidays Afternoon tea with strawberries and other berries served at the 7th floor Bar“Caballero” is recommended for those who want to enjoy sweets with drinks! The Night Afternoon Tea, available only after 5:00 p.m., includes 9 sweets, a dessert by the glass, 4 snacks, and a glass of sparkling wine. The dessert by the glass is a wine jelly and raspberry mousse, and the design is captivating, as if a butterfly has landed in the glass. The snacks, such as cheese quiche, salmon, and nutty items, are perfect with sparkling wine. For an additional charge, you can also order all-you-can-drink alcohol. Enjoy a relaxing and elegant time as an adult in this hideaway-like space. Period: December 1, 2023 (Friday) – February 29, 2024 (Thursday) Takarazuka Hotel is located next to Takarazuka Grand Theater. The elegant and classical space makes you feel as if you are the hero of a story. Elegant afternoon tea is served in the lounge on the first floor. The sweets are arranged in various ways with berries and chocolate as the main ingredients, such as bright red heart-shaped raspberry and strawberry mousse, and milk tea tarts with tiara-shaped chocolates. The design is mature, with impact, but with a low showiness. From the finely designed teapots to the matching cups and saucers, cutlery, and attentive staff service, a comfortable space has been created for wonderful tea time. Period: Weekdays only from December 1, 2023 (Friday) to February 28, 2024 (Wednesday) Closed: Mondays and Thursdays (except holidays) At last, although not a strawberry afternoon tea, we would like to introduce you to a unique afternoon tea that will make your trip to Japan memorable! Japanese Restaurant Hanaza, located on the second floor of Hotel Hanshin Osaka, offers Japanese-style afternoon tea on weekdays only. The first thing you see is a gorgeous three-tiered box. In addition to dashimaki(japanese-style rolled omelet) sandwiches, sweet potato brulee, and Japanese-style crepes, the bottom drawer is filled with Japanese sweets, madeleines, macaroons, and other sweets of a Japanese-Western blend! In addition, the menu is full of the originality that only a Japanese restaurant can offer, such as fruit tempura and “monaka,” a Japanese confectionery that you can freely combine to create your own unique dish. Afternoon tea with a Japanese theme is rare and generous in volume. Enjoy it with a free-flowing selection of Japanese teas. The ever-evolving Japanese afternoon tea continues to be a hot genre for sweets lovers! Catch the trend and enjoy a trip to Japan that is different from the others.
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February and March trip is plum blossom viewing! Best spots in Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe
Plum blossoms bloom in February and March, when the weather remains cold, to herald the arrival of spring. The dainty appearance of ume flowers blooming while enduring the cold has captured the sensibility of the Japanese people since ancient times. Plum blossoms have the following characteristics. ・The flower has been popular in Japan since ancient times. ・They are pretty and resemble cherry blossoms in shape. ・The blooming period is longer than that of cherry blossoms. ・They come in many varieties, with a wide variety of shapes and colors. ・Plum garden is filled with the sweet and sour smell of plum blossoms. When sightseeing in the Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe areas during the cold season, it is hard to decide where to go. Why not visit some of the famous plum blossom viewing spots? -INDEX- 【OSAKA】 ・Osaka Castle Park Plum Grove , The castle tower and plum blossoms ・Osaka Temmangu Shrine, God of Learning and Entertainment ・Expo Park, famous for the Tower of the Sun 【KYOTO】 ・Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, God of Learning ・Umenomiya-taisha Shrine, the oldest plum blossom viewing spot in Kyoto ・Jonan-gu Shrine, weeping plum trees in full bloom 【KOBE】 ・Kitano Tenma Shrine, a shrine in the sky ・Okamoto Plum Blossom Park, overlooking the city of Kobe ・Kobe Suma Rikyu Park, many varieties of plum trees Osaka Castle Park Plum Grove is one of the most famous plum blossom viewing spots in Kansai. About 1,270 plum trees are planted in an area of about 1.7 hectares on the east side of the inner moat of Osaka Castle. Please take your time to enjoy the castle, the plum blossoms, and the scenic beauty. Osaka Temmangu Shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, and is popularly known as “Tenjin-san of Temma”. When the plum blossoms are at their best, the Plum Blossom Festival is held. Around the Hoshiai Pond on the north side of the temple grounds, there are about 100 white and red plum trees, which are very vivid. There are two plum gardens in the vast expanse of Expo Park. There are about 600 plum trees of 120 varieties in the Natural and Cultural Garden and about 80 plum trees of 40 varieties in the Japanese Garden. Enjoy the fragrance that spreads all over the area as you gaze at the Tower of the Sun floating in a sea of plum blossoms. All year round, students come to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, known as the god of learning, to pray for the success of their exams. When the plum blossoms are in full bloom, the plum garden associated with Michizane Sugawara is open. You can walk around among the plum trees and enjoy the fragrance of the plum blossoms. The symbol of Umenomiya-taisha Shrine, 450 ume trees of about 35 varieties are planted throughout the shrine grounds. It is recommended to visit the shrine when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the late blooming plum trees are in full bloom. Umenomiya-taisha Shrine is also famous for the cats that live in its precincts. This shrine is a must-see for cat lovers. During the plum blossom season, Jonan-gu Shrine is visited by many tourists because of the beautiful contrast between the plum trees that cover the overhead and the red camellia flowers that fall in dots. Founded in the south of Kyoto at the time of the Heian-kyo Capital transfer, it is worshiped as a major shrine that removes worries about moving, construction, and house construction. Kitano Tenma Shrine is located up the hill from the beautiful Kitano Ijinkan Street lined with foreign residences. The plum blossom garden on the hill behind the shrine is known as one of the best plum blossom spots in Kobe, and is decorated with many plum blossoms, especially white plum blossoms. From the observatory in the plum grove, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Kobe and the Port of Kobe. *100 yen entrance fee required. There are about 130 plum trees of 21 species planted on a hill in Okamoto, with a great view. You can enjoy the plum blossoms while overlooking the city. This plum grove park is famous for its beautiful plum blossoms, so much so that it was once called “Okamoto for plum blossoms and Yoshino for cherry blossoms”. From the early-blooming varieties of Yaekankou and Gyokubotan to the late-blooming varieties of Bungo, 160 plum trees of about 25 varieties bloom one after another in a relay-like pattern for about a month. At the same time, daffodils and rape blossoms blooming at our feet add color to the scene.
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Arima Onsen-1 Day Trip|Enjoy Hot Springs, Gourmet, and Nature!
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Mt.Rokko, Kobe-1 Day Trip|Perfect Panoramic Views and Outdoor Adventure Park!
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Namba to Kobe-1 Day Trip|Special Trip with The HANSHIN TOURIST PASS
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Kobe-1 Day Trip|Enjoy the fashionable port city, Kobe♡
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Umeda to Takarazuka -1 Day Trip|Recommended Spots to Enjoy With Kids Even On a Rainy Day!