Shubodai Observatory | Walking Guide from Osaka Ikeda Station

Satsukiyama stands almost at the center of Ikeda City in Osaka. With an elevation of around 315 meters, this mountain is a symbolic landmark of the area. Scattered across the summit are five viewpoints, all known for stunning night scenery—so impressive that they’ve been selected as part of the “Top 100 Night Views of Japan.” Among them, Shubodai is especially popular thanks to its easy access: it’s only about a 30-minute walk from Hankyu Ikeda Station. This guide covers everything you need to know, from how to get to Shubodai to recommended attractions nearby.   <index> 1. About Ikeda City in Osaka, home to Shubodai 2. What to bring and what to wear before hiking to Shubodai 3. How to get to Hankyu Ikeda Station from Osaka-Umeda 4. Walking time and route from Hankyu Ikeda Station to Shubodai 5. How to enjoy your visit to Shubodai 6. Other sightseeing spots in Ikeda to enjoy together with Shubodai Ikeda City is located in the northern part of Osaka and offers excellent access—only about 20 minutes from central Osaka’s Umeda Station on the Hankyu Railway. Known as the birthplace of instant ramen, the city is home to the CupNoodles Museum, where visitors can create their own original cup noodles. Ikeda also features historic sites such as Ikeda Castle Ruins Park. With its mix of food culture, history, and insights into Japan’s modernization, Ikeda is a great destination for travelers looking to explore beyond central Osaka. Be sure to wear comfortable sneakers or walking shoes. The route involves walking from the station and includes sections of mountain paths, so high heels or sandals are not recommended. Depending on the season, bring appropriate layers to stay warm, along with water for hydration. If you plan to enjoy the night views, carrying a small flashlight is reassuring. As you’ll be exploring nature, dressing in comfortable, easy-to-move-in clothing is the best choice. From Osaka-Umeda, take the Hankyu Railway. Osaka-Umeda Station is a major terminal with trains to Kobe and Kyoto, but to reach Ikeda Station—the nearest station to Shubodai—you’ll board the Hankyu Takarazuka Line from platforms 4–6. The ride takes about 18 minutes by Rapid Express, and the one-way fare is 280 yen.   For travelers planning to explore multiple areas, the Hankyu 1-day Pass (1,300 yen) is a great deal, offering unlimited rides on all Hankyu lines for a full day. 〈Digital Ticket〉Hankyu 1-day Pass – 2025 Edition Once you arrive at Hankyu Ikeda Station, it’s time to head toward Shubodai. Exit through the station’s only ticket gate, turn left, and continue straight—do not go down the stairs or escalator in front of you. Before long, you’ll see a pedestrian bridge. Cross it, and you’ll enter Sakaemachi Shopping Street. From here, just keep walking straight. Even after the covered arcade ends, continue straight ahead. About 10 minutes from the station, the road gradually becomes a slope. Soon, you’ll reach a fork where a staircase and a sloped path split. Follow the sign for “→ Satsukiyama Park” and take the stairs on the left to reach the park. The stairs are quite steep, so if you prefer an easier route, continue straight on the sloped detour instead. From Satsukiyama Park, the “Daimonji Course” hiking trail begins, leading toward Shubodai. Enjoy a pleasant 15-minute walk through nature, and you’ll arrive at the viewpoint. The entire journey from the station takes about 30 minutes, but since much of the route is uphill, it’s best to take breaks and walk at a comfortable pace. Shubodai is especially beautiful during twilight, just before and after sunset. The soft colors of the sky paired with the glowing city lights create a wonderfully romantic atmosphere. After dark, you’ll be treated to a dynamic nightscape featuring the lights of Ikeda City and the illuminated line of the Hanshin Expressway. You can see all the way to central Osaka, and just below the viewpoint lies Itami Airport, where planes taking off and landing create a magical, almost cinematic scene. It’s no surprise that Shubodai is a popular spot for couples looking for a romantic date. In spring, visitors can also enjoy cherry blossoms around the area. Along the way to Shubodai, you’ll find Satsukiyama Zoo—known as the second smallest zoo in Japan. Here, you can meet the adorable wombats that visitors love. (Since 2024 June, the zoo is open on a limited basis due to renovation work and requires advance reservation through a lottery system.) Near the zoo stands Ikeda Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Ikeda City and a place associated with the “Orihime Legend.” It’s a peaceful spot where you can enjoy a quiet visit while feeling the history and romance of the area. Back near Hankyu Ikeda Station, you’ll discover a lively traditional shopping street. It’s the perfect place to wrap up your walk—enjoy some local food, browse small shops, or pick up souvenirs to take home.   ▼For more restaurant information▼ 3 restaurants where you can eat plant-based food near CUPNOODLES MUSEUM in Osaka Ikeda Halal, vegan and vegetarian list in Ikeda, Osaka & recommended sightseeing spots to experience Japanese culture!   This guide introduced how to access Shubodai—one of the most popular scenic viewpoints in northern Osaka—along with useful information about the surrounding area. Spending time here while taking in the beautiful sunset and night views will surely become one of the most memorable moments of your trip.

Nakanoshima Park and Recommended Nearby Attractions

Nakanoshima Park is one of Osaka’s most iconic parks, located in the heart of the city’s business district. Beloved by locals as a relaxing urban retreat, the park is especially famous for its rose garden, which reaches full bloom in spring and autumn. In addition to its natural beauty, visitors can enjoy stylish cafés and world-class art at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art. Here’s a complete guide to the charm of Nakanoshima and its surroundings.   Index 1. What is Nakanoshima Park 2. How to Get to Nakanoshima Park 3. Nakanoshima Park: An Urban Oasis with Seasonal Flowers 4. Recommended Spots Around Nakanoshima Park Established in 1891 as Osaka City’s first public park, Nakanoshima Park is a historic green oasis stretching about 1.5 kilometers between the Dōjima and Tosabori Rivers, covering an area of 11.3 hectares. Surrounded by lush greenery, the park offers a refreshing escape in the heart of the city.   Around the park, you’ll find beautiful historic architecture such as the Osaka Central Public Hall and the Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library, both designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. From Yodoyabashi to Higobashi, the 400-meter-long Nakanoshima Promenade is lined with zelkova, camellia, and azalea trees, as well as ten expressive sculptures that make for a peaceful and scenic walking route.   Within the park, both the rose garden and the Nakanoshima Library are free to visit, making it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy Osaka’s culture and nature. You can easily reach Nakanoshima Park directly by train from major hubs such as Osaka Station or Namba Station. It’s just a 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of Yodoyabashi Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line, or a 3-minute walk from Exit 26 of Kitahama Station on the Keihan Line or Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line.   There is no official parking lot at Nakanoshima Park. While there are several coin-operated parking spaces nearby, visitors are encouraged to use public transportation for the most convenient access. Nakanoshima Park is one of Osaka’s most famous rose gardens. Stretching about 500 meters east to west across a 13,000-square-meter area, it features around 310 varieties and 3,700 rose bushes in full bloom. The best times to visit are from early May to early June and from late October to mid-November.   Just one stop from Osaka-Umeda Station, this urban oasis in the heart of the business district is perfect for a leisurely walk or picnic. Bring along a bento lunch and enjoy it in the park for a refreshing break in the middle of the city.   ▼Check these article▼ [2025] The best time to see flowers is from April to May! 12 spots to enjoy spring flowers in Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe area)! 12 Best Autumn Flowers Japan｜Rose, Dalia, Cosmos And Kochia In addition, “The Festival of Lights in Osaka”, a signature winter event held across various locations in Osaka, also takes place at Nakanoshima. The area serves as one of the core venues for “OSAKA Hikari Renaissance”, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of Nakanoshima not only during the day but also at night, when the park is illuminated with dazzling light displays.   ▼For more info▼ ＜Osaka Umeda＞ Festival of the lights in OSAKA 2025 〇Nakanoshima Museum of Art   The Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka stands out among the surrounding office buildings with its striking, jet-black cube-shaped architecture. The museum houses a collection of around 6,000 works, focusing on major Japanese and international art and design pieces from the late 19th century to the present day, and regularly hosts diverse exhibitions. Among its highlights is the exceptional collection of works by Yuzo Saeki, an artist deeply connected to Osaka, which is regarded as one of the finest in scale and quality.   The first and second floors feature free-access areas, allowing visitors to enter freely for a short rest, a meeting spot, or simply to appreciate the building’s architecture. Blending art and architecture, the museum serves as a new cultural landmark in Osaka. 〇Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest   Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest is a unique cultural facility created to inspire children to explore books freely and nurture their boundless imagination and curiosity. Its collection includes not only picture books but also encyclopedias, children’s literature, cookbooks, and art books.   The building—instantly recognizable for the blue apple sculpture at its entrance terrace—was designed and donated to the city of Osaka by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, who was born in Osaka.   Admission is free, and while same-day entry is possible depending on availability, advance online reservations are recommended to ensure entry.   [How to Make an Online Reservation for Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest] ・Capacity: 100 visitors per session (complete turnover system) ・Reservations open at 10:00 a.m. 14 days before your visit ・Up to 5 people can be reserved per booking ・Cancellations or changes can be made up to 15 minutes before your reserved time *Children aged 3 and above count toward the total number of visitors. Children aged 2 and under do not need to be included. ▶Click here to access the advance reservation site   ▼Tadao Ando Architecture Highlights in Kansai▼ 6 Tadao Ando Buildings You Should Visit in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe 〇Nakanoshima River Cruise   Hop aboard the Nakanoshima River Cruise and experience the charm of “Water City Osaka” from a completely new perspective. Glide gracefully along the river while taking in stunning views of illuminated bridges, retro architecture, and sleek modern skyscrapers in the Nakanoshima West area—an elegant fusion of the old and new that creates a breathtaking evening skyline.   The cruise features a small luxury limousine boat with comfortable sofa seating, offering a relaxing, resort-like atmosphere in the heart of the city. Sit back and enjoy a 20-minute urban cruise that showcases Osaka’s riverside beauty at its finest.   As seating is limited, advance online reservations—available up to three months in advance—are highly recommended. On weekends and national holidays, cruises typically operate 1–2 times per hour from 2:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., but please check the latest updates for the most accurate schedule. *Operating schedule for 2026 has not yet been determined.   The Nakanoshima River Cruise also offers a special cherry blossom course from late March to early April, when the sakura are in full bloom. This limited-time 50-minute cruise lets you admire rows of Somei Yoshino cherry trees from the water—an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of Osaka’s spring scenery.   ■Cruise Fare (Approx. 20-Minute Course)   Adults: ¥2,000   Students: ¥1,000 Children (Elementary school age and under): Free   ※Student fare applies to junior high, high school, university, and vocational school students (student ID required).   ※One child per paying adult is free. For each additional child, a ¥500 fare applies. 〇Kitahama Terrace   The Osaka Kawadoko Kitahama Terrace is located along the Tosabori River across from Nakanoshima Park, near Kitahama Station. Around 15 cafés and restaurants feature open-air terrace seating, offering a relaxing riverside dining experience. Enjoy a leisurely café time while taking in the retro cityscape of Nakanoshima and the gentle flow of the river. 〇Enjoy the Cafe and Dessert   ■Kitahama Area Across the Tosabori River from Nakanoshima Park lies the Kitahama area, home to a number of well-known patisseries, including the flagship store of GOKAN Kitahama Main Shop. Many cafés in this district are housed in stately retro buildings, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing tea time while soaking in the romantic atmosphere of the Taisho era.   ■Yodoyabashi Area Located at the eastern end of Nakanoshima Park, Yodoyabashi is the heart of Osaka’s business district, yet it’s also rich in historic architecture and refined cafés. From long-established coffee shops with a calm ambiance to elegant lounge cafés, the area offers peaceful escapes from the city bustle. You’ll also find renowned teppanyaki and Japanese restaurants, perfect for a more refined dining experience.   The “urban oasis” of Nakanoshima Park is filled with charm that deserves more than just a quick visit. Start your morning with a leisurely stroll through the rose garden or along the riverside, then enjoy a refined breakfast at a retro-style café. Spend the afternoon immersed in art and culture at the museum or library, and as evening falls, take a river cruise to admire the illuminated cityscape. Blending history, art, and nature in perfect harmony, this area engages all the senses and leaves lasting memories of Osaka. So grab your camera and set out to discover your own story in Nakanoshima.   ▼Check these articles▼ 3 Days in Osaka! The Best Way to Enjoy Osaka for the First Time  

Fukushima, Only One Stop from Osaka Station: Discover Hidden Backstreet Gems Loved by Locals

Just one train stop from Osaka Station, Fukushima is a vibrant neighborhood packed with a wide variety of dining options. Step into its backstreets, and you’ll discover unique, character-filled eateries with a local vibe offering a completely different atmosphere from the bustling Osaka Umeda area. In this guide, we’ll introduce some of the best spots to explore in the Fukushima area.   Index 1. Where is Osaka Fukushima? 2. Fukumaru Dori (Street) 57: A lively spot with charming terrace seating 3. Hankyu Oasis: A casual place to enjoy drinks with a spacious eat-in area 4. Recommended hotels in Fukushima Located just one train stop from JR Osaka Station and Hanshin Osaka-Umeda Station, Fukushima is also within a 15–20 minute walk. It’s conveniently close to the trendy new spot “Grand Green Osaka” near JR Osaka Station. The area around the station is packed with dining options, ranging from casual local izakaya frequented by residents to stylish restaurants. With its wide variety of eateries, Fukushima has become a popular neighborhood for food lovers seeking a more local and diverse dining scene. Just a 3-minute walk from JR Fukushima Station, Fukumaru Dori 57 stretches beneath the elevated tracks of the JR Osaka Loop Line. Lined with unique izakaya and bars, it’s an exciting spot where simply strolling through the street lifts your mood. One of its highlights is the terrace seating inspired by a blend of Spanish bar culture and Japan’s traditional alleyway dining scene. You can enjoy dishes purchased from the bar and café area in this open, relaxed setting. Whether it’s an afternoon or a lively evening, the atmosphere changes throughout the day, making it a place you’ll want to visit more than once. A community-focused supermarket chain with locations across Kansai, including Osaka and Hyogo, Hankyu Oasis is operated by the same group as Hankyu Department Store. Known for its high-quality fresh produce and wide selection of deli items, it’s a supermarket filled with both great taste and variety. Located on the west side of Fukumaru Dori 57, the Hankyu Oasis Fukumaru Dori 57 Store spans two floors. On the second floor, you’ll find a 50-seat eat-in space where you can enjoy items purchased in-store—such as prepared foods and drinks—in a casual, bar-like setting. There’s also a self-service coffee machine, making it a convenient spot for a quick café break as well. Conveniently located just one stop from JR Osaka Station, Fukushima offers a शांत and relaxed atmosphere despite its central location—making it an ideal area to stay during your Osaka trip. Here are some recommended hotels around Fukushima Station: Located right in front of JR Fukushima Station, Hotel Hanshin Osaka is known for its natural hot spring baths available in every guest room. Rooms on the higher floors (14th floor and above) offer beautiful city views. The hotel also features a variety of dining options, including Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine. The newly opened steakhouse “Roin,” launched in April 2026, has been gaining attention. Situated along Fukumaru Dori 57, Hotel Hanshin Annex Osaka features interiors inspired by traditional Japanese colors, patterns, and materials. A highlight is the photogenic spot in the second-floor lobby, decorated with rotating lantern displays. The hotel blends modern comfort with Japanese aesthetics and offers convenient amenities for longer stays, including a 24-hour free ironing room and a self-service laundry facility. In this guide, we introduced Fukumaru Dori 57, a unique spot in Osaka’s Fukushima area where restaurants, a supermarket, and hotels come together in one lively hub. Known for its abundance of dining options, Fukushima is also a great choice for your stay in Osaka. Be sure to consider it for your next trip!

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.   The best time to visit is generally during the rainy season, from early June to early July.   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.   Best time to view: Mid-June   ▼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)!   For a limited time, they are offering “paper-cut goshuin” featuring hydrangea motifs.   Best time to view: Mid-June to early July   ▼Click here for information on recommended restaurants and popular museums in Ikeda▼ 3 restaurants where you can eat plant-based food near CUPNOODLES MUSEUM in Osaka Ikeda 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. Best time to view: Mid-June 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.   Best time to view: Late-June   ▼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.   Best time to view: Mid-June to Late-June 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.   Best time to view: Late-June 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.   Best time to view: Mid-June to Mid-July 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.   Best time to view: Mid-June to Mid-July 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.   Best time to view: Mid-June to Mid-July 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.   Best time to view: Late-June to Late-July 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.

[2026] 12 spots to enjoy spring flowers in Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe area)!

Spring is the season when all the plants and flowers that have been sleeping begin to move at once. Why don’t you go out to see colorful plants and flowers that give you a warm spring feeling? Here are some spots where you can enjoy flowers and plants in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe.   -INDEX- [Nemophila] Osaka Maishima Seaside Park, Osaka [Nemophila]Kobe Agri Park “Nemophila Hill 2025”, Kobe [Poppy] Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, Osaka [Aomomiji] Minoh Park, Osaka [Yamabuki] Matsuo-taisha Shrine, Kyoto [Kirishima Azalea] Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto [Peony] Otokunidera, Kyoto [Water Lily] Ryoanji Temple, Kyoto [Wisteria flowers] Nakayamadera, Takarazuka [Azalea] Sorakuen Garden, Kobe [Rose] Aramaki Rose Park, Itami [Japanese Primrose]Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, Kobe Nemophila is a small, lovely flower of clear blue. It is a popular flower in recent years because of its spectacular view of the whole area spreading out like a blue carpet.   Approximately 1 million nemophila flowers bloom across the 44,000-square-meter grounds of Osaka Maishima Seaside Park, which overlooks the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. On weekends and holidays, the park extends its hours so visitors can enjoy the sight of the setting sun sinking into the nemophila fields and the landscape as it turns orange.   There is also an area in the park where visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms and tulips with nemophila, so if you are coming to Japan in spring, be sure to visit Osaka Maishima Seaside Park.   Nemophila Festival: April 11 (Sat) – May 10 (Sun), 2026 Usual viewing time: early April to early May   Kobe Agri Park’s “Nemophila Hill”,  a new spring attraction featuring approximately 1 million blooming nemophila flowers, has opened in Kobe! The harmony between the nemophila flowers that blanket the hill in blue and the clear blue sky creates a breathtaking panorama you’ll want to capture in photos.   Kobe Agri Park also has restaurants, barbecue facilities, a winery, a ceramics museum, and other facilities, allowing visitors to enjoy “food” and “agriculture” in various ways along with the nemophilas. Nemophila Hill 2026: Saturday, April 18, 2026 – Sunday, May 17, 2026 Usual viewing time: late April to early May Poppy is a member of the poppy family that has long been cultivated for ornamental and medicinal purposes. The seeds are also used in cooking. The Expo ’70 Park’s Shizen Bunka-en (Nature Park) and Hana-no-oka (Flower Hill) are decorated with approximately 380,000 poppies. The contrast of colors between the yellow and orange poppies and the fresh blue nemophila can also be enjoyed.   Usual viewing time: early April to early May Aomomiji refers to the leaves of maple trees that turn from young leaves in spring to increasingly darker green. You can enjoy the fresh and crisp leaves of ao-momiji until they turn red in the fall. Minoh Park is famous for its autumn leaves, but it is also very beautiful in the fresh green season. Enjoy forest bathing surrounded by the sparkling green maples in the sunlight while listening to the murmuring of a mountain stream and the chirping of wild birds.   Usual viewing time: Late April to late May ▼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 Yamabuki is a deciduous shrub in the rose family with beautiful, almost orange-yellow flowers. The flower has been familiar to the Japanese people since ancient times.   Matsuo-taisha Shrine, known as a place of famous water, has about 3,000 yamabuki trees, which turn the shrine grounds yellow. The Yamabuki Festival is held every year when the flowers are at their best.   Usual viewing time: mid-April to early May It is very familiar in Japan and is often planted as a roadside tree or garden tree. It is loved by many people for its very vivid flowers.   Vivid Kirishima azaleas are in full bloom at Hachijogaike Pond at Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine. The crimson-tinged path surrounded by azalea plantings more than 2 meters high is magnificent.   Usual viewing time: Late April – early May The peony is a plant that symbolizes beauty and has long been used as a design for crafts and paintings. It produces beautiful and large flowers like roses.   There are 2,000 peony plants of about 30 varieties at Otokunidera Temple. Protected by white Japanese umbrellas for sun protection, the bright pink and red buttons bloom in large profusion.   Usual viewing time: mid-April to early May Water lilies are striking aquatic plants with flowers that seem to float above the water. It is widely distributed in ponds and swamps.   Kyoyoike Pond at Ryoanji Temple, a World Heritage site, is famous for its water lilies. Not only white but also red and pink flowers cover most of the pond. The flowers often open in the morning and close at noon, so the best time to see them is in the morning.   Usual viewing time: Mid-May to late August The Japanese Wisteria flowers is a species endemic to Japan and is mentioned in the Manyoshu(Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves, refers to the extensive collection of poems compiled during the Nara period in Japan). The long, hairpin-like flowers hang down in a drooping manner. Purple flowers are common, but white and pink flowers also exist. At Nakayama-dera Temple’s Star Plaza, there is a magnificent wisteria trellis that stretches about 80 meters. The rows of white wisteria flowers look like “clouds floating in a blue sky. The sweet fragrance of the flowers can also be enjoyed.   Usual viewing time: Mid-April to late April ▼Check this article▼ 7 Best Spots for Wisteria Flowers in Kansai: The Spring filled with purple flowers Sorakuen garden is Kobe City’s only Japanese garden, covering an expansive area of approximately 20,000 square meters, where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the seasons. In early summer, approximately 4,000 brightly colored white and pink azaleas fill the garden. Every spring, an event called “Tsutsuji Yuusan” is held, during which important cultural properties are opened to the public, musical concerts, tea ceremonies, and other events can be enjoyed.   Usual viewing time: Late April – early May Roses have long been cultivated for perfumery and medicinal purposes.” It is said to be “the flower that symbolizes love,” and is often used in arrangements and bouquets because of its gorgeous appearance and wide variety of types and colors.   At Aramaki Rose Park in Itami, approximately 10,000 roses bloom in a stylish southern European-style garden. The view of the park, with its sloping terrain and colorful colors, is a must-see.   Usual viewing time: Mid-May to mid-June Japanese Primrose is the largest member of the primrose family, with flower stalks that can reach 80 cm in length. It grows in clusters in wetlands at the foot of mountains.   At the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, numerous alpine plants bloom from May to June. The 5,000 or so Japanese Primrose that fill the wetlands are especially breathtaking.   Usual viewing time: Mid-May to late May ▼Check this article▼ Mt.Rokko, Kobe-1 Day Trip｜Perfect Panoramic Views and Outdoor Adventure Park! The colorful flowers that bloom in spring are a source of comfort and relaxation for those who see them. Why don’t you take advantage of the warm, sunny weather and visit some of the best places and spots for flowers in Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe?

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