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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Former Kobe Foreign Settlement
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Hanshin Koshien Stadium
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Takarazuka Grand Theater
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Arima Onsen Kin-no-yu
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Sannomiya Center Street
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Kobe Harborland
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Hakushika Memorial Museum of Sake
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Shukugawa park
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Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art
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Hakutaka Rokusuien
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Nihonsakari Sakagura Dori Rengakan
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HAKUTSURU Sake Brewery Museum
RELATED ARTICLES
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8 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 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. 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. 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. Hydrangeas shine in the rain. Feel the change of the season by looking at the pretty blue, purple, and pink flowers.
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A day trip from Osaka! 12 popular sightseeing spots to visit by train
Osaka, the financial center of west Japan. Are you thinking about visiting this amazing city? Or about to start looking for the best tourist attractions in and around Osaka? The following is going to introduce you the most recommended spots for a one-day trip. All of them are easy to access by railway started from the biggest terminal station Osaka-umeda. If you are making plans for your trip, let’s check it out! -INDEX- 1.【Hyogo】Kobe City Center 2.【Hyogo】Mt. Rokko area 3.【Hyogo】Arima Hot Spring 4.【Hyogo】Himeji Castle 5.【Hyogo】Kinosaki Hot Spring 6.【Hyogo】Awaji Island 7.【Kyoto】Arashiyama Area, Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Kyoto City Center 8. 【Kyoto】Nishiyama Area 9. 【Kyoto】Amanohashidate Area 10. 【Kyoto】Miyama Village 11. 【Nara】Nara Park, Todai-ji, Kasugataisha Shrine and Nara City Center 12.【Shiga】Biwako Valley Kobe, a coastal city, developed rapidly under the influence of foreign cultures since the opening of Kobe Port in 1868. Since it has a completely different atmosphere from Osaka and Kyoto, we recommend you to visit Kobe to learn more about West Japan’s culture. Besides, it only takes 30 minutes by railway from Osaka to Kobe. The center of Kobe City is Sannomiya area, which is not very big but full of attractions. In addition to visiting the bay area where you can experience living in a coastal town, you may also go to Kitano Ijinkan street, where has a lot of modern western-style mansions. We also recommend you to visit the art galleries and museums around. If you want to try some authentic Chinese food, Nankin-machi, one of the biggest Chinatown in Japan, is where you should go. Besides that, Kobe also provides you with the experience of Western food culture and Western sweets. ▼Click here▼ First Time in Kobe. 21 Best Things to Do! Sightseeing, Spots, Dining, Model Course Mt. Rokko is the perfect spot to see the entire city of Kobe. Take the cable car to the mountaintop and enjoy the fabulous city view surrounded by beautiful nature. Also, it is close enough to Osaka that you can easily plan it as a one-day trip. Mt. Rokko offers the best night view of Kobe and in the daytime there is chance to see Osaka from afar. In addition, the mountaintop also has a photogenic observatory, a botanical garden, an athletic park, BBQ area and a ranch where not only adults, but children can enjoy themselves. From spring to autumn, the mountain area is covered by alpine plants. A large-scale of art exhibition is held every autumn. During winter, Rokko ski resort is open during the daytime and it is the closest ski resort from Osaka. If you get tired, the famous Arima hot spring is accessible by ropeway from the mountaintop. ▼Click here▼ Mt. Rokko tourist guide Arima Onsen has been known as one of the three best hot springs in Japan, including two popular gold and silver hot spring. It is highly recommended for a one-day trip from Osaka. Besides the hot spring, you can find some authentic Japanese food and taste the famous “carbonated rice crackers”. Walk along the street slowly and enjoy the traditional atmosphere. If you are looking for a cost-effective way to go by railway. Arima hot spring is now offering two kinds of package tickets, both of which includes a one-day railway pass and hot spring ticket. Hankyu expressway bus offers direct access to Arima hot spring and is also highly recommended. ▼Click here▼ Arima Onsen Taikou-no-yu Package Tickets ▼Check out this article!▼ Arima Onsen-1 Day Trip|Enjoy Hot Springs, Gourmet, and Nature! The 10 best food and sweets in Arima Onsen Town Himeji Castle is designated as world cultural heritage and national treasure. It is also called “White Heron Castle” because of its unique wings-shaped rooftop. The main donjon was built in 1609 and keeps showing its beauty to people from all over the world till now. At night, you can see different colors of light up in different season. Himeji Castle was built with strong defensive system in the past. If you want to have an immersive experience, use the AR and CG provided by Himeji Castle. ▼Check out this article!▼ 5 castles in Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo. From World Heritage Sites to the Newest Castles, Places to Visit for Sightseeing Kinosaki Hot Spring has been loved by great writers from the past. Many tourists choose to stay overnight and enjoy the calm atmosphere, but a one-day trip is also possible if you departure early in the morning. 7 different public baths are provided and take your time to enjoy the street. Walking along the river full of elegant willow trees, you can see a lot of people dressed in Japanese traditional yukata and going on a tour of all baths. When snow falls in winter, you can enjoy the indescribable breathtaking scenery during the bath. Also, Kinosaki hot spring town is famous for fresh fish cuisine due to its seaside location. Snow crab is their specialty and you don’t want to miss that. Awaji Island is a leisure spot that is becoming increasingly popular in west Japan. Island bus is provided for those who want to go around the island by public transportation. Awaji island has not only one of the oldest shrines in Japan, but also delicious sea food and chic cafes in which you can enjoy the spectacular view of the ocean and sky. In addition, you can find a roadside station which has Awaji specialties and souvenirs beside Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, the main bridge connecting Awaji Island and mainland. On the way back, you can also choose to take Awaji Jenova line ferry instead of railway. Besides, the leisure area Awaji Yumebutai designed by world-famous architect Tadao Ando has the perfect location overlooking Osaka Bay. This terrific architecture puts nature elements and the modern world together. ▼Click here▼ This is the place to go! An overwhelmingly beautiful architectural spot that harmonizes with the nature of Awaji Island! When it comes to sightseeing in Japan, Kyoto is one of the best places to experience Japanese culture and it only takes 50 minutes to go from Osaka. Now sightseeing express railway “Kyo-Train Garaku” is run together with Hankyu railway. Japanese-style interior is popular among travelers. Passengers just need to pay the regular fee and no reservation is required. For your information, Kyo-Train Garaku is available only on weekends and holidays. ▼Click here▼ “Kyo-train Garaku” Ride Guide ▼Check out this article!▼ Must-visit! 12 World Heritage Sites in Kyoto Arashiyama Sightseeing Guide Nishiyama area is an undiscovered sightseeing spot in Kyoto. In additional to its astonishing nature, Nishiyama area is very close to Osaka. This area has shrines such as Yoshiminei Temple, where you can overlook the whole city area along the mountain road, and Yanagidani Kannon Temple, which is famous for its hydrangeas and Hana-chouzu (the arrangement of flowers and plants on the surface of a water basin). In addition, “Kyoto City Rakusai Bamboo Forest Park” and “Bamboo Path” are more expansive than Arashiyama’s “Bamboo Forest Path” and are good places to hole up. There are also experience facilities such as “Suntory Yamazaki Distillery” known worldwide as one of the “Japanese Whiskey” and “Suntory <Natural Water Beer Factory> Kyoto”. ▼Click here▼ Kyoto Nishiyama|An undiscovered sightseeing spot in Kyoto! Amanohashidate is one of the three best views in Japan, locating in north Kyoto. It has a unique landform with about 6,700 pine trees growing on the reef approximately 20m to 170m wide and 3.6km long created over thousands of years by nature force. Its large undulating shape has long been compared to that of a descending dragon. In addition to walking through Amanohashidate or viewing it from a boat, the view from the observation deck is especially recommended. There is a standard way to enjoy viewing Amanohashidate. Stand with your back to Amanohashidate, bend at the waist and look at Amanohashidate from between your legs. You may be able to see a dragon aiming for the sky while the world is upside down. ▼Click here▼ 【Kyoto】Amanohashidate Travel Guide|Access, Attractive Points, Ine Town and More! Miyama-cho, Nantan city, Kyoto prefecture is a ‘country town’ where still retains peaceful rural atmosphere and traditional houses with thatched rooftops. It takes about 3 hours to go from Osaka city so it can be visited as a one-day trip destination. If you want to have a deep experience of traditional culture of Miyama-cho, we recommend participating in tours such as cycling, mochi pounding, and the ‘half-day home visit’ where you can get a glimpse of the local lives. All sightseeing related information can be found at Kyoto Tamba Kogen Quasi-National Park Visitor Center. English is available at the visitor center. ▼Click here▼ Why is Miyama-cho, Kyoto recommended for overseas tourists? Nara, a city with a long-established culture, used to be the capital city of Japan in 710. The capital Heijo-kyo was built at the site of present-day Nara city and is designated as World Cultural Heritage, together with Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga-taisha Shrine and Yakushi-ji Temple. In particular, Todai-ji Temple has the famous Buddha statue known as the ‘Great Buddha of Nara’. Daibutsu-den, where the Buddha statue is, has been rebuilt and is one of the largest wooden structures in the world. Moreover, Nara is famous for its wild deer which are designated as national monument. Deer in Nara can be seen along the street and they would get close to tourists, making it a rare scene of people and wild animals coexisting in the city. ▼Check out this article!▼ Enjoy the Great Buddha of Nara, the pride of Japan’s World Heritage and power spot Biwako Valley is an activity area built on the top of the mountain with an altitude of about 1,100m to the west of Biwako Lake, the biggest freshwater lake in Japan. The attraction of Biwako Valley is the magnificent panorama of Lake Biwa! Take the ropeway at the bottom of the mountain for 5 minutes and you can enjoy the whole view of the terrific Biwako Lake. Chances are that you may also see Osaka, Kyoto and even the 3,000m mountains from the terrace. At the main view spot Biwako Terrace, you can find sofas and chairs set on a wide wooden deck where you can fully relax yourselves. For those who likes thrilling activities, zipline is available at the mountaintop and there are also athletic facilities called Skywalker for both children and adult. What’s more, ski resort is open during winter and is the perfect place to go for ski and snowboard lovers. Have you found a good place for a day trip? Enjoy! OSAKA KYOTO KOBE” provides useful information for visitors to Japan visiting the Kansai region. Be sure to check out the latest trendy tourist spots and unknown hidden gems!
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First Time in Kobe. 21 Best Things to Do! Sightseeing, Spots, Dining, Model Course
Where is the best place to visit in Kobe? What to eat? The following is a list of major sightseeing spots and attractions recommended for first-time visitors to Kobe! -INDEX- 〇Sightseeing Spots in Kobe 1.Ikuta Shrine 2.Kitano Ijinkan Gai 3.Kitano Tenma Shrine 4.Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway 5.Sorakuen garden 6.Nankinmachi 7.The Former Foreign Settlement Of Kobe 8.Meriken Park (BE KOBE Monument) 9.Kobe Port Tower 10.Kobe Harborland umie 11.Kobe Bay Cruise 12.AQUARIUM×ART átoa 13.Kobe Animal Kingdom 14.Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art 15.Nada Gogo 16.Mt. Rokko area 17.Arima Onsen 〇Gourmet Spots in Kobe 18.Specialties of Kobe・Kobe Beef 19.Specialties of Kobe・Sweets 20.Specialties of Kobe・Bread 21.A specialty of Kobe: Roushouki pork buns ■Sightseeing in Kobe by bus is also recommended ■Kobe Sightseeing 1 Day Model Course The shrine is said to have been founded in 201. Within the shrine grounds, there are various regent and subordinate shrines with various benefits, as well as power spots. The “mizu-mikuji” love fortune-telling, in which characters emerge when the fortune paper is dipped in water, is popular! The artistic “Kirie red seal” also attracts attention. ▼Check out this article! Let’s go to shrines and temples in Kansai for New Year’s “Hatsumode”! Kitano Ijinkan Gai is one of Kobe’s most popular tourist spots! The town flourished as a settlement for the increasing number of foreigners who came to Japan after the opening of the Port of Kobe in 1868, and is dotted with more than 30 classical Western-style buildings, about half of which are open to the public. ▶For more information Kitano Tenma Shrine is located uptown in the Kitano Ijinkan Gai. It is a spot with a spectacular view of the Port of Kobe, the cityscape of Kobe, and the modern Western-style buildings of the Kitano Ijinkan-gai, and is also famous for its plum blossoms, which bloom from February to March. ▼Check out this article! February and March trip is plum blossom viewing! Best spots in Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe A 10-minute ropeway ride from the foot of the mountain takes you to one of the largest herb gardens in Japan, with 75,000 flowers and herbs of about 200 species. Inside the park, there are restaurants and cafes overlooking the city of Kobe, providing a resort-like atmosphere on the mountain. ▶For more information This is the only Japanese garden in a city park in Kobe City, and visitors can admire the garden while circling around the pond. In the modern port city of Kobe, this is a rare spot where visitors can experience a Japanese atmosphere! The scenery of azaleas in spring and autumn leaves in fall is especially worth seeing. ▼Check out this article! Best 14 Places to See Autumn Leaves in Japan (Kyoto, Osaka and More)! Nankinmachi, a Chinatown in Kobe’s Motomachi district, is one of the three major Chinatowns in Japan along with Yokohama and Nagasaki. Eating and walking is popular! There are also many events such as “Chinese New Year Festival,” “Mid-Autumn Festival,” and “Lantern Fair.” After the opening of the Port of Kobe, the Former Foreign Settlement Of Kobe was built following modern European urban planning. Today, boutiques and restaurants are housed in modern buildings, and the area is recognized as a fashionable area with an exotic atmosphere. ▶For more information A waterfront park facing the Port of Kobe. Dotted around the park are photogenic landmarks of Kobe, the city of the sea. One must not forget to take a photo in front of the monument “BE KOBE” when sightseeing! Why not take a walk around the area while feeling the sea breeze? ▶For more information Kobe Port Tower, marked by the red lattice that symbolizes Kobe, reopened on April 26, 2024 (Friday)! In addition to the open-air rooftop deck and the Museum of Reflections of Light, a café and bar with a floor that slowly rotates 360 degrees will appear on the third floor of the observation deck. Visitors can enjoy a light meal while viewing the city of Kobe. Kobe Port Tower is located in Meriken Park. “Kobe Harborland umie” is a commercial facility facing the Port of Kobe, where visitors can enjoy local gourmet food and shopping. The landmark Giant Ferris Wheel is colorfully illuminated at night with approximately 120,000 LED lights. Animated images of Kobe, such as a weathercock and a yacht, are also projected. The view of Kobe from the sea is also spectacular! “Kobe Bay Cruise,” which has a boarding station at Meriken Park, operates a sightseeing boat that takes 45 minutes to travel around Kobe Port. The dusk, which turns into a madder shade of red, is a romantic sight. ▶For more information Aquarium and art fuse together! This is a new type of theater-type aquarium that stimulates the senses by adding digital art, lighting, sound effects and scents to the aquarium where sea creatures live. It is recommended to visit in the late afternoon when there are fewer visitors. ▶For more information A symbiotic park on Port Island where visitors can interact with flowers, animals, and people. There are indoor and outdoor areas where you can meet cute animals, mainly birds, and rare flowers. Recommended for sightseeing with children! It takes about 20 minutes from Kobe Sannomiya Station by Port Liner. ▶For more information The museum was designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando. Visitors can experience the calculated architectural beauty of a huge labyrinth, such as the “Circular Terrace”, a beautiful spiral of cast concrete, and the glass-walled corridors surrounding the exhibition rooms. ▼Check out this article! Tadao Ando Buildings You Should Visit in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe Nada Gogo is the name of one of Japan’s most famous sake brewing areas, consisting of Nishi-go, Mikage-go, and Uozaki-go, located in Kobe City, and Nishinomiya-go and Imazu-go, located in Nishinomiya City. Visitors can tour the museum, taste and purchase valuable sake, making it a popular destination for visitors to Japan. ▼Check out this article! Gourmet trip to enjoy sake by Hanshin Railway ▼Check here for access to each sake brewery! Rokko, close to the city center, is a sightseeing and experience area with a “ten million dollar night view,” an observatory where you can take photogenic photos, and adventure athletic facilities. In particular, the “Kobe Rokko Meets Art” held every year from September to November is a must-see. This popular event blends nature and contemporary art in harmony. ▼Check out this article! Rokko Tourist Guide ROKKO MEETS ART 2023 beyond | Enjoy the great outdoors and contemporary art Arima Onsen, one of the three best hot springs in Japan, is a must-visit tourist spot! You can stay at a ryokan of your dreams or enjoy it as a day trip from Kobe Sannomiya. Enjoy the elegant streets of the hot spring resort, the gold and silver spring with their characteristic spring water qualities, and the gourmet food in the hot spring resort. It is also possible to take a ropeway from the top of Mt. Express buses are convenient from Osaka. ▼Check out this article! Arima Onsen-1 Day Trip|Enjoy Hot Springs, Gourmet, and Nature! The 10 best food and sweets in Arima Onsen Town Kobe beef is one of the most popular gourmet foods in Kobe! Many people want to enjoy its fine grain, sweetness, and aroma. “kisshokichi-honten” specializes in Kobe beef that has passed a strict screening process. Web reservations in English and Chinese are also available. Kobe was one of the first cities in Kansai to adopt Western culture, and has a thriving confectionery culture, including cakes, chocolates, baked goods, and gaufres. Afternoon tea can be enjoyed at the popular PATISSERIE TOOTH TOOTH main store cafe. Sweets in unique packages are recommended as souvenirs. Like sweets, Kobe also has a well-established bread culture. The long-established Isuzu Bakery was established in 1946 and offers 180-190 varieties of bread every day. “Roushouki” is a long-established Chinese restaurant located in front of the Nanjing Town Square and has been a favorite for over 100 years. The line outside the restaurant is made up of people who want to try the famous “pork buns”. The freshly made pork buns are the perfect accompaniment to your meal. There are also many other gourmet foods loved in Kobe, such as Western cuisine, gyoza, and bokkake yakisoba. For more information, check out the article below! 10 Delicious Gourmet Foods in Kobe! Local Specialties and Local Foods Recommended by Locals Kobe’s major tourist attractions are compactly located, but the city has many hills due to its location between the mountains and the sea. If you are worried about getting around on foot or are tired on the way, we recommend using the City Loop Bus. ▶Click here for the official website. We have prepared a recommended model course for those who wish to enjoy the attractions of Kobe in one day. Please see the article below. Kobe-1 Day Trip|Enjoy the fashionable port city, Kobe♡ Kobe has developed a different culture from Osaka and Kyoto, even in the same Kansai region. Please enjoy the scenery of this high-carat port town.
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[Latest in 2024] The best time to see flowers is from April to May! 11 spots to enjoy 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 [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. About 1 million nemophila plants are in full bloom on an approximately 44,000 m2 site along the sea overlooking the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge. On Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays, the opening hours are extended so that visitors can enjoy the orange flowers and the setting sun over the nemophila fields. There will also be limited-edition gourmet foods that can only be enjoyed here. The most popular item is the soft-serve ice cream, which is a lovely pale blue color like the nemophila flowers. It is recommended to take a picture of the soft-serve ice cream with the nemophila field in the background. The “Kitchen Car Fest in Maishima” will be held at the same time in the park. About 15 kitchen cars from all over Japan will gather to offer visitors the opportunity to taste a variety of Japanese gourmet foods. 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 this area. Nemophila Festival: April 6, 2024 (Saturday) – May 6, 2024 (Monday, national holiday) Usual viewing time: early 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 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 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 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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Seven famous places for wisteria flowers in Kansai. Spots with purple spring flowers.
Spring in Japan is the season of flowers! Many people may think of cherry blossoms when they think of spring flowers in Japan, but wisteria flowers is a spring flower that is familiar to Japanese people and has even been written about in waka poems. The best time to see isteria flowers is after the cherry blossoms have fallen. Even after the cherry blossoms are over, there are still some Japanese landscapes that we would like visitors to see! *Admission and worship fees are required to view some spots. For details, please check the official website of each spot. -INDEX- [Osaka, Fukushima-ku] Shimofukushima Park, etc. [Osaka, Higashisumiyoshi] Nagai botanical garden [Tamba-shi, Hyogo] Byakugou-ji Temple [Takarazuka-shi, Hyogo] Nakayamadera Temple [Kyoto,Uji] Byodoin Temple [Kyoto, Fushimi] Jounangu [Nara] Kasuga Taisha Shrine Wisteria flowers can be seen even in urban centers. The Fukushima-ku and Noda area, near the Umeda area of Osaka, has been known as a famous place for Fuji trees for about 600 years. This is also where the standard Japanese name for the wisteria flowers(Fuji) is “nodafuji”. Noda’s wisteria flowers were almost completely wiped out in an air raid during World War II, but have now been restored thanks to the efforts of local residents. The flowers bloom every year at 29 locations in the ward, including parks and public facilities. In particular, Shimofukushima Park has the largest number of wisteria trellises in the ward and is worth seeing. The plaza in front of Hanshin Noda Station is also picturesque, with its fantastic contrast between the purple hues of the wisteria flowers and the urban landscape. Usual viewing time: mid-April The collaboration of blue and light purple flowers at “Nagai Botanical Garden” looks great in photographs. Nemophila, a popular spring flower in Japan in recent years, blooms all over the Life Garden, which covers an area of about 2,000 square meters. Next to it, in mid-April, nodafuji (wisteria flower) blooms with light purple flowers, making this a spot where visitors can see all the popular flowers at once. The Nagai Botanical Garden is only one subway train ride away from Umeda, Shinsaibashi, and Namba. It is easily accessible from the center of the city, and visitors can encounter a wide variety of plants, trees, and flowers throughout the year. The permanent nighttime outdoor museum “Team Lab Botanical Garden Osaka” is also popular! ▼For more information, click here.▼ Highlights and things to do at teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka Usual viewing time: mid-April (Nemophila: mid-April to early May) There is no one who is not moved by the sight of the wisteria at Byakugou-ji Temple! It takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Osaka Station to Byakugou-ji Temple by train and cab, but the scenery is so spectacular that it will leave you speechless. The previous chief priest planted this variety of wisteria flowers about 30 years ago, and the flower clusters are over 1 meter long. The volume of the wisteria trellises is overwhelming, as they are set up in an L-shape over a vast area of 120 meters. The wisteria flowers pour down from overhead like a shower. At night, the area is illuminated. The illuminated wisteria flowers is like an aurora borealis trailing in the sky. Usual viewing time: early to mid May Nakayama-dera Temple is famous for its fertility and safe delivery. It is located in Takarazuka, where hot springs spring water gushes out. There is an 80-meter-long wisteria trellis in “Hoshi no Hiroba” in the precincts of the temple, and from mid to late April, the wisteria flowers are in full bloom. Purple wisteria are most commonly seen in Japan, but Nakayama-dera Temple is characterized by its white wisteria. If you visit on a sunny day, they look like clouds floating in a blue sky! The sweet fragrance of the wisteria flowers also wafts through the air. Usual viewing time: mid to late April Byodoin Phoenix Hall, built in 1053, is a famous landmark depicted on the 10-yen coin, and is a must-see spot if you are visiting Kyoto as a tourist. Byodoin Garden, with its seasonal flowers, together with the Phoenix Hall built on the middle of the pond and the view of the mountains on the other side of the pond, is an image of the Paradise that people envisioned when the temple was built. In spring, the pond is filled with blooming wisteria flowers, which harmonize beautifully with the gorgeous Phoenix Hall. This is truly a paradise-like setting with an elegant Japanese flavor that should not be missed. Usual viewing time: mid-April to early May Jonangu is a place where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers. There are five gardens within the precincts of the temple, and every year the hues of wisteria flowers in the “Muromachi no Niwa” garden, a garden with a circular garden with a pond. In spring, there is much to see, as not only the wisteria flowers but also the Yamabuki and azalea trees on the grounds bloom around the same time. In addition, there is a “wisteria miko kagura” performance (free admission) in which a shrine maiden holding a wisteria branch in her hand and crowned with a cluster of wisteria flowers performs a kagura dance, and if you receive a “wisteria flower charm,” the shrine maiden will purify you with a kagura bell (1,000 yen per charm). This is a spot where visitors can not only admire the flowers, but also enjoy the “experience. Usual viewing time: Late April Wisteria Miko Kagura: twice a day at 10:00 and 15:00 on May 1-6, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, and 26, 2024 Kasuga-taisha Shrine is one of Nara’s major tourist attractions with its beautiful shrine pavilions painted in bright vermilion, and is designated as a World Heritage Site. The wisteria flowers is an important flower for Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and is even used in the shrine’s crest. The wisteria flowers grow wild throughout the shrine grounds, and the “Wisteria of Sunazuri” at the Main Sanctuary is known as a famous tree. In addition, about 300 varieties of flowers and plants related to Japan’s oldest anthology of poetry, Manyoshu, are planted in the Manyoshu Botanical Garden, where about 200 wisteria flowers of 20 varieties are grown, allowing visitors to learn about the differences in shape, size, and color of the flowers depending on the variety. Usual viewing time: mid-April to early May Since ancient times, Japanese people have been sensitive to the changing of the seasons. Don’t you think that the graceful and dignified impression of the wisteria flowers is linked to the Japanese image of harmony? Please visit a spot where you can see the Japanese-style scenery of the wisteria flowers.
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