Meet the “God of Manga”! A Complete Guide to the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum & Exploring Takarazuka

Known worldwide as the “God of Manga,” Osamu Tezuka created countless masterpieces, including Astro Boy and Black Jack. In Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, where he spent his formative years from age 5 to 24, you’ll find the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum, a must-visit destination for fans. In this guide, we’ll not only introduce the highlights of the museum, but also share the best spots around Takarazuka, from delicious local cuisine to relaxing hot spring facilities, so you can fully enjoy everything the area has to offer.   Index 1. What is the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum? 2. How to Get to the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum 3. Tickets & Discount Information 4. How Long to Spend at the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum 5. Must-See Exhibits & Experiences of the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum 6. the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum Shop Highlights 7. Recommended Spots Around the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum The Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum is a fascinating place where you can fully immerse yourself in the life of manga artist Osamu Tezuka and the worlds he created, centered on themes such as a love for nature and the preciousness of life.   ・Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM) ・Closed: Mondays (Open on public holidays, as well as during spring and summer vacation periods. Temporary closures may occur due to exhibition changes.) Note: For detailed opening dates, please check the official website calendar. ・From Osaka-Umeda Station: 35-40 minutes via the Hankyu Takarazuka Line ・From Kobe-Sannomiya Station: About 35 minutes via the Hankyu Kobe Line (transfer at Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi Station to the Hankyu Imazu Line) From Hankyu Takarazuka Station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the museum along “Hana no Michi,” a scenic path beautifully lined with seasonal flowers throughout the year. Admission: Adults ¥700 (¥900 from March 2027), Students (junior & senior high school) ¥300, Children (elementary school) ¥100 At the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum, international visitors can receive a 20% discount on admission by presenting one of the following IC cards at the ticket counter: ・KANSAI RAILWAY PASS LITE (valid for one person) ・KANSAI ONE PASS (valid for one person) These cards can be purchased at major transportation hubs, tourist information centers, and service counters throughout the Kansai region. Take advantage of this offer and make your visit even more rewarding! If you’re just exploring the exhibits at the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum, plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you’d like to try creating your own work at the “Animation Workshop,” you can fully enjoy the experience by allowing 2 to 2.5 hours. Standing in front of the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum is a majestic monument of Phoenix (Hi no Tori). At your feet, you’ll also find handprints and footprints of beloved characters such as Astro Boy and Uran, Black Jack and Pinoko, and Leo from Kimba the White Lion. Don’t forget to take photos before heading inside! In the entrance hall, inspired by the royal palace from Princess Knight, the main character Sapphire welcomes visitors. Be sure to look up at the stained glass-style ceiling featuring many of Tezuka’s characters, as well as the floor tile artwork depicting his self-portrait. The museum showcases a wide range of materials related to Osamu Tezuka’s life, including manga he drew as a child, sketches of his beloved insects, and original concept notes. The space feels as if you’ve stepped right into the world of manga.   In the library corner, around 2,000 books are available, including many of Tezuka’s works. There are also translated editions in multiple languages, so take your time to find your favorite. This popular hands-on experience lets you create your own simple animation using actual animation paper used in professional studios. Bring your drawings to life, color your favorite characters, and enjoy the creative process just like a real animator.   ・Reservation: Not required (same-day registration / session-based system) ・Session Times: 9:45 / 10:30 / 11:15 / 12:00 / 12:45 / 13:30 / 14:15 / 15:00 / 15:45 (last session) Note: Sessions are generally scheduled on weekends and public holidays, but may also be implemented on weekdays during busy periods. Located next to the library corner on the second floor, the museum shop offers a wide selection of exclusive items you can only find at the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum.   From fashion items, stationery, and miscellaneous goods featuring beloved characters and iconic manga scenes, there’s plenty to choose from as a souvenir for yourself. If you’re looking for gifts, local sweets with exclusive museum packaging—such as carbonated senbei crackers and cream langue de chat cookies—make perfect presents for family and friends. You’ll also find a great selection of uniquely Japanese souvenirs, including goshuin stamp books newly released in February 2026, as well as traditional items like tenugui cloths and incense. Be sure to pick out the perfect keepsake to remember your trip. Takarazuka offers many spots beyond the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum. Why not explore the area further with sightseeing, dining, and souvenir shopping? The home of the world-renowned, all-female Takarazuka Revue, a one-of-a-kind theater company. Their performances combine a play and a spectacular revue show, delivering a dazzling and unforgettable stage experience.   ▼Check this article▼ Takarazuka you don’t know yet! A fun day at the Takarazuka Grand Theater for beginners Japanese sandwiches are loved by international visitors, and the egg sandwich here is especially famous. Packed with fluffy eggs, it’s a beloved local specialty and a true Takarazuka soul food. After a day of exploring, unwind in this historic hot spring with over 800 years of history. The women’s open-air bath at Hotel Wakamizu features a unique “rose bath” on Mondays and Saturdays. Day-use bathing is also available, so you can relax without staying overnight. Conveniently located right next to Hankyu Takarazuka Station, this department store is perfect for picking up bento meals to enjoy at your hotel or browsing for classic Japanese sweets as souvenirs. From exploring the roots of the “God of Manga” to enjoying beautiful streets, delicious food, and relaxing hot springs, Takarazuka offers a well-rounded travel experience. Why not take a short trip from Osaka or Kobe and enjoy a truly special day?

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.

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