Hyogo travel plans for families, partner, and friends
- 1Day 1: Exotic atmosphere, gourmet food and night view of Kobe
- 2Day 2: Awaji Island's Breathtaking view, Japanese Mythology Experience, and Sunset
- 3Day 3: Historical exploration and hot spring experience at Kinosaki Onsen
- 4Day 4: Stroll around the castle town and relax at Arima Onsen, Japan's oldest hot spring
- 4-1Gekkoen Kourokan
- 4-2ArimaImperial Garden
- 4-3Arima Onsen Tosen Goshobo
- 5Day 5: Experience nature and animals on Mount Rokko
- 6Summary
Day 1: Exotic atmosphere, gourmet food and night view of Kobe
-
Morning: Spot 1
Kitano Foreigners' Houses
#Old, stylish Western-style houses #Shopping #Exquisite gourmet foodIt takes about an hour and a half by limousine bus and train from Kansai International Airport. First, enjoy the exotic atmosphere! In Kitano, Kobe, there are many stylish Western-style buildings that were once home to foreigners. Some of the buildings can be entered, giving you a glimpse of how people lived at the time. There are also general stores, souvenir shops, stylish cafes and restaurants, so you can enjoy a break or a meal in an exotic atmosphere.
-
Afternoon: Spot 2
Nankinmachi Chinatown
#Chinese food #Eating out #SouvenirsAbout 25 minutes by train from Kitano Ijinkan. Enjoy authentic flavors and lively action! Located in the center of Kobe, this is a lively area decorated with colorful lanterns. Don't miss out on a quick food stroll, where you can enjoy piping hot dim sum and authentic Chinese cuisine. There are also plenty of souvenir shops, where you can find Chinese ingredients and miscellaneous goods. You can enjoy authentic flavors and an exotic atmosphere in a lively atmosphere.
-
Afternoon/Evening: Spot 3
Kobe Port Area
#Kobe beef gourmet #breathtaking harbor Breathtaking view #Port TowerIt is about a 15-minute walk from Nankinmachi Chinatown. Enjoy the scenery interwoven with the sea and exotic atmosphere. It is an attractive area where beautiful port scenery harmonizes with historical buildings and modern facilities. There are many spots suitable for strolling and photography, such as the iconic Port Tower, Meriken Park and Kobe Harborland. There are also many restaurants and shops specializing in Kobe beef, so you can enjoy dining and shopping while looking out at the sea.
Recommended Hotel
Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel
The hotel enjoys a perfect location on Kobe Port. From the guest rooms and restaurant, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful sea and cityscape that is so characteristic of Kobe. All rooms have balconies, allowing you to relax in an open space. In addition to the sophisticated design and high-quality service, there are plenty of tourist attractions in the surrounding area, making your stay in Kobe even more special. This hotel combines location, views, and comfort.
View hotel details
Other recommended hotels
Day 2: Awaji Island's Breathtaking view, Japanese Mythology Experience, and Sunset
-
Morning: Spot 1
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge/Awaji Island Park
#Breathtaking Breathtaking view #One of the world's largest suspension bridges #Popular Japanese animeWe will travel to Awajishima via the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, which is the world's largest suspension bridge at 3,911m long and connects Kobe City to Awajishima. It is also a popular tourist spot. You cannot go directly by train, so you can take an express bus from Kobe Sannomiya Station or Maiko Station. There is also a bus to Awajishima Park. If there is not, take a taxi on Awajishima. This is a vast park that makes use of the rich nature, where you can enjoy flowers and scenery, as well as activities. At the facility "Nijigen no Mori" within the park, there are numerous attractions based on popular anime and games such as Naruto, Monster Hunter, and a limited-time collaboration with Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. There are plenty of facilities that can be enjoyed by a wide range of generations.
-
Afternoon: Spot 2
Izanagi Shrine
#Power sacred places #Japanese Heritage #Japan's first married couple godsIt is about an hour by bus from Awajishima Park. It is one of the oldest shrines in Japan, and enshrines Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, who are known as the first married couple couple in Japan and appear in Japanese mythology. It has also been recognized as a Japanese Heritage site as one of the cultural assets that make up "Awaji, the Island of Creation." You can fully enjoy the history in the grounds and the shrine, and visit sacred places, the large camphor tree "married couple Okusu," which is about 900 years old, to receive blessings for married couple harmony, safe childbirth, and matchmaking.
-
Afternoon/Evening: Spot 3
Awaji Island West Coast Area
Breathtaking view sunset #Exquisite gourmet #Hello KittyIt's about an hour by bus from Izanagi Shrine. The Awaji Island Sunset Line is dotted with spots where you can see a beautiful sunset, which has been selected as one of the 100 best sunsets in Japan. In the evening, enjoy a meal while strolling around the west coast area of Awaji Island. In addition to Breathtaking view sunset, after the sun goes down, the illuminated facilities and the night view reflected on the sea create a fantastic atmosphere. You can spend an elegant time eating Awaji Island's exquisite gourmet food at places like "Seigaiha", "Awaji Chef Garden", and "Ladybird Road". There are also Hello Kitty facilities in the area.
Recommended Hotel
GRAND CHARIOT Hokutoshichisei 135°
This is a glamping facility that can be rented exclusively for the whole building, located within Hyogo Prefectural Awajishima Park Anime Park "Nijigen no Mori". Located on the 135th meridian east, it is a location where you can enjoy the rich nature of Awajishima and the beautiful starry sky. From the unique guest rooms that are designed in the image of a cocoon, you can look out over the magnificent scenery and starry sky. All rooms are equipped with cypress baths, allowing you to spend your time relaxing. There are also many rooms that are collaborations with characters such as Hello Kitty and Crayon Shin-chan.
View hotel details
Other recommended hotels
Day 3: Historical exploration and a hot spring experience at Kinosaki Onsen
-
Morning: Spot 1
Himeji castle
#Registered as a World Heritage Site from Japan #Famous CastlesTake a limousine bus and train from Awaji Island to Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site. The journey takes about two hours. It is one of Japan's most famous castles, and is also known as "White Heron Castle" for its beauty. In 1993, it was registered as Japan's first World Heritage Site along with Horyu-ji Temple. The castle is large and has a lot to see, so take your time and explore using the audio guide. There are also facilities around Himeji Castle where you can experience history and culture, such as art galleries and museums.
-
Afternoon: Spot 2
Around Kinosaki Onsen Station/Kinosaki Ropeway
#Eating out in the hot spring town #Footbath #Ropeway #Great Breathtaking viewIt takes about 3.5 hours by bus and train from Himeji Castle. You can enjoy a stroll through the hot spring town and the natural scenery. There are Ryokan (Japanese inn), souvenir shops, restaurants, and more around the station, so you can feel the bustle of the hot spring town. Enjoy a foot bath and a meal while you walk! The ropeway that connects Kinosaki Onsen town to the top of Mt. Daishi offers a beautiful view of Kinosaki Onsen town, the Sea of Japan, and the surrounding mountains from the top. At the midpoint of the ropeway, you can visit Onsenji Temple, the guardian temple of Kinosaki Onsen.
-
Night: Spot 3
Kinosaki Onsen
#Walking around the hot spring town #traditional Japanese multiple course meal #Visiting hot springsKinosaki Onsen is a historic hot spring resort with a history of over 1,300 years. After a long journey, your body will be tired, so refresh yourself by taking a relaxing bath at a hot spring inn and eating delicious Japanese kaiseki kaiseki（a traditional Japanese multiple course meal ）. We also recommend strolling around the hot spring town at night. The lit-up streets are enveloped in a fantastical and romantic atmosphere. Walking around the hot spring town at night in a yukata and enjoying visiting the outdoor Visiting hot springs is an experience unique to Kinosaki Onsen.
Recommended Hotel
Tajimaya
Located in the center of Kinosaki Onsen town, this is a Japanese-modern Ryokan (Japanese inn) with a lot of atmosphere. With a theme of "healing," the inn offers a warm space that makes use of natural ingredients, a special hot spring, and cuisine that uses plenty of local seasonal ingredients. There are three private baths with different atmospheres, so you can enjoy the hot springs in a private space. You can choose from a variety of original yukatas to rent, so you can enjoy a stroll around Kinosaki Onsen town in your favorite yukata.
View hotel details
Other recommended hotels
Day 4: Stroll around the castle town and relax at Arima Onsen, Japan's oldest hot spring
-
Morning: Spot 1
Izushi Castle Town
#Historic streetscape #Famous soba noodles #Walking around the town in a kimonoIt takes about an hour by train and bus from Kinosaki Onsen Station to Izushi Castle Town. This historic castle town is also known as the "Little Kyoto of Tajima," and is attractive for its beautiful streetscape and unique culture. You can experience the atmosphere of old Japan. Try the local specialty, Izushi Soba, and take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets. We also recommend changing into a kimono and walking around the town. Visit the Izushi Castle ruins and Izushi Historical Museum to experience the history and culture of Izushi.
-
Afternoon: Spot 2
Zuihoji Park
#Famous autumn foliage spots #Forest bathing #Japanese historyAlthough it is quite a distance, we head to Arima Onsen in about 4 hours by bus and train. Zuihoji Park is a beautiful park located in the Arima Onsen hot spring area, known as a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves. The best time to see the autumn leaves is from early to mid-November. It is also a scenic spot that is said to have been loved by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Take a leisurely stroll along the walking trails while enjoying forest bathing. There are many historical sights to appreciate, such as the old Zuihoji temple gate and the stone goban.
-
Afternoon/Evening: Spot 3
Taiko no Yu/Arima Onsen Town
#Hot spring theme park #Japanese garden #Walking around the hot spring townA 10-minute walk from Zuihoji Park. Enjoy Arima Onsen to the fullest! This hot spring theme park is a popular tourist spot where you can enjoy history, hot springs, and relaxation all at once. There are 26 types of baths and rock saunas, including the two representative spring qualities of Arima Onsen, "Kinsen" and "Ginsen," as well as three types of artificial carbonated springs. In addition to the hot springs, there is also a large Japanese garden, restaurants, body care, and a rest area. After enjoying your fill, take a leisurely stroll around Arima Onsen town.
Recommended Hotel
Gekkoen Kourokan Hotel
This is Ryokan (Japanese inn) with a relaxing hot spring surrounded by rich nature. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mt. Ochiba and the Takigawa River, and enjoy the nature of the four seasons. You can enjoy Kinsen of Arima Onsen, 100% natural hot spring. kaiseki（a traditional Japanese multiple course meal ）, which make use of local seasonal ingredients, are a feast for the eyes and the tongue.
View hotel details
Other recommended hotels
Day 5: Experience nature and animals on Mount Rokko
-
Morning: Spot 1
Rokko Garden Terrace
#Ropeway # Breathtaking view #Interactive artFrom Arima Onsen Station on the Rokko-Arima Ropeway, you can travel to Mt. Rokko while enjoying Breathtaking view views. The ropeway ride takes about 12 minutes. Mt. Rokko is a 931m high mountain located in the southern part of Hyogo Prefecture, close to the city of Kobe, and is a popular spot where you can enjoy rich nature and beautiful scenery. This is a complex that brings together observation decks, restaurants, shops, and experiential art. The panoramic view that stretches from the Akashi Strait to the Osaka Plain and Kansai International Airport is breathtaking. At night, you can see a 10 million dollar night view.
-
Morning/Afternoon: Spot 2
Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden
#Alpine plants #cafe #souvenirsIt's a 17-minute walk from Rokko Garden Terrace. This botanical garden focuses on alpine plants, and you can enjoy beautiful flowers throughout the seasons. Taking advantage of the cool climate, about 1,500 species of plants are cultivated here, including alpine plants from around the world, cold-climate plants, and plants native to Mt. Rokko. You can get up close and personal with rare alpine plants that you wouldn't normally get to see. There is also a cafe and shop in the garden, so you can enjoy meals and buy souvenirs.
-
Afternoon: Spot 3
Mount Rokko Ranch
#Interacting with animals #Handicraft experience #Farm cuisineIt's about a 30-minute bus ride from Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden. In the beautiful scenery reminiscent of an alpine ranch, you can enjoy interacting with animals, horse riding, farm gourmet food, and handmade experiences such as cheese, butter, and wool crafts. The sight of the grazing sheep leisurely grazing is very soothing. After enjoying Mt. Rokko, travel to Kansai International Airport in about 3.5 to 4 hours. When descending the mountain on the Rokko Cable Car, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kobe city and Osaka Bay from the cable car.
Summary
What do you think? Please use this plan as a reference and enjoy your trip to Hyogo to the fullest.
*Estimated travel time may change depending on transportation conditions.
*The duration of your stay is only a guide.
*The information and photos posted may not be the latest information. Please be sure to check the information yourself before using.
Written by
