Kansai Collection

Spas
Spa MAP
Spas with at least five neighboring inns/hotels
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Name Prefecture Comment
Arima Spa HYOGO
The oldest spring in Japan, and is one of the best spas in Japan. Arguably the best spa in the country. Arima Spa
Sumoto Spa HYOGO
The largest spa on Awaji Island, with a panoramic view of Osaka Bay and Kitan Strait. Sumoto Spa
Ako Spa HYOGO
A spa surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Setonaikai National Park: A new headspring was discovered in 2000. Ako Spa
Takarazuka Spa HYOGO
A spa in one of the major tourist spots of the Kansai area. Takarazuka Spa
Kagonobo Spa HYOGO
A ravine spring where defeated Heike warriors are believed to have hid themselves and recovered from their wounds. Kagonobo Spa
Shiota Spa HYOGO
A spa along the Yumemae River, hemmed between beautiful cherry trees. Shiota Spa
Kinosaki Spa HYOGO
The best spa in Tajima, which has elegant streets and attractive exterior baths. Kinosaki Spa
Takeno Spa HYOGO
A spa with a panoramic view of the Japan Sea and full of fresh air. Takeno Spa
Kasumi Spa HYOGO
Spa with the grand beauty of nature and beautiful scenery along the Kasumi Coast. Kasumi Spa
Satsu Spa HYOGO
A marine spa filled with attractions, including swimming in summer and crab nabe in winter. Satsu Spa
Tanto Silk Spa HYOGO
A countryside natural spring, featuring a unique building designed under the concept of "gel." Tanto Silk Spa
Hachikita Spa HYOGO
Ideal for a stay during skiing trips: located at the foot of Hachikita Highlands. Hachikita Spa
Hamasaka Spa HYOGO
A national spa resort commanding a beautiful view of the Sea of Japan. Hamasaka Spa
Nanakama Spa HYOGO
A relaxing spa for body and mind, equipped with popular kama buro. Nanakama Spa
Yumura Spa HYOGO
Enjoy the relaxing hot vapor and atmosphere of the ancient San-in spring. Yumura Spa
Iwaya Spa HYOGO
A spa near Iwaya Port, a north entrance to Awaji Island. Iwaya Spa
Uzushio Spa HYOGO
Popular as a spring with good esthetic effects on women's skin. Uzushio Spa
Minami Awaji Spa Town HYOGO
Refresh yourself at our healthy spa. Minami Awaji Spa Town

Other spas
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Name Prefecture Comment
HAT "Nagisa-no-Yu" Spa Center HYOGO
Using quality hot spring water from 752 m underground, the Center offers an authentic spa experience in an urban location.  
Shiawase-no-Mura: Jungle Spa HYOGO
A spring in the "Shiawase Village," a comprehensive welfare zone. Shiawase-no-Mura: Jungle Spa
Fruit & Flower Park: Bathe House HYOGO
A full-scale spa in the "Fruit and Flower Park." Fruit & Flower Park: Bathe House
Kobe Sauna & Spa HYOGO
A comprehensive sauna and spa complex: Our natural spring is open 24 hours.  
Radium Spa: Futoyama-dera Temple HYOGO
A spa equipped with whirlpool baths, fall baths and mist saunas. Radium Spa: Futoyama-dera Temple
Takedao Spa HYOGO
A spa along the Mukogawa River Valley: Enjoy the fresh greenery, fishing and colored leaves across the river. Takedao Spa
Takino Spa: Pokapo HYOGO
A spa good for health and beauty, with wooden-style "Yamanoyu" and stone-style "Kawanoyu." Takino Spa: Pokapo
Amarube Spa HYOGO
A spa at the foot of Amarube Bridge, the largest railroad bridge in Japan. Amarube Spa
Matuho: Beautiful Spa Land HYOGO
A spa commanding a view of the world's largest suspension bridge, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. Matuho: Beautiful Spa Land

Cuisines

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Name Prefecture Comment
Akashiyaki HYOGO
A harmonious combination of egg and fresh octopus from Akashi. Akashiyaki
Sand Lance Kugini HYOGO
Sweet smell of kugini, filling the air in spring.  
Izushi Soba Noodles HYOGO
Freshly ground, kneaded, and boiled soba noodles, served in tiny dishes. Izushi Soba Noodles
Ethnic Dishes HYOGO
Variety of ethnic dishes in the international city of Kobe.  
Crab Dishes HYOGO
Fresh tanner crab dishes: The king of winter cuisine in the San'in area. Crab Dishes
Kobe Beef HYOGO
Dainty Japanese beef loved by gourmets all over the world. Kobe Beef
Sea Bream Shiogama HYOGO
Steam-baked sea bream coated with Ako salt. Sea Bream Shiogama
Tanba Beef HYOGO
Tanba beef: The top Japanese beef from Tanba, Hyogo Tanba Beef
Nankinmachi & Chinese Cuisine of Kobe HYOGO
Authentic Chinese cuisine preserved by Chinese residents in Kobe. Nankinmachi & Chinese Cuisine of Kobe
Hamo Dishes HYOGO
Hamo fish from the Naruto Strait: the top taste and quality. Hamo Dishes
French, German & Other Breads from Kobe HYOGO
Prime breads produced by the history of Kobe.  
Horaku-Yaki HYOGO
A steam-baked dish with all the sapidity of fresh fish. Horaku-Yaki
Botan Nabe HYOGO
Wild boar meat of Sasayama: Comprising both rich fat and light texture. Botan Nabe
Grilled Conger HYOGO
Conger eels from the Harimanada area, tasting superb when grilled slowly. Grilled Conger
Sweets (Western desserts) HYOGO
Kobe, a center for the cake industry in Japan, offers a large number of superb cake shops.  

Castle
Castle MAP
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Name Prefecture Comment
Akashi Castle HYOGO
An auspicious castle where successive lords came up in the world Akashi Castle
Ako Castle HYOGO
A castle that is related to the loyal retainers of Ako and was the residence of Oishi Kuranosuke Ako Castle
Sumoto Castle HYOGO
Foothold of the marine forces sent to Korea by Hideyoshi Sumoto Castle
Himeji Castle HYOGO
A well-known major castle of Japan that has been registered as a World Heritage Himeji Castle
Izushi Castle HYOGO
The castle is the symbol of this quiet town, which is often called Little Kyoto Izushi Castle
Tatsuno Castle HYOGO
Tatsuno still has the atmosphere of a castle town Tatsuno Castle

Shopping

General
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Name Prefecture Comment
Kobe Harbor Land HYOGO
The bay area is a pleasant place for anybody to visit and enjoy at any time. Kobe Harbor Land
Nishinomiya Kitaguchi Area & ACTA Nishinomiya HYOGO
These two buildings with their extensive commercial facilities are located right in front of Hankyu Nishinomiya Station.  
Himeji Station Area HYOGO
This shopping area is located at the center of western Hyogo, right in front of the famous Himeji Castle.  
Sannomiya Area HYOGO
This place is the main entrance to the city of Kobe, with its heavy concentration of major transportations and accesses.  
Tor Road HYOGO
This place is the origin of fashionable Kobe, and has been sophisticated by foreigners since opening of the port. Tor Road
Motomachi Area HYOGO
This street is central to sophisticated Kobe fashion. Motomachi Area

Characteristic
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Name Prefecture Comment
Akashi Station Area HYOGO
In the area surrounding the Akashi Stations of JR and San-yo Railway, Aspire Akashi was completed in 2001, in addition to numerous other shops and stores. Akashi Station Area
Sasayama Palace Site HYOGO
In these romantic streets of great historical interest, there are many souvenir shops featuring the specialty products of Tanba.  
Former Residential Area of Foreigners in Japan HYOGO
In this fashionable area are many import boutiques, along with buildings from the days when the port was established.  
Nankin-machi, Kobe City HYOGO
This vibrant and energetic area is filled with vivid Chinese colors. Nankin-machi, Kobe City
Kasumi Morning Market HYOGO
This shopping area has 23 shops that sell the freshest fish just caught in the Kazumi and Shibayama Ports Kasumi Morning Market

Outlet
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Name Prefecture Comment
Marine Pia Kobe, Porto Bazar HYOGO
Enjoy shopping outlets and marine products, plus dining at wonderful restaurants. Marine Pia Kobe, Porto Bazar

Traditional Craft

Food
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Name Prefecture Comment
Sekijo-kaku HYOGO
Experience making famous Izushi soba noodles. Sekijo-kaku
Somen Noodle Village HYOGO
Experience making Gibo-no-ito somen noodles, which are well-known nation-wide. Somen Noodle Village
Renga-kan, Sakagura-Dori and Nishinomiya Sake Brewery Zone HYOGO
Have exciting sake experiences at the Nishinomiya sake brewery zone, one of the most important sake areas in Japan. Renga-kan, Sakagura-Dori and Nishinomiya Sake Brewery Zone
Yamashiro-no-Sato HYOGO
Experience making soba noodles. Yamashiro-no-Sato

Arts
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Name Prefecture Comment
Hakurin Pottery Hall "Kanzaki" HYOGO
Experience pottery making at the Hakurin Kiln, which embraces the tradition of Arita pottery. Hakurin Pottery Hall "Kanzaki"
Inns in Sekimiya HYOGO
Experience making straw sandals and other folk arts. Inns in Sekimiya
Tanba Craftwork Park "Tachigui Pottery Village" HYOGO
Experience making Tanba Tachigui pottery at the comprehensive leisure facility. The Tachigui pottery is one of the six oldest pottery traditions in Japan. Tanba Craftwork Park "Tachigui Pottery Village"
"Drive-in" Izushi HYOGO
Enjoy making and painting pottery works. "Drive-in" Izushi
Nagata Textile HYOGO
The dyeing experience of Izushi chilimen cloths is very popular. Nagata Textile
Nashio Paper School, Nishinomiya Municipal Museum of Local History (Annex) HYOGO
Enjoy exhibits and experience of traditional Nashio paper. Nashio Paper School, Nishinomiya Municipal Museum of Local History (Annex)
Yawata Ko-undo HYOGO
Experience making "fuki-modoshi," a well known Japanese traditional toy. Yawata Ko-undo
Kitano Craft Factory HYOGO
At the visitor-oriented factory, you can see, make and buy Kobe brand products.  
Arima Bamboo Craft "Kutsuwa" HYOGO
Here visitors can experience the production of traditional bamboo handicraft of Arima. Arima Bamboo Craft "Kutsuwa"
Industry & Culture Center HYOGO
Enjoy the experience of making rooftiles from clay. Industry & Culture Center

Culture
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Name Prefecture Comment
Shosha Practice Hall HYOGO
Have Zazen experience by yourself. Shosha Practice Hall
Inns in Nido, Sekimiya HYOGO
Have the festive "Otosan" experience, in which participants make Japanese rice cake with sticks and mills, generating powerful cheers. Inns in Nido, Sekimiya
Daienji Temple HYOGO
Join the Zazen class, which can be delivered to Japanese inns and gymnasiums. Daienji Temple
Ryugokuji Temple HYOGO
Experience Zazen at the Tajima Peony temple. Ryugokuji Temple

Beautiful Seashores
Beautiful Seashores MAP
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Name Prefecture Comment
Ako-Misaki HYOGO
The soothing waves of the Seto Inland Sea.  
Keino Matsubara HYOGO
This terrific view of white sand and green pine trees has been chosen one of the "100 Greatest Shore Scenes in Japan".  
Shin Nishinomiya Yacht Harbor HYOGO
A hub of marine leisure.  
Suma Beach HYOGO
From ancient times, this beach has been considered important, both for its white sand and green pine trees as well as its historical significance as the site of the Battle of Genji and Heike. The Hanshin area's sole beach resort, it features a bathing areas as well as Suma Aqualife Park and Umizuri Park. Suma Beach
Tajima Beach/Yoroi-no-Sode HYOGO
A line of beaches on the Sea of Japan, with their many undulations.  
Maiko Beach/Akashi Kaikyo Bridge HYOGO
From the nearby Maiko Beach, one can enjoy the sight of Pearl Bridge (Akashi Kaikyo Ohashi), the world's largest suspension bridge. The surrounding area includes Marinpia Kobe, Azur Maiko and Maiko Park with its beautiful pine trees. Opened in 1998, Pearl Bridge is particularly elegant when illuminated at night. The Bridge Exhibition Center and Maiko Marine Promenade are located next to the bridge. Maiko Beach/Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Meriken Park/Harbor Land HYOGO
With the nearby ocean, one can feel the port city Kobe here. The night time views are even better. From the esplanade connecting Meriken Park and Harborland to Nakatottei Central Terminal, there are many boats available that tour Kobe Port and the surrounding area. Meriken Park/Harbor Land

Street Scenery
Street Scenery MAP
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Name Prefecture Comment
Arima Spa HYOGO
Along with Dogo and Shirahama, this is one of the 3 best known old hot springs in Japan. Houses with lattice doors still line parts of the old Osaka Road. Found here are many tourism spots, including the Teramachi area, featuring temples and shrines with long histories. There is also the spring's origin, as well as many stores selling handcrafted folk pieces, such as Arima dragons and Arima doll writing brushes. Visitors invariably enjoy the hot spring tour, which includes "Kin-no-yu" (Golden Hot Spring) and "Gin-no-yu" (Silver Hot Spring). Arima Spa
Tradesmen's Houses in Kawaramachi Tsumairi HYOGO
Many merchants' houses were built close to Sasayama Castle during its construction. The townsite remains the same today. Tradesmen's Houses in Kawaramachi Tsumairi
Old Foreign Settlement HYOGO
This became the international trade area after the port was opened. Though this happened more than 100 years ago, some of the sights remain exactly as they were then. Old Foreign Settlement
Kitano Ijinkan District HYOGO
People from overseas lived in this area after the port of Kobe opened. The remaining "Ijinkan" (former residences of early foreign settlers) exhibit the characteristics of days past. Kitano Ijinkan District
Tera-Machi HYOGO
11 temples are found in this approximately 3.9ha area, a remnant of the Edo Period (1603-1868). Tera-Machi
Sake Brewing in the Nada District HYOGO
This has been a sake brewing town since the Edo Period (1603-1868). At reference libraries and museums, traditional sake brewery scenes are re-created and tools used in the old days of sake brewing are exhibited. Visitors can enjoy walking along the brewery area streets and visiting sake storehouses. Sake Brewing in the Nada District
Street in Izushi HYOGO
A methodical grid-like townscape in Tanba that is called a small Kyoto. Street in Izushi
Kinosaki Hot-Spring Resort HYOGO
Historic inns stand side by side along the river.  
Murotsu Museum of Sea Port HYOGO
Old shipping agency houses retain their Edo Period (1603-1868) atmosphere.  

Come experience the glory of nature
Come experience the glory of nature MAP
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Name Prefecture Comment
Uzushio Observation Boat HYOGO
Watch dynamic views of whirlpools from the boat, with the maximum diameter up to thirty meters. Uzushio Observation Boat
Genbudo Park HYOGO
A park featuring the Genbudo Caves, designated as a natural monument, formed by frozen lava that flowed out in a volcanic eruption 1,600,000 years ago. Genbudo Park
Tajima Coast Pleasure Boat HYOGO
Observe the grandeur of nature and the beautiful coastline on a pleasure boat cruising along the Tajima Coast National Park.  
Nandancho Kuroiwa Daffodil Field HYOGO
One of the three largest colonies of wild daffodils in Japan, where five million daffodils bloom in an area of seven hectares. Nandancho Kuroiwa Daffodil Field
Nandancho Town Marine Fishing Park HYOGO
A marine fishing park at the end of a pier with an overall length of 100 meters, where visitors can enjoy fishing on the fishing platform throughout the year with a fine view of Onarutokyo Bridge.  
Seidancho Town Marine Fishing Park HYOGO
A marine fishing park surrounding Bentencho Island, where visitors can enjoy fishing with a nice view of Onarutokyo Bridge.  
Pleasure Boat 'Kasumimaru' HYOGO
Observe bizarre rock formations along the Kasumi Coast on the pleasure boat navigated by three sister captains. Pleasure Boat 'Kasumimaru'

The great outdoors, sports and adventure
The great outdoors, sports and adventure MAP
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Name Prefecture Comment
Keinomatsubara Beach HYOGO
A beautiful beach selected as one of the Environment Agencyfs g55 Best Bathing Beaches in Japanh Keinomatsubara Beach
Goshikihama Beach HYOGO
Goshikihama Beach is a beautiful swimming beach where colorful pebbles spread over the coast. Goshikihama Beach
Shin Nishinomiya Yacht Harbor HYOGO
At Shin-Nishinomiya Yacht Harbor, you can enjoy cruising and yacht sailing. Shin Nishinomiya Yacht Harbor
Suma Beach HYOGO
Suma Beach, with a beautiful coastline of white sand and green pines, is one of the most popular beaches in the Hanshin region. Suma Beach
Mt. Rokko Country House/Field Athletics HYOGO
A comprehensive outdoor leisure facility located on Mt. Rokko Mt. Rokko Country House/Field Athletics
Mt. Rokko Artificial Snow Ski Area HYOGO
An artificial snow ski slope located on Mt. Rokko Mt. Rokko Artificial Snow Ski Area
Up-Kannabe HYOGO
Up-Kannabe serves as a ski area in winter and paragliding in summer. Up-Kannabe
Kannabe Kogen (Kannabe Highland) HYOGO
Here, you can enjoy skiing in winter and various other outdoor sports the rest of the year. Kannabe Kogen (Kannabe Highland)
Takeno Beach HYOGO
A beautiful beach selected by the Environment Agency as one of the 88 Best Bathing Beaches in Japan.  
Chikusa Kogen Nature Land HYOGO
Chikusa Kogen Nature Land is a safe and comfortable ski area for families, because snowboarding is prohibited here. Chikusa Kogen Nature Land
Hachikita Kogen (Hachikita Highland) HYOGO
On Hachikita Kogen, you can enjoy skiing in winter and paragliding in summer. Hachikita Kogen (Hachikita Highland)

Cherry blossoms
Cherry blossoms MAP
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Name Prefecture Comment
Kobe Oji Zoo HYOGO
This zoo, popular for its pandas, is also a great cherry blossom viewing spot with approx. 480 cherry trees. Kobe Oji Zoo
Sumaura Park/Sumaura Sanjo Amusement Park HYOGO
From the cable car to the Sanjo Amusement Park, the passengers can look down to the beautiful scenery of white sand and green pines and a vast area of cherry blossoms in Sumaura Park. Sumaura Park/Sumaura Sanjo Amusement Park
Arima Hot Spring HYOGO
Cherry blossoms in Arima come to full bloom about a week later than those of the flatlands. Cherry blossoms at Zenpukuji Temple, Onsenji Temple, Nenbutsuji Temple and along the Arimagawa River are recommended.  
Shukugawa Park HYOGO
Approx. 2,300 cherry trees on the two banks of Shukugawa River, stretching approx. 4 km from the coastline Shukugawa Park
Akashi Park HYOGO
Approx. 1,200 cherry trees, from early to mid April Akashi Park
Ritsuunkyo Gorge HYOGO
Concentration of old cherry trees over 300 years old Ritsuunkyo Gorge
Hiokayama Park HYOGO
1,500 cherry trees blossom beautifully.  
Himeji Castle HYOGO
Approx. 1,000 cherry trees of someiyoshino and yamazakura bloom beautifully. Himeji Castle
Tatsuno Park HYOGO
It is said that 3,000 cherry trees can be viewed at one glance in Tatsuno Park. Tatsuno Park
The Great Itozakura of Kofukuji Temple HYOGO
A cherry tree blooms magnificently, engulfing the belfry on the premises of Kofukuji Temple. The Great Itozakura of Kofukuji Temple
The Great Cherry Tree of Tarumi HYOGO
Recognized as a national natural treasure. The Great Cherry Tree of Tarumi
Sasayama Castle Ruin HYOGO
900 cherry trees, from early to mid April Sasayama Castle Ruin
Kashu-Hachiman-Gu Shrine HYOGO
Best time to visit is from late March to early April  
Kuramachino Sakura-no-en HYOGO
Approx. 1,000 someiyoshino cherry trees  
Along the Ashiyagawa River HYOGO
Cherry trees bloom along the river from Taishobashi Bridge to the Narihirabashi Bridge of Route 2. Along the Ashiyagawa River

Popular Filming Locations
Popular Filming Locations MAP
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Name Prefecture Comment
Kobe Airport HYOGO
Filming location for the movie Ultraman Mebius and Ultra Brothers (2006, Shochiku) Kobe Airport
Kitano Ijinkan District HYOGO
Filming location for the Korean drama Yurihwa (Stained Glass) (2004, Korea SBS) Kitano Ijinkan District
Mosaic HYOGO
Filming location for the Korean drama Yurihwa (Stained Glass) (2004, Korea SBS) Mosaic
Himeji Castle HYOGO
Filming location for TV drama Ooku ? Hana no Run (War of the Belles) (2005, Fuji Television). Several scenes were filmed in Nishinomaru Garden, from where the castle can be viewed most beautifully. Himeji Castle
Shoshazan Enkyoji Temple HYOGO
Filming location for the movie The Last Samurai (2003, Warner Bros.) The 27th location site of the Western Japan pilgrimage. Known as the Mt. Hiei Enryakuji Temple of the west. Shoshazan Enkyoji Temple
Kinosaki Hot-Spring Resort HYOGO
Filming location for NHK morning drama series Futarikko (Twin Sisters) (1996). Kinosaki retains a traditional atmosphere exclusive to hot spring resorts.
Kinosaki Hot-Spring Resort
Fukiagehama Beach HYOGO
Filming location for the 2000 NHK drama Nanohana no Oki (The Offing of Rape Blossoms) Fukiagehama Beach
Statue of Yumechiyo (Yumura Spa) HYOGO
Filming location for the movie Yumechiyo Nikki (The Diary of Yumechiyo) (1985, Toei) Statue of Yumechiyo (Yumura Spa)
Ruins of Takeda Castle HYOGO
Filming location for the movie Ten to Chi to (Heaven and Earth) (1990, Kadokawa) Ruins of Takeda Castle
Ruins of Miki Castle HYOGO
Filming location for NHK Taiga drama Komyo ga Tsuji (2006) Ruins of Miki Castle
Shin Nishinomiya Yacht Harbor HYOGO
Filming location for NHK morning drama series Kaze no Haruka (Haruka in the Wind) (2005) Shin Nishinomiya Yacht Harbor