Reviews,Local food,Transportation Information,and Map Information of Himeji Castle,Takeda Castle,Engyoji Temple,Arima Onsen,and Kinosaki Onsen

Contents

1.Basic Information
2.Reviews
3.Local Food
4.Transportation Information
5.Map Information

1.Basic Information

Hyogo Prefecture is home to the World Heritage Site Himeji Castle, historic hot springs like Arima and Kinosaki, and the majestic Takeda Castle, known as “The Castle in the Sky”. The region also features stunning night views from Mount Rokko in Kobe, the beachfront charm of Meriken Park, and diverse attractions including the exotic foreign residences and Nankinmachi (Kobe’s Chinatown).

Himeji Castle (Himejijyo)

Himeji Castle, Japan’s first World Heritage Site, is a national treasure also known as “Shirasagijyo” (White Heron Castle). Toyotomi Hideyoshi became the lord of Himeji Castle in 1580, building a robust castle and developing the castle town. Known as the “castle of success,” Himeji Castle has a rich history including tea ceremonies hosted by Hideyoshi and his relocation to Osaka Castle after defeating Akechi Mitsuhide.

Takeda Castle (Takedajyo)

Perched atop a 353.7-meter-high mountain, Takeda Castle is a fortress with large stone walls stretching approximately 100 meters east to west and 400 meters north to south. Built around 1443 by the Yamana clan, it’s also known as “Torahusujyo” (Crouching Tiger Castle) due to the mountain’s shape. Famous for its ethereal morning mists in late autumn, it is called “The Castle in the Sky” and “Japan’s Machu Picchu,” attracting many tourists.

Engyoji Temple on Mount Shosha (Syoshazan-Engyouji)

Engyoji Temple, established in 966, is located on Mount Shosha at an elevation of 371 meters. Known as “the Hieizan of the West,” the temple complex includes notable buildings like “Maniden,” resembling Kyoto’s Kiyomizu Temple, the Great Lecture Hall, and the Dining Hall, all of which are major attractions. The temple has also been a filming location for various movies and dramas.

Arima Onsen

As one of Japan’s three ancient springs, Arima Onsen has a history dating back to the Nara period. The hot spring town features two communal bathhouses, the “gold spring” (Kinsen) and “silver spring” (Ginsen). The gold spring, known for its reddish-brown salty water with high antibacterial properties, is popular for therapeutic bathing. The clear and colorless silver spring is believed to stimulate appetite.

Kinosaki Onsen

With a history of over 1300 years, Kinosaki Onsen has been a beloved retreat for many literary figures, like Shiga Naoya and Shimazaki Toson. Awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, it’s a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. The hot spring town is renowned for its seven unique public baths, each offering a distinctive experience.

2.Reviews

Kitano Ijinkan

Located about a 10-minute walk from JR Shin-Kobe Station, Kitano Ijinkan is known for its colonial-style Western architecture built during the Meiji and Taisho periods. Notable buildings include the “Weathercock House” and “Uroko House.” Particularly popular are the Italian Pavilion, known as the Platon Decorative Arts Museum, and its garden terrace cafe, perfect for photography.

Nankincho

Nankinmachi, one of Japan’s three major Chinatowns alongside Yokohama and Nagasaki, is located in Kobe’s Chuo Ward. Stretching between Motomachi and Sakae streets, it’s home to over 100 Chinese restaurants and shops. Visitors can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine like dumplings, xiao long bao, and shark fin ramen, as well as popular takeout options like pork buns and ice cream. Nankinmachi has thrived since Kobe’s port opening in 1867, bustling with locals and tourists alike. Enjoying takeout food at nearby Meriken Park is also recommended.

Meriken Park

Created to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Kobe’s port opening, Meriken Park is located in Kobe’s Bay Area. The park features photogenic landmarks like Kobe Port Tower, the BE KOBE monument, and Kobe Brick Warehouse. The BE KOBE monument is especially popular for social media-worthy photos. In 2021, the AQUARIUM × ART átoa, a unique fusion of an aquarium and art, was opened. With its distinctive design, the Kobe Maritime Museum and resort hotels create an atmosphere where visitors can enjoy the refreshing sea breeze during the day and a romantic, beautifully lit setting at night.

Night View from Rokko Mountain

The night view from Rokko Mountain, known as the “10 Million Dollar Night View,” offers stunning vistas of the Osaka Plain and Wakayama area. To enjoy this breathtaking scenery, visitors can take the retro-modern cable car to Rokko Sanjo Station and then head to the Rokko Mountain Observatory. The view from here captivates visitors with its overwhelming scale and beauty.