Explore Night Time Hyogo Experience History・Culture Manners & Basic Knowledge Nature・Landscape HYOGO Sports・Activity the Origin of Japan Gourmet・Onsen Climate Food

Home , Himeji Station, Kinosaki (train), Kinosaki Onsen Station, Kitakinki, Minamiawaji, Tajima Airport

Tips for enjoying Explore Night time Hyogo experience History・Culture Manners & basic knowledge Nature・Landscape HYOGO Sports・Activity The Origin of Japan Gourmet・Onsen Climate Food

The climate diﬀers greatly between the north and Many hotels and restaurants in Japan are unable south of Hyogo prefecture. The north (Tajima, to provide special vegetarian or halal menus. Tamba) gets a lot of snow in winter (Dec-Feb) and Please check with your destination ahead of time temperatures may fall below freezing. if you have special dietary needs.

ONSEN Manners (hot spring)

Wearing a bathing suit in the ONSEN is not Japanese people have great respect for propriety. allowed. In some cases, you may be refused if It’s important to behave politely and handle tools you have tattoos. (In Japan, people with tattoos with care when taking part in a tourist experi- are generally assumed to be gangsters.) ence. Also, please speak quietly and remove hats and sunglasses when entering a temple or shrine.

Few Japanese people speak English, compared to Language the rest of Asia, and may not be able to under- stand even simple things in English.

5-10-1 Shimoyamatedori,Chuo-ku,Kobe,Hyogo 650-8567 E-mail：[email protected] Explore Hyogo, The Origin of Japan

E125° E135° E145°

N45°

Hyogo, the heart of Japan Hyogo Prefecture is located in the center of Japan at N35° 35 degrees north latitude and 135 degrees east longitude. Close to the ancient Japanese capital of Kyoto, Hyogo has a rich cultural background. Due to

its convenient location, Hyogo is well-connected to N25° other major cities by railroads and airlines.

Ancient history and rich culture Treasure House of Food The area centering on Hyogo, Osaka and Kyoto is called the With the Japan Sea in the north and the Seto Inland Kansai region, and until the capital was moved to Tokyo in 1868, Sea to the south, Hyogo is blessed with the bounty of it had been the center of Japan for more than 1,000 years. Thus both land and sea, such as Kani (crab), the king of Hyogo is home to many shrines, temples and castles ruins, winter cuisine, and premium branded Kobe beef. In including the World Heritage Himeji Castle, and is among the this treasure house of food, a unique food culture top regions in the country in terms of national treasures and ﬂourishes in each area, showcasing the bounty of important cultural properties. It also boasts the highest number every season of the year. of registered Japan Heritage sites.

HyogoVaried, has been rich composed regionality of ﬁve “countries” (regions) since the Edo period, the age of the samurai. Travelers can enjoy each region’s varied and unique culture and lifestyle. TAJIMA

This region has urban areas such as the international trading city KOBE・HANSHIN TAMBA of Kobe, and a rich arts and cultural scene.

Home to the World Heritage Himeji Castle, this area is steeped in HARIMA history, with a large number of shrines, temples and castle ruins.

HARIMA Bordering on the Japan Sea in the north, this region gets a lot of TAJIMA snow in winter. Visitors can appreciate how nature and humans coexist here, in the breeding grounds of the Oriental White Stork.

There’s a big temperature diﬀerence between day and night here. TAMBA The fertile soil and pure water nurture the famous Tamba chestnuts, black beans and other crops.

KOBE・HANSHIN This is the mythical “ﬁrst island” of the Japanese islands. This is a AWAJI AWAJI resort island not far from Osaka and Kobe, where visitors can enjoy spending some leisurely time.

2 Explore Hyogo, The Origin of Japan Explore Hyogo, The Origin of Japan 3 Explore Hyogo, The Origin of Japan

According to Japan’s oldest historical chronicle Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, written more than 1,300 years ago, recounts how the Japanese islands were created when two gods, male and female, descended to the ocean, and the ﬁrst to appear was Hyogo’s Awaji Island. Thus, Hyogo is called the birthplace of Japan, also because it is close to the ancient Japanese capitals of Nara and Kyoto, and is said to have had a major inﬂuence on the powerful people of the time. We hope you’ll enjoy experiences that can be had only here in Hyogo, with its ancient history and culture passed down unbroken through the generations, blessed with good food, onsen and other natural resources.

What to Experience

04 Night time 1 Night time KOBE・HANSHIN

"Lightscape in Rokko", fusion of 10 million dollar nightscape 06 History・Culture and artistic light show on Mt Rokko (Japanese-style Mongolian mutton BBQ included) 13 Nature・Landscape

Mt. Rokko Art of Lights “Light Scape in Rokko” is an illumination using LED lighting that can reproduce more than 10 million colors to light up the frame that covers the entire observatory. Lighting designer Masayuki Fushimi has created a 16 Sports・Activity landscape that feels familiar to us, using light. The illumination changes with the seasons, and together with the 10-million-dollar nightscape seen from Mt Rokko, it is incredibly romantic. Experience this fantastical spectacle and its seasonal 19 Gourmet・Onsen transitions.

(Note: Dates and time may change subject to seasonal and weather conditions. Please check the website ﬁrst.) Mt Rokko’s famous Mongolian Mutton BBQ

Mongolian mutton BBQ, with its All information contained herein is current abundance of healthy lamb, specially as of February 2021, and is subject to Duration: about 2 hours Inquiries: Mt.ROKKO CABLE CAR & selected Wagyu beef and seafood Meeting place: Rokko Garden Terrace TOURISM COMPANY delicacies, has long been a specialty of Mt change without notice. Rokko. Why not try delicious, carefully 1877-9 Gosukeyama, Rokkosan-cho, https://www.rokkosan.com/gt/ selected lamb with the 100-million-dollar Nada-Ku, Kobe, Hyogo [email protected] nightscape unfurled before your delighted eyes?

4 Night time What to Experience 5 3 History・Culture HARIMA Learn all about Japanese knives in an age-old ironware town

In Japan, utensils and tools made of metal are called ironware. Hyogo’s Miki City is one of Japan’s foremost ironware-producing regions. This ironware continues to command strong support from Japanese and overseas professionals alike for its chef’s knives and carpenter’s tools. This is the only place in the world where you can experience working alongside the craftsmen to manufac- ture a knife, and then taste sake from the local brewery.

Duration: 6.5 hours Period: Feb ～ mid-Oct Meeting place: Nagasawa, Miki branch 2-24 Funai-cho, Miki , Hyogo Enquiries: Miki Hamono http://www.miki-hamono.co.jp Please inquire via the website

Make your own original knife under the guidance of a professional From grinding to the ﬁnal polishing, create your own original kitchen knife. A professional will also show you how to maintain your knife with a home-use whetstone.

4 History・Culture HARIMA

Workshop on making "Sugidama", symbol of Japanese sake Sake is made from white rice and pure water only. Hyogo prefecture boasts the largest production volume of the best kind of brewer’s rice, Yamada-Nishiki. As it grows, that rice receives the blessing of the mountains where cedar trees, said to be a home of the gods, ﬂourish. We invite you to try your hand at making the symbol of Japanese sake, the “sugidama”, and discover the links between sake and cedars, while enjoying the satoyama scenery, where nature and humans coexist in harmony. Wear a mask and try sliding feet Play musical instruments Try on costumes Take a sake break * Sugidama is a ball made of cedar hung by sake brewers in the eaves of the brewery to let people know that a new brew has been produced

Duration: 3.5 hours Inquiries: ten 2 History・Culture KOBE・HANSHIN Period: Dec ‒ Mar https://ten-hyogo.jp/ Meeting place: ten [email protected] 2349-29 Yamashita-cho Experience "Noh", the oldest theater art in the world Kasai , Hyogo

This program takes you to the venerable Nishinomiya Noh Theatre, which stands in the Naruo ten： sake rice farmer district of Hyogo prefecture’s Nishinomiya city, a place that also appears in the Noh play "Takasago". Your instructor belongs to a farm and forestry family that has been In addition to appreciating a play, you’ll have the opportunity to come onto the stage wearing white Options tending the ﬁelds and forests in Hyogo’s Kasai City and growing tabi (socks) to try “sliding feet” ‒ the basic movement in Noh ‒ and try on a mask. This is a special brewer’s rice for generations. The large windows of the shop, where various events are held, look out over the satoyama ( rural ・Costume fitting & explanation plan, with sake tasting also available, where you can come into contact with the soul of Noh and the mountain village ) landscape. Here you will hear about SEN, a brand of sake brewed from rice grown in one particular paddy worldview of Japanese culture. You will surely enjoy this very special experience of traditional ・Musical instrument experience ﬁeld, and other fruits of the soil such as black beans and adzuki Japanese culture. beans. ・Mini performance viewing

Duration: 1 - 2.5 hours Inquiries: Japan Traditional Arts & Cultures Foundation Please inquire by e-mail for details. Take your sugidama home with you! Meeting place: Nishinomiya Nogaku Theater https://japantacf.themedia.jp/ To finish things off, a toast with sake or 3-6-20 Naruo, Nishinomiya, Hyogo [email protected] amazake!

6 History・Culture History・Culture 7 5 History・Culture KOBE・HANSHIN Explore Hanshin Area: Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture and Koshien Baseball Stadium

Hanshinkan Modernism is a type of art, culture and lifestyle that developed from the early 1900s through the 1930s in hanshinkan, the region between Osaka and Kobe, and was heavily influenced by Western culture. Modernist architecture skillfully harmonizes traditional Japanese beauty of form with modern design, resulting in a stunning blend of Japanese and Western styles.On this tour you’ll see some of the remaining examples of exquisite Modernist architecture, in particular the Yodoko Guest House (formerly the Yamamura residence), History・Culture KOBE・HANSHIN History・Culture HARIMA designed by one of the three giants of Modernist architecture, 8 9 Frank Lloyd Wright. Immerse yourself in nature at Sorakuen Garden, "Banshu-ori" weaving workshop: a traditional Japanese garden in Kobe It starts with nostalgic sounds Sorakuen Garden is a sprawling "chisen-kaiyushiki" Banshu-ori is a traditional weaving method Duration: about 8 hours garden with stepping stones, stone bridges, streams, specific to Hyogo prefecture’s Northern Banshu Yodoko Guest House, Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Dates: Wed & Sat and a waterfall surround by a central pond. Young and region. The threads of the cotton fabric are dyed Meeting place: JR Sannomiya Station or elsewhere（Please inquire） Important Cultural Property of Japan old alike will enjoy the scenery like deep mountain before weaving, and it is famed for its natural Inquiries: Shinkibus Co., Ltd., Himeji branch valleys. The grounds are full of nature, with large texture and rich colors. 80% of Japanese https://www.shinkibus.com/ camphor trees said to be some 500 years old, azaleas in yarn-dyed fabrics are produced in this region. [email protected] spring, and maple trees in beautiful autumn colors. On the tour you’ll learn why Banshu-ori weaving The 20,000 square meter garden contains important thrives in this region, you’ll hear the sound of the cultural assets such as the stables of the former loom and talks by the weavers, and experience Koderashi Family residence, the old Hassam House, the soft touch of Banshu-ori for yourself. Hanshin Koshien Stadium Tour Azalea excursion the Funeyakata building. Hanshin Koshien Stadium is the home stadium for Sorakuen Garden is famed Take the opportunity to for its azaleas, and about create a small item using Nippon Professional Baseball League HANSHIN Tigers Duration: 40 min Duration: 2.5 hours 4,000 of them burst into Banshu-ori in the Kyukishike and All-Japan High School Baseball Championship, which Meeting place: Sorakuen Garden blossom toward the end of Meeting place: Kyukishike house house, a fine old farmhouse is held twice a year. This guided tour takes you to the 5-3-1 Nakayamatedori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo April and beginning of May. 394-1 Nishiwaki, Nishiwaki , Hyogo built in the first flush "holy ground" of Japanese baseball, which is full of Inquiries: Sorakuen Garden Inquiries: Kita-Harima Denku Banshu-ori’s prosperity. surprises and excitement. http://www.sorakuen.com/index.html https://denku-travel.com/ [email protected] [email protected]

6 History・Culture KOBE・HANSHIN・AWAJI 7 History・Culture KOBE・HANSHIN 10 History・Culture HARIMA 11 History・Culture HARIMA One-day trip appreciating contemporary art Come to the Wind Museum in Sanda, Go back in time to the Edo period! Discover secrets of World Heritage and the magnificent architectures in Hyogo where the wind shines Stroll "Himeji" in princess-style Kimono Himeji Castle with local guides This excursion will take you to encounter Visit this outdoor Wind Museum, where for the An authentic kimono, hairstyle and Explore Himeji Castle and the surrounding contemporary art such as “GUTAI” art pieces at first time anywhere you can see the creations dramatic make-up transform you into a town with a government-licensed professional Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art designed by a of Susumu Shingū, a resident of Sanda city and princess. Stroll the environs of World tour guide-interpreter! You’ll hear stories full world-renowned Tadao Ando. Moving to Awaji a world-renowned sculptor of wind and Island, you will be a witness of those impressive Heritage Himeji Castle and be the star of local color as you stroll the town with your architectures such as the Awaji Yumebutai experience this unique art. Optionally, you of the show in your own photos. Enjoy guide. And of course, you can ask to start stroll around the Wind Museum dressed in the architecture groups creating a magnificent the charm of the castle town and get a your tour wherever you like! landscape under the theme of the coexistence with most formal garment for young women, a taste of Japan’s traditional culture! nature, and Hompukuji water temple which is a Hyogo Prefectural gorgeous furisode kimono. unique Buddhist architecture holding a lotus pond Museum of Art Tour routes over the main hall. A landmark at the district “HAT Take a bus from Himeji Castle for 30 Kobe” meaning the Happy Active Make makizushi! minutes, then a ropeway to the Town Kobe located in the Duration: 6 hours Duration: 4 hours mountaintop for a visit to Shoshazan Try making makizushi, Japanese Typical of Japanese culture, the waterfront area of Kobe City. With Meeting place: Yumeori Yakata Duration: 2.5 hours ～(depending on the tour route) Engyō-ji temple. One of Japan’s oldest Duration: about 9.5 hours Period: Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov home cooking popular at family kimono makes the hearts of overseas more than 7,000 artworks which Himekoji Shirasakido Bldg., 68 Meeting place: JR Himeji Station or elsewhere pilgrimage sites, many buildings and Meeting place: in Kobe Sannomiya consist of the 4 pillars of modern Meeting place: JR Sanda station ceremonial events and parties. visitors to Japan beat faster. This Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo Buddhist statues here are designated (Please inquire) sculpture, modern print, local art, 1-32 Ekimae-cho, Sanda , Hyogo Make your own Sho-jin plan with experienced staff, who (Please inquire) as important cultural assets. It was Inquiries: Shinkibus Co., Ltd., Himeji branch and contemporary art, this museum Inquiries: NPO Mukogaoka Machizukuri Bureau Vegetarian Roll with the Inquiries: Sankyo Maintech Yumeori Yakata work on historical movies and Inquiries: Himeji Convention Support also the location for the Hollywood is popular among the local residents expensive natural mushrooms dramas, will assist you with dressing https://www.shinkibus.com/ and visitors with a nickname of "The None https://himekouji.com/ movie “The Last Samurai” and many grown in Sanda, and then enjoy! up and hairdressing. https://denpakudo.jp/kansaidiscovertours/ House of Art". Japanese samurai dramas. [email protected] [email protected] info＠yumeoriyakata.com [email protected] 8 History・Culture History・Culture 9 12 History・Culture TAMBA 15 History・Culture TAJIMA Explore Japanese "Kokoro: Strolling historic castle town philosophy", "Dō: path and "Izushi" in Kimono codes", and "Aji: taste" in Tamba The castle town of Izushi boasts around 400 years of history. Wear a kimono and go back in time to experience Izushi, An archery experience, Buddhist sermon + Zazen + known as Tajima’s “Little Kyoto” because of its history and calligraphy at Keikoku-ji, and dining, all in one time-saving townscape. Stroll around this historic town and enjoy location. In Japan the way of martial arts (budō), the way of conversing with a local guide who knows the area inside out. tea (sadō), the way of the brush (shodō) and others are called Your photos will definitely draw attention on social media! “dō” = the way. The idea is to find spiritual nourishment and enhance one’s character through the arts of gracious etiquette.

This is unique to Japanese culture, and also links to Japanese Duration: 4.5 hours cuisine, which respects our coexistence with nature. Please Meeting place: Izushi Tourist Association enjoy your experience of Japanese culture and the high-qual- 104-7 Uchimachi, Izushi-cho, Toyooka , Hyogo Inquiries: Izushi Town Management Organization ity three taste treasures of Tamba: chestnuts, black beans and https://www.daytrip-izushi.jp adzuki. [email protected]

Duration: 3.5 ‒ 4 hours Meeting place: Yumenoki Nokono 1026-3 Nokono, Kasuga-cho, Tamba , Hyogo Inquiries: Yumenoki Nokono http://yumenoki-nokono.jp/ [email protected]

Three Treasures of Tamba Tamba’s autumn treasures are Tamba chestnuts, Tamba black beans, and Tamba Dainagon adzuki. Experience Japanese confectionary These products are famous throughout Japan, and so Learn how to make Japanese confectionary in a are known as the Tamba Sanpō, the Three venerable confectionary shop from a true artisan, Treasures of Tamba. and enjoy it with matcha tea.

13 History・Culture TAMBA 14 History・Culture TAJIMA 16 History・Culture TAJIMA 17 History・Culture TAJIMA The quintessence of INAKA, the spirit Experience Japanese traditional craftsmanship: Zen Meditation, Buddhist Sermon & Straw Craft Activity and Artisan Workshop Tour and art of Tamba Toyooka wicker baskets and short cruise on the Maruyama River Matcha at Gokurakuji Temple (with English-speaking guide) This tour takes you to Tamba’s Kasuga-cho, the Toyooka Kiryu Zaiku (wicker craft), a traditional Treat yourself with a refreshing hot spring “Mugiwara Zaiku” (straw craft) is a birthplace of the top quality adzuki bean “Tamba Japanese craft, goes back more than 1,200 years and experience at Kinosaki Onsen, then purify traditional Japanese craft practiced only in Dainagon Adzuki”, purveyed to the imperial emerged from the rich terrain around the Maruyama your spirit surrounded by nature in the Kinosaki Onsen. Visit a private studio for an household for the past 300 years. You’ll visit a River. Today Toyooka is famous for making bags and up-close look at the craftsmanship, and hear farm that produces adzuki and feast on tranquil setting of Gokurakuji Temple. baskets. Experience the natural surroundings of the about the creative process, the history of homemade local dishes using the beans. Then Experience Zen meditation in this Maruyama River and learn about Toyooka’s history on Mugiwara Zaiku, and its association with carry on to the atelier of an English potter living extraordinary space, and then enjoy in Tamba, the studio of an artisan who makes a mini-cruise, then try your hand at basket weaving at onsen culture. The artisan will coach you in conversing with the dignified yet friendly hand-woven, naturally dyed Tamba-fu cloth, and ＬＯＣＡＳＳＥＴＡＭＢＡ the Genbudo Museum. Later, take a stroll in the Toyooka Kiryu Zaiku World attention on ZEN the creation of your own original Mugiwara a climbing kiln. Of course you’ll mingle with the This complex aims at regional Genbudo Park, one of Japan’s natural monuments. Buddhist priest over matcha and Japanese Zaiku box. It is the traditional craft of local people, as well as gain an appreciation for revitalization, and offers farm village sweets. Zen is a teaching and a willow basket weaving. The experiences and food for your enjoyment. philosophy that aims to unify the Mugiwara Zaiku the spirit and art that dwell in this place. After willow species used, Salix Fresh local Tamba-grown vegetables and the visits, enjoy a teatime break at Tamba Duration: 60 min koriyanagi, is both supple and mind and achieve enlightenment This traditional handicraft, with its seasonal ingredients are used in Kasuga-cho’s famous Locasse Tamba. strong and overflows with through practice and posture. 300-year history, is used to create abundance to produce healthy, delicious Meeting place: Genbudo Museum Duration:1.5 hours Duration: 2.5 hours warm charm. These days it is Currently, zen has many dishes. 1362 Akaishi, Toyooka , Hyogo charming small boxes and other attracting attention with new Meeting place: Gokurakuji Temple Meeting place: JR Kinosaki Onsen Station attentions in many fields, items using dyed barley straw. Inquiries: Genbudo Museum designs for willow bags with 801 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka , Hyogo 283 Imazu, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka , Hyogo Duration: 4 hours Inquiries: Beans DMC LLC including the business world. In The more these creations are used fashionable elements, and is Inquiries: Toyooka Tourism Innovation Inquiries: Toyooka Tourism Innovation Meeting place: JR Kaibara Station https://genbudo-museum.jp/ this program the priest will teach https://www.inaka-experiences.com/ even used by the imperial and cherished, the richer the patina 1172-1 Kaibara, Kaibara-cho, [email protected] family. https://visitkinosaki.com/tour-packages/ you the meaning of Zen and how https://visitkinosaki.com/tour-packages/ grows over time. [email protected] to sit. Tamba , Hyogo * The cruise may be cancelled in case of bad weather. [email protected] [email protected] 10 History・Culture History・Culture 11 21 Nature・Landscape AWAJI Cruise tour to extraordinary natural wonder, The Whirlpools of Naruto Strait

“Uzushio” is a rare natural phenomenon caused by the tide rushing through the extremely narrow Naruto Strait between Awaji Island and Shikoku. The moon’s tidal force causes these whirlpools, which means that especially large ones can be seen around the times of the new and full moons. These whirlpools are among the largest in the world, with diameters of about 30 meters. In addition to viewing the whirlpools close-up, the “Uzushio” cruise also oﬀers the opportunity to learn from an on-board guide about how the whirlpools are After the performance, generated and their natural environment. a backstage tour!

A member of the troupe will guide you as you experience the trio of Puppet Joruri: the 3-person Duration: 60 min operation of a puppet, emoting as you speak some Meeting place: Uzushio Dome Nanairokan joruri lines, and playing the samisen. Be sure to take 1528-4 Fukurako, Minamiawaji , Hyogo photos of each experience! Inquiries: Joyport Minamiawaji Inc. http://www.uzu-shio.com/ 18 History・Culture AWAJI [email protected] Experience Awaji puppets opera, Japan's 500-year-old traditional performing art Extraordinary Swirling Whirlpools

The Awaji Puppet Joruri is a puppet show that developed from Shinto Huge whirlpools are generated in only a very few places in the world, and have been identiﬁed in the rituals. This aspect of popular culture is deeply rooted on Awaji Duration: 1.5hours north of Norway, the east coast of Canada, and Island and has a long history of more than 500 years. Each group of (11:10～12:40、15:00～16:30) Scotland in the UK, among others. three people operates one puppet, and it would not be an exaggeration Meeting place: Awaji Puppet Theatre Here in Hyogo an initiative is underway, in to say that the plays, passed down for generations and enacted with 1528-1 Fukurako, Minamiawaji , Hyogo Manipulated by three Backstage tour cooperation with Norway, to register “Uzushio” as a great elegance, convey the essence of Japan’s proud performing arts. Inquiries: Awaji Puppet Theatre people, the puppets World Heritage site. The puppets, appearing even more alive than humans, express https://awajiningyoza.com/ outperform human actors! emotional drama that invites spectators into a world of dreams. [email protected]

19 History・Culture AWAJI 20 History・Culture AWAJI 22 Nature・Landscape AWAJI 23 Nature・Landscape KOBE・HANSHIN Let's play "Fukimodoshi", a traditional Aromatic handicraft experience on Awaji Island, Learning about January 17, 1995, Cruise tour around Kobe, one of Japan’s Japanese toy on Awaji Island Japan’s foremost incense-producing region Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Disaster principal ports Everyone all over Japan knows the traditional Enjoy the unique experience of making Awaji The Nojima Fault Preservation Museum contains The port of Kobe is emblematic of Japanese toy the “Fukimodoshi”. In Japan, Island’s historic incense. About 170 years ago, the actual active fault line that appeared when Japan’s international trade. The they’re also called Piropiro and Peehyara, incense making developed here as a local the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Disaster Ocean Prince takes you on a while in other countries they’re called party industry, and now the island boasts Japan’s occurred on January 17, 1995. Other attractions in leisurely cruise around Kobe Port, horns and blowouts, and are used at birthday, largest production volume. Here you’ll watch the park include the Memorial House, which which flourished as a foreign enclave remained largely undamaged although very near Christmas and other parties. Japanese Fukimodoshi a video explaining how incense is made, and Earthquake storytelling and still retains an exotic feeling. the fault, and the Kobe Wall, which survived the Take a tour of the Fukimodoshi factory and In the 1960s, the high quality of see the fragrant wood and the machinery “KATARIBE” Check out the screens on the boat to bombing of Kobe (1945) and the Hanshin-Awaji exhibits, and play with more than 10 different Japanese Fukimodoshi led to their actually used to process it. Then a handmade learn more about the port of Kobe. Parchez Kaori-no-Yakata earthquake. You can also experience what an We don’t want precious lives and types of Fukimodoshi. Not only that, but you export to countries around the world: picture-card show will teach you about the irreplaceable sacrifices to have the US and Canada, Europe, Russia, The theme of this information earthquake feels like in the earthquake simulator. Submarine Dock can choose from a variety of colors and history of incense on Awaji Island. Finally, been in vain. Our duty as survivors Brazil and more. These days facility is aroma. The large The aim of this theme park is to raise awareness is to pass the stories on to The big red cranes and tugboats are patterns to make your own original Fukimodoshi are used widely not just as you’ll be able to try making incense yourself. greenhouse and extensive gardens of the danger of natural disasters and pass the posterity. Toward that end, “ Duration: 45 min symbols of Kobe Port. In front of toys, but for medical, therapeutic and are home to about 100 different kinds KATARIBE” storytellers tell their Fukimodoshi, included in the tour. It’s an experience to be had only here, in lesson on to future generations. them a submarine at anchor comes beauty purposes, as well. stories at the Memorial House Meeting place: Nakatottei Japan’s foremost incense region. of herbs. into view. This comfortable cruise every Tuesday. Chuo Cruise Terminal (Kamomeria) offers delightful views of Akashi 7-1 Hatoba-cho Chuo-ku Kobe, Hyogo Duration: 60 min Inquiries: FUKIMODOSHI NO SATO CO.,LTD Kaikyō Bridge and Kobe Airport, Duration:60min Inquiries: Parchez Kaori-no-Yakata Duration: 1-2 hours Inquiries: Hokudan Earthquake Memorial Park Meeting place: Fukimodoshi-no-Sato Inquiries: Kobe Bay Cruise and vistas of Kobe City as seen from https://www.fukimodosi.org/ Meeting place: Parchez Kaori-no-Yakata 333-1 Kouchi, Awaji , Hyogo https://www.parchez.co.jp Meeting place: Nojima Fault Preservation Museum http://www.nojima-danso.co.jp/ https://kobebayc.co.jp/ the water. [email protected] 3025-1 Osaki, Awaji , Hyogo 177 Ogura, Awaji, Hyogo [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 12 History・Culture Nature・Landscape 13 24 Nature・Landscape TAJIMA 27 Nature・Landscape HARIMA Oriental White Stork Visit 150-year-old farmhouse: Observation Tour Farm work experience and hearty local lunch

(with English-speaking guide) Yokawa-cho in Miki City boasts the largest production and best quality of the number one Toyooka City is the last remaining habitat of the Oriental brewer’s rice in Japan, Yamada Nishiki. Here we ﬁnd stork, which had once disappeared from the skies over Japan. a restaurant created by restoring an old farmhouse This tour takes you to the stork’s territory, where you’ll hear (minka) dating back more than 150 years. The tatami about how we’re trying to keep our promises to the storks, mats are all Toda Soshoku, created by the Toda and where organic farms aim to create a rich natural artisans, who for more than 100 years have been crafting these tatami masterpieces in Yokawa-cho. environment to share with them. Lunch is organic vegetables, We invite you to get a sense of the good old days in and rice that comes from the storks’ feeding grounds. Obanzai Japan in this nostalgic space, where you can harvest It refers to home cooking vegetables and enjoy an Obanzai lunch. eaten in ordinary households. The well-traveled restaurant Duration: 5 hours Duration: 2.5 hours owner wants as many Period: Apr ‒ Oct Meeting place: Wawawa restaurant people as possible to feel Meeting place: JR Kinosaki Onsen Station 153 Furuichi, Yokawa-cho, Miki, Hyogo the charm of his home area, 283 Imazu, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka , Hyogo Inquiries: Wawawa and oﬀers Obanzai made Inquiries: Toyooka Tourism Innovation with carefully selected https://wawawa-yokawa.com/ seasonal ingredients. https://visitkinosaki.com/tour-packages/ [email protected] [email protected]

The city where storks dance 28 Nature・Landscape TAMBA their leisurely dance Here in Toyooka we’ve succeeded in recovering the The experience of INAKA, harvesting and natural environment and returning to the wild short valley hike storks that had once been extinct in Japan. We invite you to come meet these lovely birds, Enjoy the experience of harvesting the “carriers of happiness”. vegetables with farmers who produce in Kasuga-cho, Tamba City, and then savor the farmer’s wife’s home cooking of the freshly picked vegetables. This 4-hour private taxi tour gives you the opportunity to mingle with the people of Tamba, and take a short hike in the Higaoka Valley, highly recommended by the local people. Higaoka Valley The pure stream winds its way between crags and strangely Duration: 4 hours shaped rocks in the deep forest. Meeting place: JR Kaibara Station Each season has its own beauty in 1172-1 Kaibara, Kaibara -cho, Tamba , Hyogo this healing spot, where you can Inquiries: Beans DMC LLC experience shinrinyoku (forest bathing) and negative ions. https://www.inaka-experiences.com/ [email protected]

29 Nature・Landscape TAMBA

Nature・Landscape TAJIMA Nature・Landscape TAJIMA 25 26 Wow!! Superb view of rising sun from Kuroi Re-think SDGs through organic rice-duck Japanese quaint old house stay! Castle Ruins in Tamba countryside! farming (BBQ lunch included) Experience nature and traditional local culture This overnight plan lets you socialize with the people of Tamba, experience the wonderful early Learn about pesticide-free rice-duck farming and Built in 1783, the old cargo warehouse morning landscape and discover the hidden SDGs as you contemplate what we can do to Higashi Fujita-tei is located in Moroyose on treasure of Oku-Tamba. At dawn, enjoy the help. Experience the multi-functionality and the Japan Sea coast, one of the seaports for the Japan Heritage Kitamae-Bune, cargo sunrise at Kuroi castle. Hikami-cho’s Tashinji culture creation intrinsic to rice cultivation, and ships that sailed the Japan Sea in the Edo temple houses 80 statues of the Buddha from the the relationship between Shinto rituals and rice period. The husband and wife owners Heian and Kamakura periods, and these hidden farming. Fill yourself up with delicious duck, the restored it to create a multi-functional treasures give the temple its other name: “ bounty of the Japan Sea, and onigiri (rice balls) guesthouse that fuses Japanese architecture made with rice-duck farmed rice. Tamba’s Shōsōin”. and European culture. With Higashi Kitamae-Bune What are SDGs? Fujita-tei, a designated Japan Heritage The Kitamae-Bune are the ﬂeets of Yasuragi Ryokan The Sustainable Development Goals property, as your base for sightseeing, cargo ships that plied the Japan Sea Duration: 1 night, 2 days (SDGs) were adopted by the United explore the abundant natural environment Yasuragi Ryokan is a Duration: 8 hours between around 1850 and 1900, carrying Meeting place: JR Kaibara Station Nations General Assembly in of the San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Japanese-style inn standing in a Period: Jun ‒ Aug September 2015 as an essential goods between Osaka and Hokkaido. Geopark and enjoy ikebana and other 1172-1 Kaibara, Kaibara-cho, Tamba , Hyogo beautiful mountain hamlet whose They didn’t simply carry the cargo, but Meeting place: JR Hamasaka Station action plan for a 15 year sustainable Inquiries: Beans DMC LLC aspect changes with the seasons. Japanese cultural experiences. engaged in buying and selling, as well. 2330 Aza higashioka Hamasaka, Shinonsen-cho, development program. These Here you’ll make new include 17 sectoral goals and 169 https://www.inaka-experiences.com/ discoveries that you could never Mikata-gun, Hyogo achievement criteria; such as, to end Duration: 1 night ～ [email protected] ﬁnd in the city. We hope you Inquiries: Aigamo no Taniguchi Agricultural Union poverty, protect the planet and Inquiries: Guest House Higashi Fujita-tei Period: Mar ‒ Nov enjoy your countryside https://www.organic-farm.co.jp ensure people everywhere can enjoy https://www.higashifujita.jp/ (Note: The early morning scenery changes with the peace and abundance. Meeting place: Guest House Higashi Fujita-tei weather. Accommodation may also change depending on experience. [email protected] 577 Moroyose, Shinonsen-cho, Mikata-gun , Hyogo [email protected] the circumstances.) 14 Nature・Landscape Nature・Landscape 15 30 Sports・Activity KOBE・HANSHIN Hyogo Hokusetsu Satoyama* Cycling Tour *Area between mountain foothills and arable flat land where people live

The Hokusetsu Satoyama area is close to Hanshinkan and Osaka, and its varied terrain is perfect for cycling, with flat areas of cultivated land and hilly sections with ups and downs. A member of the local cycling team with extensive knowledge of the local roads will guide you, always with safety as the top priority. A variety of experiences are available depending on the season: touring Japan’s finest Satoyama, the Kurokawa area; a “kikusumi” experience; Sports・Activity HARIMA Sports・Activity AWAJI viewing the Hitokura dam; making chopsticks with local 33 34 hinoki cypress and more. Lunchtime will find you taking a break in one of the stylish local cafés or restaurants. Cycling along the clear stream Awaji Island’s anime park: "Chikusa" Nijigen no Mori Enjoy abundant natural surroundings nurtured Nijigen no Mori, located within the TM & ©TOHO CO.,LTD. Duration: 7 hours by the clear waters of the Chikusa River, one of enormous expanse of Awajishima Park, is Meeting place: Nose Electric Railway Japan’s top hundred famous waters. A local a theme park where you can enjoy Yamashita station or Nissei Chuo station guide will introduce you to the history and attractions having Japanese anime as (Yamashita station) 1-19 Mino, Kawanishi , Hyogo cuisine of the area as you cycle along the river. their motifs. Adults and children alike (Nissei Chuo station)Matsuodai 1-chome, Inagawa-cho, A variety of routes are available for viewing Kawabe-gun, Hyogo will love the full range of attractions unique landscapes, shrines, sake breweries and Inquiries: BICYCLE PROJECT including an adventure course, zipline, more. maze and puzzles themed around Godzilla ambush http://bicycle-project.com/ world-famous anime such as “Fire Island”, Japan’s world-famous Godzilla now has a new attraction area. Get a real feel for [email protected] the creation of the “Father of Anime”, Duration: about 5 hours The townscape of Sakoshi the immensity and power of the biggest Period: Apr ‒ Jun, Oct ‒ Nov Osamu Tezuka, and others including Godzilla in the world, 120m high, who Ako City’s Sakoshi neighborhood Meeting place: Kamigori Tourist Information Center Crayon Shinchan and NARUTO. has come ashore on Awaji Island to this Even beginners can enjoy cycling - no need to bring flourished during the Edo period as 222 Ekimae, Kamigori-cho, Akō-gun, Hyogo unique attraction. anything with you! a cargo vessel port. Stroll along the Inquiries: Kamigori School District Community streets of this harbor area, the port Duration: 2 hours～5hours Inquiries: Nijigen no Mori We provide helmets, and you can rent a road bike, Promotion Committee of call for cargo ships that sailed Meeting place: Nijigen no Mori cross bike, mountain bike or even an e-bike! None the Japan Sea, which is designated https://nijigennomori.com/ as a Japan Heritage site. 924-1 Iwaya, Awaji , Hyogo [email protected] Please inquire via the website

31 Sports・Activity TAJIMA 32 Sports・Activity TAJIMA 35 Sports・Activity HARIMA 36 Sports・Activity KOBE・HANSHIN Breezy Highland Cycling Unravel the secrets behind why “Perpetual Youth & Longevity” Walking tour around village of "Ebisu-san", with Local Picnic Kobe beef is so delicious ! forest path in Taka Japanese god of wealth and commerce Cycle along vast rice ﬁelds, cultivated farmlands, Ride a mountain bike from the top of the Healthy walking is a kind of walking The Nishitani region is richly endowed and villages nestled among broad-leaved trees mountain through beautiful terraced rice making use of climate and topography, with nature and lies north of Takarazuka City, about 40 minutes from with a guide who knows the Kannabe Highlands ﬁelds toward Ojiro, the home of Wagyu. This which is used as a form of treatment in inside out. Along the way, you’ll stop to gather German kurort (health resorts). Choose Osaka and Kobe. Experience the is where Tajima-ushi, the cows that become abundant natural beauty of the clear local ingredients and harvest seasonal organic from among 17 trails in the town of Taka, the world-famous Kobe beef, are born and Muko River valley and the tranquility vegetables grown in the abundant nature of the walking through forest and villages raised. Along the way, hear the amazing of a traditional Japanese landscape. Kannabe Highlands for a picnic lunch. After year-round, and enjoy the seasonal Enjoy the charm of the Nishitani region, lunch, visit the mystical Hatton Falls and let story of Tajima-ushi. changes as you walk. Your knowledgeable Healthy walking is not just about visiting Manpuku-ji temple, where the your whole body absorb the negative ions. guide will acquaint you with the rich Highland Cycling walking. Refresh your body and spirit temple bell is struck to pray for visitors’ Optional tours include pottery throwing in natural surroundings, history and culture with activities to stimulate the brain, good fortune. Make a lucky charm the forest and a visit to Nishitani-no-mori + Local Food Taste 41 parts of Tajima-ushi of the area as you walk. Go at your own train your muscles, and relax. Who associated with the god of business Park. You can also fully enjoy the Japanese Duration: about 4.5 hours During your cycling tour, enjoy Duration: about 8 hours Once you have tasted lunch leisurely pace, and check your pulse as knows? You may even be able to prosperity, Ebisu-san, at Ebisu Shimada, atmosphere at nearby Takedao Onsen and Period: Apr ～ Nov tofu and vegetables grown from Period: mid-May ‒ mid-Oct consisting of Tajima-ushi’s 41 parts, you climb the gently sloping hill paths. achieve “Perpetual Youth & and visit one of only two hanging Takarazuka Onsen. Meeting place: JR Ebara Station the pure local water and rich soil Meeting place: JR Yōka station which can only be eaten here, you’ll Longevity”. ferneries in Japan. of the highlands! The picnic lunch 13-2 Hioki, Hidaka-cho, Toyooka , Hyogo 100-2 Yōka, Yōka-cho, Yabu , Hyogo never again eat steak without Inquiries: Takarazuka International made from ingredients gathered Duration: 2.5 hours Inquiries: Toyooka Tourism Innovation Inquiries: New Japan Travel Planner Co., Ltd. recalling this experience. Inquiries: Taka-no-mori Health Association Tourist Association along the way is a healthy salad Meeting place: Edel Sasayuri Duration: 6 hours https://visitkinosaki.com/tour-packages/ made from organic vegetables and https://www.njtp.co.jp/15652263569645 363-13 Nakanoma, Yachiyo-ku, Taka-cho, https://www.takacho.net/wellness/ Meeting place: JR Takedao Station https://kanko-takarazuka.jp/ local ingredients. [email protected] [email protected] Taka-gun, Hyogo [email protected] 1 Izuriha, Tamase Takarazuka , Hyogo [email protected] 16 Sports・Activity Sports・Activity 17 37 Sports・Activity KOBE・HANSHIN Experience Bushidō through martial art "Naginata": Everything starts and ends with a bow

Budo (martial arts) are not only for the purpose of honing the military arts; they aim to perfect the character of practitioners through the process of improving their skills. Kyoko Kimura, the 17th head of the old school Tendōryu, will teach you naginata, a traditional martial art. Learn the innermost secrets of naginata in the Syubukan, a 230-year-old dojo that was the inspiration for the popular anime Asahinagu.

Duration: 1.5 hours 40 Gourmet KOBE・HANSHIN 41 Gourmet KOBE・HANSHIN Meeting place: Syubukan 3-2-11 Nishidai, Itami, Hyogo Inquiries: Syubukan Sake tasting at local Kobe breweries Kobe China Town Walking Foodie Tour https://syubukan.info/ A trip to Japan’s Kansai region wouldn’t be This gourmet tour takes you to one of Japan’s [email protected] complete without a visit to a sake brewery. Kobe’s three major Chinatowns, Nankin-machi, a Nada district produces the largest volume of favorite tourist destination in Kobe. People reﬁned sake in Japan. The production area called “ Nada Gogō” spreads for 24 kilometers east to west, who actually live there arrange the tour, so and is home to about 30 breweries. The Nada area you won’t have to wait in line outside popular is blessed with a multitude of conditions that restaurants. Not only will you enjoy the food, make it ideal for sake brewing: the mineral-rich Sake Brewery tour but you’ll also learn about the architectural water, called miyamizu; the famous “king of rice”, Yamada Nishiki; and Rokko Oroshi, the wind from You’ll visit 3 carefully history of the town and ﬁnd souvenirs, and Enjoy an eating tour in Mt. Rokko that brings in cold air to create an ideal selected locations and taste receive a large square card (shikishi) with more than 25 different an exotic atmosphere! climate. Your guide on this tour knows sake and your name written in kanji. the Nada area inside out, and will take you deep kinds of sake. Irresistible Nankin-machi is said to have into the fascinating world of Japanese sake. for Japanese sake begun to flourish starting in Naginata enthusiasts! 1867 when Kobe’s port was Duration: 2.5 hours opened to foreign trade. Here NAGINATA is a Japanese weapon that has a Meeting place: Guesthouse Kobe Nadeshikoya you can enjoy shopping and Duration: 3.5 hours Inquiries: BE TORABERU CO., Ltd. long blade on a long handle. This long, versatile 1-2-21, Sakaemachidori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo eating in the many shops that Meeting place: Ishiyagawa Station weapon can be used to stab, cut or hook an https://kobelocaltours.com/tours/ Inquiries: BE TORABERU CO., Ltd. line the streets, selling Chinese opponent. on the Hanshin line [email protected] ingredients, sundry articles and 2-23 Mikageishimachi, Higashinada-ku, https://kobelocaltours.com/tours/ food. Kobe, Hyogo [email protected]

「ⒸVISSEL KOBE」 39 Sports・Activity HARIMA 42 Gourmet HARIMA 43 Gourmet KOBE・HANSHIN 38 Sports・Activity KOBE・HANSHIN Study tour in golf iron factory Learn about and taste sake at the home of School of Sweet Trick: Noevir Stadium Kobe tour: (Golf wedge inscribed with your name included) The home ground of J1 Football League club Vissel Kobe brewer's rice, Yamada Nishiki Sweets making and chocolate seminar Miuragiken, founded in 1977 in Ichikawa-cho, Miki City, with its ideal climate and topography, Chef Susumu Koyama, winner of a multitude of Noevir Stadium Kobe is the boasts Japan’s largest production and highest awards at chocolate and confectionary Noevir Stadium is the birthplace of golf clubs made in Japan. home-ground for the Football J1 League All the processes for making iron heads are quality of large-grained Yamada Nishiki, called competitions in Japan and abroad, lectures on Kobe tour how to make sweets. Experience the careful VISSEL KOBE, where many world-class carried out here, using the company’s unique the “king of brewer’s rice”. In this “holy ground” attention to detail that characterizes Japanese star athletes play.This tour’s main A must-see for football and of brewer’s rice, you can enjoy the Yamada forging technology. Although mechanized creations. Separately, Chef Koyama offers a attraction is Noevir Stadium Kobe, but rugby fans! This tour takes you production is now the mainstream in the Nishiki story through your senses: actually chocolate seminar, where he recounts how he you’ll also visit Wada Shrine, where the behind the scenes at the es-koyama industry, Miuragiken values the touch of the walk in the rice fields (see), taste the rice (eat) searches for ingredients, selects cacao, and Vissel Kobe team prays for victory, and stadium, where you can take a Chef Susumu Koyama is a leading artisan’s hand. Only here can you learn about Ichikawa-cho’s irons came into and taste sake made from Yamada Nishiki develops new chocolate products. He also Harborland, the official shop for Vissel peek at the benches where the Japanese pâtissier. He received Best MIURA technology, prized by top pros and being by adapting the forging (drink). Options reveals his thoughts on what he wants to share Foreign Chocolatier at the world’s Kobe souvenirs. Then head off on your coaches and players sit, the fans around the world, and create your own methods used by swordsmiths. with the world through chocolate. Also, enjoy a largest chocolate event, the SALON own to enjoy Kobe’s beautiful harbor press conference room and the unique shopping experience, starting with the DU CHOCOLAT in Paris, for two original wedge. Tour the factory, stamp a wedge Duration: 4 hours ・Rice planting scenery and gourmet shopping. locker rooms. chef’s signature creation, the “Koyama Roll”. years in a row. Active both in Japan and take it home with you. Period: May ‒ Nov ・Rice harvesting and overseas, he is the recipient of Meeting place: Yamada Nishiki-no-Yakata many other awards, as well. Duration: 3 hours ・Hot spring bath Duration: 1.5 hours (chocolate seminar) 222 Kichiyasu, Yokawa-cho, Miki , Hyogo ※Planting and harvesting are Period: Mar ‒ Dec 2.5 hours (confectionary making) Duration: 2.5 hours Inquiries: Nihon Tour Service Inquiries: Shinkibus Co., Ltd., Himeji branch during a limited time only. Meeting place: Miuragiken Co., Ltd. Inquiries: Yamada Nishiki-no-Sato Inquiries: Patissier es koyama Please e-mail for more Period: Mar-Sep, Nov Meeting place: Minatogawa Shrine entrance https://www.shinkibus.com/ https://jts-travel.jp/ 257 Kodani, Ichikawa-cho, https://www.takacho.net/wellness/ information. Meeting place: Patissier es koyama https://www.es-koyama.com/index.html 3-1-1 Tamondori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo [email protected] Kanzaki-gun, Hyogo [email protected] [email protected] 5-32-1 Yurinokidai, Sanda , Hyogo [email protected] 18 Sports・Activity Gourmet 19 44 Gourmet HARIMA Explore "Ieshima", isolated but nearby islands in Seto Inland Sea

The Ieshima islands are a group of 44 large and small islands located 18km oﬀshore from Himeji city. Since olden times the islands have been an important location for navigators waiting for favorable winds and the tides in the Inland Sea, and so have had many visitors. Together with your guide you can stroll the old-fashioned streets and take photos, visit temples and shrines and savor delicious fresh seafood from the Inland Sea. Why not embark on a journey to this historic island with Gourmet TAJIMA Onsen TAJIMA its many legends and romantic tales? 47 48 Fillet a fish into Sashimi: Learn from Onsenji Temple Hot Spring Therapy Tour

Duration: 7.5 hours local moms Standing at the western edge of Kinosaki-onsen town, Onsen-ji temple’s main Meeting place: JR Himeji Station In the past, when winter came and covered building dates from 738. In times gone by, 322 Tofu-machi, Himeji , Hyogo it in snow, the Mio neighborhood of visitors to this onsen town would pray at Inquiries: Shinkibus Co., Ltd., Himeji branch Shinonsen-cho was known as a the temple to be cured of illnesses, and be https://www.shinkibus.com/ self-contained land island. The villages along the steep cliffs facing the Japan Sea lie blessed with water by the guardian deity. [email protected] along the Tajima Mihonoura coastline, a Only then could they receive a wooden Kinosaki Onsen Kinosaki Onsen boasts a two-star listing place of scenic beauty designated as a dipper and be admitted to the hot baths. An initiative by Mihonoura in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. From Natural Monument. The sparkling emerald The wooden dipper was the entry ticket to the mountaintop you can take in moms to revitalize the villages! The daily life of Ieshima island green of the sea in summertime is truly a the baths, and the custom endured until the magnificent views of the town and the sight to see. Unique culture and traditions The Mio area had a flourishing fishing Edo period. On this tour, the chief priest gently flowing Maruyama river, with the Japan Sea coastline in the distance。At Ieshima has very little flat ground, so most of the endure in the lovely villages, where you can industry, but now no vestiges remain. The will tell you more about these ancient local women are striving to revitalize the the top of the mountain, you can try your houses are crammed close together and the island is enjoy conversations with the local women, rituals, the history of Onsenji Temple and hand at the famous “kawarake-nage”, area by making and selling local cuisine dotted with lanes and back alleys. These are part of who will show you how to make sashimi. the story of Kinosaki Onsen’s founder. throwing unglazed pottery called “ unique to Mio. Their next challenge is an the inhabitants’ daily lives, and as you walk along kawarake” at a target, to drive away bad inbound initiative, SASHIMI. fortune and ask for good luck. you’ll see housewares and old wells, with pump handles that even today work to bring the water Duration: 3 hours Duration: 2.5 hours Inquiries: Hamasaka Tourist Association Inquiries: Toyooka Tourism Innovation gushing out. Period: Mar-Apr, Jul-Nov Meeting place: JR Kinosaki Onsen station Meeting place: former Mihonoura nursery school http://www.hamasaka.com/ 283 Imazu, Kinosaki-cho, https://visitkinosaki.com/tour-packages/ 164 Mio, Shinonsen-cho, Mikata-gun, Hyogo [email protected] Toyooka , Hyogo [email protected]

49 Onsen TAJIMA

Meet, Eat and Enjoy with locals at "Yumura", named after a hot springs village (making custard pudding included)

Yumura Onsen is one of Japan’s leading high-temperature hot springs. Hot water at a temperature of 98°C boils up from the source, called “Arayu”. The local people have used this “ Arayu” since early times to boil vegetables and the like. Enjoy strolling around this quiet, relaxed onsen town, and try eggs and custard pudding boiled in the hot spring water. Have your fortune told by the way you peel the boiled egg, chat with a 45 Gourmet TAMBA 46 Gourmet TAJIMA local granny, and let yourself unwind. Harvest Edamame beans in Private Meat Sommelier Lesson and Duration: 3 hours Tambasasayama countryside Tajima Beef Meal Meeting place: Yumura Onsen Pocket Park The beautiful rural landscape of Tamba still Learn about the pinnacle of world-class Kobe 1264-1 Yu, Shinonsen-cho, Mikata-gun, Hyogo remains, with its pure air and rich natural beef, Tajima beef, in a private space at Inquiries: Yumura Onsen Tourism surroundings. Try your hand at harvesting restaurant Irori Dining Mikuni. Experience the http://www.yumura.gr.jp/ edamame in Tambasasayama’s countryside, amazing ﬂavor of the prized Tajima-Guro, fed [email protected] registered as a Japan Heritage site. Edamame and raised in an extremely meticulous way. are well known overseas, too, but mostly as a Under the watchful eye of the owner, learn how frozen product. There’s no comparison between to prepare a block of Tajima-Guro meat and the most delicious way of grilling it. frozen and freshly picked edamame ‒ you really must taste them and see. Tajima-Guro Extremely rare even among Tajima beef (the source of Kobe beef), Harvesting Edamame beans Arayu custard pudding Arayu boiled eggs Duration: 45 min Duration: 2 hours Tajima-Guro is raised only on Period: Jul ‒ Aug Riding on the boom in Japanese Period: Apr ‒ Oct approved farms and fed special Yumura Onsen cuisine arising out of growing food, and just 2-3 cows are shipped Meeting place: FullMind Company Meeting place: Irori Dining Mikuni monthly. Its fat melting point is This ancient hot spring was discovered about 1200 health awareness, edamame are 576 Nishisakamoto, Tambasasayama , Hyogo 219 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka , Hyogo low, at 12°C, while that of ordinary years ago. The townsfolk still use the hot springs for now consumed around the Inquiries: FullMind Company Inquiries: Toyooka Tourism Innovation Japanese Black beef is about 25°C, much of their daily cooking and is the charm of world and seem to have many and the large amount of oleic and https://www.edamame.farm fans. Try freshly picked and https://visitkinosaki.com/tour-packages/ linoleic acids in the umami Yumura Onsen Town. [email protected] boiled edamame! [email protected] component has been veriﬁed.

20 Gourmet・Onsen Gourmet・Onsen 21 Explore b y Category Night time 1 KOBE・HANSHIN "Lightscape in Rokko", fusion of 10 million dollar nightscape and artistic light show on Mt Rokko (Japanese-style Mongolian mutton BBQ included) Shinonsen Kami 32 HYOGO History・Culture Kinosaki Onsen 2 KOBE・HANSHIN Experience "Noh", the oldest theatre art in the world 25 26 47 49 Sea of Japan 3 HARIMA Learn all about Japanese knives in an age-old ironware town GETTING TO 4 HARIMA Workshop on making "Sugidama", symbol of Japanese sake Kitakinki Tango Railway 5 KOBE・HANSHIN Explore Hanshin Area: Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture San'in Line and Koshien Baseball Stadium HYOGO 6 KOBE・HANSHIN One-day trip appreciating contemporary art and AWAJI the magniﬁcent architectures in Hyogo Toyooka Yumura Hyogo is close to Kyoto and Osaka, 7 KOBE・HANSHIN Come to the Wind Museum in Sanda, where the wind shines Onsen 8 KOBE・HANSHIN Immerse yourself in nature at Sorakuken Garden, Tottori Airport Tajima Airport Toyooka reachable within an hour using conventional a traditional Japanese garden in Kobe Tottori "Banshu-ori" weaving workshop: It starts with nostalgic sounds 14 15 16 17 train lines. With three domestic airports and 9 HARIMA Izushi 10 HARIMA Go back in time to the Edo period! Stroll "Himeji" Castle 24 31 46 48 four Shinkansen stations, Hyogo is also easily in princess-style Kimono Tottori 11 HARIMA Discover secrets of World Heritage Himeji Castle with local guides accessible from other parts of Japan. 12 TAMBA Explore Japanese "Kokoro: philosophy", "Dō: path and codes", and "Aji: taste" in Tamba Wadayama to Shin-kobe sta. 13 TAMBA The quintessence of INAKA, the spirit and skill of Tamba Takeda Tokyo sta. 165min. 14 TAJIMA Experience Japanese traditional craftsmanship: Castle Toyooka wicker baskets and short cruise on the Maruyama River Nagoya sta. 65min. 15 TAJIMA Strolling historic castle town "Izushi" in Kimono Hyogo Hiroshima sta. 70min. 16 TAJIMA Zen Meditation, Buddhist Sermon & Matcha at Gokurakuji Temple Hakata sta. 135min. 17 TAJIMA Straw Craft Activity and Artisan Workshop Tour San'in Line Kyoto (with English-speaking guide) 18 AWAJI Experience Awaji puppets opera, to Himeji sta. Japan's 500-year-old traditional performing art Bantan Line Tamba by Tokyo sta. 185min. Ichikawa 39 19 AWAJI Let's play "Fukimodoshi", a traditional Japanese toy on Awaji Island 12 13 28 29 Nagoya sta. 85min. Sasayama Shinkansen 20 AWAJI Aromatic handicraft experience on Awaji Island, Chizu Express Tamba Hiroshima sta. 60min. Japan’s foremost incense-producing region Castle Sasayama Hakata sta. 125min. Taka 45 Nature Landscape Sasayama 35 guchi Sanda 7 43 21 AWAJI Cruise tour to extraordinary natural wonder, Okayama Sayo Kyoto The Whirlpools of Naruto Strait Kakogawa Line Fukuchiyama Line Takarazuka 36 22 AWAJI Learning about January 17, 1995, to Sannomiya sta. The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Disaster Kishin Line Kyoto sta. 55min. 23 KOBE・HANSHIN Cruise tour around Kobe, one of Japan’s principal ports Kamigori 33 Himeji Nishiwaki Osaka sta. 20min. 24 TAJIMA Oriental White Stork Observation Tour Kawanishi 30 (with English-speaking guide) 10 11 Kasai 9 Himeji sta. 40min. 25 TAJIMA Re-think SDGs through organic rice-duck farming 4 (BBQ lunch included) Miki Itami to Himeji sta. 26 TAJIMA Japanese quaint old house stay! Experience nature Himeji Castle Itami and traditional local culture 3 27 42 Airport Kyoto sta. 95min. Sanyo Line Arima 37 27 HARIMA Visit 150-year-old farmhouse: Farm work experience Onsen Osaka sta. 60min. and hearty local lunch Okayama Aioi Himeji Takarazuka by Train Airport Onsen Sannomiya sta.40min. 28 TAMBA The experience of INAKA, harvesting and short valley hike n anse Kakogawa 29 TAMBA Wow!! Superb view of rising sun from Kuroi Castle Ruins ink Ako Onsen h Shin-Kobe in Tamba countryside! yo S Ako Line Shin-Osaka San Amagasaki Ako Castle Akashi Castle Osaka Castle Sports Activity Okayama Sannomiya Nishiakashi to Itami apt. 30 KOBE・HANSHIN Hyogo Hokusetsu Satoyama Cycling Tour 44 Haneda apt. 70min. 31 TAJIMA Breezy Highland Cycling with Local Picnic Ieshima Islands Akashi Kaikyo Bridge 32 TAJIMA Unravel the secrets behind why Kobe beef is so delicious ! Kobe Airport Shin-chitose apt. 120min. 33 HARIMA Cycling along the clear stream "Chikusa" Naha apt. 110min. 34 AWAJI Awaji Island’s anime park: Nijigen no Mori 35 HARIMA “Perpetual Youth & Longevity” forest path in Taka Awaji Island Kobe Nishinomiya to Kobe apt. by Airplane 36 KOBE・HANSHIN Walking tour around village of "Ebisu-san", (Awaji,Sumoto,Minamiawaji) 1 8 23 2 5 Haneda apt. 80min. Japanese god of wealth and commerce 38 40 41 Shin-chitose apt. 125min. 37 KOBE・HANSHIN Experience Bushidō through martial art "Naginata": 6 18 19 20 Everything starts and ends with a bow Naha apt. 110min. 21 22 34 Kansai International Osaka 38 KOBE・HANSHIN Noevir Stadium Kobe tour: The home ground of J1 Football League club Vissel Kobe Airport 39 HARIMA Study tour in golf iron factory (Golf wedge inscribed with your name included) Seto Inland Sea

Gourmet・Onsen Sumoto Onsen to Sannomiya sta. Kansai kokusai apt. 80min. 40 KOBE・HANSHIN Sake tasting at local Kobe breweries Itami apt. 40min. 41 KOBE・HANSHIN Kobe China Town Walking Foodie Tour Takamatsu 42 HARIMA Learn about and taste sake at the home of brewer's rice, Airport Wakayama Yamada Nishiki by to Himeji sta. Kansai kokusai apt. 140min. 43 KOBE・HANSHIN School of Sweet Trick: Sweets making and chocolate seminar Limousine bus 44 HARIMA Explore "Ieshima", isolated but nearby islands in Seto Inland Sea Itami apt. 80min. 45 TAMBA Harvest Edamame beans in Tambasasayama countryside Kagawa Tokushima 46 TAJIMA Private Meat Sommelier Lesson and Tajima Beef Meal Airport 47 TAJIMA Fillet a ﬁsh into Sashimi: Learn from local moms 48 TAJIMA Onsenji Temple Hot Spring Therapy Tour 49 TAJIMA Meet, Eat and Enjoy with locals at "Yumura", named after a hot springs village (making custard pudding included)

22 Map Map 23