KOBE, HIMEJI and TAKARAZUKA PAGE 1/ 5

PG-506 , HIMEJI and TAKARAZUKA

Kobe (神戸), the capital of , is the foremost Castle, is a leading industrial and commercial city in the heart of international port city in Western . Mt. Rokko, near the city the Harima Plain. center and Arima Onsen (hot spring) set in the suburbs offer a Takarazuka (宝塚), known as the “City of Music,” is the seat of variety of attractions to visitors. the Takarazuka Revue, an all-female musical theater group. Hot Himeji (姫路), noted for its imposing 400-year-old Himeji springs and many historical spots are found in and around the city.

Traffic Network JR Arima Onsen Takarazuka Tanigami 有馬温泉 宝塚 JR Lines 谷上 Other Railway Lines Takarazuka Line Kobe Dentetsu 阪急宝塚線 Subway Arima Line Hokushin Kyuko JR Bus 神戸電鉄有馬線 北新急行 JR福知山線JR福知山線 Himeji Shin-Kobe Shin- JR Sanyo Shinkansen 姫路 新神戸 新大阪 To To , JR山陽新幹線 , Shin-Nagata 岡山, 広島へ 新長田 Shin-kaichi Hankyu Kobe Line 京都, 東京へ 新開地 阪急神戸線 梅田 Kobe 神戸 To Hyogo Osaka Misaki-Koen Motomachi JR Tokaido Line JR東海道線 大阪 Kansai Airport 兵庫 御崎公園 HarberlandHarborland 元町 Sannomiya 関西空港へ 三宮 Subway Kaigan ハハ－バ－ランLine－バ－ランド 阪神本線 Umeda Kyukyoryuchi・ Sannomiya 梅田 Minato Motomachi Daimarumae Hanadokei-mae みなと元町 旧居留地・大丸前 三宮花時計前

Access: To From Transportation Time Required Daily Runs Fare (¥) Shin-Kobe* Tokyo JR Shinkansen “Hikari” 3 hrs. 10–20 min. 41 14,270 Shin-Kobe* Tokyo JR Shinkansen “Nozomi” 2 hrs. 50 min. 16 15,450 Himeji** Tokyo JR Shinkansen "Hikari" 3 hrs. 35–45 min. 28 15,210 Osaka JR Tokaido Line (Rapid) 20–25 min. every 15 min. 390 Sannomiya (Kobe) Hankyu Kobe Line (Limited express) 27 min. every 10 min. 310 Umeda (Osaka) Hanshin Main Line (Limited express) 27 min. every 12 min. 310 Osaka JR Fukuchiyama Line (Rapid) 24 min. 32 320 Takarazuka Umeda (Osaka) Hankyu Takarazuka Line (Express) 40 min. every 10 min. 270 Himeji Sannomiya (Kobe) JR Sanyo Line (Rapid) 40 min. every 15 min. 950 Tanigami Shin-Kobe Subway 8 min. every 15 min. 350 Sannomiya Hankyu Bus 40 min. 12 680 Shinkaichi Kobe Dentetsu Railway 45 min. every 15–30 min. 650 Arima Onsen Takarazuka Hankyu Bus 40 min. 27 550 Osaka Hankyu Bus 1 hr. 12 1,330 Shin-Osaka Kansai Airport JR Limited express “Haruka” 50 min.–1 hr. 6min. 30 2,980 Osaka Shin-Osaka JR Tokaido Line 4 min. every 5 min. 160 Sannomiya Kansai Airport Limousine Bus 65 min. every 15–20 min. 1,800 * Between Shin-Kobe and Sannomiya (downtown Kobe), subways are operated every 7 min. Time required: 2 min. Fare: ¥200. ** Some Shinkansen “Hikari” & “Nozomi” do not stop at Himeji.

The City Loop Bus（シティループバス） and the main stations of Kobe, Sannomiya, and Shin-Kobe. You One-way ticket: ¥250. One-day ticket: ¥650. can get on or get off as many times as you like if you buy the one- The City Loop Bus circulates around many of Kobe’s sightseeing day ticket. You can also buy it in the bus. Service offers every areas, such as the Foreigner houses, Land, Motomachi 15 - 20min. PAGE 2/ 5 KOBE, HIMEJI and TAKARAZUKA

KOBE Places of Interest: surfers and roller skaters. Suma Seaside Park, 20 min. by JR Sanyo Main Line from Sannomiya Sta., is a beautiful white sand Kobe City is known for its legendary (神戸牛) dishes and its clothing and fashion industries, especially for the pearl beach fringed with pine trees. Suma Aqualife Park (須磨海浜水族園) trading center. Both are worth trying and browsing around in. is one of the biggest aquariums in Japan. Open 9:00–17:00 (enter before 16:00). Closed on Wed. and New Year's holiday. Tasaki Shinju (田崎真珠), one of the largest pearl companies in the world, operates a gallery on Port Island. (Tel: 078-232-2408, Admission: ¥1,300. closed on Sat., Sun. and national holiday) Mt. Rokko (六甲山), spreading behind the city, provides year- round leisure and sporting opportunities. The mountains are Downtown Kobe: The 3 principal JR stations in Kobe are Shin- accessible by buses, cable cars and ropeways, and there are Kobe, Sannomiya and Kobe. The most convenient for tourists is numerous hiking trails, too. The night view of the city and the Sannomiya (三宮), as it is in the center of the city and offers a from here has been dubbed the “Ten-million-dollar variety of shopping opportunities. Motomachi (元町), next to night view.” Sannomiya on either JR or Hanshin Lines, is another choice for Arima Onsen (有馬温泉) is a historical, tranquil hot-spring shoppers. Kobe Port (神戸港) is one of the most distinguished resort on the other side of Mt. Rokko. Its common salt springs trading ports in Japan. The 108-m-high Port Tower provides a are good for the treatment of diseases of the digestive organs, panoramic view of the city and harbor. women’s problems, neuralgia and rheumatism. Its natural car- Maiko Coast: The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is the world’s longest bon-dioxide spring waters are efficacious against dyspepsia and (3,911 m.) suspension bridge connecting the Maiko district of heart diseases. There are over 30 ryokan, each with a hot spring Kobe and . Splendid views of this bridge can be bath of its own. enjoyed from the Marinepia Kobe which houses the Fish School Arima Onsen (a fisheries-related educational facility) and fashionable outlet 有馬温泉 shops in the large outlet shopping center Port Bazaar. Kitano Traffic Network of Rokko Area (北野), a 15-min. walk north from Sannomiya Sta., was once the Chojigatsuji Kinenhidai heart of Kobe’s during the Meiji and Taisho Bus 丁字ヶ辻 記念碑台 Cable car Omote Rokko Periods. Old Western-style houses are well preserved and some Ropeway 表六甲 Tenguiwa of them are open to the public. Maya Summit 天狗岩 摩耶山頂 Harbor Land (ハーバーランド): A coastal commercial facilities Rokko Sanjo 六甲山上 complex located 5 min. on foot from Kobe Sta. on JR Kobe Mt. Rokko 六甲山 Kosoku Tetsudo (Rapid Railway). Many shops and restaurants Mt. Maya Rokko 摩耶山 Maya Cable-shita including department stores are all at hand here. At Mosaic, a Cable-shita 六甲ケーブル下 摩耶ケーブル下 shopping and amusement complex located along the seaside, there To Osaka, Umeda is a big ferris wheel from where you have a wonderful panoramic 大阪, 梅田へ view of Kobe Port and the ocean, especially beautiful at night. Suma Motomachi Sannomiya Hankyu Kobe Line Rokko 須磨 元町 三宮 阪急神戸線 六甲 * For details on places to visit in downtown Kobe and for a map, Tarumi Kobe Nada JR Tokaido Line Rokko-michi please ask for JNTO’s color folder, Japan-OSAKA-KOBE at 垂水 神戸 灘 JR東海道線 六甲道 JNTO’s TICs at the addresses given on the top of page 1. To Himeji Hanshin Main Line Mikage 姫路へ Portliner 阪神本線 御影 Suma Beach (須磨) is very popular especially among young ポートライナー

To Port Island ポートアイランドへ Restaurants: Name of Place Features & Access

The most popular shopping street in Kobe with variety of restaurants Sannomiya Center-gai Arcade • 5-min. walk from Sannomiya Sta.

Variety of Chinese restaurants Nankin Machi • 8-min. walk from JR/Hanshin Motomachi Sta. • 3-min. walk from Subway/Kaigan-Kyukyoryuchi・Daimarumae Sta.

Composite shopping arcade with variety of restaurants Mosaic • 10-min. walk from JR/Hanshin Kosoku Tetsudo Kobe Sta.

HIMEJI

Places of Interest: houette of a heron poised gracefully in the heart of the plain. It (姫路城), 5 min. by bus or 15-min. walk from takes one and a half hours to see the castle's major structures. In Himeji Sta., is a splendid and one of the few original castles Himeji Castle, the venue of some famous Japanese films such as remaining in Japan. It was built as a fort in the 14th century, and "Shogun" and "", you can become familiar with then rebuilt into the present style at the beginning of the 17th the Samurai culture. English-speaking volunteer guides are at the century. It was designated as World Heritage (Cultural heritage). castle entrance most of the time to help you. Open 9:00–17:00 An 8-year restoration project on the entire castle was complet- (18:00 in Jun., Jul. & Aug.). (Enter by 1 hr. before closing time). ed in 1964. The five-storied main donjon together with the three Closed Dec. 29–31. Admission: ¥600. smaller donjons forms a magnificent shape and is highly appreci- Himeji City Museum of Art (姫路市立美術館), a 3-min. walk ated from both the esthetic and architectural viewpoints. from the castle, is a brick structure, which used to be the City Another name given to this castle is “Shirasagijo” or White Hall. Open 10:00–17:00 (18:00 in Jun., Jul. & Aug.). (Enter by 30 Heron Castle, for its resemblance, at a distance, of a white sil- min. before closing time). Closed Mon., the day after a national KOBE, HIMEJI and TAKARAZUKA PAGE 3/ 5 holiday, and the New Year's holiday. TToo Engyoji TempleTemple Prefectural Museum of HistorHistoryy Admission: ¥200. 円教寺へ Himeyama Park 兵庫県立歴史博物館 姫山公園 Prefectural Museum of History Municipal Art Museum (兵庫県立歴史博物館), a 1-min. walk 姫路市立美術館 from the Art Museum, displays objects Nagoyama Himeji Castle HospitalHimeji Hospital Cemetery 姫路城 姫路病院 and materials concerning the history of 名古山霊苑 Municipal Zoo Hyogo Pref. and Himeji Castle. Open GardenKokoen Garden 市立動物園 10:00–17:00. Closed: same as 好古園 Municipal Art Museum. Admission: Gokoku Shrine 護国神社 Kyoguchi Sta. 0 200m 京口駅 ¥200. Police Station Nagoyama Cemetery (名古山霊苑), 警察署 10 min. by bus from Himeji Sta., is a Himeji Egret Himeji

Post Office Otemae St. Otemae イーグレ姫路 hill on which a 38-m-high stupa, or 郵便局 tower, stands. Magnificent interior. 4 Open 8:40–16:30 (-20:00 Aug. 12- Green Hotel Aug.15) Closed Dec. 29–31. 大 Admission: ¥200. 手 前 Engyoji Temple on Mt. Shosha (書 通 写山円教寺), 25 min. by bus from り 5 Himeji Sta. and 4 min. by ropeway 6 (¥500 one way, ¥900 return), is a Dentetsu Himeji Sta. Tendai Sect temple with a history of 電鉄姫路駅 more than 1,000 years. It consists of Sanyo Dept. Store JR 山陽百貨店 three magnificent buildings and several 2 JR Sanyo Line JR山陽本線JR Sanyo Line Buddhist statues, some of which are TToo Okayama designated as Important Cultural 岡山へ Properties. The excursion will make Himeji Sta. JR SanyoShinkansen Shinkansen To Osaka 姫路駅 NTT Himeji JR山陽新幹線 大阪へ大阪 your extra half-day in Himeji worth- 1 3 Shirasagi Kaikan while. A part of "The Last Samurai" NTTNTT姫路白鷺会館姫路白鷺会館 was shot here. Numbers 1 - 6 correspond to those in the Accommodations list on page 4/6. Egret Himeji (イーグレ姫路), 10- community and commerce zone featuring Himeji International Exchange Center, Gender min. walk from JR Himeji Sta., is a Equality Promotion Center, a spa, restaurants and specialty shops. Tel: 0792-89-3443.

TAKARAZUKA

Places of Interest: Kiyoshi Kojin TempleSeichoji Temple TToo TakedaoTakedao Takarazuka Grand Theater (宝塚 清荒神清澄寺 Onsen To Osaka 武田尾温泉へ 大劇場) in Takarazuka Family Land is 大阪へ where an all-female revue is staged. 8 Takarazuka Sta. To Osaka The revue company was founded in 宝塚駅 1914 by Mr. Ichizo Kobayashi who Hankyu TTakarazukaakarazuka Line 阪急宝塚線 ingeniously blended the traditional Kiyoshi Kojin Sta. Japanese drama with the Western Hankyu 清荒神駅 Takarazuka Sta. JR Fukuchiyama Line opera and succeeded in creating a new 阪急宝塚駅 9 JR福知山線 form of entertainment. Showtime dif- 阪急今津線 fers for each program. Charge: ¥3,500 Takarazuka –¥7,500. Family Land Police Station Kiyoshi Kojin Seichoji Temple (清 宝塚ファミリーランド 警察署 Takarazuka Takarazuka 荒神清澄寺), a 15-min. walk from Hot Spring Grand Theater The Osamu TTezukaezuka 宝塚温泉 10 宝塚大劇場 Manga Museum 176 Hankyu Kiyoshi Kojin Sta., is revered 手塚治虫記念館 for its “God of Fire.” A 1-km-long approach to the temple is lined with small shops selling religious objects, 0 200m antiques and souvenirs. Paintings by 7 Tessai Tomioka, one of the represen- Takarazuka tative artists of modern Japan, are dis- Minami-guchi Sta. Takarazuka 宝塚南口駅 played in Tessai Art Museum in the temple precinct. Numbers 7 - 10 correspond to those in the Accommodations list on page 4/6. Takedao Onsen (武田尾温泉), 8 min. by JR Fukuchiyama Line from Boy", aka "Tetsuwan Atom" and other characters of his animation greet you here. The Takarazuka (Get off at Takedao Sta.), museum features a high-definition TV theater showing his animation works, galleries in is a quiet, simple hot spring resort situ- which his works are exhibited, as well as a library of his comics. Open: 9:30-17:00 (-19:00 ated deep in the mountains. Hiking can Jul. 20-Aug. 31). Closed on Wed. & Dec. 29-31. Admission: ¥500 be especially enjoyed during early Crystal Spa Resort Takarazuka Onsen (宝塚温泉), 5-min. walk from Takarazuka Sta., spring and fall when the respective col- is a six-story spa facility with many kinds of baths (both open-air and indoor), jacuzzi and a ors of the leaves are the brightest. restaurant. You can relax and forget your daily cares. Bringing your swimsuit is recom- The Osamu Tezuka Manga mended. Open: 10:00-22:00 (enter before 21:00). Closed: 4th Wed. of every month. Tel: Museum (手塚治虫記念館), 8-min. 0797-83-1721. Admission: ¥1,100. walk from Takarazuka Sta., "Astro PAGE 4/ 5 KOBE, HIMEJI and TAKARAZUKA

Accommodations: Room Rate Name of Facilities Tel. Fax. (¥)

Kobe: 1 Sannomiya Terminal Hotel (H) (078)291-0001 (078) 291-0020 17,700~ 2 Kobe Towerside Hotel (H) (078)351-2151 (078) 371-1651 12,000~ 3 Kobe Sannomiya Union Hotel (BH) (078)242-3000 (078) 242-0220 6,500~ 4 Daini Kitagami Hotel (BH) (078)391-8781 (078) 391-8785 7,140~ 5 Kobe-Tarumi YH (Y) (078)707-2133 (078) 707-1575 2,800~ 6 Kobe-Mudoji (M) (078)581-0250 (078) 651-1254 3,000~ 7 Rokkosan Hotel (H) (078)891-0301 (078) 891-0736 13,000~ 8 Hotel Sunroute Kobe (BH) W (078)578-0500 (078) 578-0435 7,500~ 9 Kobe Plaza Hotel (BH) W (078)332-1141 7,200~ 10 Hotel Mizukami (BH) W (078)575-5871 (078) 575-2164 7,300~ 11 Portopia Hotel (H) W (078)302-1111 17,000~ 12 Kitagami Hotel Annex (BH) W (078)391-8781 5,500~ 13 Kobe Guest House (M) W (078)707-2133 4,500~ 14 Holiday Inn Express Shin-Kobe (H) W (078)222-1212 13,000~ Arima Onsen: Gekkoen Yugetsusanso(R) (078)904-0366 (078) 904-0360 21,000~ Arima Grand Hotel (R) (078)904-0181 (078) 904-0297 25,000~ Nakanobo-zuien (R) (078)904-0781 (078) 904-0346 34,000~ Hotel Hanakoyado (H) (078)904-0281 (078) 904-3601 15,000~ Himeji: 1 Himeji Castle Hotel (H) (0792)84-3311 (0792) 84-3729 11,000~ 2 Hotel Sunroute Himeji (H) (0792)85-0811 (0792) 84-1025 12,100~ 3 Himeji Portside Hotel (H) (0792)34-7568 8,000~ 4 Himeji Green Hotel Sakamoto(BH) (0792)89-0088 (0792) 25-1455 6,500~ 5 Hotel Claire Higasa (H) W (0792)24-3421 13,000~ 6 Himeji Green Hotel Tatemachi (0792)88-2000 (0792) 86-7000 6,300~ Takarazuka: 7 Takarazuka Hotel (H) (0797)87-1151 (0797)85-0515 19,000~ 8 Takarazuka Grand Hotel (R) (0797)87-1111 (0797)87-1116 21,000~ 9 Takarazuka Washington Hotel (H) (0797)87-1771 (0797)86-2287 14,900~ 10 Hotel Wakamizu (R) (0797)86-0151 (0797)86-2846 25,000~ Takedao Onsen: Koyokan (R) (0797)91-0131 (0797)91-1213 15,750~ Kajikaso (R) (0797)61-0331 (0797)61-2148 14,000~ Maruki Ryokan (R) (0797)61-0221 (0797)61-2234 14,000~ Motoyu Ryokan (R) (0797)61-0234 (0797)61-0235 14,000~

Accommodation rates are due to change by season or days. Please check the correct rates before you visit. Remarks: Standard rates are quoted. 1 –14 (Kobe), 1 – 6 (Himeji) and 7 –10 (Takarazuka) correspond to those on the maps on page 3/6 respectively H = Hotel Rate for a twin room. BH = Business Hotel Rate for a single room. R = Ryokan Rate per person including 2 meals, tax and service charge. Y = Youth Hostel Rate per person without meals. M = Minshuku Rate per person without meals. W = Welcome Inn member KOBE, HIMEJI and TAKARAZUKA PAGE 5/ 5

JNTO Website Goodwill Guide Groups like the following offer tourists from overseas local tours guided in English or JNTO Website can be a great help for getting detailed infor- other languages. The guides are registered with JNTO and mation for your travel to Japan. It provides a wide range of display the badge shown. As they are volunteers, there is travel information in English and other 5 languages no charge for their service. You are only expected to pay for their (Français Deutsch ) via the transportaion, admission to tourist facilities if you visit any and their ・ ・中文簡体字・中文繁體字・ meals if you eat with them. internet on transportation, accommodations, shopping and Kobe Voluntary Goodwill Guides events. Information is updated frequently to enable you to We can take you around at your request. access the latest information anytime. Apply by phone / fax to Ms. Chiko Imura. URL: http://www. jnto. go. jp Please apply 2–3 days in advance. (078-821-5456, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.). Kobe Student Guide Home Visit System We can take you around at your request. Visit a Japanese Home in Kobe Apply at least one day in advance you want us to guide you The Home Visit System offers overseas visitors a chance to visit a Japanese by phone or e-mail ([email protected]). In the case of family at home and have a glance at Japanese customs and lifestyle. In gener- e-mail, one week in advance is recommended. The person al, you are invited in the evening time for tea. The families are volunteers in charge of answering the phone changes day by day. See who enjoy making international friends. The Home Visit System, operating our newspaper "KSG News" available at Tourist in 13 cities, is organized by each respective local authority or local-authori- ty-affiliated non-profit organization. For arrangements in Kobe, contact the Information Centers in Kyoto, in Kansai International following office. Airport, or in Hello Station Kobe. Volunteer Guide Association of Himeji Castle Kobe Convention & Visitors Association Tel. (078)303-1010 We have two preset guided tours: 1) Castle keep only (1 hour) and 2) West Quarter→Castle keep (1.5 hours). When we are able to guide you through the castle, we put The Welcome Inns comprise a range of accommo- up a signboard saying "Free English-speaking Guides are W dations from hotels, business hotels, ryokan, minshuku and Available." at the ticket office of Himeji Castle. pensions to youth hostels. Most of them have guest rooms Kobe SGG Club the charge for which is a modest ¥8,000 or less per night for a single room . We can take you around at your request. Apply a week in advance by phone / fax to Mr. Koh Tamari (078-583-5003). Reservation for Welcome Inns is available through Inter- Takarazuka Bunkazai Guide Society national Tourism Center of Japan (ITCJ). We can take you around at your request. Apply to ————————————————————————————— Takarazuka Tourist Information Center (Tel: 0797-81-5344, Reservation before your departure for Japan Fax: 0797-81-5348) or Takarazuka International Friendship Visit ITCJ's website at http://www.itcj.or.jp or JNTO's at http://www.jnto.go.jp. Association (Tel: 0797-71-7633, Fax: 0797-71-7629). Also your request by mail, fax or e-mail is accepted and processed at ITCJ’s head office. To make a reservation, simply complete the Reservation Request Form available from your nearest JNTO offices and send it to the head office at least one week ahead by e-mail or fax, or three weeks ahead of your departure from home by mail. Confirmed flight booking required for application. Especially for your first night in Japan, we accept the reservation request only when you have a TOURIST INFORMATION firm booking on a flight arriving in Japan by no later than 7:00 p.m. (“i” Tourist Information Offices) Reservation after your arrival in Japan information To take advantage of our service, you must appear in person at any of the Kobe Information Center (Hello Station Kobe) Welcome Inn reservation counters located at the Tourist Information Centers Beside Sannomiya Station,1-10-1,1F Kotsu Center Building, Sannomiya-cho, (TICs) operated by JNTO (in Tokyo) or ITCJ (at Narita Airport and Kansai Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Pref. Tel. (078)322-0220 Airport). 9:00–19:00, Closed on Dec. 31 – Jan. 2 Himeji Tourist Information Center JR Himeji Sta. Concourse Tel. (0792)85-3792 Welcome Inn Reservation Center 9:00–17:00, Closed Dec.29 – Jan.3. c/o International Tourism Center of Japan Takarazuka Tourist Information 9th F1., Kanda Urban Bldg., 2-4-2, Kanda Tsukasacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0048 Information Plaza, 1st Fl., Hankyu-Takarazuka Sta. Tel. (0797)81-5344 Tel:03-3252-1717 Fax:03-3252-1521 9:00–17:15, Closed Dec.29 – 31.

All information contained in this leaflet is based on data as of November 2002. Transportation schedules, fares and accommodation charges are subject to change. Check with organizations concerned for updated information. © 2003 Japan National Tourist Organization. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Printed in Jpan