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KOBE MERIKEN PARK ORIENTAL HOTEL

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Kobe Concierge recommendations

With its unique mix of retro and modern elements, Kobe offers visitors plenty to see.
Consider taking a stroll as if you live in this elegant city, or walk to one of the many places that have figured in this harbor town’s history. You’re sure to find something new every time you set out on foot. Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel’s Kobe Concierge is happy to recommend sightseeing destinations that will satisfy your desire to see more of, and learn more about, the city.

Sightseeing destinations in nearby cities

Osaka

The Kansai region’s largest city, Osaka offers plenty of appeal in the Kita (northern) area around Umeda, which is home to shopping malls and department stores; the Minami (southern) area where visitors can enjoy Naniwa-style gourmet dining, performing arts, and cruises in the Dotombori canal; and the Bay Area, which attracts much attention as a leader in amusement and recreation.

A popular amusement park is within easy reach of Kobe.

The Kansai region’s largest city, Osaka offers plenty of appeal in the Kita (northern) area around Umeda, which is home to shopping malls and department stores; the Minami (southern) area where visitors can enjoy Naniwa-style gourmet dining, performing arts, and cruises in Dotombori; and the Bay Area, which attracts much attention as a leader in amusement and recreation.

Getting there
  • ・Train: About 40 min. from Sannomiya to JR Universal City Station
  • ・Bus: About 35 min. from Shinki Bus Sannomiya Bus Terminal via direct bus service
  • ・Car: About 40 min. (depending on traffic conditions) from the hotel by car to the Universal City Exit from the Hokko Junction via Uozakihama on the Hanshin Expressway No. 5 Bayshore Route

Himeji

Himeji, which has flourished as a key transportation hub in Western Japan since ancient times, is easy to reach from the outskirts of Kobe. The city enjoys enduringly popularity with tourists as a place where history can be experienced in a familiar and accessible way. There’s a lot to see here, from invaluable cultural properties such as Himeji Castle, which is a registered World Heritage site, to tours of local manufacturing facilities. Himeji is also a popular location for filmmakers due to its history and culture as a castle town.

Don’t miss this World Heritage site!

More than 400 years old, Himeji Castle, which is popularly known as “White Egret Castle,” is home to numerous National Treasures, Important Cultural Properties, and legends. A massive renovation project completed in the spring of 2015 has restored the keep’s beautiful exterior.

Getting there
  • ・About 23 min. by Shinkansen from Shin-Kobe Station to Himeji Station and then about 25 min. on foot walking to the north from Himeji Station
  • ・About 40 min. by car from Sannomiya to JR Himeji Station and then about 25 min. on foot walking to the north from Himeji Station

Awaji

Awaji Island is situated in the Inland Sea midway between Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge and Onaruto Bridge, which link the islands of Honshu and Kyushu. It figures in Japan’s ancient myth of national creation as the first of the Japanese islands to have been created by the gods. Infused with ancient myths, Awaji features delicious seafood from the Inland Sea as well as numerous local delicacies made possible by its rich natural setting. What better place to start a journey of history, nature, and gourmet dining than the place where Japan began?

Have your picture taken on this flower-filled island, which will transport you to a state of happiness!

Awaji Hanasajiki is a park that offers panoramic views of flowers against the backdrop of the Akashi Strait and Osaka Bay. It’s extremely popular as one of Awaji’s best spots for taking pictures. Field mustard flowers welcome visitors in the spring, followed by sunflowers in the summer, cosmos in the autumn, and stock in the winter.

Getting there
  • ・About 10 min. by taxi from Higashiura Bus Terminal (Get off at JR Maiko Station, take an express bus from the Kosoku Maiko bus stop, get off at Higashiura Bus Terminal, and take a taxi.)

Akashi

The city of Akashi lies to the west of Kobe, where it runs along the shore of the Seto Inland Sea. Rich in maritime character and history, it is known as the “city of the prime meridian” for its location at 135° east longitude, which defines Japan standard time.
Akashi is blessed with a warm climate thanks to the influence of the Seto Inland Sea, and visitors enjoy delicious seafood from fish that have been strengthened by the area’s strong tidal currents. Akashi’s delicious appeal makes it the ideal place to embark on a local gourmet journey to enjoy the area’s freshly harvested seafood.

Visit a shopping district where you can enjoy fresh Akashi seafood.

The Uonotana Shopping District, familiarly known as Uontana, offers fresh seafood such as sea bream, octopus, conger, and sand eel. Akashi is also famous for its noon catch, which attracts numerous tourists. (Many shops are closed on Thursdays.)

Getting there
  • ・About 20 min. from Sannomiya to Akashi Station (serving JR and Sanyo Electric Railway lines), then a 3 min. walk to the south