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[Hyogo ]Let's visit World and Japanese Heritage Sites. 7 heart-warming spots in Hyogo Prefecture

[Hyogo ]Let's visit World and Japanese Heritage Sites. 7 heart-warming spots in Hyogo Prefecture

2021-08-30 Management office

Hyogo Prefecture has many areas, including land facing the sea, land surrounded by mountains and rich in nature, and remote islands. "It is also called the epitome of Japan ". In Hyogo Prefecture, there are many spots where you can be refreshed by its rich natural environment. So, in this issue, we will introduce some of the most heartwarming spots, including Himeji Castle ", which is also a World Heritage Site ".
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Himeji Castle



The first is Himeji Castle ", the only World Heritage Site "in Hyogo Prefecture. Himeji Castle, nicknamed "Shirasagi-jo (White Egret Castle) "because of its magnificent white plastered walls, has been the symbol of Himeji for more than 400 years. Because of its long history, it was the first castle in Japan, along with Horyuji Temple in Nara Prefecture, to be selected as a World Heritage site, and is famous throughout Japan.

Tour Himeji Castle while viewing cherry blossoms



Although Himeji Castle is famous as a World Heritage site, it is also well known for its cherry blossoms in the spring. About 1,000 cherry trees are in full bloom around Himeji Castle, and a tour around the castle's inner moat on a Japanese-style boat is very popular. The boat ride is not very long, only about 30 minutes, so please enjoy the beautiful view of the cherry blossoms with Himeji Castle in the background.

Light up at night



In addition, "Himeji Castle "is illuminated at night throughout the year. the streets between JR Himeji Station and Himeji Castle are open, so you can enjoy the illuminated Himeji Castle from anywhere. Feel the refined atmosphere of Himeji Castle with its deep history.

"Facility Information "
Facility name: Himeji Castle
Address: 68 Honmachi, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, 670-0012
Phone number: 079-285-1146
Closed Day: 12/29/12/30
Opening hours: 9:00 to 16:00 (Closed at 17:00)
URL:https://www.city.himeji.lg.jp/castle/


Akashi Channel Bridge



The next bridge we will introduce is the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge ", which connects Kobe to Awaji Island ". The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is known as the longest suspension bridge in the world, stretching about 4 km. Just looking at the magnificent bridge floating on the sea bathed in the sunrise and sunset is a refreshing experience.

Famous as a night view spot



The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, however, is at its most beautiful when it is illuminated after sunset. The lights are designed differently depending on the time of year, and visitors can view the fantastic scenery as they cross the bridge. Also, from the road along the sea, you can see the collaboration of the bridge floating in the darkness and the sea surface reflected by the lights. This makes it ideal for nighttime driving.

Looking into the sea from the bridge



If you want to enjoy the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge during lunchtime, the Maiko Marine Promenade is also recommended. The promenade is built on a promontory protruding from the Akashi Kaikyo Strait, and you can experience the bridge as if you were peering into the sea from above. There is also a café where you can enjoy local delicacies of Akashi, so it is a good place to stop by for a bite to eat.

"Facility Information "
Facility name: Akashi Strait Bridge
Address: 4, Higashimaiko-machi, Tarumi-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 655-0047, Japan
Phone number: 078-784-3396
Closed: Open every day
Hours of operation: None
URL:https://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/spot/108

Natural body observation deck Rokko branch drape



Next, I would like to introduce the observatory "Rokko Shidare "located in the Rokkosan Garden Terrace, which offers a panoramic view of the Kobe and Osaka area. It is characterized by its unique shape, which looks like a large tower with a frame over the observatory. All of these tower-like observation decks are made of Japanese cypress, and the gentle scent of cypress fills the air as you enter the observation deck.
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Sunlight shines from the top of the observatory.



Inside the observatory, the temperature is controlled at a comfortable level using natural energy, and visitors can sit on benches to take a break. The firelight from the top of the observatory and the serene atmosphere make it the perfect place for those who want to refresh themselves after a hard day's work.

Lights up at night.



In addition, at "Rokko Shidare ", the frame of the observatory is lit up according to the season, in colors inspired by each of the four seasons. By lighting up from the inside, the lights reflect beautifully on the cypress frame, creating a fantastic view of the world. A visit at night is also recommended, as it offers a panoramic view of the nightscape of Kobe.

"Facility Information "
Facility name:Natural body observation deck Rokko branch drape
Address: 1877-9 Gokkeyama, Rokkozan-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 657-0101, Japan
Phone number: 078-894-2281
Closed: No day off
Business hours: Weekdays 10:00-18:00 (last admission 17:30) Weekends and holidays 10:00-20:00 (last admission 19:30)
(Days and hours of operation are subject to change depending on conditions.)
URL:https://www.rokkosan.com/gt/shidare/

Ikuno silver mine



Next, I would like to introduce "Ikuno Ginzan "located in Asago City. The Ikuno Ginzan was founded in the Muromachi period (1333-1573) and is known as one of the silver mines that supported the finances of the Tokugawa Shogunate. It has been in operation as a silver mining site for about 1,000 years, and now there is a course that allows visitors to tour the mining site, which has been selected as a Japanese Heritage Site.

Visiting a mining site



"At the Ikuno Ginzan ", visitors can walk through an intricate network of ant trails that has been like an ant's nest, and learn about the changing history of the mining site. In addition, because the inside is like a cave, the temperature is kept at about 15 degrees Celsius even in summer, making it cool and refreshing. This makes it a perfect place to visit in the summer.

Unusual wind-up elevator



The most surprising thing about the scale is the unusual hoisting elevator, which retains the equipment of the past. The elevator is 730 meters long, and it is quite impressive to think that it was used to transport mined silver and people from one place to another in the past. It is rare to find a place where this wind-up elevator still remains, so please come and experience it for yourself.

Facility name: Ikuno Ginzan Silver Mine "
Address: 33-5 Ono, Ikuno-cho, Asago-shi, Hyogo 679-3324
Phone number: 079-679-2010
Closed: Tuesdays only during the three-month period from December to February (if Tuesday is a national holiday, the following day)
Opening hours: April to October: 9:10 to 17:20, November: 9:10 to 16:50, December to February: 9:40 to 16:20, March: 9:40 to 16:50 (final payment by 40 minutes)
(Days and hours of operation are subject to change depending on conditions.)
URL:http://www.ikuno-ginzan.co.jp/


Whirlpool Cruise



Next, I would like to introduce "Whirlpool Cruise ", which can be boarded from Awaji Island, located just beyond the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge from Kobe. The Naruto Straits, located between Awaji Island and Tokushima Prefecture, has a spot where you can see whirlpools caused by changes in the tides. You can observe these whirlpools up close while riding on a sightseeing boat on this "whirlpool cruise ".

Whirlpools of up to 20 meters



Whirlpools occur during times when the tides are faster. Especially on new moon and full moon days, which are known as "high tides," there is a good chance to see large whirlpools. The whirlpools, which can be up to 20 meters high, are certified as the world's largest whirlpools, and on this cruise you can get a close-up look at this spectacular sight that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.

Aiming to be registered as a World Heritage Site



This large whirlpool is the second example in Hyogo Prefecture to be registered as a World Heritage site, as it is one of the world's rarest and most spectacular sights. Your heart will appear as you gaze at the magnificent whirlpools and islands in the sea up close while soaking up the sea breeze on a cruise ship. The large size of the ship makes it a great place for a family outing as there is little swaying.

"Facility Information "
Facility Name: Whirlpool Cruise
Address: Uzushiodome Nanairo Kan, Fukura Port, Minami-Awaji City, Hyogo 656-0501
Phone number: 0799-52-0054
Closed: Open every day
Business hours: 9:00-17:00
(Days and hours of operation are subject to change depending on conditions.)
URL:https://www.uzu-shio.com/

Calligraphy of Mount Yuankyo Temple



Next we will introduce a famous temple in Himeji that was used as a location for the movie "The Last Samurai "" Shoshazan Engyoji ". It is located about 30 minutes by car from JR Himeji Station and can be visited together with Himeji Castle. It is a perfect place for those who want to experience the history of Hyogo.

Take the ropeway to the top of Mt.



"Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple "is located at the top of the 370-meter-high Mt. Shoshazan, which means that you must climb the mountain to visit the temple. Since the temple is not accessible by car, visitors must either walk or take a ropeway to get there. Climbing up the mountain requires preparation in terms of clothing and shoes, as some parts of the mountain are very steep, so those who wish to visit the temple casually are recommended to take the ropeway. On a clear day, you can see as far as Shikoku.

Autumn leaves can be seen in the fall.



"There is a time of year when Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple "offers a more beautiful view. That is autumn. In autumn, the trees around the temple turn red and the three halls, including the main hall, look more beautiful. The temple is also famous as a power spot, so those who wish to feel the full power of nature are recommended to visit this heart-warming spot.

"Facility Information "
Name: Shujingshan Yuankyoji Temple
Address: 2968 Shosha, Himeji, Hyogo 671-2201
Phone number: 079-266-3240
Hours of visitation: Refer to the ropeway operating hours.
<始発>8:30 throughout the year
<終発>Weekdays March 1 - October 10 18:00, October 11 - End of February 17:00
<終発>Sundays and holidays March 1 - March 31 18:00,April 1 - October 10 19:00, October 11 - November 30 18:00, December 11 - end of February 17:00
The ropeway is closed during the winter.
(Days and hours of operation are subject to change depending on conditions.)
URL:http://www.shosha.or.jp/

Sun Park



Finally, here is a spot where you can experience many World Heritage sites in the Himeji area. That is "Taiyo Park ". "Taiyo Park "is a theme park consisting of two areas, the castle area and the stone area, where you can feel like you are on a trip around the world as there are miniature versions of famous tourist spots around the world.

A photo shoot with the pure white castle in the background



The symbolic place in the castle area is "Swan Castle ", which was built in the image of Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. It is famous for its white walls and is a popular photo spot. Inside the castle, there is a trick art exhibit, so even small children can have fun.

Lots of miniature world heritage sites



In the stone area, there are many miniatures of world-famous world heritage sites such as the Moai statues, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Great Wall of China, etc. It is quite rare to find so many world heritage sites in one place, and you can enjoy an extraordinary experience just by walking around the site. It is recommended that you wear comfortable walking clothes.

"Facility Information "
Store Name: Sun Park
Address: 1342-6 Uchikoshi, Himeji, Hyogo 671-2246
Phone number: 079-267-8800
Regular day off: irregular day off (closed when there are no days)
Business hours: 9:00-17:00
(Days and hours of operation are subject to change depending on conditions.)
URL:https://nijigennomori.com/

summary

Hyogo Prefecture is home to many heart-warming spots, including the World Heritage Site "Himeji Castle ". In Hyogo Prefecture, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery that you cannot experience in your daily life. Please visit these places when you want to refresh yourself, feel the power of nature, or experience history.

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