Visit HYOGO

Together with Nachi Waterfall (Wakayama Prefecture) and the Kegon Falls (Tochigi Prefecture), the famous Nunobiki Falls are counted as one of Japan’s three great divine waterfalls and were also selected as one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls. This cascade along the middle course of the Ikeda River is located around 15 minutes’ walk from Shin-Kobe Station on a hiking course: an urban oasis. Negative ions drift around as you approach the waterfall, creating a wide space that can relieve day-to-day tiredness.

The Nunobiki Falls are made up of four waterfalls: Ontaki, Mentaki, Meotodaki, and Tsutsumigadaki, and you can enjoy each of their different features. Ontaki Fall has an overwhelming presence, with a majestic 43-meter cascade. The impressive flow resembles a falling white cloth, and visitors are captivated by its beauty. Ontaki Fall is also associated with a romantic legend: Otohime, Princess of the Palace of the Dragon King, lives here, and the water of the falls is her hanging her clothes out to dry.
Historically, these waterfalls also appear in the 10th-century Tales of Ise, and have been loved by numerous nobles and poets since ancient times.

The waterfall area, surrounded by lush nature, includes walking paths on which you can make the most of the stunning scenery through the four seasons, and is great for hiking. There are plenty of highlights, including the Ontaki Chaya tea house, built in 1914, where you can take a break and watch the water; the Miharashi Observation Platform, offering panoramic views of Kobe’s streetscape; and Tokkouin Temple, home of a two-story pagoda that is an Important Cultural Property. You can also see both the falls and the streets of Kobe from the ropeway as you head to the Nunobiki Herb Gardens along the way.

Afterwards, travel by private vehicle to Nadagogo, Japan's leading sake production area, for a tour of a brewery and sake tasting. Try sake served at official Nobel Prize events and even special sake that can only be drunk here.

Next, head to the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, designed by world-renowned architect Ando Tadao. Stop by the museum’s Ando Gallery to see how the designs for Awaji Yumebutai and Naoshima originated.

In the evening, enjoy top-quality Kobe beef at a city restaurant.

After leaving your hotel, you’ll travel to Awaji Island across the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge overlooking the sea. Awaji Island is tied to the legend of Japan’s creation. It is said to have been the first island in the archipelago to be created. At Yura Fishing Port, located in the southern part of the largest island in the seafood-rich Seto Inland Sea, rapid-fire auctions take place. These auctions are normally closed to all but those involved, but you can observe them up close and experience life in a lively fishing town while a broker provides running commentary on what’s going on.

After the tour, you will visit a nearby restaurant to enjoy a view of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge while savoring seafood from the abundant ocean as well as sushi crafted by the hands of true artisans.

In the evening, relax and unwind in a hot spring bath with a spectacular view of the sea at a traditional ryokan inn in Sumoto Onsen on Awaji Island.

Awaji Yumebutai is a facility complex created by Tadao Ando, an architect that has captivated the world. Its buildings exist in beautiful harmony with nature.

Hyakudan-en, which has been a hot topic on social media, is a must-see. This garden formed of 100 flowerbeds arranged in steps holds colorful blooms, including sunflowers, marigolds, and cosmos; it's a garden that seems to float in the sky. Walk up the stairs, surrounded by flowers, and from the top you’ll see the stunning scenery of the Seto Inland Sea: an unforgettable experience.

We also recommend the renovated Awaji Greenhouse, where rare plants from across the globe invite you to a world of the extraordinary. This geometric space made up of light and shadow is artfully beautiful in all parts, and you’ll definitely be able to take a memorable and wonderful photo here. It also hosts fun events, including flower sales and workshops.

Don't miss the gourmet food if you’re visiting Yumebutai. There’s a luxurious lineup of options that enable you to try fresh marine delights from Awaji Island, landed in the fishing port right in front of you, Awaji vegetables grown in the plentiful sunlight, and superb Awaji Beef. The soups and curries made using entire onions, Awaji Island’s specialty, are not only delicious, they look so great they’re perfect for social media too.

Why not soothe your everyday tiredness in a special place that brings together architecture, nature and gourmet?

Afterwards, you will be seamlessly transported by helicopter to Naoshima, a mecca for art. Travelling by air, you’ll have no need to take a ferry or get a car. After arriving, you’ll first check in to your hotel. Benesse House Museum, where you will be staying, is a combination hotel and museum. The building, which stands on a hill overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, was designed by Tadao Ando, incorporating large windows and other openings to draw the island's natural environment into the interior. Works of art, placed throughout the facility, welcome guests. Even after sunset, you can enjoy the museum atmosphere, the sounds, spaces, and the art while exploring your inner self.

Spend a day touring around the island of Naoshima and immerse yourself in art. In addition to its natural beauty, the island is home to an abundance of art for visitors to appreciate. Travel on foot or by hired car to efficiently navigate the narrow and intricate streets. Note that some museums on the island require a time slot to be reserved. As you take in each piece of art and listen to the explanation provided by guides, be sure to take the time to choose your personal favorite. Next, you’ll take the ferry to your next destination... A bright red pumpkin with polka dots will see you off at the harbor. This extraordinary experience can be a catalyst for your own personal transformation.

JTB was founded over a hundred years ago to promote and facilitate international tourism to Japan. Today, JTBGMT carries on that mission with pride. As inbound tourism specialists, we offer a comprehensive range of services to visitors from around the world.