The second day of the journey began quietly.
As I slowly opened my eyes, a gentle morning light filtered through the window,
with traces of soft mist still lingering outside.
The fatigue from the previous day had almost completely faded,
leaving my body feeling surprisingly light.
Perhaps it was the healing effect of Takarazuka Onsen.
I stayed at Hotel Wakamizu, a long-established ryokan in Takarazuka Onsen.
The warmth of the wooden interior and the calm atmosphere
allowed time to pass at a peaceful, unhurried pace.

As I entered the breakfast hall,
the gentle aroma of dashi rose softly with the steam.
The delicately flavored rolled omelet,
the rich and silky yuba miso soup—
each dish reflected careful craftsmanship.
Most memorable was the nigari tofu,
prepared right in front of me.
Its smooth texture left such an impression
that I immediately found myself wanting another bite.

After breakfast, I left Takarazuka Onsen and headed toward Arima Onsen in Kobe City.
The journey took about an hour by train.
Watching the scenery shift from quiet mountains to urban streets was part of the pleasure of traveling.

I visited Geiko Café “Ito (一糸)”,
a unique place where even international visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture with ease.
The moment I opened the door, the gentle sound of the shamisen filled the air.
I was immediately captivated by the graceful movements of the geiko.
From how to enjoy matcha to the beauty of their gestures and posture,
everything was explained with care.
It reminded me that traditional culture leaves a deeper impressionwhen it is experienced, not just observed.

In the afternoon, I headed for Mount Rokko.
By the time I arrived at Arima Onsen Station on the Rokko–Arima Ropeway,
the area was already lively with visitors.
As the cable car slowly ascended,
the dynamic nature of Mount Rokko, the sprawling cityscape,
and even the distant sea unfolded before my eyes.
I could feel the temperature of the wind change as we gained altitude.
“I’m glad I came.”
The words escaped my lips without a second thought.

Upon reaching the summit, I stopped for lunch at Rokko Mountain Genghis Khan Palace.
The panoramic view through the large windows,
combined with the sizzling sound of meat grilling on the hot plate,instantly whetted my appetite.
The freshly grilled lamb was tender and rich in flavor.
With a cold drink in hand,I couldn’t help but think there was no greater luxury than this moment.

After lunch, I visited Rokko Omiyage-kan,filled with local crafts and regional specialties.
I also tried the famous kawarake-throwing ritual,a traditional practice where small clay plates are thrown to ward off bad luck.
The sharp sound echoing through the mountains brought an unexpectedly refreshing sense of release.

Back in Arima Onsen town,
the gently swaying noren curtains felt like a scene from a movie.
With a freshly fried croquette and carbonated rice crackers in hand,I strolled through the streets at an easy pace.

I ended the evening at a sushi restaurant,
quietly reflecting on the day while watching the chef at work.
It truly felt like a perfect day.
Though the second day of my Hyogo trip came to an end,
I knew I would want to return—to see how the scenery changes with the seasons.

P.S
The night view from the observation deck at the summit of Mount Rokko
is considered one of the most popular scenic spots in the Kansai region.
Nearby lies Kikuseidai on Mount Maya,
famous as one of Japan’s Three Greatest Night Views,
drawing many visitors who come to admire the breathtaking scenery after dark.

And with that, the second day of my Hyogo journey came to an end.
Yet countless moments remain vividly etched in my heart.
The stillness of the morning,
the graceful movements of the geiko,
the beauty of the night view from Mount Rokko,
and the gentle warmth of Arima Onsen.
Hyogo is undeniably a tourist destination,
but at the same time, it carries a quiet sense of everyday life—
a calm and peaceful atmosphere that seems to flow everywhere.

After the trip, one thought lingered in my mind:
“Why didn’t I come here sooner?”
That’s how deeply this journey stayed with me.
I want to return in another season.
Spring with its cherry blossoms,
winter wrapped in snow—
each will surely reveal a different side of Hyogo.

The charm of this place cannot be captured in just one visit.