Visit HYOGO

This is a famous location for colorful fall leaves, known as “Higurashi no Niwa.” It was established in the grounds of the former Obaku School Zuihoji Temple, which was abandoned in the early Meiji period (1868–1912). In the fall, the many acer trees dye the whole park red and yellow, creating an expanse of scenery that can fascinate for a whole day. In particular, the sight of the bright leaves continuing alongside the small river that runs through the park is beautiful enough to be a painting.
The park is also dotted with places and items that evoke its history, including a stone Go board said to be favored by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a famous samurai of the 16th century, a monument to the Hyakunin Isshu (“100 Poems by 100 Poets,” an anthology compiled in the 13th century), and the old gate of Zuihoji Temple, which was moved from Fushimi Castle. Each year in November, an event called the Arima Dai-Chakai open air tea ceremony (“nodate”) is held in remembrance of Hideyoshi, enabling visitors to spend some hours of elegance here.

It's not just in the fall that the park is beautiful; it is also lovely when filled with new greenery and blossoms, and being able to enjoy nature to the utmost in the four seasons is one of its charms. You can reach the park quickly on foot from the streets of Arima Onsen, and we recommend visiting this together with the hot spring baths. Make sure to wear shoes that are easy to walk in, as this hot-spring town is very hilly.