The Mt.ROKKO CABLE CAR & TOURISM COMPANY has announced a 25-day bus tour which will run on weekends and holidays only from October 12 to December 22 offering a bus tour to see the amazing nightscape of Rokko Arima in Kobe.
Arima Onsen is known as one of Japan’s leading hot spring locations. In order for more people to catch a glimpse of Rokko Arima’s incredible nighttime scenery, a new tour service has been created in collaboration with hotels and accommodation services throughout Arima for guests staying in the town to see what has been dubbed the “ten million dollar night view” from Mount Rokko.
The tour will last two hours and will take guests on an enchanting journey to several locations. They will get to see the night view from Rokko Garden Terrace, gain entry to Rokko Shidare Observatory, and visit the East Rokko Observatory which is only accessible by car. The entire thing costs just ¥2,800 per person.
Schedule
20:00 Depart Arima Onsen
20:30 Nighttime view from Rokko Garden Terrace and Rokko Shidare Observatory with tour guide
21:30 Nighttime view from East Rokko Observatory
22:00 Arrive back at Arima Onsen
Discover the tranquillity of Japan’s winter nights and gaze up at the starry sky using the Rokko Arima Night View Bus Tour.
Information
Rokko Arima Night View Bus Tour
Running: Weekends & Holidays from October 12, 2019 – December 22, 2019
Price: ¥2,800 (Tax Included)
Capacity: 22 (Will set off with 1+ people)
Website: https://www.rokkosan.com/tabi/
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This year's winter season program at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu―Hokkaido's leading snow resort hotel―is set to begin on December 1. As part of the program, the Muhyou Terrace will open on the same day and run until April 5, 2020. The terrace offers a snow-covered picturesque view from atop the mountain where you can see a sea of clouds and the snow-tipped trees at the bottom.Muhyou Terrace sits on Mount Tomamu up 1,088 meters high. When you picture snowy mountains, especially those in Hokkaido, you imagine people skiing and snowboarding. But for Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, this is only part of their goal. They also want guests to enjoy the beauty of the mountain's natural landscape including the breathtaking view of the scenery below. That's why they decided to open Muhyou Terrace. As well as the daytime scenery, the terrace has also been turning on illuminations every winter night since 2017, offering a new perspective on the surrounding splendour.The Cloud Bar which opened just up the slope of the Muhyou Terrace this summer features a 13 meter-long counter with chairs from which customers can soak up an incredible view. The bar has options of one or two-seat areas and can seat up to 7 people at once. There is a ladder attached to the chairs. Once you've climbed up and plopped yourself down you get a front row seat to the sights below. And since the bar is attached to the slope of the mountain and there's nothing to obstruct your view, it will feel like you're floating on the clouds as your feet kick the emptiness below.Snow Cocktail - ¥1,200Muhyou Terrace will offer its own original cocktail called the Snow Cocktail which is inspired by the snowy landscapes at Tomamu. This drink is a margarita made with lime juice and cointreau. Inside is a sprig of rosemary made to look like the Ezo spruce trees at the site. The snowman is in fact made of chocolate. Enjoy the best of both worlds when it comes to flavour and finesse!Frosted Coffee - ¥500 / Frosted Fondant Chocolate - ¥600They also have specially-made chocolate fondant and coffee to warm you up. The chocolate fondant is a warm cake topped with a white chocolate snowflake and is coupled with snow-frosted chocolate branches. The coffee is covered with pure white frosty amezaiku candy. The coffee sweetens as the candy melts into your cup.The terrace's observation points, including the Cloud Walk and Cloud Bar, will be lit up with sparkling illuminations in the cool evenings.Illumination Dates: December 15, 2019 - December 25, 2019Times: Please check the official website
Information
Unkai Terrace
Running: December 1, 2019 – April 5, 2020
Time: 8:00-15:00*Last entries to the gondola from the foot of the mountain at 15:00*Last entries to the gondola from the top of the mountain at 15:3Price: Gondola Return Ticket – General ¥2,200 / Elementary School Children ¥1,300 (Tax Included)*Free for guests at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu The Tower and Hoshino Resorts RISONARE TomamuEntry: Available to guests and non-guestsOfficial Website: https://www.snowtomamu.jp/summer/en/*Select services and programs subject to change*Site may close in the case of bad weather -
Soak in the Hot Springs and Enjoy the Luxurious Local Cuisine at Hoshino Resorts in Yamaguchi Prefecture
On March 12, 2020, Hoshino Resorts will open a brand new resort around Yumoto Hot Spring (Nagato, Yamaguchi prefecture). Following plans for a new hot spring district in Nagato that were created in January 2020, Hoshino's hot spring resort brand KAI will be opening a resort in Nagato with numerous spa facilities. With the cooperation of the local government and community, this plan has been put into action. As part of the masterplan, Hoshino KAI Nagato will include a cafe called Agebono Cafe. This will be the first KAI resort to extend their cafe services to non-guests. The cafe will sell sweet dorayaki pancakes that guests can enjoy while strolling the streets of the hot spring district. KAI is a hot spring ryokan brand owned by Hoshino Resorts and can be found all over Japan. The theme of KAI resorts is traditional yet new. Although the room designs are inspired by nature and old and traditional Japanese culture, they cater to the needs of modern guests.Exterior Appearance
KAI Nagato is the 16th hot spring resort of Hoshino KAI. It is located in the north of Yamaguchi prefecture and is surrounded by grand mountains. The resort sits by the peaceful Otozure River which is the main source of hot spring water for Yumoto Hot Spring. KAI Nagato is located where Agebono bridge stretches across the river. The resort aims to provide guests with an enriching experience of Yamaguchi's traditional old tea house residences (Ochaya Yashiki) as well as the opportunity to indulge in the regions finest traditional culture, food and experiences. From the lobby to the guest rooms, the resort is full of Yamaguchi's samurai culture.KAI Guest Room
The designs for the guest rooms were inspired by Yamaguchi's samurai. Each room is fit for a Feudal Lord. The beds are located on flooring which is slightly higher than the rest of the room. The surrounding wooden pillars create a luxurious private atmosphere.
Patterned Wall Decoration
The wall behind the bed is decorated with Tokujihori washi paper which is a type of Japanese paper unique to Yamaguchi prefecture and has a history dating back to the Muromachi period over 800 years ago. This special paper has even been acknowledged as an Intangible Cultural Asset to Japan. The beautiful dainty paper has been dyed a variety of bright and elegant colours to create this beautiful masterpiece.Hagi Ware *This is currently still in production so the appearance may vary.
The room even has a Tokonoma, which is a small alcove where artistic pieces are displayed. Old Hagi ware, which was traditionally used for tea-making, is displayed here.Luxury Banquet for One
Enjoy a luxurious banquet for one made with locally sourced seasonal ingredients in a semi-private dining space. Each meal is served on a dainty dish. As Yamaguchi Prefecture is the second largest squid producer in the country, KAI Nagato serves the region's highly-praised Yamaguchi squid as an appetizer and as sashimi. The sweet, soft and chunky squid will leave your mouth watering for more. The dinner set also includes a range of pickled vegetables and a luxurious plate of seasonal sushi and sashimi. All dishes are served in special Hagi ware. KAI Nagato was created to fulfil the goal of creating a relaxing hot spring district where visitors can stroll for a relaxing break. KAI has taken one more step towards achieving this goal by creating the Agebono Cafe, which is the first ever KAI cafe to extend its services to non-guests .The cafe serves Japanese dorayaki pancakes with sweet jam fillings made using Yamaguchi's original citrus fruits such as Yamaguchi's original Nagato Yuzukichi and the Natsu Mikan. The Natsu Mikan was introduced to Japan from overseas and is now cultivated in Yamaguchi prefecture. Enjoy the refreshing tangy citrus flavour of Yamaguchi prefecture as it perfectly balances with the sweet jam flavour. This is best enjoyed with a cafe latte. Hoshino Resorts KAI Nagato is packed with the cultural wonders and flavours of the region. Take a moment to relax in the Yumoto Hot Spring and explore the culture of Japan. Information
Hoshino Resorts KAI Nagato
Address: 2229-1 Fukagawayumoto, Nagato, Yamaguchi 759-4103
Open: March 12, 2020
Reservations Open: November 12, 2019
Telephone Number: 0570-073-022 (Hoshino Resorts Reservations Centre)
Price: From ¥22,000 per night (Based on the price per person for one room with two guests. Includes service fee, dinner and breakfast. Tax not included.)
Access: 60-minute drive from JR Shinyamaguchi Station, 90-minute drive from Yamaguchi Ube Airport.
URL：https://kai-ryokan.jp/en/nagato/
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The Kyoto by the Sea Destination Management/Marketing Organization (DMO) is a general incorporated association that works over 7 cities in the northern region of Kyoto Prefecture. Aiming to increase the amount of information about Kyoto in English for foreigners, they recently opened a brand new website which was created and is managed by their International Promotions Manager Jesse Efron.
Jesse Efon is an American who moved to Japan to work as an Assistant Language Teacher in Kyoto. Jesse worked at a local elementary and middle school for four years in Kyotango. After training as a local guide and advisor, Jesse rose to Promotion Manager for the DMO. Standing by his motto of "follow your curiosity," Jesse created the Kyoto by the Sea English website to spread news about Kyoto to foreigners. The English version of the website contains articles and information on what to do in Kyoto and is split into five categories: Sea Nature, Sea Heritage, Sea Food, Sea Stay and Sea Yourself. Within these categories, Jesse has uploaded a series of articles which focus on a specific location or area of culture in Kyoto and provides an in-depth explanation along with photographs. From culture and nature to food, Jesse explains the wonders of his home for other foreigners to learn more. A Statement by Jesse EfronHello everyone, it is nice to meet you!I assumed the position of International Promotions Manager in April. This puts me in charge of relaying Kyoto by the Sea news to our foreign audience. Before joining Kyoto by the Sea DMO, I worked as an Assistant Language Teacher for four years. I have lived in Taiza, Tangocho for five years. It is a great pleasure to be engaged in this work. Kyoto by the Sea works all over Kyoto so I strive to do my absolute best. My motto is "follow your curiosity" and this is what my articles are all about. Please check out the Kyoto by the Sea website.
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Fans of Japan and Japanese culture may know that Kobe’s food scene is not to be missed. A new restaurant, KANBE, is now open and tells the story of the city’s food culture. The grand opening was on November 30 in Sannomiya.
The story begins with water, the source of Kobe's food. The city’s famed fare like Kobe beef, Suma salmon, and seasonal vegetables will take the stage through storytelling, projection mapping, and uniquely planed dishes. Ingredients are served to guests the same day that they are delivered to the restaurant, offering the freshest possible experience. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of drinks made in Kobe, including Nada Gogou sake and Kobe wine. These are made using Nunobiki water from the Rokko mountain range, meaning that everything guests enjoy was truly made in Kobe. At KANBE, visitors will chat with a storyteller who weaves the story of Kobe's food into the experience. A chef himself, he is well-versed in cooking methods, food history, and nutrition. The 18-meter-long counter adds to the experience by displaying seasonal scenery, the water of Nunobiki, and the night view from Mt. Rokko. Nature sounds, like the murmuring of Nunobiki Falls and the chirping of birds, also echo through the restaurant in time with the projection mapping, creating an atmosphere that feels alive. Why not come enjoy a new kind of dining experience? Information
FARM TO TABLE ‘KANBE’
Opening Date: November 30, 2022
Reservations Required (May be made up to 3 days prior.)
Address: Taishin Sunset Building 7F (2-5-1 Kitanagasadori, Chuo-ku, Kobe)
Reservations/Official Site: https://www.ko-z.com/
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Kobe is filled with famous sightseeing spots like the nostalgic Ijinkan neighborhood and port. The city is packed with fashionable shops and restaurants and is highly regarded for its selection of tasty sweets!The port city, with over 150 years of history, has fostered a unique and diverse culinary culture. Recently, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu began starring in a series of promotional videos for the Gastropolis Kobe project. The artist traveled to the city to partake in plenty of delicious treats, and MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON went along for the ride! Here are some of the singer's favorite spots around town.
Kobe, known as a city where East meets West, is lined with sweets shops that are unique to the area. The tea salon TOOTH TOOTH Dekoboko Sabo opened in 2019 in the Kobe City Museum and offers a menu that mixes Western food and sweets with tea and ingredients from traditional Japanese cuisine. Kyary ordered the Dekoboko Sabo Afternoon Tea Set, a collection of western sweets blended with the essence of traditional Japanese flavors. Guests are invited to enjoy their tea and sweets in a one-of-a-kind space filled with Meiji period flare and retro Western furniture. Those interested will need to make a reservation, so be sure to remember the next time you’re in Kobe. TOOTH TOOTH Decoboco SaboAddress: 24 Kyomachi, Chuo Ward, Kobe (Inside the Kobe City Museum)Hours: 9:30-17:30 (Last Order at 16:30) Closed MondaysOfficial Site: https://toothtooth.com/restaurant/decoboco-sabo The next stop was Kobe Nankin-machi, one of the three major Chinatowns in Japan. Kobe MILK is known nationwide for its Apricot Pudding, which is made with local ingredients. The raw apricot pudding is mixed with milk brought from the foot of Mt. Rokko and other ingredients from Hyogo Prefecture. Of course, Kyary ordered some, and was amazed by its fluffy texture. You can only enjoy it in Kobe–also, the shop sells other puddings mixed with seasonal fruits, so don’t miss those either! Kobe MILKAddress: Shin-Motomachi Building 1F (1 Motomachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe)Hours: Weekdays 9:30-19:00 / Weekends 9:30-19:30Official Site: https://kobe-milk.com For Kyary’s final stop, the singer visited the Moore House, a cafe located in a building with over 100 years of history. Guests are surrounded by greenery, and the Western-style building is incredibly elegant. The Strawberry Mille-feuille Kyary ordered was created by an expert patissier and based on the strawberry mille-feuille recipe from the legendary French restaurant Maxim’s de Paris in Ginza. A generous amount of custard cream complements the crispy pie crust and enhances the sweetness of the fresh strawberries. We’d recommend it with a glass of champagne–if you’re of age. Kitano Ijin-kan Moore HouseAddress: 2-9-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, KobeHours: 11:00-17:00Closed TuesdaysOfficial Site: https://www.kitanomoore.com/cafe/ The streets of Kobe are packed with sweets that you can only enjoy if you visit. Why not come experience these incredible spots like Kyary did? Kobe Sweets Trailer: https://youtu.be/Sx9B1ZdAvlI -
Kobe is filled with famous sightseeing spots like the nostalgic Ijinkan neighborhood and port. The city is packed with fashionable shops and restaurants and is highly regarded for its Kobe beef restaurants and tasty local spirits. Facing the Seto Inland Sea, Kobe is surrounded by rich nature and produces plenty of tasty veggies while also bringing in tons of fresh fish. The port city, with over 150 years of history, has fostered a unique and diverse culinary culture. Recently, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu began starring in a series of promotional videos for the Gastropolis Kobe project. The artist traveled to the city to partake in plenty of delicious fare, and MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON tagged along. Let’s take a look at her top picks! Kobe beef is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the name of this Japanese city, right?
Teppanyaki restaurant Tajima, located in the Kobe Portopia Hotel, serves Kobe beef along with other Japanese black beef, seafood, and seasonal vegetables. Kyary ordered the Kobe beef loin and seasonal grilled vegetables, watching with excitement as the chef prepared the meal in front of her. The steak is made from carefully selected Kobe beef and melts in your mouth. Tajima has private rooms as well as counter seating, making it a perfect location for everything from a family get-together to a first date. Teppanyaki TajimaAddress: Kobe Portopia Hotel 2F (6-10-1 Minatojima Nakamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe)Hours:11:30-14:3017:30-21:30 *Open at 17:00 on weekends and holidaysOpen DailyOfficial site：https://www.portopia.co.jp/restaurant/detail/tajima/ What goes better with Kobe beef than local sake? One area of the city, Nada Gogou, has an incredibly high concentration of sake breweries. Nada Gogo Sake Brewery opened in April 2022 in a renovated building that was formerly the location of Kenbishi, a long-established local sake brewer with over 500 years of history. Visitors can enjoy sake and cuisine from 26 breweries in the area under the themes of ‘Seasonal, Local, Compatible, Fermentation.’ Here, Kyary ordered the Nada Gogou Set which includes the best possible food and drink pairings. Limited to 100 servings each day, the set includes five different sake and three seasonal small plates perfecting for pairing. The drinks and food offerings change with the seasons, allowing guests to enjoy tons of unique flavors from the region no matter what time they visit. Nada Gogou BreweryAddress: 3-11-2 Mikagehonmachi, Hagashinada-ku, KobeHours: 12:00-21:00 *Opens until 20:00 on Sunday and holidaysClosed Monday-ThursdayOfficial Site: https://nadagogo.com/ GOCOCU is an all-day buffet restaurant in the Kobe Portopia Hotel where guests can enjoy dishes using carefully selected ingredients from the five Hyogo provinces (Settsu, Harima, Tajima, Tanba, and Awaji) with a spectacular view of Kobe. Visitors can enjoy the chef's specialties including roasted and grilled dishes cooked in a custom-made stone oven. The restaurant is also known for its selection of alcoholic beverages, and Kyary enjoyed the Fukuju Junmai Ginjo. This particular sake has won many awards in Japan and abroad, including a gold medal at the National Sake Competition for three consecutive years. Popular for its smooth rice flavor, this well-loved brand uses rice and rice malt grown in Hyogo Prefecture. Adults can enjoy this and many more delicious beverages during buffet hours and cocktail hours after 8:30 or 9:00 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. GOCOCU ~Blessings of the Five Kingdoms~Address: Kobe Portopia Hotel 30F (6-10-1 Minatojima Nakamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe)Hours: 7:00-10:30, 11:30-15:00, 17:30-21:00, 20:30-23:00Open DailyOfficial Site: https://www.portopia.co.jp/restaurant/detail/gococu/ Founded in 1659, Kiku Masamune is a leader in the sake industry. We visited the Kiku Masamune Sake Factory, opened to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its handy barreled sake, perfect for allowing customers to enjoy barrel-aged sake at home easily. Visitors can enjoy browsing sake barrels, with many created using traditional barrel making techniques that are still used today. They can also enjoy an exhibition of Yoshino cedar, the material used to make the barrels. Tours are by appointment only. Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis, so early reservations are recommended! Kiku Masamune Sake FactoryAddress: Uozaki Nishimachi, Higashinada-ku, KobeTour Times: 10:30~, 14:00~, 15:00~ (Each tour is approximately 30 minutes.)Closed during New Year's holidays.Official Site: https://www.kikumasamune.co.jp/tarusake-mf/ *No outside food or beverages are allowed inside the factory. Tastings are available at the Memorial Hall after the tour. After reading this, you’re interested in coming to Kobe, right? Enjoy some of this savory fare the next time you’re in the area. Kobe Beef Version:https://youtu.be/-HrNq6JGO3A Nada Sake Version: https://youtu.be/cd9_f59NWIw -
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is now starring in a series of promotional videos for Gastropolis Kobe, a project aiming to share the city’s incredible food culture with both domestic and international travelers. The project began on November 3, 2022.
[Kobe Beef Version] https://youtu.be/-HrNq6JGO3A In the new videos, Kyary experiences the wonders of Kobe beef as well as local sake and desserts while exploring the city’s best sightseeing spots. T The main video will be aired on a massive screen near Shibuya Station in Tokyo starting in mid-November, and will also be available to watch online. [Nada Sake Version] https://youtu.be/cd9_f59NWIw[Kobe Sweets Version] https://youtu.be/Sx9B1ZdAvlI To celebrate the campaign, four popular restaurants in Tokyo will participate in the Gastropolis Kobe Fair, inviting guests to enjoy cuisine from the capital of Hyogo Prefecture. Interview with Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
Q: After filming, what was your impression of Kobe? A: “I took pictures in all kinds of places, but honestly, they were all so close to each other. It was easy to get around and see everything–it only took between 15 and 20 minutes to get somewhere, and shooting went smoothly, so I was really able to enjoy every second!” Q: What's your overall impression of Kobe's cuisine?A: “There was so much amazing food. Everything was delicious and I ate and drink so much...because of how much drinking was involved in this shoot, I felt like food and alcohol were really connected in Kobe. Even between takes, the staff would ask if I wanted to try something or have another drink. I was so moved by the warmth and kindness of the people I met. This trip was filled with love and hospitality.” Q: You traveled around Kobe, right? What was your favorite place? A: “I love fashion and history, and Kobe had so many incredible historical buildings. I wanted to have tea at a place like that, and the view at night was unbelievable. I thought it was a great date spot or even a place you could spend time with your family and friends. I loved watching the big boats in the harbor.” Q: There are only two months left in 2022. Is there anything you still want to do? A: “I’ve been on my Japan tour since January, so I’d finally like to relax a little bit. Maybe eat some good food and go to a hot spring. Q: Do you have a message for the readers?A: “The two days of shooting in Kobe were incredible. The weather was perfect, the food was delicious, and the drinks were divine. I’d love to return on my own trip! I hope everyone enjoys the videos!”Information
Gastropolis Kobe Web Series
Streaming: November 3, 2022 at 0:00
Gastropolis Kobe Fair
Running: November 3 – November 9, 2022
*Shiseido Parlor Harajuku will be closed from November 7 until November 10
Participating Venues:
・TAVERN by the green
Address: THE STRINGS Omotesando 2F (3-6-8 Kitaaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
・Shiseido Parlor Harajuku
Address: WITH HARAJUKU 8F (1-14-30 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
・Ginza Onodera
Address: Il Palazzino Omotesando (5-1-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
・Tokyo Jugatsu
Address: Ohararyu Kaikan B1F (5-7-17 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
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Antenor, a beloved patisserie located in Kobe, began selling limited-time Halloween-themed cakes on October 1, 2021. The exciting lineup will have guests ready for the scariest day of the year, offering sweets made with purple sweet potato, Mont Blanc, and pumpkin.
Halloween Petit Four - Available from October 16 until October 31
Pumpkin Mont Blanc - Available from October 1 until October 31
Halloween Cheesecake - Available from October 1 until October 31
Gateau Chocolat Classic Cake - Available from October 1 until October 31
Halloween Assortment (M) - Available from September 1 until October 31
The Halloween Assortment (M) includes three types of popular cookies and is available now ahead of the October holiday. It would make a perfect gift, so snag one of these festive boxes before they’re gone! -
MERICAN GOODSTAND, a brunch restaurant in Kobe, will host a 5-day pop-up event by specialty Ebisu-based coffee shop Sarutahiko Coffee starting October 6, 2021. This marks the first event for Sarutahiko Coffee in Kobe, and visitors can enjoy a wide range of delicious drinks including espresso, original drip coffee, and iced coffee. T-shirts and bags commemorating 10 years of Sarutahiko Coffee will also be available for purchase!
10th Anniversary Drip
Crisp Black Coffee
Sarutahiko 'Coffee Dude' T-Shirt
The event itself is sponsored by MERICAN BARBERSHOP, a barbershop with a neo-classic concept that has been sharing diverse cultures through fashion, music, and art since opening in 2015. In addition to Sarutahiko’s drink menu, five different sweets will also be on sale to enjoy with your beverage. The entire concept of the event is ‘enjoying a cup of coffee with something sweet while having some pleasant conversation,’ which sounds like heaven! anytee, a shop specializing in vintage t-shirts, will also be on-site selling coffee and sweets-themed apparel that they personally selected, so be sure to check it out!Information
MERICAN GOODSTAND KOBE
Address: Sannomiya Denden Building 1F, 64 Naniwamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe
Phone: 078-385-4600
Running: October 6 – October 10, 2021, 11:00-19:00