VISIT KOBE

Kitano is famous for its streets lined with historical Ijinkan foreign residences. Located on the hill, Kitano Tenman Shrine is adorned with beautiful cherry blossoms in spring. Climbing the stairs to the shrine through the “sakura tunnel,” the view of the Weathercock House and the city of Kobe is as pretty as a picture. It is a memorable time spent amid the cherry blossom-fringed elegance of Japanese and European architecture.

[Sights of the district]

This cherry blossom mecca is about five minutes’ walk from Shin-Kobe Station. The sakura bloom along a 1.6 kilometers stretch of Ikutagawa River. The park is equipped with a kids’ playground and benches, making it a fine spot to hang out and enjoy the blossoms for young and old alike. 

The nearby Nunobiki Herb Gardens offer a range of themed gardens, notably featuring Japanese mountain cherry trees and spring blooms at this time. Shin-Kobe Station is a shinkansen stop, so do drop by if you are traveling in Kyoto, Osaka or anywhere else in the Kansai region.  

A prime spot in the bay area of Kobe that features landmarks of the city such as the Port Tower and the BE KOBE monument. Be sure to capture the unique scenery of “Port City Kobe,” such as the “Tower and Cherry Blossoms” or “Ferry and Cherry Blossoms.” After dark the cherry trees light up to reveal a brilliant 360-degree night view. Before or after your blossom viewing, we can recommend shopping or dining at neighboring Harborland, or even boarding a cruise.

[Sights of the district]

This picturesque temple is located around 20 minutes’ train ride from Sannomiya, downtown Kobe. Riotously blooming Yoshino and weeping cherry trees are in divine harmony with the magnificent Buddhist structures, which lend a historical atmosphere to blossom viewing. At neighboring Sumadera Park, the hues of the blooming cherry trees lining the edge of the pond are a great sight. Nearby is the retro Showa-period Sumadera-mae shopping street, complete with cafes and sweet shops selling local treats.

Sumaura Park boasts around 3,200 cherry trees of various types. Come sakura season, the Yoshino, mountain and oriental cherry trees are the stars. Ride the ropeway for just three minutes to the Sumaura Sancho Amusement Park, where you can enjoy a hanami picnic with sweeping panoramic views of the Suma coast and Akashi Strait. Events are held during the blossom season where food carts are on hand selling light meals, original sweet foods and more. The trees are lit up at night, a spectacle not to be missed. Experience for yourself an outing to the photogenic Suma area, where pink mountainsides meet an azure sea.

In the cherry blossom season, the quiet residential street of Takao-dori Avenue near Maya Cable Station takes a new name, Sakurazaka (“cherry blossom slope”). The tunnel of cherry blossoms stretching for about 400 meters is breathtaking! Walking downhill, you can enjoy a light-hearted hanami stroll under the blossoms. Taking Kobe City Bus Route 18 to pass through the tunnel is also recommended.

This zoo in Nada Ward is home to some 130 species of animals from around the world. Its grounds also boast about 480 cherry trees, so visitors can enjoy the sight of cute animals and the beauty of the blossoms at the same time. There is even an amusement park, making this the perfect destination for a family day out with the kids.

For a limited time, the “yozakura” illuminated trees are open to the public free of charge, attracting throngs of visitors to catch a glimpse of the dazzling blossoms.

Around 30 minutes by train or bus from the center of Kobe, Arima Onsen is a famed hot springs resort town steeped in history. Cherry blossom viewing comes with a traditional atmosphere, and the riverside blooms and the weeping cherry trees of Zenpukuji Temple are to be seen to be believed. Arima Onsen Cherry Blossom Festival is held to coincide with the peak bloom of the cherry blossoms, bringing great buzz to the town.

Along with old-world hot spring ryokan options, there are facilities for day-trip bathing and foot baths too. This is a place for relaxation and revival amid nature’s four seasons in a classic Japanese setting.

[Day trip hot springs]

How did you like Kobe’s cherry blossom spots?

Cherry blossoms are the symbolic flower of Japan that usher in spring. Hanami, where people share stories, laughs and generally savor the season under the blossoms is part of Japanese culture. Pick up a Kobe beef bento box and a bottle of local sake for a Japanese-style hanami picnic, and create some lifelong memories.