Visiting Jogashima Prefectural Park at the very end of the cape really feels like getting away from the city and immersing yourself in nature. The weather was excellent that day, and the blue sky and expansive ocean views made every photo look beautiful. Even a casual snapshot looked like a stunning travel photo. Standing by the ocean in the pleasant sea breeze, listening to the gentle waves and watching the seabirds soar freely made me feel completely relaxed too. There isn't much hustle and bustle here, just beautiful ocean views and a laid-back atmosphere. It's perfect for taking a leisurely stroll, snapping photos, and enjoying time by the sea. I really recommend visiting when the weather is nice. The scenery is so beautiful that you won't want to leave.
Jogashima Prefectural Park | Review by wendy
Other Reviews by wendy
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ROUSHOUKI
Founded in 1915. “Buta-manjyu” (Butaman) was born from the Tenshin Paozu (Tianjin Buns) of Tianjin, China that were made easier to be accepted by the Japanese. The first generation arrived in Japan from Zhejiang province, China and opened ROUSHOUKI which would be the first pork bun specialty restaurant in the country that remains popular to this day, with long lines forming out the door.
While walking around Kobe Nankinmachi, I came across a very long line outside ROUSHOUKI. Since it's a century-old shop founded in 1915, and its signature pork buns are considered a must-try by many visitors to Nankinmachi, I couldn't help wondering what made them so appealing. So I joined the line and bought some to try!
When I got them, I realized the buns were much smaller than I had imagined. Each one was tiny, more like a small pork bun than a regular bun. The filling had a nice pork aroma and tasted pretty good, but it wasn't especially impressive to me.
Considering the portion and price, they do feel a little expensive compared with pork buns in Taiwan. Perhaps because of the shop's century-old reputation, you can almost always see tourists lining up to try them when you visit Nankinmachi.
This time, I got to check off one of Kobe's famous foods, and now that I've tried it myself, I know what it tastes like! But for me, trying it once was enough. The next time I visit Nankinmachi, I'll probably save room for other foods!
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Kobe Pudding
With its gentle sweetness, deep richness, and smooth mouthfeel, Kobe Pudding also offers a refreshing citrus liqueur aftertaste. The separately packaged caramel sauce, with its pleasantly bitter sweetness and roasted aroma, adds to the special experience of pouring it yourself.
On this trip to Kobe, I looked around Kobe Airport before leaving and unexpectedly found this Kobe Pudding! I bought a few boxes as soon as I saw it, and it turned out to be the right choice. It was definitely a delicious souvenir that left a lasting impression on me during this trip.
When I opened one and tried it, the texture was even more delicate than I expected. It was silky and creamy, with a rich milky flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. It wasn’t too heavy and went down very smoothly. Every bite was full of rich, mellow flavor, and I really couldn’t stop eating it one bite after another.
What I liked most was that it can be stored at room temperature. It’s so convenient when buying souvenirs while traveling, since there’s no need to worry about refrigeration.
I originally bought it just to try something new, but I was genuinely impressed after eating it! If you come to Kobe and pass through the airport, consider taking a few boxes home. It’s great for yourself or as a gift, and it’s a must-buy Kobe souvenir that I’d definitely purchase again!
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Sumoto Castle Ruins
Castle ruins located at the summit of Mt. Mikuma, Approx. 133 meters above sea level, in eastern Awaji Island. From the Sengoku period to the Edo period, it served as a base for governing Awaji Province. It is said to have been built in 1526 by the Ataka clan, who led the Awaji navy, and was later renovated by the Wakisaka clan into the stone-walled castle that remains today. From the ruins, you can enjoy a sweeping view not only of Sumoto City but also of Osaka Bay, making it a stronghold worthy of being called a fortress of the southern seas.
I originally thought the Sumoto Castle Ruins on Awaji Island would just be a small historic site, but I didn't expect the views to be this good! The Sumoto Castle Ruins are located on Mt. Mikuma. Although the grounds aren't very large and there aren't many complicated routes to explore, it's a great place to slow down, stroll around the castle ruins, take photos, and soak up the historic atmosphere of an old Japanese castle.
What I liked most was the scenery after climbing up. From the top, you can look out over the Seto Inland Sea, and the combination of mountains and sea is really relaxing, with wide-open views. When the weather is good, the blue sky, mountains, and ocean look beautiful together from any angle!
This is also a well-known local cherry blossom viewing spot. If you happen to visit during cherry blossom season, it should offer a different kind of romantic scenery.
If you're traveling to Awaji Island and want somewhere that doesn't take too much time to visit but still offers beautiful ocean views, the Sumoto Castle Ruins are well worth adding to your itinerary. Compared with busy tourist attractions, I prefer small places like this where you can take a leisurely walk and quietly enjoy the scenery
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