This is the residence of the Japanese Emperor in Kyoto. It's managed openly, so anyone can enter.
Kyoto Gyoen | Review by Diana Lee
Other Reviews by Diana Lee
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Arima Onsen
A famous hot spring that represents Kansai, which springs at the northern foot of Mt. Rokko. It is a historical hot spring that appears in "Nihon Shoki" and "Fudoki", and is one of the "Three Ancient Springs of Japan".
If you come to Japan, you have to try one of the three great hot springs, and Arima Onsen is one of them! It's really easy to get here from Kobe. We tried two different types of hot springs and also explored the little streets nearby and enjoyed some snacks. It was a great way to experience Japanese hot spring culture. I absolutely loved it!
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Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens / Ropeway
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens is the largest herb garden facility in Japan, where you can see 75,000 herbs of around 200 different species, growing at an altitude of about 400 meters. It is filled with fresh scents and colors all year round.
I highly recommend this herb garden for anyone who loves flowers and plants. The ticket plus ropeway is a bit of an expense, but the beauty of the gardens is totally worth it. There's so much to see! You can also relax in the café with some herbal tea and snacks, and the atmosphere just melts away all your travel fatigue.
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Kobe Kitano Ijinkan (Former Foreign Residences)
When the port of Kobe opened in 1868, the "Kobe Kitano Ijin-gai (foreign city)" developed as a land of foreign settlement. Located on a hill overlooking the ocean, the town has a unique mix of Western and Japanese style buildings. About 30 Western-style buildings have been preserved in their original state, and 16 are open to the public.
Kitano Ijinkan is one of Kobe's most iconic attractions. The foreign-style buildings are really well preserved and open to the public through exhibitions and events. Each building tells a different story, so visiting different houses is a unique experience every time. You really get to feel how Kobe is different from other Japanese cities!