Here are some information on popular summer spots and events in the Kansai and Hyogo (Kobe, Sannomiya, Rokkou, Nishinomiya, Himeji) area!
If you have yet to plan your summer, please check it out.
When in Kansai, don’t forget to stop by “Kansai’s Newest Attraction!” Agape Ohtsuru Museum!
Table of Contents
「Kobe Animal Kingdom」Where Animals Are Close
Period
Japan’s largest public viewing facility for small-clawed otters opens on July 22! The Camel Ride re-opens on July 11!
There are many other events as well.
Hours
Weekdays 10:00~16:00 (Final admission 15:30)
Sat, Sun, Public Holidays 10:00~17:00 (Final admission 16:30)
Closed：Thursdays ※Open if public holiday
Please check the following for further information. Kobe Animal Kingdom Website
Location
Kobe Animal Kingdom
7-1-9 Minatojima Minamimachi Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047
Price
Adult (Junior-High students and above) ¥1,800
Elementary Students ¥1,000
Toddlers (4 and 5 year-olds) ¥300
Seniors (65 and over) ¥1,300
※Tax included
An all-weather-friendly facility where you can interact with approximately 1000 types of plants and 110 types of animals!
From Sumatran tigers, red pandas, pygmy hippopotamus to sand cats and the increasingly popular shoebills…
Why don’t you come and be comforted by rare animals?
There are also many events and attractions such as feeding penguins and seals, pelican flights, camel and pony rides!
As there are many indoor facilities, there is no need to worry on rainy days. This is a zoo where you can interact with animals and have fun all day long!
※Please confirm the newest information before-hand.
The Yume Fireworks in the History-Rich Beautiful Location「Kinosaki Onsen」
Period
Weekdays from July 28 (Thurs) 〜 August 26 (Fri) 2022
Fireworks: Approximately 5 minutes from 9PM
On August 26 (Fri), the「Otani River Lantern Floating」event is planned to be held prior to the fireworks.
Please check here before visiting.
Kinosaki Onsen Website
Location
Kinosaki Onsen
Kinosakicho Yushima Toyooka, Hyogo 669-6101
Kinosaki Onsen With Over 1300 Years of History
The way of thinking is that “the entire area is one big lodge”. Aside from being able to enjoy 7 outdoor hot springs, there are many tourist spots such as the “Takenohama Beach” which ranked in the top 100 beaches in Japan and the Kinosaki ropeway where visitors may enjoy the seasons in a natural setting. Visitors may spend a relaxing time or refresh themselves through activities.
Be sure to try the seafood and cold summer desserts.
Wouldn’t you like to dress in a yukata and take a stroll in the hot spring area while enjoying the fireworks?
※Please confirm the newest information before-hand.
Experience Kobe’s History and Future! 「Kobe Maritime Museum」
Hours
10:00～18:00 ※Final admission is 17:30
Closed: Mondays (If Monday falls on a public holiday, the following weekday will be closed), Year-End and New Years
Please check here for details.
Kobe Maritime Museum Website
Kawasaki World Website
Location
Kobe Maritime Museum
2-2 Hatobacho Chuo-ku Kobe, Hyogo 650-0042
Admission
Adults ¥900,
Children (Elementary, Junior High,
High School students) ¥400
※Includes entry to Kawasaki World
Kobe Maritime Museum and Kawasaki World, where there’s excitement through contact with technology
This is a museum enjoyable to both children and adults, where there are elaborate model ships, introductions of the history, steering simulators, and photo spots.
In the premises, there is also Kawasaki World, which is a corporate museum by the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group. Visitors may enjoy and experience dioramas of motorcycles, trains, and bullet trains. This is a must for vehicle-lovers!
The indoor facilities are also recommended during the hot summer. As it is located within the Meriken Park, visitors may also enjoy the harbor night illuminations.
※Please confirm the newest information before-hand.
Kobe Kitano Ijinkan Rhine House 7/23 Guided Tour
Period
Kobe Kitano Ijinkan Rhine House Guided Tour
July 23 (Sat), 2022
Time
First Tour: From 11AM Second Tour: From 2PM (each tour is approximately 30 minutes)
Capacity
10 people per tour ※Must make reservations via TEL / No reservations accepted after reaching maximum capacity
Tour Price
¥500 (admission fee not included)
※Please confirm the newest information before-hand.
Location
Kobe Kitano Ijinkan Rhine House
2-10-24 Kitanocho Chuo-ku Kobe, Hyogo 650-0002
Kobe Kitano Ijinkan Website
Kobe Kitano Ijinkangai, a beautiful scenery with western houses and cobblestones
You may enjoy a guided tour with introductions on the history of the house, the Ijinkan, and must-sees during your stroll along the premises.
The Kitano Ijinkangai is filled with exoticism with western houses from the Meiji and Taisho eras. There are approximately 20 historical buildings open to the public including the Weathercock House and the Moegi House.
At the Kitano Ijinkangai, there are also various art events held by artists.
Please click here for event information
Visitors may also enjoy foreign cuisine as there are Chinese, French, Italian, Swiss, and Indian restaurants among others in the vicinity.
Visiting the Kobe Kitano Ijinkangai is a must when in Kobe. Join the guided tour for an even more enjoyable stroll!
※Please confirm the newest information before-hand.
Lastly
Other than the locations listed above, there are many fun and soothing spots, great areas to cool down during the hot summer days, and many popular spots in Kansai close to the Agape Ohtsuru Museum. Please check for fun events and festivities before visiting.
(Hours and closures may change due to the circumstances of each facility. Please also check congestion prior to visiting.)
When nearby, please be sure to stop by Kansai’s newest attraction, Agape Ohtsuru Museum!
Many art pieces such as mystical and elaborate ivory sculptures await your visit.