Just 12 minutes by Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka lies Shin-Kobe, a station steeped in history since Kobe Port’s opening in 1868. Over time, the area became a hub for foreign residents, quickly adopting Western culture—an influence that extended to the neighboring city of Takarazuka, earning its reputation as a town of culture and arts. Indeed, Hyogo Prefecture’s Kobe-Kitano, Sannomiya, and Takarazuka are picturesque at every turn, making them a hit with influencers. Over two days, we explored some of their top spots as selected by photographers. 

Day 1 – Kitano Ijinkan: A Must-Visit for Photographers !

If you’re looking for a photogenic trip, start at the Kitano Ijinkan district, famous for its iconic Weathercock House (formerly the Thomas Residence). Strolling along the cobblestone paths, you’ll notice its distinctive red-brick silhouette perched on the hill. The charming weathercock atop the spire of this mansion, built around 1909 as the residence of wealthy German trader Gottfried Thomas, makes for a delightful snap.

The corridor on the second floor is a true hidden gem. Natural light filters in beautifully, making for effortless photos.

Up next, just a two-minute walk from Weathercock House, is Rhine House. Built in 1915 by Mme. J. R. Drewell of French birth, the building is named after the straight lines (“Rhine” and “line” are pronounced the same in Japanese) of the clapboard siding. Some say the roof’s traditional Japanese tiles give it a unique blend of Western and Japanese styles—why not visit and see for yourself?

Kobe’s Bay Area and Former Foreign Settlement: Photogenic Hotspots

SEASONAL LUNCH: A full-course meal to savor the season’s flavors. Weekdays 6,000 yen, weekends and holidays 6,800 yen.

Time flies when you’re busy taking photos. For lunch, head to the Oriental Hotel Kobe’s 17th-floor Main Dining by The House of Pacific. Located on the main street of the former foreign settlement, step inside and enjoy a gourmet course meal with stunning views overlooking the city of Kobe—just don’t forget to take a picture!

In the afternoon, take a stroll around the Kobe’s nearby former foreign settlement. Developed as a workplace for foreigners when the port of Kobe opened, the area was planned using European urban design techniques, with grid streets, roadside trees, and streetlamps still reflecting the vestiges of the past. The streets, lined with old-fashioned buildings from the late nineteenth to early twentieth century, exude a foreign charm and are popular for wedding photo shoots.

Tonight’s Onsen : Urban Sophistication or Hidden Retreat ?

The carbonated hot springs of Takarazuka Onsen are the origin of Japan’s popular “Wilkinson Tansan” soda.

After all that walking, there’s nothing better than a soak in the hot spring. About 40 minutes by train from Kobe, you’ll find Takarazuka Onsen, and three stations further, Takedao Onsen. Takarazuka Onsen is conveniently located near the station, perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy the nightlife. Take your pick from elegant hotels or modern Japanese ryokan for your stay.

BOOK YOUR STAY AT TAKARAZUKA ONSEN

Takedao Onsen offers serene settings of lush greenery on all sides, tucked away in the Mukogawa Gorge.

Takedao Onsen, on the other hand, is nestled in the mountains, offering an open-air bath experience surrounded entirely by nature—the ultimate quiet retreat at a traditional onsen inn.

Whether the urban sophistication of Takarazuka Onsen or the secluded charm of Takedao Onsen, both hot springs offer sumptuous stays well worth experiencing. 

BOOK YOUR STAY AT TAKEDAO ONSEN

Day Two : Capture One-of-a-Kind Photos at a Hidden Spot

On your second day, why not head over to the little-known but much-loved temple path leading to Kiyoshikojin Seicho-ji Temple. The 1.2 km path, stretching from Hankyu Kiyoshikojin station all the way to the temple, is lined with countless shops, a rich amalgam of historic and stylish, new establishments—juxtapositions like this are just where you can let your creativity shine.

At the end of the path, you’ll find Kiyoshikojin Seicho-ji Temple. This syncretic temple, combining elements of both Shinto and Buddhism, was founded in 896. Its grounds exude a deep sense of history and the temple, surrounded by nature, is a haven for visitors to enjoy beautiful scenery year-round.

Lunch of the day: the “Omi Beef Junmai Kasujiru Hot Pot and 100% Soba Noodle Course” (6,000 yen, incl. tax).

For lunch, travel about an hour by train and bus to Nishinomiya’s Hakushika Classics. This restaurant, run by a sake brewery with 358 years of pedigree, offers a selection of sake-related products. The hot pot dishes, made with broth from Hakushika sake lees, are especially popular. Don’t miss out on the exclusive “Sake Tasting Set,” offering you the opportunity to savor the crisp, refreshing, true taste of sake, including freshly pressed, dry genshu (raw sake) and aged daiginjo.

 The Journey continues : Awaji Island and Shikoku

As you look back over the charming selection of photos from your journey, board a highway bus from Sannomiya and cross the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge to Awaji Island. As the breathtaking seascape unfolds before you, beckoning you to snap even more pictures, it becomes quite clear that the photogenic delights of this trip are far from over.

Access to Hyogo Prefecture

Hyogo Prefecture is accessible by Shinkansen (JR) from Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Travel by air to Kansai International Airport is also convenient, with limousine bus services to Shin-Kobe available from the airport.

The Takarazuka area, featured in this article, can be reached from JR Sannomiya or Hankyu Kobe-Sannomiya stations. Both stations are one stop away from Shin-Kobe, with a transfer at Sannomiya Station.

After your journey in Hyogo Prefecture, consider continuing your trip from Shin-Kobe to Shikoku by bus, or to Kyushu by Shinkansen (JR).

Weathercock House

Address: 3-13-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0002

Rhine House

Address: 2-10-24 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0002

Tel.: 078-222-3403

Oriental Hotel Kobe, Main Dining by The House of Pacific

Address: 25 Kyomachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0034

Hours:
Breakfast: 7:00–10:30 (LO 10:00)
Lunch: 11:30–16:00 (LO 14:00)
Dinner: 17:30–22:00 (Mon–Thu, LO 20:00)
17:00–22:00 (Fri–Sun & holidays, LO 20:00)

Tel.: 078-326-1577 (restaurant reception)

Kiyoshikojin Seicho-ji Temple

Address: 1 Yoneya Kiyoshi, Takarazuka, Hyogo 665-0837
Tel.: 0797-86-6641

Hakushika Classics (restaurant)

Address: 7-7 Kurakake-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 662-0926

Hours
Lunch: 11:00–15:00 (weekdays, LO 14:30);
11:00–15:30 (weekends/holidays, LO 14:30)
Dinner: 17:00–22:00 (LO 21:00)
Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays

Tel.: 0798-35-0001