Let's enjoy Rokko mountain!

Hello everyone! Summer is upon us! Today, I’d like to introduce the natural theme park that is the Mt. Rokko area.



Rokko cable car has a panoramic view of Kobe city

Mt. Rokko is situated 30 minutes from Sannnomiya in Kobe, Hyogo’s capital city. Getting there using public transport could not be simpler.

On top of the mountain, there is a multitude of amusements such as Rokko-san Field Athletics, Rokko International Musical Box Museum, Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden and Japan’s first golf course. These facilities are well connected to each other (just a few minutes by car or bus/ 5 minutes on foot), so visitors can enjoy many attractions at a time.

Kinosaki Marine World

This time I’d like to introduce Kinosaki Marine World in Toyooka city. It is situated on the shore of the Sea of Japan and just a 10-minute drive from Kinosaki Hot spring resort. It is a popular destination for family days out for all ages and is a part of the San’in Kaigan Geopark which is currently in the limelight. Kinosaki Marine Park is not just an aquarium. It aims at being way more than that with its various interactive exhibits and visitors can easily spend the whole day in the park. Let’s explore this marine world!

Himeji Central Park

Remember the zoos and theme parks that you went to with your family when you were young? You can relive these memories at Himeji Central Park! This is a family resort which has both safari and a theme park that people of all ages can relish. A number of events are planned throughout the year and you’ll have a different experience every time you visit. Visitors can take enjoy a water park and fireworks in summer and ice skating in winter.

Helpful Tips: Japan’s telecommunication System: Mobile phones and the Internet.

When it comes to travel, mobile phones and the internet are essential tools to find up to date local information these days. Today I’ll give you some information on Japan’s telecommunication system.

Japan has its own mobile network, so that mobile phones from abroad do not always work within Japan’s network. Would you like to have mobile internet in Japan? You have a few options. It is a good idea to rent a Japanese mobile phones or SIM card. Please note that mobiles stores in cities don’t offer these services.

Kansai International Airport offers rental services

http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/service/rental/rental_list.html　

Helpful tips: Japan's amazing toilets

 Today I’ll introduce Japanese toilets, which are undoubtedly the world’s most sophisticated toilets. Knowing how to use local restrooms while traveling is very important!

Where can I find restrooms?
 In Japan, finding public restrooms couldn’t be simpler. You’ll usually find them in train stations, but convenience stores, department stores and hotels allow you to use their restrooms as well. You can use any toilet without spending a penny!

Helpful tips: Useful information around station

The second issue of “helpful tips” gives you useful information for getting around train stations. Kobe is very well connected to some great transport networks and major railways such as JR, Hankyu, Hanshin and the Subway have stations in Sannomiya, the station in downtown Kobe. We’ll also look at how to get your hands on some useful information before you go out and enjoy the city!

Currency Exchange

There are several places to exchange foreign currencies. A branch of Travelex, the world’s largest currency exchange provider, is located in front of the east exit of JR Sannomiya station. It is open all year and you can find it easily right in front of the exit gate.

Travelax Sannomiya branch

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Bank of Mitsubishi-Tokyo UFJ and Japan Post Bank also offer currency exchange service around Sannomiya station. It’s good to know where to exchange cash in case for when you might need it.

Helpful tips : How to take a train

 

  As the first in the series of “helpful tips,” let me introduce how to get on a train in Japan. Hyogo, especially Kobe, has excellent public transport connections and the railway system plays a significant role. JR and some other railways offer you easy access to a lot of tourist attractions in Hyogo. This time, I’ll also teach you about manners for when you are on the train. Please enjoy your trip by train!


◆How to purchase a ticket

        You need to buy a ticket from a ticket vending machine before you get on the train. Usually, cash is needed to buy tickets from a machine. Insert notes or coins and push the button that matches the price of your fare. The fare depends upon where you would like to travel to. If you are a tourist, a one-day pass or pass with admission tickets for tourist spots is always a great deal. These tickets are available at the local station office or travel agencies.

Kobe de Kiyomori 2012 one-day pass  

with entrance for both the drama and history museums and a souvenir voucher.