Kansai trip to Japan~!!!
On the first day, I had afternoon tea at La Dudée in Kyoto, and on the second day, I stayed at a hotel in Kobe. On the third day in Kansai, I woke up in Kobe and joined the 7 AM breakfast. The breakfast area isn’t very large, but it’s comfortable enough to eat.
They had delicious natto available. Since it’s Kobe, the dessert line was also well-stocked and tasty. I checked out at 7:40 AM and walked to Sannomiya Station. It takes about 8 minutes on foot. I took the Shin-Kaisoku train to Amagasaki Station.
From there, I transferred to the limited express Konotori and headed to Sasayamaguchi Station. Today’s morning destination is Tanba Sasayama City in Hyogo, known as the little Kyoto, which I couldn’t visit last August due to a typhoon that stopped the Shinkansen for two days.
There’s Sasayama Castle, a 100-people castle without a main keep, and Kawaramachi Street, a traditional cultural preservation street comparable to Takayama’s Sanmachi Street or Kanazawa’s Higashi Chaya District, which is also worth seeing.
Since this is a car road, I arrived before 10 AM when there are fewer vehicles. It was hot, so I looked for a Japanese-style café and ordered an Asabiru (morning beer). They handle local craft beer brands and recommended one. It was refreshing.
The café was similar to those in Takayama. There’s a courtyard inside, and it has a Kyoto-like atmosphere. After spending a peaceful time, I climbed Sasayama Castle. Lotus flowers are starting to bloom. It must be spectacular when they’re in full bloom.
I also learned from reviews by seniors who visited before me. Since the bus runs once an hour, I took the bus going there and a taxi returning. The bus fare was 340 yen, and the taxi was 2,300 yen.
I took the Konotori back and moved to Osaka. To use a Starbucks coupon, I went to the Umeda Reserve store and spent time until the appointment. I tried the orange coffee aid. It’s been a while since I had lemon two years ago.
Around 1:40 PM, I went to the meeting place. My Japanese friend was already there waiting.ㅠㅜ I should have come earlier. Even though it was our first time meeting, we recognized each other at a glance.🤣 Maybe because I’ve followed them on Instagram for 4 years, it felt familiar.
We enjoyed afternoon tea until 4:30 PM, continuously chatting. Fortunately, my fever went down a lot. The afternoon tea was quite delicious, so we had a pleasant time before parting. My friend went back to work, and I headed to Shingobe Station.
I captured Shingobe, the filming location for "Suzume’s Locking the Door," in a way similar to the anime’s composition. I picked up the luggage I left at the hotel on the second day and moved to the Kobe hotel for the third day, checking in. I got the highest floor room, the 6th floor, among the rooms I reserved.
Just lying on the bed is healing. It seems to be the same type of room I saw in the review by Kubu-san who visited before. I also visited Mosaic, just 3 minutes away, for the first time in over 10 years. It’s still the same.
For dinner, I had a beef tongue set meal with draft beer, then bought a half-size champagne at the Aeon supermarket downstairs across the street and some snacks to pair with it at a convenience store before returning to the hotel. I put them in the fridge and filled the bathtub.
I enjoyed a bubble bath while looking at Kobe Port Tower. The chilling was a bit insufficient, but I took a sip. It was great~~~! I put it back in the fridge and lay down to rest before setting up the terrace.
I moved the table to a spot where the candle, outlet, and cord length fit perfectly, facing Kobe Tower. This hotel’s outdoor terrace is 32 square meters, boasting a size comparable to a city hotel deluxe room. It’s set up more beautifully than the hotel bar on the 2nd floor.
Eating at the bar would cost about 20,000 yen, and room service would be around 15,000 yen, but I finished it for 3,500 yen. The night view was stunning. The taste of the champagne and the selected snacks was even better. I end this leisurely third day. Thank you.