On our way back from Miyajima Island, we stopped over at ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe and Nunobiki Waterfall for one night. It was a very pleasant stay. After that night, we went to Arima Onsen Hot Spring !
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ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe and Nunobiki Waterfall
The ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe is a luxury hotel located in the city of Kobe, Japan. It’s part of the Crowne Plaza brand, which is a globally recognized upscale hotel chain. Here are some key details about the ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe:
- Location: The hotel is situated in the Port Island area of Kobe, providing guests with easy access to various attractions, shopping centers, and business districts. It’s conveniently located near the Shin-Kobe Shinkansen (bullet train) station, making it accessible to travelers arriving from different parts of Japan. The strategic location of ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe places you steps away from the Shin-Kobe rail station, a gateway to rapid adventures. The shinkansen bullet train whisks you away to the dynamic energy of Tokyo in 3 hours, while the vibrant pulse of Osaka beckons just 15 minutes away. A subway stop transports you to downtown Kobe, where neon lights of a cosmopolitan city paint the night.
- Accommodation: The ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe offers a range of well-appointed guest rooms and suites, designed to provide comfort and a relaxing stay. The rooms typically feature modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi access, minibars, and comfortable bedding.
- Dining: The hotel offers several dining options for guests to choose from. These might include restaurants serving Japanese cuisine, international fare, and more. The culinary offerings aim to provide diverse and flavorful dining experiences.
- Meetings and Events: The ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe is equipped with meeting and event facilities suitable for various types of gatherings, conferences, and functions. The hotel provides spaces that can accommodate both small meetings and larger events.
- Recreation and Facilities: Guests can often find fitness centers, swimming pools, and spa facilities at Crowne Plaza hotels. These amenities are designed to help guests unwind and stay active during their stay.
- Service: As an upscale hotel, the ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe generally offers attentive service to its guests, aiming to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
- Views: Given its location, the hotel might offer picturesque views of the surrounding cityscape, waterfront, or nearby mountains.
- Local Attractions: Depending on its proximity to attractions, the hotel might offer convenient access to local points of interest, like the Port of Kobe, Harborland, and the Shinkobe Ropeway leading to the Nunobiki Herb Gardens and Nunobiki Falls.
Nunobiki Falls is relatively close to the ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe. In fact, the hotel can provide a map to show you how to go. It is just right behind the hotel !
ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe Lobby
The lobby is so grand and nice !
My Suite at ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe
I booked a room for 4 people but was upgraded to a Suite. I believe this is because of my Elite Diamond status with IHG hotel.
The room is huge and comes with a great view !
The living is room comes with a sofa and they set up a nice rollaway bed for us too.
At one corner of the living room is a study table
The bedroom is pretty chill but the bed is just two beds put together 🙂
There is even space for a comfortable chair
ANA Crowne Plaza View in the Morning
You can see the forested area where that is the place where we can go to Nunobiki Falls and at the bottom of this photo is the Shin-Kobe station.
ANA Crowne Plaza View in the Night
ANA Crowne Plaza is Right Next to Shin-Kobe shinkansen station
The most important thing about the hotel (in terms of my planning) is that it is right next to the Shin-Kobe Shinkasene station and it was where I can easily reach from Miyajima Island (and indeed it was great that it was just a simple walk over to the hotel after a very tiring day at Miyajima Island Itsukushima Shrine).
About Nunobiki Falls
Nunobiki Falls is a series of waterfalls located in Kobe, Japan. The falls are situated on the slopes of Mount Rokko, which is a popular natural attraction near the city of Kobe. The falls are a well-known sightseeing destination and offer a beautiful natural setting for visitors to enjoy. There are multiple cascades in the Nunobiki Falls area, each with its own unique charm. The area around the falls also includes walking paths and hiking trails, making it a great place for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to experience nature.
Overall, Nunobiki Falls and its surrounding attractions are a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that the area has to offer.
Nunobiki Falls indeed holds historical and natural significance for Kobe, as it contributes to the city’s water supply and is a notable natural attraction for both locals and visitors. Odaki, with its 43-meter height, is particularly well-known and serves as a centerpiece for the falls
A morning walk at Nunobiki Falls
From the ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe hotel, it was a short walk over to the main “entrance” of the Nunobiki Falls.
You can actually see three waterfalls in this hike. The first is Mentaki Falls.
A very calming morning walk to start the day…
Nunobiki Falls : Husband and Wife Waterfalls
“Nunobiki Falls Husband and Wife” (Nunobiki no Taki Meoto-daki) is a term used to refer to two adjacent waterfalls within the Nunobiki Falls complex in Kobe, Japan. The term “Meoto-daki” literally translates to “Husband and Wife Waterfall,” and it’s often used in Japanese folklore to describe a pair of waterfalls that are side by side, with one waterfall representing the husband and the other representing the wife.
In the case of Nunobiki Falls, the “Husband” waterfall is typically associated with the larger cascade, which is known as “Odaki,” and the “Wife” waterfall is the smaller cascade, referred to as “Medaki.” These two waterfalls are located close to each other, creating a picturesque scene and a popular spot for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
The concept of “Husband and Wife Waterfall” is often used in Japanese culture to symbolize the harmonious relationship between two individuals or entities that complement each other. The proximity of the two waterfalls and their flowing waters represents this idea of unity and cooperation, which is why they are referred to as “Husband and Wife.”
There are these sitting areas right in front of the waterfalls and you can enjoy the tranquil and peace in the morning.
Conclusion : Kobe : Visit Or Not
Actually, it is really worth to spend a few days in Kobe. Kobe is a vibrant city in Japan that offers a variety of attractions for visitors to explore. Here are some popular attractions in Kobe:
- Kobe Harborland: A modern shopping and entertainment district located along the waterfront. It features shopping malls, restaurants, a Ferris wheel, and beautiful views of the harbor.
- Kobe Port Tower: An iconic landmark that offers panoramic views of the city and the harbor from its observation deck.
- Kobe Chinatown: One of the three major Chinatowns in Japan, offering a wide range of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events.
- Kobe Earthquake Memorial Museum: Commemorating the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995, this museum provides insight into the disaster and its aftermath.
- Nankinmachi (Kobe’s Chinatown): A lively area known for its Chinese architecture, shops, and a variety of Chinese cuisine.
- Mount Rokko: Offers hiking trails, scenic views, and the Nunobiki Herb Gardens accessible via the Nunobiki Ropeway.
- Nunobiki Herb Gardens: A collection of beautiful gardens and greenhouses accessible by the Nunobiki Ropeway, offering a diverse range of herbs and flowers.
- Kobe Animal Kingdom: A zoo and botanical garden combined, with a focus on interaction between animals and visitors.
- Arima Onsen: One of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot spring towns, located just outside of Kobe.
- Kobe Beef Dining: Enjoying the world-famous Kobe beef in one of the city’s fine dining establishments.
- Kobe Maritime Museum: An interactive museum that explores the history of Kobe as a port city and its maritime connections.
- Sorakuen Garden: A traditional Japanese garden with a pond, teahouse, and lush vegetation.
- Kobe Oji Zoo: A family-friendly zoo with a variety of animals and attractions.
- Kobe City Museum: Showcasing the history, culture, and art of Kobe and its region.
- Kobe Fashion Museum: Focusing on fashion and design, this museum features changing exhibitions related to clothing and style.
These are just a few examples of the many attractions Kobe has to offer. Unfortunately my planning only takes place for one night of stay and then half a morning of walk at Nunobiki Falls before going to Arima Onsen.
You might do better 🙂
