4 Prefectures in 4 days Solo Exploration(Kyoto-Hiroshima)

[Raika]

Hi everyone! My name is Raika Chishima and I work at Haneda JAL ABC.

It's my first time to create a travel blog and I hope you will enjoy the journey that I will be sharing with you all.

Combined with the noise of cicada and the heat wave, summer has reached its peak.

Despite the intense humidity the Japanese Summer has to offer each year, my love for summer never waver.

Through the company's Domestic Travel Support System I travelled to Kyoto(京都), Kobe(神戸）, Kurashiki(倉敷）, Miyajma(宮島）and lastly the Hiroshima(広島) City Center all within 4 days and 3 nights. It may not be for the faint hearted that is why this year, I decided to Solo Travel.

DAY1

Last year I travelled to Kyoto for the first time but since I got really sick the 2nd day, I wasn't able to visit the 「Kinkakuji(金閣寺）or the Golden Pavilion」. 
That is why on the first day, I made it my priority to visit. 

With pure gold leaf embedded all over the temple, the interaction between the light and the surrounding water and its greenery felt so surreal. 

On the same day I travelled from Kyoto Station to Kobe by 「Tokaido-Sanyo Line」. The travel time is around an hour but you get half the price than taking the Shinkansen.

Arriving at the Kobe area, I went to 「Taihei no Yu(太平の湯)」. It's a Spa with onsen, sauna, 4 types of ganbanyoku(岩盤浴)room, restaurant and a terrace to enjoy the breathtaking night view of 「Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge」. Unfortunately the terrace was closed due to the heavy down pour of the rain.

The food was so comforting and filling.

After some relaxation, I headed to 「Centurion Hotel Grand Kobe Station」to stay for the night.

Sorry about my stuff being cluttered all over😅

It's reasonably priced and the location is excellent since it's just a 2 min walk from Kobe Station, 11min walk to 「Kobe Harborland Park」and 1 min walk to Family Mart.

It also offers express check out too. 

DAY2

Healthy and Aesthetically Pleasing Breakfast for energy boost!

The Kobe Harborland Park(Highly recommend to visit during the night)

Minatogawa Jinja (湊川神社)

The Venus Bridge

To get to this location, it was honestly a challenge!

First, you have to enter into this eerie hill greeted with cat figurines.

Next, you have to climb your way up the stairs and slopes and you will be passing shrines as well.

More and more eerie pathways.

And lastly the Venus Bridge! Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by this cool breeze and 180degrees panoramic view of Kobe City! 

(Locals highly recommended to see the nightscape too)

It may require lots of courage and effort to get to this hidden gem but I swear it's worth climbing! And it's free！

I descended from the hill and explored more of the city.

The Moegi House(Historical Attraction)

Other historical attraction

Fancy Starbuck ✨

Right after a few exploration, I headed to Kurashiki(倉敷) by Tokaido-Sanyo Line and San-yo Line.

By the time I got there, I checked in to the hotel and headed straight to 「Historical Bikan Historical Quarter」for a night stroll.

The One Five Garden Kurashiki

I chose to stay here because it was really close to the historical site AND Family Mart. 🥰

Also offers express check out for early bird travelers who are always on the move.

Historical Bikan Historical Quarter

Since the site only allows maximum of 20 pictures , I have to make Part2 for Day 3 and 4 🥲 

See you in Part2!!!

[이륜건]

京都は有名な神社やお寺が何か所かありますが、知られてない世界遺産が多いです！
次回は行ってみてない京都の観光地も是非行ってみてください！

[문지현]

地島さん、初投稿ありがとうございます✨
金閣寺はリベンジだったんですね！松の木の緑と金色のお寺のコントラストがとても素敵です💛
神戸は私もとても好きな街で、北野異人館には苺のミルフィーユが有名なお店があります…本当ーに美味しいので、今度是非召し上がってみてください🍓