January–FebruaryKobe Luminarie
Kansai ・ Kobe & Arima Onsen
Usually about 10 days from late January to early February (lit from dusk to around 21:30)
2027 (32nd): Jan 29 – Feb 7
Autumn Leaves · Kansai
Zuihoji Park
Arima Onsen, HyogoPark🍁 Typical peak: Early Nov – Late Nov
Overview
Overview
A park in the hills on the east side at the far end of Arima Onsen town. With many pines and maples, its late-autumn scenery makes it known as one of the Kansai region’s finest spots for autumn leaves.
- Address
- Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe, Hyogo
- Time needed
- About 30 min–1 hour
Peak Time
When to See the Leaves
Typical peakUsually early to late November
September
October
November
December
Varies with each year’s temperatures
Peak times are typical guides. The timing shifts with each year’s temperatures.
Highlights
Highlights
It is also called Higurashi no Niwa (the garden you could gaze at all day), because Toyotomi Hideyoshi praised it as a place he could look at all day without tiring. A gate said to have been moved from Fushimi Castle and a stone go board said to have been Hideyoshi’s favorite still remain.
📷 Best views
Sanmon Gate
A gate said to have been moved from Fushimi Castle. Autumn leaves spread out beyond it
Stone go board
A go board said to have been a favorite of Hideyoshi. A famous spot in the park, surrounded by autumn leaves
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓During the autumn leaves season in November, the Momiji Chaya teahouse opens for a limited period (planned 11:00–16:00)
- ✓On November 2 and 3, outdoor tea ceremony seating is set up for the Arima Grand Tea Ceremony
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Arima-Onsen Station (Kobe Electric Railway Arima Line)About 20 min walkWalk through the hot spring town and up the slope
- By car & parking
- No parking at the park. Use nearby paid parking lots
- Getting back
- Combine your visit with a day-trip bath in the hot spring town to warm up after walking in the cold
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- Crowded on 11/2 and 3, during the Arima Grand Tea Ceremony, and on weekends at the peak
- Quieter times
- Weekday mornings
Weather
Temperature & what to wear
- Typical temperatures
- November normals for Kobe: high 17.5°C, low 10.9°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). Arima Onsen is in the mountains north of Mt. Rokko and colder than central Kobe
- What to wear & bring
- It is in the mountains and cold in the mornings and evenings, so bring a proper jacket
Facilities
Facilities
- Accessibility
- Uphill slopes continue from the hot spring town
Where to Stay · Agoda
Places to Stay near Zuihoji ParkPR
PR9.2有馬温泉 竹取亭円山
★★★★★Check rates on Agoda2,441 reviews0.3 km from center
PR9.3有馬温泉 陶泉 御所坊
★★★★Check rates on Agoda1,496 reviews0.8 km from center
PR8.8有馬温泉旅館花結び
★★★★Check rates on Agoda2,157 reviews0.3 km from center
PR8.9ねぎや陵楓閣
★★★★Check rates on Agoda1,806 reviews1.0 km from center
PR8.8月光園 游月山荘
★★★★★Check rates on Agoda1,724 reviews1.0 km from center
PR9.0月光園 鴻朧館
★★★★★Check rates on Agoda1,357 reviews0.9 km from center
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
Events
Events & festivals in Kobe & Arima Onsen
January–FebruaryAttractions
Attractions in Kobe & Arima Onsen
AquariumKobe Suma Sea World
Kansai ・ Suma, Kobe
An aquarium with orcas that opened in Suma Beach Park in 2024. Along with orca and dolphin performances, you can enjoy exhibits of all kinds of marine life. It faces the Suma seaside and has an adjoining hotel.
ZooKobe Animal Kingdom
Kansai ・ Port Island, Kobe
A zoo on Kobe's Port Island where you can interact with flowers and animals. Its exhibits bring you close to the animals, including shoebills, capybaras, and alpacas. It has extensive indoor areas and is easy to reach, about 14 minutes from Sannomiya on the Port Liner.
Autumn Leaves
Autumn Leaves in Kansai
Park🍁 Typical peak
Temple
Temple
Shrine
Temple
Temple
TempleHogon-in Temple (Arashiyama)
Kansai ・ Arashiyama, Kyoto
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Late Nov
✦ IlluminationNow on
Temple
Temple
Temple
ShrineKitano Tenmangu Shrine Momiji-en
Kansai ・ Kyoto City
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Early Dec
✦ Illumination
Temple
Temple
Park
Temple
Shrine
TemplePeak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Colors and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-05
