Summer haze over the Harima-nada Sea. The view of the sunset from Ikuba Fishing Port on the western coast of Awaji Island also showcases the Harima-nada Sea. The sea during sunset is beautiful, with calm waves, and the hazy sky presents a lovely gradient, revealing a mysterious scenery.

Nishiwaki in the center of Hyogo prefecture proudly proclaims itself "The Navel of Japan." Being a bellybutton seems a little unflattering, but it is actually a hotly disputed title, since Shibukawa in Gunma prefecture contests the title with its own Navel festival, complete with painted stomachs. Weird. Nishiwaki itself has a "navel park", complete with monument, but thankfully has a lot more to indicate than its name or its relative geographic remoteness would indicate. A nice science museum and observatory is available, and the staff are very kind with on-hand demonstrations and explanations. A multipurpose community center "Mirai-e" has a large children's play area stocked with a very unusual amount of wooden toys from Sweden. If you are looking for something more cultural, Nishiwaki is a center of the Banshu-ori textile tradition, making it one of the best places to get cotton products that are grown in Japan.

On a summer day with light rain continuing, Kobe Meriken Park was a sight to behold. The fine rain fell and stopped intermittently, and the raindrops resting on the white petals that had fallen due to the wind were beautiful.

Uchino Shrine in Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture, is famous nationwide for its flying fireflies. This year, it was another breathtaking sight.

Summer rain. Meriken Park in Kobe passes quietly and peacefully.

The other day, I had lunch with my friend Ms. Hitomi at the teppanyaki restaurant Sazanka on the 35th floor of Hotel Okura Kobe. While enjoying the wonderful view from the 35th floor, we had appetizers, Sazanka salad, and grilled sea bream and shrimp. My friend said, "The flesh of the sea bream easily flakes apart with chopsticks, and it's served with a cream sauce made from clam broth. The shrimp is cooked just right, paired with American sauce. The flavors are thoughtfully combined and very enjoyable." Next, there was a stunning flame show (so cool!). The Japanese Black Wagyu ribeye was cooked medium, tender, and not overly fatty, making it easy to eat. My recommendation is to enjoy it with the accompanying whole grain mustard. (Comment from my friend, Ms. Hitomi) Then we had garlic rice and a special dessert from the pastry chef. In the best location with the best cuisine, and the warmest hospitality from the staff, I had a truly luxurious and wonderful time with my friend.

The view of the fishing port seen from Armor Station in Kami Town, Hyogo Prefecture, was breathtakingly beautiful.

Hiraike Park in Kato City, Hyogo Prefecture. Within this spacious park, there are small ponds with water lilies and Ooga Lotus, which are about to be in full bloom. It's not a famous spot, but it's one of my favorite hidden gems where you can find peace and tranquility.

Near the Amarube Trestle Bridge in Hyogo Prefecture, Heisei Suimei no Sato offers a stunning view of the Sea of Japan from its beautiful sandy beach. On a weekday afternoon just before the season, there are few visitors, allowing you to enjoy this scenery all to yourself.

The puddle formed in the riverbed reflected the beautiful upside-down cherry blossoms.

A carpet of flowers in Sanda City, Hyogo Prefecture. The entire area is beautifully pink.

Awaji Hanasajiki on Awaji Island. Golden rapeseed flowers, the blue Osaka Bay, and a slightly hazy sky. It's already a spring landscape.

Winter haze over the Akashi Strait. In winter the Akashi Strait looks like an ink-wash painting, with Awaji Island and the great Akashi Kaikyo Bridge shrouded in mist.

On a clear autumn day, a leisurely, blissful moment gazing out over Osaka Bay from Iwaya Beach on Awaji Island.

Late autumn on the Harima Sea. On windy days the waves grow high and the currents shape them into a variety of forms.

It’s an autumn-clear day over Osaka Bay, with a view from Iwaya Beach on Awaji Island. The blue sea and the distant Mount Rokko haze in blue, and the gentle sound of fishing boats drifts pleasantly across a quiet, peaceful afternoon.

While wandering around Tamba City in Hyogo Prefecture in search of autumn leaves, I came across this late-autumn scene. I bet the birds find it understatedly beautiful too.

Winter haze over the waters off Kobe Airport. A large crane ship looked small in the distance.

Monet's Pond in Hyogo🍁 Thanks to the efforts of our volunteers, it has become this beautiful. Thank you 😊

A shot taken at Kajika no Sato in Tambasasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture. The autumn leaves were beautiful.

Playing in the River Activities is only the second time in my life. Encountering things he didn't know and learning with enthusiasm, he was like a small adventurer. After I called out, "There's a fish swimming," I kept looking into the water looking for fish. The Clear streams is surrounded by greenery and the Water surface reflects the summer light. The curiosity and serious expressions of the children born in this environment capture a moment of summer in Japan. I clicked the shutter hoping that this experience of making discoveries in Nature would surely become an important "summer memory" in the future. Location: Tamba Sasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture (Hometown River Park)

It is a wind chime displayed in a temple in Sayo Town, Hyogo Prefecture. You can feel the coolness from your eyes and ears.

Squid eaten on the veranda in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture is the best. This is summer in Japan

Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture Ikuta Shrine

Ikuta Shrine. Marriage Water Lottery. I was so fascinated by the scenery immersed in water that I hurriedly pulled up.

The sacred tree that protects Kobe This photo was taken at Ikuta Shrine in the city of Kobe. Tucked away in the hustle and bustle of the city, this place was like a different world, and the sacred tree that hung there gave me a sense of mysterious power.

This photo was taken many years ago, but it was one of the photos when I went to Yagi Castle, a mountain castle of the Sengoku period in Yabu City, Hyogo Prefecture. It is a low mountain with an Elevation of 330m, but it was surprisingly tough ... Scenery as a reward. I was healed by a world that felt like I was in a painting.

On the way to TOTTEI park with a photo buddy Representing Kobe, which suddenly caught my eye Tower🗼 If you look at it from a different perspective than usual Draws you in I felt a different goodness!

It is a hidden gem Spot that can be reached from the service area right next to the Ume Plum Akashi service area There is a Ishigaya Park, Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture.

It is a hidden gem Spot that can be reached from the service area right next to the Ume Plum Akashi service area There is a Ishigaya Park, Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture.