Enjoy Bread and Coffee at the Summit – Mt. Kabuto Shibazakura Hiking

Join us for a hike at Mt. Kabuto, a well-known landmark in Nishinomiya! From mid to late April, the shibazakura (moss phlox) planted on the landslide site of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake reaches its peak bloom. The trail is approximately 8 km long, with a low elevation of 309 m, but it's packed with fascinating sights and plenty of charm! We will first stop by Pannell Nigawa, a long-established bakery in the Takarazuka area, where one of our hikers works! After visiting the Landslide Museum, we will enjoy the stunning shibazakura in full bloom. As we proceed through Mt. Kabuto Forest Park, we will take a break at the observatory, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Hanshin area. On clear days, you can see Itami Airport, Osaka Bay, and even Mt. Ikoma! After a restroom break, we will climb the final staircase to the summit of Mt. Kabuto, where a vast grassy area awaits. Here, we will enjoy a picnic lunch with coffee, freshly brewed by the guide. On the way down, we will pass by Kitayama Reservoir and visit Kitayama Park, the birthplace of bouldering in Japan. This area is filled with giant and uniquely shaped rocks, some of which are beginner-friendly—so why not give it a try? The hike will conclude at Hankyu Koyoen Station, wrapping up an adventure full of beautiful scenery and historical spots.