Guide
Zuihoji Park is a beautiful urban park located at an altitude of approximately 500m, situated at the highest point of the Arima Onsen hot spring district in Kita-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. The park was developed on the former site of Zuihoji Temple of the Obaku school. The landscape is famous for its breathtaking autumn foliage, which earned it the nicknames 'Hi-gurashi no Niwa' (The Garden of Sunsets) and 'Kinshu-ya.' It is a place where visitors can experience a serene atmosphere where natural beauty and historical remnants blend seamlessly.
The history of this site dates back to the founding of Zuiho-an in 1604 by Daikokuya Soetsu. While it developed as an Obaku school temple, the temple was dissolved in 1873 due to the anti-Buddhist movement during the Meiji era. Although now a public park, many historical structures remain. Notable relics include the mountain gate transferred from Fushimi Momoyama Castle in 1868 and the stone Go board, where it is said Toyotomi Hideyoshi once played. The presence of stone monuments featuring poems from the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu anthology further highlights the area's deep cultural roots.
The park features several significant historical structures. The most iconic is the 'Former Zuihoji Mountain Gate,' which was relocated from Fushimi Momoyama Castle. Other notable items include the 'Thirteen-tier Stone Pagoda' built in the late Edo period and the 'Stone Go Board' associated with the legendary leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi. For nature lovers, the Daiko-taki Waterfall and the seasonal changes of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves provide a stunning backdrop, preserving the spiritual atmosphere of the original temple site.
While Zuihoji Park is beautiful year-round, the peak season for autumn foliage (late November to December) is widely considered one of the best in the Kansai region. During this time, the entire park is bathed in vibrant colors. Spring is also a wonderful time to see the cherry blossoms. For the best experience, visit during daylight hours to clearly see the intricate details of the stone monuments and gates, or visit toward the late afternoon to enjoy the tranquil, quiet atmosphere as the sun sets.
The park is an ideal environment for a leisurely stroll. Visitors can walk through the paths while contemplating the historical monuments and stone inscriptions. Every year on November 2nd and 3rd, the 'Arima Grand Tea Ceremony' is held, offering a glimpse into local cultural traditions. It is a perfect place to find harmony between history and the natural world.
Because the park is located at the highest point of the Arima Onsen district, it is surrounded by many traditional hot spring facilities. After your walk, you can enjoy a relaxing stay at a nearby ryokan or visit local hot spring facilities. The nearby 'Tsuki-ga-taki Park' is another great natural spot to include in your Arima sightseeing itinerary.
Due to the undulating terrain and slopes, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Regarding payments, while the park itself is free, nearby shops and facilities may require cash, credit cards, or IC cards. English-language signage and staff support are limited. The park is open 24 hours, but please check the hours for any specific nearby facilities or events.