• The Rokko MEETS ART  2023 'beyond' art festival returns to Kobe
• Explore the region on a "Travel to JAPAN" bus tour

OSAKA, Japan, Sept. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hankyu Hanshin Holdings.inc is bringing back two classic itineraries for visitors to Japan this autumn. These itineraries have soared in popularity among domestic travelers since the easing of pandemic restrictions, highlighting their proven success in the local market.

Kansai's popular art festival Rokko Meets Art  

Kansai's acclaimed annual art festival, Rokko MEETS ART 2023 'beyond', returns for a repeat engagement from 26 August to 23 November 2023. This event combines the breathtaking natural vistas of Mount Rokko with captivating artworks.  

Since its inauguration in 2010, Rokko MEETS ART 2023 'beyond', a contemporary art festival, is marking its 14th edition in 2023. This year's theme "Beyond Representation" presents exhibits from 50 diverse artist groups across nine venues in natural and outdoor settings, including Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, Rokko Musical Box Museum & Gardens MORINONE as well as along the area's scenic nature trails.

Visitors to Mount Rokko can revel in nature's beauty while soaking up the artistic ambiance. Capturing photos of the art installations provides an opportunity to create unique travel keepsakes.

Key Artworks:

1.  Daisy Bell by artist Noboru Tsubaki (Chapel of the Wind Area)

Chapel of the Wind, located on Mt. Rokko, is part of the church trilogy by world-famous architect Tadao Ando. Known for its fair-faced concrete architecture, the church is open to the public exclusively during the art exhibition. The interior is adorned with a grand inflatable installation by Noboru Tsubaki, which, combined with natural light, creates a distinctive artistic mood. During the art festival, visitors have the opportunity to appreciate both the art and the architectural masterpieces.

2.  Bridge and Terrace in Rokko, Kobe Japan by artist Tadashi Kawamata (in the Trail Area)

A must-see photo stop at the festival, this installation evokes a floating stage above water, centered by a cherry blossom tree, embodying the fusion of nature and art.

3.  Overflowing by artist Miisa Kato (Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden)

This engaging interactive artwork comprises 700 neatly arranged spheres that, while appearing as pristine as glass, but are in fact filled with water. Visitors can touch the spheres, delighting in the juxtaposition of sight and touch. Depending on the time of day and lighting, the water spheres create varying reflections and refractions, offering diverse visual experiences.

Rokko MEETS ART 2023 'beyond':
Exhibition Dates: August 26 (Saturday) to November 23 (Thursday) , 2023 
Opening Hours: 10:00 - 17:00 (Schedules may differ by venue)

Venues: Rokko Musical Box Museum & Gardens MORINONE, Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, Rokko Garden Terrace Area, Rokko Cable Car & Bus (Rokko Cable Shita Station, Sanjo Station, and Tenran Observatory), the Trail Area, Chapel of the Wind Area, Rokko-Arima Ropeway Sancho Station, Hyogo Prefectural Mt. Rokko Visitor Center (Memorial Monument) and Rokkosan Silence Resort (formerly the Mt. Rokko Hotel)

Official Website: https://rokkomeetsart.jp/english/?utm_source=hhhd&utm_medium=campaign

"Travel to JAPAN" Bus Tour

Another highly recommended itinerary are "Travel to JAPAN" bus tours organized by Hankyu Hanshin Group's Hankyu Travel International.

The tours, led by Japanese guides and tour leaders, depart from either Osaka or Kyoto, offering point-to-point transportation to major attractions across Japan, with select tours including lunch at no additional charge.  

Among the bus tour options, the itinerary featuring a lunch with Omi Beef, one of Japan's three Wagyu varieties, stands out as a favorite. The tour covers several iconic sightseeing locations in a single day.

The tour starts with a visit to Mount Ibuki, the highest peak in Shiga Prefecture, where guests can savor a meal with Omi Beef Teppanyaki and relish Japanese white peaches, all while overlooking Lake Biwa. Additionally, the itinerary takes you to the hidden gem 'Takei Island', reached by boat that sails just once daily. Traveling by bus enables visitors to conveniently discover multiple attractions within a single day.

The bus tours have been steadily gaining popularity in Japan and are also available to visitors to Japan. Prices range between 10,000 yen and 13,000 yen (HK$536-HK$697HKD), offering an affordable and convenient way to immerse oneself in local experiences. Season-specific tours are available, with bookings for the Early Autumn Maple Viewing Bus Tour now open. Reservations are readily accessible via the official website.

Visit the "Travel to JAPAN" page on Hankyu Travel International's official website:
https://traveltojapan.hankyu-travel.com/tc/?p_baitai=10611&utm_source=otherweb&utm_medium=otherweb&utm_content=non_rtg&utm_campaign=10611