Zuiho-ji Park (Hyogo Prefecture) Complete Guide｜Autumn Leaves Resort Beloved by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the Charm of Four Seasons
What is Zuiho-ji Park
Zuiho-ji Park is an urban park that harmonizes history and nature, located in Arima Town, Kita Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture. The site of the former Obaku Buddhist temple Zuiho-ji, which became defunct in the early Meiji period, was developed as a park by Kobe City in 1951 (Showa 26).
It is known as one of the finest autumn foliage viewing spots in the Kansai region, and is also called the “Garden of Daylong Viewing” because Toyotomi Hideyoshi praised it saying “no matter how long you look at it, you never tire of it.” Located within walking distance from the center of the Arima Hot Spring area, it is a popular spot bustling with tourists who visit while exploring the hot spring town.
Historical Background of Zuiho-ji Park
Zuiho-ji was once a temple beloved by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who frequently visited the Arima Hot Spring. Hideyoshi visited Arima Hot Spring repeatedly, and is said to have enjoyed recuperation and tea ceremonies there. Captivated by the beauty of Zuiho-ji’s garden, Hideyoshi is said to have evaluated it as “never tiring no matter how long you watch until dusk,” which became the origin of the name “Garden of Daylong Viewing.”
Due to the influence of the Buddhist temple destruction movement during the Meiji period, Zuiho-ji became defunct, but the mountain gate said to have been relocated from Fushimi Momoyama Castle remains to this day, conveying echoes of the past. This mountain gate serves as a symbolic presence of Zuiho-ji Park, welcoming many visitors.
Highlights of Zuiho-ji Park
The Garden of Daylong Viewing｜The Magnificent Scenery Beloved by Hideyoshi
The greatest appeal of Zuiho-ji Park is the beautiful garden praised by Toyotomi Hideyoshi as the “Garden of Daylong Viewing.” The park is planted with many pines and Japanese maples, and particularly during the autumn foliage season, a brilliant red landscape called “Nishikishokutani” (Brocade Valley) spreads throughout.
One can enjoy strolling as if walking through a tunnel of autumn leaves, with dappled sunlight filtering through and colorful fallen leaves spread at one’s feet, creating an emotionally rich landscape. Stone paving, ponds, and moss-covered rocks combine with the autumn foliage to evoke the ambiance unique to Japanese gardens.
The scenery once called “the finest autumn leaves in the realm” is spectacular, and the collaboration between the historic garden and autumn foliage continues to captivate visitors. The best time to view the autumn foliage is typically from early to mid-November, when many tourists and photography enthusiasts visit.
The Stone Go Board Used by Toyotomi Hideyoshi
The park contains a stone go board said to have been used by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. When Hideyoshi visited Arima Hot Spring, he is said to have enjoyed playing go on this board, making it a precious historic artifact that evokes historical romance.
This stone go board is fashioned from natural stone and carries the character of age. Imagining Hideyoshi enjoying go while gazing at the beautiful garden in this place, one can experience the sensation of witnessing a moment in history.
The Mountain Gate Relocated from Fushimi Castle
At the entrance of Zuiho-ji Park stands the mountain gate of the former Zuiho-ji temple, said to have been relocated from Fushimi Momoyama Castle. This mountain gate is the sole structure that remained after the temple’s closure, making it a precious cultural property that conveys the history of Zuiho-ji to the present day.
The dignified mountain gate harmonizes with the surrounding natural landscape, creating a historic atmosphere throughout the park. Particularly during autumn foliage season, the contrast between the mountain gate and autumn leaves is beautiful, making it an excellent photography spot.
Stone Tablets of Poems from the Hundred Poets
Stone tablets inscribed with poems from the Hundred Poets of Japan are scattered throughout the park, creating a space where literature and nature fuse. These tablets are positioned along the walking paths, allowing visitors to encounter classical Japanese literature while strolling.
By touring the tablets while enjoying the four seasons’ changing scenery, one can come to feel Japanese aesthetics more deeply.
The Charm of Each Season
Spring Cherry Blossoms and Fresh Greenery
Zuiho-ji Park was selected as one of Kobe’s “50 Flower Viewing Spots,” and beautiful cherry blossoms can be seen in spring. Cherry trees centered on Somei Yoshino color the garden, and it is also popular as a cherry blossom viewing spot.
Cherry blossom season typically runs from late March to early April, with pale pink petals beautifully adorning the park. After the cherry blossoms comes the season of fresh greenery, and the sight of young leaves budding carries a vitality and beauty.
Spring at Zuiho-ji Park is less crowded than autumn foliage season, making it attractive for leisurely strolling in a relaxed atmosphere.
Summer’s Deep Green and Cool Breeze
In summer, Zuiho-ji Park becomes a space enveloped in deep green with a refreshing coolness. With trees growing densely and providing abundant shade, one can stroll comfortably even on hot days.
The Arima Hot Spring area is located in a mountainous region, so temperatures are lower than in urban areas, making it suitable as a summer retreat. Summer at Zuiho-ji Park provides a healing space wrapped in silence, offering peace of mind to visitors.
Autumn Foliage｜The Most Beautiful Season
Zuiho-ji Park shines brightest during autumn foliage season. The foliage typically reaches its best from early to mid-November, with the entire park turning red, yellow, and orange.
Japanese maple and other maples are central, with their color richness boasting beauty among the finest in Hyogo Prefecture. During the foliage period, many tourists arrive early to take photographs.
Especially on clear mornings, dappled sunlight illuminates the foliage, spreading a fantastical landscape. Also, autumn leaves after rain appear even more vibrant as wet leaves reflect light, allowing visitors to enjoy beautiful scenery regardless of weather.
Winter’s Silence and Snow Landscape
In winter, Zuiho-ji Park becomes a space wrapped in silence with understated charm. The appearance of leafless trees offers a beauty different from summer and autumn, with the garden’s structure becoming more clearly visible.
On snowy days, the park transforms into a world of white silver, where one can enjoy a fantastical snowy landscape. The snow-covered mountain gate and stone go board evoke the beauty of ink painting.
Winter is recommended for those who prefer a calm atmosphere, as fewer tourists visit and one can stroll leisurely in a quiet environment.
Arima Grand Tea Ceremony｜Autumn Tradition
Every November 2nd and 3rd, the “Arima Grand Tea Ceremony” is held in Zuiho-ji Park to honor Toyotomi Hideyoshi. This event has become established as an autumn tradition representing Arima Hot Spring, attracting many tea ceremony enthusiasts and tourists.
Outdoor tea ceremonies called “nodate” are held, where visitors can enjoy tea in a picturesque space surrounded by autumn foliage. At the tea seats, proper tea preparation from various schools such as Urasenke and Omotesenke is demonstrated, allowing participants to enjoy a cup of tea while admiring the autumn foliage.
During the Arima Grand Tea Ceremony period, tea seats are set up throughout the park, where one can see tea masters in traditional dress elegantly preparing tea. It is a truly Japanese experience where traditional culture and natural beauty fuse.
While participation in the tea ceremony may require advance registration, viewing alone suffices to enjoy the atmosphere. Overlapping with foliage season, Zuiho-ji Park is particularly crowded during this period.
Basic Information (Hours, Access, etc.)
Address, Hours, and Fees
Address: Around 1749-1 Arima Town, Kita Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
Hours: Open 24 hours (no specific hours as it is a park)
Closed: None (open year-round)
Admission: Free
Parking: No dedicated parking (use Arima Hot Spring public parking)
Access Methods
By Train
- Shintetsu Arima Line “Arima Onsen Station”: About 15 minutes on foot
- The path from the station to the park is a gentle uphill slope, allowing visitors to explore the hot spring town while heading there
By Bus
- Hankyu Bus/Shinki Bus “Arima Onsen” Stop: About 15 minutes on foot
- Direct buses operate from Osaka and Kobe areas
By Car
- About 5 minutes from Hanshin Expressway Kitakobe Line “Arima Guchi IC”
- About 15 minutes from Chugoku Expressway “Nishi-Kobe IC”
- Since there is no dedicated parking, use paid public parking at Arima Hot Spring and access on foot
- Public transportation is recommended during foliage season as parking lots become congested
Sightseeing Tips
While Zuiho-ji Park is relatively compact, it has elevation changes and walking paths consist of stone pavement and dirt roads. Visiting in comfortable walking shoes is recommended.
Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour for exploration, though additional time should be allotted when taking photographs or leisurely enjoying the scenery.
Benches are installed throughout the park for resting while enjoying nature. Especially during foliage season, simply sitting on a bench to admire the autumn leaves offers a luxurious experience.
Recommended Spots Around “Zuiho-ji Park”
Arima Hot Spring Town
Located within walking distance of Zuiho-ji Park, Arima Hot Spring is known as one of Japan’s three oldest hot springs. It possesses two types of spring water: gold spring and silver spring, each with different therapeutic effects.
The hot spring town has day-use bathing facilities “Kin-no-yu” and “Gin-no-yu,” where one can soothe fatigue after park exploration. Also scattered throughout are shops offering retro atmosphere experiences like target shooting and hot spring steamed buns, where visitors can fully enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional hot spring town.
Arima River Waterfront Plaza
A waterfront plaza developed along Arima River flowing through the center of Arima Hot Spring town. A walking path allows visitors to stroll while listening to the river’s murmur, enjoying cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in fall.
The plaza has free foot bath spots, perfect for rest breaks during exploration. Sitting on a riverside bench and spending time leisurely is also recommended.
Zenfu-ji Temple
One of the representative temples of Arima Hot Spring, famous for its “silk cherry” weeping cherry tree with an approximately 270-year history. During spring, it blooms magnificently, attracting many tourists.
The temple grounds display materials conveying the history of Arima Hot Spring and items related to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, particularly recommended for history enthusiasts.
Onsen-ji Temple
A temple said to have been founded by Priest Gyoki, credited as the founder of Arima Hot Spring. Hot spring water springs forth from the temple grounds, becoming the origin of the temple’s name.
Every January 2nd, the traditional “Shohatsushiki” ceremony is held, during which a ritual bathing in the gold spring is performed. A historic temple and the spiritual center of Arima Hot Spring.
Taiko-no-Yudono Hall
A museum displaying the remains of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Yuyama Palace. The remains of steam baths and rock baths discovered through excavation are preserved and exhibited, allowing visitors to understand the bathing culture of the time.
This facility deepens understanding of Hideyoshi’s connection to Arima Hot Spring, and visiting after exploring Zuiho-ji Park provides enhanced historical comprehension.
Recommended Cuisine Around “Zuiho-ji Park”
Kinsendo Arima Onsen Station Branch
A specialty shop for Arima Hot Spring’s famous “carbonated crackers.” Carbonated crackers are traditional sweets made using Arima Hot Spring’s carbonated water, characterized by a crispy texture.
At Kinsendo, one can purchase freshly made carbonated crackers and sample them. Ideal as souvenirs with various flavors available.
Tea House Dogakutei
A quiet, refined tea shop in Arima Hot Spring town. One can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets in a Japanese-style interior.
The set of seasonal Japanese sweets and matcha is particularly ideal for a rest break during exploration. The garden visible from the window is beautiful, offering time spent in relaxation.
Arima Onsen Mitsumori
A traditional Japanese inn offering kaiseki cuisine prepared with local ingredients. Day-use lunch plans are available, allowing guests to enjoy Kobe beef and seasonal ingredients.
Luxury plans combining quality cuisine and hot spring bathing are also available, recommended for special occasions.
Yoshitakaya
A dining establishment where one can taste Arima specialties such as “Arima-ni” (Arima-style stew) and dishes using “Arima sansho” (Arima pepper). Arima-ni is characterized by a sweet-savory flavor similar to seasoned small fish, perfect as a rice accompaniment.
The establishment offers many dishes using Arima pepper, with a peppery flavor that stimulates appetite. Arima-ni and pepper products are also sold as souvenirs.
Meigetsuki
A long-established Japanese sweet shop in Arima Hot Spring town. Hot spring steamed buns and seasonal Japanese sweets are popular, ideal as companions during strolling.
Particularly, sweets featuring chestnuts are known as autumn specialties, and are must-taste items when visiting during foliage season.
Hotel and Accommodation Information Around “Zuiho-ji Park”
Arima Onsen Hyoego Koyokaku
A long-established inn with 700 years of history, one of the representative accommodations of Arima Hot Spring. Three large public baths offer springs each with different ambiance.
Guest rooms center on Japanese-style rooms, with Japanese-Western rooms and suites also available to meet various needs. Cuisine features kaiseki prepared with Kobe beef and seasonal ingredients, highly regarded.
Arima Onsen Tsukihikari-en Koro-an
A hot spring inn positioned along Arima River, where one can enjoy hot spring bathing while listening to the river’s murmur. The rooftop open-air bath overlooks the Arima Hot Spring town, with nighttime views particularly beautiful.
The facility has bathing areas offering both gold and silver springs, fully showcasing Arima Hot Spring’s appeal. Cuisine features creative kaiseki highlighting local ingredients.
Hostel & Cafe Brücke Arima
A budget-friendly dormitory-style accommodation. Besides dormitory-style shared rooms, private rooms are available, popular with solo travelers and backpackers.
The attached cafe serves cuisine using local ingredients and coffee, available to non-guests. The modern, stylish atmosphere appeals to younger demographics.
Arima Onsen Taketoriei Maruyama
A luxury inn with open-air baths attached to all rooms, allowing private hot spring enjoyment. Guest rooms feature Japanese modern design and calm atmosphere.
Cuisine features seasonal kaiseki meals, with attention to dishware and presentation. Recommended for anniversaries and special trips.
Arima Onsen Tousen Gosho-bo
A long-established inn with over 800 years of history, beloved by literati and artists. While retaining the atmosphere of traditional Japanese hot spring inns, it combines modern comfort.
The inn’s pride is flowing hot spring bathing using gold spring source water, with high regard for spring quality. Cuisine features traditional Japanese cooking with contemporary arrangements.
Model Courses for Visiting Zuiho-ji Park
Day-trip Model Course
10:00 Arrive at Shintetsu Arima Onsen Station, explore Arima Hot Spring town
11:00 Arrive at Zuiho-ji Park, leisurely explore the grounds (approximately 1 hour)
12:00 Return to Arima Hot Spring town for lunch
13:30 Day-use bathing at Kin-no-yu or Gin-no-yu
15:00 Visit tourist attractions such as Taiko-no-Yudono Hall and Onsen-ji Temple
16:30 Purchase souvenirs (carbonated crackers, etc.)
17:00 Return from Arima Onsen Station
1-Night 2-Day Model Course
[Day 1]
14:00 Arrive at Arima Onsen, check in at inn
15:00 Explore Zuiho-ji Park
17:00 Return to inn and enjoy hot spring bathing
18:00 Dinner (kaiseki cuisine)
20:00 Evening stroll through hot spring town
[Day 2]
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Morning hot spring bath
10:00 Check out
10:30 Visit temples and shrines such as Zenfu-ji and Onsen-ji
12:00 Lunch
13:00 Stroll Arima River Waterfront Plaza, enjoy foot bath
14:30 Purchase souvenirs
15:00 Depart
Editorial Recommendations
While Zuiho-ji Park offers beautiful scenery year-round, the most recommended period is the autumn foliage season. The foliage from early to mid-November is spectacular, offering a precious opportunity to experience the scenery beloved by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the present day.
While foliage season is crowded, visiting early morning (around 8 AM) allows relatively uncrowded enjoyment of the foliage in a quiet environment. The way morning light illuminates the foliage is particularly beautiful, ideal for photography.
Also, November 2nd and 3rd when the Arima Grand Tea Ceremony is held provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy both foliage and tea ceremony. A truly special experience combining traditional Japanese culture and natural beauty.
Spring cherry blossom season should not be overlooked. Less crowded than foliage season, it offers leisurely flower viewing in a relaxed atmosphere. The contrast of cherry blossoms and fresh greenery is beautiful, with charm unique to spring.
When visiting Zuiho-ji Park, pairing it with Arima Hot Spring is recommended. Park exploration soothes the spirit while hot spring bathing refreshes the body—an ideal tourism plan for comprehensive mental and physical rejuvenation.
Zuiho-ji Park and the surrounding Arima Hot Spring area, concentrating Japan’s appeal of history, nature, and hot springs, are spots we confidently recommend to domestic and international tourists. Please visit Zuiho-ji Park repeatedly, experiencing its changing expressions with each season and savoring its charm fully.
