A journey to fully enjoy with five senses in Kannabe, Hyogo Prefecture.
Since our anniversary was approaching, I suggested to my girlfriend that we go on a trip. She suddenly remembered and suggested, "Since it's a special occasion, let's go eat that!" We had heard from a friend about a place where you can compare 61 cuts of Tajima beef, so we decided to head to Kannabe Highlands in Hyogo Prefecture.
Enjoying 61 cuts of Tajima Beef BBQ in a treehouse surrounded by greenery
We drove from Osaka to the Tajima Plateau Botanical Gardens, home to about 2,000 species of plants. Experiencing the unique BBQ, where you can compare 61 cuts of Tajima beef in a treehouse surrounded by greenery, was perfect for our anniversary.
With some time before the BBQ, we asked at the reception for highlights of the botanical garden. We were told, "There is a large Katsura tree over 1,000 years old with a spring nearby, so feel free to draw some water." So, we decided to explore the garden. Listening to the birds singing and the river's murmur, we walked through a tunnel to find the impressive large Katsura tree.
With some time before the BBQ, we asked at the reception for highlights of the botanical garden. We were told, "There is a large Katsura tree over 1,000 years old with a spring nearby, so feel free to draw some water." So, we decided to explore the garden. Listening to the birds singing and the river's murmur, we walked through a tunnel to find the impressive large Katsura tree.
The thick, multi-layered trunk and lush moss gave a mystical feeling of the long passage of time. We stayed there for a while, mesmerized by the majestic Katsura tree, quenching our thirst with cold spring water.
Reluctantly leaving the mystical atmosphere behind, we reached the treehouse surrounded by greenery, still feeling excited. As we talked about how excited we were, the eagerly awaited Tajima beef was brought to us. The large plate, shaped like a cow, was filled with 61 cuts of meat. It was more impressive than the photos we had seen, and we couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow!"
We were curious about the parts we’d never seen before with names like "Hiuchi", "Shikinbo", and "Enpitsu", wondering in excitement what they tasted like. The manager, Ishihara, pointed out particularly rare cuts.
Reluctantly leaving the mystical atmosphere behind, we reached the treehouse surrounded by greenery, still feeling excited. As we talked about how excited we were, the eagerly awaited Tajima beef was brought to us. The large plate, shaped like a cow, was filled with 61 cuts of meat. It was more impressive than the photos we had seen, and we couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow!"
We were curious about the parts we’d never seen before with names like "Hiuchi", "Shikinbo", and "Enpitsu", wondering in excitement what they tasted like. The manager, Ishihara, pointed out particularly rare cuts.
"The meat around the pelvis, called 'Megane,' is very flavorful as it's close to the bone, and only 500 grams can be obtained from one cow. Rare cuts include 'Chire' and 'Chokucho.'"
Ishihara recommended "Tongue." Despite being a common cut, the Tajima cattle is a smaller cow, so only half of the typical tongue can be obtained, making it rare.
Ishihara recommended "Tongue." Despite being a common cut, the Tajima cattle is a smaller cow, so only half of the typical tongue can be obtained, making it rare.
We savored all 61 cuts and left fully satisfied, saying, "I'm glad we chose this place." Then, we headed to our accommodation, Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Kannabe Highland.
Relaxing at the nature-rich summit of Mount Kannabe
After checking into the hotel, we walked around nearby Mount Kannabe. This area is enjoyed as a ski resort in winter. The hotel has a shared space for storing skis and snowboards, making my girlfriend look forward to a return visit for snowboarding.
The Kannabe volcano group's activity started 700,000 years ago, with Mount Kannabe being the newest volcano, erupting 22,000 years ago. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the summit, making it a perfect exercise after our Tajima beef feast. The slopes, a ski resort in winter, offer a peaceful time with edible wild plant picking and daffodil viewing in spring.
The Kannabe volcano group's activity started 700,000 years ago, with Mount Kannabe being the newest volcano, erupting 22,000 years ago. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the summit, making it a perfect exercise after our Tajima beef feast. The slopes, a ski resort in winter, offer a peaceful time with edible wild plant picking and daffodil viewing in spring.
We sat on a bench at the observation deck, gazing at the large crater, enjoying the gentle breeze at the summit, and saying, "A leisurely trip like this is nice."
Forgetting time at an emerald-green waterfall
The next day, we visited Hattan Waterfall, which the hotel staff recommended. Though not well-known, it is a hidden gem that locals highly recommend going there once.
Descending on a mountain path covered with dense trees, we were greeted by an emerald-green waterfall basin. Its vivid colors and sparkling surface took our breath away. "I could stay here forever," my girlfriend said, and I felt the same. As expected of a hidden gem, there were few people, and we enjoyed the waterfall's sound and the sparkling water, forgetting the time.
Descending on a mountain path covered with dense trees, we were greeted by an emerald-green waterfall basin. Its vivid colors and sparkling surface took our breath away. "I could stay here forever," my girlfriend said, and I felt the same. As expected of a hidden gem, there were few people, and we enjoyed the waterfall's sound and the sparkling water, forgetting the time.
Savoring local cuisine in a traditional Japanese setting
Relaxing by the waterfall, we lost track of time until lunchtime. We headed to Waraku, highly recommended by the hotel staff. It's a restaurant where you can enjoy local cuisine, like tofu soba and dishes made with seasonal ingredients. As we admired the charming interior, we wondered about tofu soba, and Konishi, the fourth-generation owner, explained it to us.
"Tofu soba is a local dish that uses tofu as a thickener instead of flour. The tofu flavor and the soft texture make it best enjoyed as cold soba."
"Tofu soba is a local dish that uses tofu as a thickener instead of flour. The tofu flavor and the soft texture make it best enjoyed as cold soba."
As our excitement grew to his explanation, we slurped the soba to find that the texture was indeed fluffy and gentle! "I might like this more than regular soba!" my girlfriend said happily.
"Like our name 'Waraku' means 'to relax and laugh in a Japanese-style setting,' we hope our guests feel this way," said Konishi. The various paintings and items decorating the interior were brought by local artists who wanted their work displayed. This explained the warm atmosphere that complemented the traditional setting.
"Like our name 'Waraku' means 'to relax and laugh in a Japanese-style setting,' we hope our guests feel this way," said Konishi. The various paintings and items decorating the interior were brought by local artists who wanted their work displayed. This explained the warm atmosphere that complemented the traditional setting.
We enjoyed delicious food and beautiful scenery to our hearts’ content during our two-day trip. "I feel super satisfied!" my girlfriend said with a big smile as she sat in the passenger seat. Looking back, it was a trip with both "flowers and dumplings" fit for us. Although it was our first time here, Kannabe had already become our new favorite BASE.
