Hyogo Prefectural Kabutoyama Forest Park

Hyogo Prefectural Kabutoyama Forest Park is a forest park in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, covering most of Mt. Kabuto (elevation 309 m) and its foothills, with an expansive area of 83 hectares. Mt. Kabuto is celebrated as a symbol of Nishinomiya, and the park is bustling with residents enjoying daily walks, jogging, hiking, and nature observation. Access to the park is about a 25-minute walk from Koyoen Station on the Hankyu Railway, or take a Hanshin Bus from Hanshin Railway Nishinomiya Station and get off at “Kenritsu Kabutoyama Shinrin Koen” bus stop, right by the entrance. The park is rich in nature and shows a variety of seasonal expressions—cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring, fresh green foliage in early summer, and autumn colors in fall—and it is also a great place for birdwatching. Within the park, a symbolic zone has been developed with features such as the “Statue of Love,” the “Kasagata Fountain,” and the “Sculpture Path.” Other highlights include an observation deck with views over the Hanshin area and the “Kabutoyama Nature Observation Pond,” where you can enjoy waterside nature. Selected among the “100 Best Urban Parks in Japan” and the “100 Famous Places of Hanshin–Awaji,” Kabutoyama Forest Park is a popular forest escape close to the city center.