1-Day Travel Itinerary from Nasukogen to Kobe!

Day 2: After a restful night at the Nasukogen accommodation, I wake up to the sound of rain that transitions into a clear morning. Due to the unavailability of taxis from two companies for an 8 AM reservation the previous night, I cancel two morning plans, giving me some extra leisure time.

I laze around in the room before heading to the morning onsen at 7 AM, which refreshes my body. I also enjoy a full-course session on the complimentary full-body massage chair. Relaxing in the guest library while gazing at the garden is pure bliss.

Breakfast is at 8 AM instead of 7 AM. While the dinner buffet was extravagant, breakfast feels modest in comparison. The omelet made with Nasu eggs is absolutely delicious, filled generously with cheese and mushrooms.

I take a stroll around the hotel grounds, which are beautiful in every way. At 9:30 AM, I visit the Stained Glass Museum, which is also stunning. Videos are prohibited, but photos are allowed. Since it’s only a 10-minute walk back to the hotel, I return to my room.

After freshening up, I take the hotel shuttle to Yuano Mori (Michi-no-Eki Nasu). I had pre-booked this service through the official website. For travelers without a car, it’s all about gathering information. Being in a highland area, it’s a treasure trove of dairy products like milk, eggs, and cheese.

I buy a premium milk bottle (180ml for 300 yen) and the Nasukogen version of Sendai’s famous confectionery, Haginotsuki, which is quite popular. It feels like being in Hokkaido, with a similar vibe to Furano or Karuizawa.

I take a taxi to the Nara Yoshitomo Museum. Originally, I planned to collect the Hello Kitty spring version manhole card, but I found out yesterday that it was sold out, so I skip it. Instead, I also visit Meiji no Mori (Michi-no-Eki Shiobara).

There are seven types of Hello Kitty manhole cards in total, and I end my collection with six. The spring version seems to have a market price of around 6,000 yen. Thanks to this, I have more time at the Nara Yoshitomo Museum, extending my visit from 37 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes. I also get to see the canola flower fields at Michi-no-Eki.

The Nara Yoshitomo Museum, called N’s YARD, prohibits touching the artworks and taking videos, but photos are allowed. The gift shop prohibits both photos and videos. There’s also a café inside the museum, which I visit and enjoy. It’s a happy moment.

I head to Nasushiobara Station, where I spot Master’s Dream beer at the convenience store. A friend had once convinced me to always buy it when I see it, so I purchase it. I drink it on the Shinkansen and take a nap. In just 25 minutes, I arrive at the terminal station, Koriyama.

I use my membership benefits to pre-order a new Starbucks drink launching tomorrow via mobile order and enjoy it. Then, I take the airport limousine bus to Fukushima Airport. It seems the international flights here only go to Taiwan. A two-story Ultraman statue greets me.

I board a 2×2-seater plane, the same type I took to Yonaguni, and head to Osaka Itami Airport. While sleeping, the captain announces that Mount Fuji and the Central Alps are visible on the left, so I wake up to take photos.

The flight departs early and arrives early. At Itami Airport, there’s a Wolfgang Puck restaurant by a Michelin 3-star chef. Using The Lounge app, I get a pizza or burger set. I pack the burger and salad, and enjoy the cola and ice cream at the restaurant.

I take the limousine bus to Kobe Sannomiya, arriving in just 33 minutes. At 8 PM, I check into my Kobe hotel for Day 3. This hotel, opened in 1870, is Japan’s first hotel and a historic site. I get a room on the 11th floor with a harbor view.

I also have a 9 PM reservation for the Night Afternoon Tea at the same hotel. It’s a two-person minimum reservation, but I book for two and enjoy it alone. I even have two glasses of champagne. Returning to my room, I review Day 3. The itinerary is convenient. Thank you.