Rokko Shidare can be enjoyed all the year round

Architect Sanbuichi's works have been increasing in number along the Seto Inland Sea area. This is one of them. In winter, if everything goes well, soft rime can be seen on the Rokko Mountain where this observation platform stands. The architect has been known for his thorough research of the natural elements - he calls them the moving materials. He did it to find the optimum form for the soft rime to come down on the branch-like structure he created around the pavilion. In summer, the mountain is an easy retreat from city heat. It's easy to access from Kobe or the Arima Onsen resort. Every season, Rokko shows you something different.

approach to the pavilion

froggy from Peter Rabbit

Ice is formed in the terraced basins during winter which is kept and used for natural air conditioning of the pavilion during the summer

chimney-like structure is to circulate the air naturally

Inside the pavilion

light coming in from above the circular sitting place

remote but dream places in Kansai & Chugoku regions

This is one recommended drive tour around the Kansai and Chugoku regions presented by jasmine.
Kansai includes Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka but this tour takes you to the off the beaten path. You will need a car but at one of the destinations, I met a young female backpacker who found that place, took a bus, saw all, and left for somewhere. She was beautiful and had an extraordinary experience.

Itinerary:
Hiroshima (our home) - long drive - Genbudo - drive through Kinosaki Onsen - drive along the rocky coast - Stayed overnight at Ine - Ine Bay 30-min boat ride and a morning walking tour (fully appreciated Ine) - drop by at Amanohashidate area - Stayed overnight at Arima Onsen - drive to the parking lot, take a cable to the Rokko Mountain; see down below from Rokko Shigure observation pavilion - drive to Shinsho-zen-ji in Fukuyama, Hiroshima Pre. - drive back home

Columnar joints of basalt at Genbudo

The itinerary I prepared for our private tour this time included Genbudo, a former excavation site of basalt. We stayed at Ine overnight but before we went there, we first dropped by at Genbudo, drove through Kinosaki Onsen, and along the coast we got to a very cosy inn in Ine. 

It's much better learning more about its geological facts from a local guide or from a geologist but just seeing columnar joints of basalt was completely impressive. We were lucky enough to talk and listen to both a local guide and an expert who just happened to be there for his research.

More about other places later.

Feel the height of Akashi Strait Grand Bridge

46 meters high !

It was a bit scary and really thrilling to stand or walk on the glass, covering part of the bridge promenade floor where you are invited to walk. Forty seven meters above sea level ! See the marvel of bridge construction technology. Akashi Strait Grand Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the world, nearly four kilometers long. 


When the great Kobe earthquake shook the Kobe and surrounding areas in 1995, the bridge was under construction. One of the anchorages shifted one meter closer to Awaji island but nothing more happened and the bridge survived the earthquake well.


Last year, when the Tohoku region was devastated by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and ensuing Tsumami waves, Tokyo Sky Tree was under construction. This tower also survived the tremor. We'll see a ray of hope in the technology we developed.  

Leading to Awaji Island

Ando's museum in Kobe

Mikaeru on the roof

Mikaeru is on top of the museum. This guy is visible from a distance, leading you from a nearby railway station  via the museum road to the museum. I think I saw the guy as soon as I went out of the JR Nada station building. Mikaeru, a combination of Mi (to see and to be lovely) and Kaeru (to return) wishes that you would bring back the experience on what you've seen at the museum and that you would come back again. The name also evokes Kobe's restoration from the earthquake devastation in 1995.


Ando's architecture is always enjoyable. Loved the roof slabs.


Here's a bit of information from the museum web site about the architectural features of the museum.

The other side of the museum.
The museum stands at seafront.