Hokusetsu Day Trips (Chottabi) Introducing a new kind of short trip by train North Osaka & East Hyogo Day Trips

What’s the Hokusetsu area?

The Hokusetsu area is a region that encompasses the northern edge of Osaka Prefecture and the eastern edge of Hyogo Prefecture. Kawanishi-noseguchi Station, which serves as the gateway to the Hokusetsu area, is just 20 minutes from Osaka. Located about 40 minutes from Kobe, this nearby area promises the kind of verdant nature you can only find in Japan along with tranquil landscapes where time slows down.

Hokusetsu Day Trips

It’s easy and fun to visit the Hokusetsu area. We created the word Chottabi–meaning a day trip–to capture the idea of putting together a fun itinerary of nearby destinations to create a fulfilling travel experience. Why not board one of the Noseden trains that go clickety-clacking through the area to enjoy one of these day trips?

Hokusetsu day trips

We created the word Chottabi–meaning a day trip–to capture the idea of getting out into the Hokusetsu area to enjoy a short trip.

Polaris
Wild Boars
Figs
Nose Cross-cut Oak Charcoal
Edohigan Cherry Blossoms
Ina River
Nose Electric Railway
Hydrangea
Gin’yose Chestnuts
Old Homes
Cafes
Garden Lanterns

Polaris

Nose Myokenzan Temple enshrines Polaris, that most regal of stars which rules over destiny.

Wild Boars

It’s customary in the Hokusetsu area to eat the meat of wild boars, and you can sample gourmet dishes prepared with boar meet throughout the region.

Figs

The city of Kawanishi in Hyogo Prefecture produces figs. The area along Noseden’s train line is famous for curry, cakes, and other dishes prepared with figs.

Nose Cross-cut Oak Charcoal

Charcoal made from the sawtooth oak is known as “chrysanthemum charcoal” in Japanese because the lines along which it’s cut look like a chrysanthemum flower.

Edohigan Cherry Blossoms

Edohigan cherry trees have been designated a natural monument by the city of Kawanishi. They serve as the father plant for the hybrid somei-yoshino cherry species, and it’s rare to find them growing in the wild.

Ina River

This Class A river forms the border between Hyogo Prefecture and Osaka Prefecture. As a natural feature, it plays an important role in connecting various locations in the Hokusetsu area.

Nose Electric Railway

This local railway connects the city of Kawanishi and the town of Inagawa in Hyogo Prefecture with the towns of Toyono and Nose in Osaka Prefecture. It’s popularly known as “Noseden.”

Hydrangea

Hydrangea plants bloom beautifully throughout the Hokusetsu area during the rainy season.

Gin’yose Chestnuts

The Nose area is famous for its Gin’yose chestnuts. Enjoy their fluffy texture, lustrous appearance, and rich flavor.

Old Homes

Many Japanese homes retaining their traditional ambiance have been converted into cafes and gathering spots, and they’re attracting attention as a new type of destination.

Cafes

The Hokusetsu area is home to numerous cafes where you can relax and enjoy the surrounding landscape in a leisurely fashion!

Garden Lanterns

The Hokusetsu area has a rich history as the birthplace of the Seiwa Genji clan, and many diverse temples and shrines survive there to this day.

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Kawanishi-noseguchi Station and Tada Station area

These stations serve as the gateway to the Hokusetsu area. This conveniently accessible area can be visited in about 20 minutes on a single train from Osaka’s Umeda district. Shop at one of the area’s department stores or relax at one of its cafes.
Yamashita Station, Nissei-chuo Station, and Inagawa area

This area centers on the town of Inagawa in Hyogo Prefecture’s Kawabe District. Enjoy the rural Japanese landscape and the shifting seasonal beauty of its natural setting.
Myokenguchi Station area

This is the final station on the Nose Electric Railway's line. The primal landscapes that start here offer beautiful scenes that can be enjoyed in every season.
Nose area

The verdant Nose region offers a selection of unique shops and destinations! Whether you’re traveling by train, bus, or car, it’s a great place to enjoy a leisurely trip.

Train information

Map of lines and station information How to switch to Hankyu trains Discounted fares Ticket information

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Spring (March to May)

Edohigan cherry trees, which are native to the Hokusetsu area, bloom throughout the region. Enjoy landscapes that are filled with the vivid colors of cherry blossoms, rape blossoms, and other flowers.
Rainy season (June)

The rainy season is given color by beautiful hydrangea blossoms. Enjoy blooming hydrangea across the region. Hydrangea covered with rain and dew also add elegance to the landscape. It’s also the best time of year to watch fireflies.
Summer (July to September)

Japan is hot during the summer! But the Hokusetsu area, which is situated at the northern edge of Osaka, is a great place to enjoy somewhat cooler weather since the temperature tends to be several degrees lower than in central Osaka.
Fall (October and November)

Enjoy fall foliage in the satoyama landscapes that have sustained life in the area since ancient times.

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Food and souvenirs

The Hokusetsu area is known for local products like soba (buckwheat) noodles, chestnuts, wild boar meat, and peaches. Enjoy its unique local cuisine.
Nature

From rivers and mountains to rural landscapes and satoyama ecosystems... In the naturally beautiful Hokusetsu area, you can get a feel for Japanese nature while breathing the region’s clean air.
Culture and history

As a region with ties to the Seiwa Genji clan, the Hokusetsu area has a richly historical character, and it continues to value many ancient sites today. Why not experience the area’s history and culture as part of a nostalgic trip?
Hands-on experiences

Surround yourself with nature and enjoy a number of special experiences that only the Hokusetsu area can offer. Fill your trip with memories of activities like strawberry picking.

Trip companions

Traveling with family members

Experience, play, and learn! Why not visit the area’s many fun destinations as a family? You may discover something new!
Traveling with that special someone

Enjoy a nostalgic trip by exploring the area’s historic sites. Introducing Hokusetsu trips for two.
Traveling with friends

How about spending time with some friends enjoying a barbecue in a natural setting?
Traveling alone

The Hokusetsu area is the perfect place to travel alone while enjoying nature! Introducing trips that let you explore the Hokusetsu area in a deeper, more leisurely way while traveling alone.

What’s the Hokusetsu area?

Hokusetsu Day Trips