Rokko Shidare Observatory

Rokko Shidare Observatory is located on the top of Mt. Rokko, a massif ranging across major cities in Hanshin District (Kobe, Nishinomiya, Ashiya and Takaraduka) in Japan.

Upon deterioration of the former observatory which had been in use since 1957, this dorm

was renovated in 2010 by Mr. Hiroshi Sambuichi, an architect having a theme to put buildings in nature as parts of the planet.

The observatory was designed like a giant tree with its trunk having branches and leaves. A pillar (trunk) is at its center and numerous hexagonal frames (Branches and leaves) are spreading out of the pillar like leaf veins；weeping form ("shidare" in Japanese). All of the items are made of cypress, so its aroma is filled inside. (like forest bathing)

There is a slope around the pillar so that visitors enjoy 360°panorama view i.e seasonal views of the mountain, night view of Kobe and its harbor, all of which is decorated with lights. (a million-dollar night view ??)

On top of that, Eco-friendly facilities are also equipped inside this dorm. Mt. Rokko has plenty of water as source of rivers running around the mountain and it becomes ice in winter, which are stored in the dorm's basement. In summer, wind running through the pillar (it's chimney-shaped) is cooled by the ice, so temperature inside the dorm is naturally kept at a comfortable level (usually around 20℃). Namely, air conditioning isn't required in summer.

Admission fee is JPY 400 per person, but you can leave and revisit anytime within the day, so you can go shopping or having meals in shops and restaurants adjacent to the dorm.

At night, the dorm is lightened up. (LED lights equipped on ground are irradiated to the hexagonal frames).

ENJOYING LOCAL BEER AT THE RESTAURANT WITH ROMANTIC SCENERY WITH YOUR LOVE....
(Just forget everything if you stay single..lol)

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