The Rokko Mountain Range, Kobe

The Rokko mountain range lies just north of the city of Kobe. Since ancient times, the local people have followed trails up into the highlands. Now these routes offer plenty of challenges and fun for visitors too. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, George Bourdaniotis sets off to explore a couple of the trails that offer fantastic views. He is guided along a route that includes a challenging section known as the "Suma Alps". This trail offers great panoramic views of the sea and hills, and eventually ends up right on the sea shore. Next George takes an easier trail that goes straight to the top. He also visits some of these teahouses on the trails. The oldest was built more than 80 years ago. Others are equipped with facilities for playing table tennis or quoits. These teahouses are monuments to the long-established tradition of climbing in the Rokko mountain range.