Royu Driveway connects a distance of 10km in approximately 20 minutes between an urban area of Ashiya city and Arima – a famous spa resort of Kansai region even loved by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the historical figure in Japan. It is a safe road surrounded by beautiful nature of Mt. Rokko.A convenient way to Mt. Rokko is from the Hoden Gate situated on the way up. The level of traffic is also relatively low, so cars are able to run on it smoothly and reach their destinations within the anticipated time. The speed limit is 40km/h, allowing you to enjoy a gentle and comfortable drive while admiring the seasonal landscape full of beautiful cherry blossoms, new greenery, hydrangeas, Japanese maple trees, and more.
Along the route of the driveway, there is the Higashi Rokko Observation Platform, located at an altitude of 645m. As the name implies, it is situated to the east of Mt. Rokko, and a vast panoramic view below your eyes from the Osaka Plain to Osaka Bay to Kobe port is breathtaking.The biggest highlight is the stunning views of Osaka Airport, Kansai International Airport, Kobe Airport, and Kitan Straight/Tomogashima/Awaji Island…From here you can enjoy superb views that are slightly different from other observation platforms in Mt. Rokko.
In addition, the night-time view from the Higashi Rokko Observation Platform has been designated as one of “Japan’s Top 100 Famous Night Views” and “Japan’s Night View Heritage”. It was even used a location for shooting Hanzawa Naoki, a Japanese TV drama that has been well renowned in both Japan and abroad. At the cafe, located inside the Higashi Rokko Observation Platform, you can enjoy drinking tea and eating some delicious meals.
Leave the Hanshin Expressway No. 7 Kita-Kobe Route Arimaguchi Interchange and travel along the Prefectural Road 51 for 2km (straight on at Taiko Bridge)
→Turn right at the Prefectural Road 51 Arima Onsen Kitaguchi Intersection and travel for 500m
Leave the E2A (Chugoku Expressway) Nishinomiya-Kita Interchange, head leftward and take Prefectural Road 82 to the east for 400m.
→Turn right at the Prefectural Road 82 Tenjobashi Intersection and travel for 300m
→Turn right at the National Highway 176 Shinmeijibashi Intersection and travel for 2km
→Turn left at the Prefectural Road 82 Kamiyamaguchi Intersection and travel for 3km
→Turn left at the Prefectural Road 98 (Arimayamaguchi Route Bypass end point) Arima Onsen Kitaguchi Intersection and travel for 500m
Turn left at the National Highway 2 Narihirabashi Nishizume Intersection and travel for 4km (crank the Kaimori Bridge on the way), or turn left at the National Highway 43 Seido Intersection and travel for 5km.
Turn right at the National Highway 2 Narihirabashi Higashizume Intersection and travel for 4km, or turn right at the National Highway 43 Seido Intersection and travel for 5km.
