A Hidden Gem in Northern Nishinomiya for Families by Car with Nishitsu Collaboration

Where should we go for spring break?

“I want to go somewhere a little farther, but without a car it’s kind of tough…”

With Carnori Rent-a-Car, which Nishi2 is collaborating with, you can rent a car for a week from just 8,000 yen（tax not included）! That’s an incredible deal!

So, since there are hidden gems like “this” in the northern area of Nishinomiya, Shachobi went out to check them out.

Spring break calls for a drive up north!

There are surprisingly a lot of spots in northern Nishinomiya that many people haven’t been to, right?

It’s hard to get there by train unless you go through Takarazuka or Kobe, and buses don’t run that often either. The reality is that getting around with kids can be pretty difficult.

That’s why we tried Carnori Rent-a-Car, where rentals start from “8,000 yen per week(tax not included).” （You can rent a spacious family car like this too! For a one-day family car rental, it’s 7,000 yen tax not included）

You can’t fight on an empty stomach

A drive has to start with a good meal!

So we headed to the udon specialty shop “Sujikama”.

I ordered kitsune udon, which I’ve loved since I was a kid!

Meat! It comes topped with shiitake mushrooms and even has lemon on the side! The noodles are super thick and incredibly chewy—this is seriously authentic udon! It has a gentle flavor that kids will love too.

The aroma hits you the moment you walk in, and you immediately know this place is special. Of course, the calm atmosphere inside is great too. This alone makes the trip up north feel worth it.

Here it is on the map↓

Najio Attraction No. 1

Next up, here’s a must-see on any northern Nishinomiya adventure!

We rode the Najio inclined elevator, which covers an elevation difference of 60 meters.

If you’ve got the stamina, try taking the stairs! Shachobi was skipping every other step at first, but got winded halfway through. In the end, she climbed one step at a time, panting the whole way, lol.

The inclined elevator goes up diagonally, exactly as it looks. You can see something like rails, plus the scenery outside, so it feels really unusual! So fun.

It’s the top floor, but it’s the 3rd floor! You can look out over the world below.

Here it is on the map↓

Najio Attraction No. 2

Just a few minutes’ walk from the 2nd floor of the inclined elevator.

What came into view was a jet roller slide said to be the longest in Nishinomiya!!

Some areas are off-limits due to aging, giving the place a slightly retro vibe. Personally, I like that kind of atmosphere.

They even have these boards to help you slide more smoothly on the roller slide.

A 40-second rapid ride experience! Try out the longest slide in Nishinomiya.

Here it is on the map↓