IHG Hotels & Resorts operates more than 7,000 properties across 21 hotel brands in over 100 countries worldwide. In Japan, the company currently operates approximately 62 hotels across 10 brands, from Hokkaido to Okinawa (as of June 2026). In this article, we spoke with Eiji Baba, General Manager of the ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda, about the attractions in the area surrounding the hotel.
Facility Name: ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda
Address: 1-11-2 Keyakidai, Sanda City, Hyogo Prefecture
――Please tell us what led you to start working at the ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda.
It all started when a supervisor who had been very supportive of me at my previous hotel moved to this hotel and reached out to me because of that connection. I was drawn to the setting, which is surrounded by lush nature and offers beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons, as well as the fact that this hotel provides guests with a relaxing experience, which is why I decided to work here.
――What kind of hotel is it?
ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda is a hotel located in the hilly townscape of Sanda City, which offers easy access from the Kobe and Osaka areas while being blessed with a beautiful natural environment. Here, you can relax and unwind in a peaceful setting away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With numerous business and leisure spots scattered throughout the surrounding area, the hotel is ideal for a wide range of purposes, including business trips, sightseeing, golf, and weekend getaways.
――What kind of unique experiences does the ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda offer?
The tranquil natural surroundings near the hotel are another unique feature of our property. The Hiraya River Greenbelt, located right next to the hotel, is a serene space where waterside scenery and lush greenery blend harmoniously. With its well-maintained walking paths, it’s the perfect spot for a stroll, where you can enjoy the changing scenery with each passing season.
――Please let me know if there are any sightseeing spots or restaurants in the area around the hotel that you personally recommend.
“Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets” and “Kanefuku Mentaiko Park Kobe Sanda” are popular spots for couples and families. You can also enjoy a factory tour at the “Kirin Beer Kobe Brewery,” which is highly recommended as an educational outing for adults. All of these locations are within a 15-minute drive from the hotel, making them easy to visit.
In addition, there is a prestigious golf course in the vicinity that is used for professional golf tours, making this a convenient location for guests visiting specifically to play golf.
――What are your recommended restaurant dishes?
We highly recommend the breakfast served at “Apple Road,” the buffet restaurant on the second floor. We offer a selection of about 50 dishes, primarily Japanese and Western-style, and you can also enjoy dishes made with local ingredients.
In particular, we highly recommend trying our dishes that showcase the local flavor, such as Mita rice and Hyogo’s famous “bokkake.” In our airy, open space, where natural light streams in through large windows, you can start your day in Mita on a pleasant note.
――What are some recommended souvenirs?
I recommend the Koyama Roll from “Pâtissier S. Koyama,” located about a 5-minute drive from the hotel. Owner-chef Susumu Koyama is highly regarded both in Japan and abroad, having won the “TV Champion Cake Artisan Championship” multiple times and received numerous awards at the “International Chocolate Awards.” It’s a perfect treat to commemorate your visit to Mita or as a gift for someone special.
© Source travel watch