Hyogo

Kobe, Himeji

Hyogo offers a perfect mix of culture, nature, and relaxation. Visit Kobe’s stylish harbor and Chinatown, explore the majestic Himeji Castle, and unwind at Arima Onsen. From the mountains to the sea, the region’s scenic beauty pairs perfectly with local delicacies like Kobe beef.

From Tokyo: Shinkansen 2h 45m; 1h 10m

From Osaka: Local train 25m

Hyogo

Explore by City

Discover hidden charms in each city and town through our visual map.

Amagasaki City

Located between Osaka and Kobe, this is a vibrant city that once flourished as a "factory town." Recently, through redevelopment, it has transformed into a very energetic city where modern shopping areas and downtown flavor coexist. Especially with the reconstruction of "Amagasaki Castle," its appeal as a historical sightseeing base has increased. In popular shopping streets, you can enjoy cheap and delicious "Osaka/Hyogo gourmet" along with local vitality and interact with friendly residents. With very good transportation access, it is a perfect base for active travelers who want to experience unadorned "real Japanese urban culture."

Hyogo
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Himeji City

The central city of southwestern Hyogo and a historical sightseeing hub housing the World Heritage "Himeji Castle." The cityscape, which harmonizes modern convenience while protecting the tradition as a castle town, is attractive. Surrounding Himeji Castle, there are the beautiful Japanese garden "Koko-en" and the brick-built "Himeji City Museum of Art," allowing you to fully enjoy history and art at once. Himeji is also a city of gourmet, with local conger eel dishes, sake, and "Himeji Oden" coloring your trip. With excellent access from Kyoto and Osaka, it is an essential tourist city where you can directly experience Japan's traditional...

Hyogo
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Taka Town

Known as the birthplace of "Respect for the Aged Day," Taka Town is a place like a "hometown of the Japanese heart" where rich nature and warm hospitality live. It is the production area of "Sugiharagami" Japanese paper with 1,300 years of history, and the papermaking experience in the cold clear stream allows you to feel the depth of Japanese traditional crafts firsthand. Also, the town has one of Western Japan's largest lavender gardens, enveloped in a purple carpet and fresh scent in summer. Enjoying delicious dishes using local ingredients amidst beautiful rural landscapes with terraced rice fields. It is...

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Miki City

A town with a 1,500-year history as a "hardware town," globally known for the manufacturing of carpentry tools and kitchen knives. Knives filled with a craftsman's soul are loved by professional chefs for their excellent sharpness, and you can find lifelong tools in shops. On the other hand, Miki also has a unique face as having the "highest density of golf courses in Japan," making it popular as a resort area with beautiful greens. Additionally, there are facilities like "Miki Horse Land Park," Japan's largest disaster prevention experience facility, where you can simultaneously enjoy traditional craftsman culture, vast greenery, and...

Hyogo
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Ono City

A "craftsman's town" famous as a production area for abacuses and household cutlery. In particular, "Banshu Abacus" is designated as a traditional craft, and you can observe or experience the precise handiwork of craftsmen up close. Also, "Sunflower Hill Park," boasting one of the largest areas in Western Japan, is an excellent photo spot where hundreds of thousands of sunflowers bloom in summer and cosmos in autumn. In the center of the city, there is the Jodo-do (National Treasure) of "Jodo-ji Temple," and the "lighting production" where the Buddhist statues glow gold when the sunset shines into the hall fascinates...

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Kato City

Known as a special production area for Yamada Nishiki (highest-grade sake rice), this city has rich land that supports Japanese sake brewing culture. Historical famous temples are scattered here, such as the main hall of "Choko-ji" (National Treasure), which boasts one of the largest wooden structures in Japan. There is also "Tojoko Toy Kingdom," very popular with families, where traditional culture and modern entertainment coexist. Especially, the rural landscape shining golden in autumn is the beautiful agricultural scenery of Japan itself. It is an area where you can enjoy a heart-calming journey through historic shrines and temples while experiencing the...

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Kasai City

Located in the northern part of the Harima Plain, this is a city where ancient romance breathes, including the mystical Five Hundred Arhats and sites associated with Japan's oldest history book, "Harima no Kuni Fudoki." The unique temple landscapes, such as the three-story pagoda of "Ichijyo-ji" (National Treasure) and lined stone Buddhas, allow you to feel Japan's deep spirituality and history of art. Also, at the vast "Hyogo Prefectural Flower Center," you can enjoy seasonal flowers, and the tulip season is particularly spectacular. Furthermore, there are places that retain modern memories, such as the ruins of former military runways. It...

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Shin-onsen Town

Shin-onsen Town

Located at the northwestern tip of Hyogo, this town is blessed with rich hot spring resources, including "Yumura Onsen" as its name suggests. Its beautiful coastline facing the Sea of Japan is designated as a "San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark," where you can enjoy superb views of continuous dynamic cliffs and sea caves. Also, the breeding of Tajima Beef, a national brand, is flourishing, allowing a luxurious stay to enjoy both hot springs and exquisite meat dishes. This town, where untouched nature and ancient hot spring healing culture still live on, is loved by authentic travelers who want to deeply...

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Sumoto City

Sumoto City, the central city of Awaji Island, is a town where the history of a former castle town and modern resort culture fuse. From the Sumoto Castle ruins at the summit, you can overlook the city and sea, and at the foot, there is "S BRICK," with stylish shops and cafes reusing Meiji-era red brick warehouses. It is also famous as a hot spring area, and the relaxation time in open-air baths overlooking the sea is exceptional. In addition, it is a treasure trove of exquisite gourmet food abundantly using local "Awaji Beef," fresh seafood, and sweet "onions." It...

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Toyooka City

Toyooka City, the central city of northern Hyogo, is a city of nature symbiosis and traditional crafts where "Oriental White Storks," which have achieved a return to the wild, soar. "Toyooka Kaban" (bags), with roots in wickerwork spanning over 1,000 years, is famous as Japan's largest bag production area boasting world-class quality. Also, within the city, there is "Kaban Street," where you can enjoy a trip visiting bags where craftsmanship shines. The city houses super popular spots such as Kinosaki Onsen and the castle town Izushi, and enjoys the rich natural blessings of mountains, rivers, and the sea. With a...

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Aioi City

Aioi City, facing a deep cove in the Seto Inland Sea, is a lively port town that once flourished as a shipbuilding town. The "Aioi Peiron Festival" held every May is a dynamic festival where people compete by rowing long boats of Chinese origin, and its heat has become a symbol of the town. Along the sea, there is "Manyo-no-Misaki" (Cape of Manyo), and the beauty of the many islands in the Seto Inland Sea viewed from there is so beautiful that ancient poets loved it, offering a soul-washing panorama. In addition, it is famous for being able to taste...

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Shiso City

Located in west-central Hyogo, this is a nature-rich city certified as a "Forest Therapy Base," with about 90% of the city area being forest. Famous waterfalls such as "Hara Fudo Falls," selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls, are scattered here, where you can enjoy forest bathing filled with negative ions and hiking. In addition, there is a theory that Shiso is the "birthplace of Japanese sake," and sake tasting at traditional breweries is one of the attractions. You can enjoy authentic outdoor activities throughout the four seasons: skiing in winter, and camping from spring to summer. It is...

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Sayo Town

Sayo Town, at the western end of Hyogo, is a town that fascinates travelers from all over the world with the beauty of its night sky and summer "sunflowers." In summer, the sight of about 1.2 million sunflowers dyeing the vast land yellow is spectacular, and that overwhelming color will surely be a lifelong memory. Also, the "Nishi-Harima Astronomical Observatory," which has one of the world's largest telescopes, is located in the town, where you can observe a starry sky as if it's falling. Strolling through the streets of "Hirafuku," which retains the remnants of an Edo-period post town, is...

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Kamigori Town

Kamigori Town, located on the border with Okayama Prefecture, is a calm historical town through which the clear Chigusa River flows. Known as a place associated with the Nanboku-cho period warrior Akamatsu Enshin, mountain castle ruins and old temples are scattered about, evoking historical romance. Especially "Kokenawa Castle Ruins" and "Shirahata Castle Ruins" are popular as historical exploration spots that double as hiking. Nature is also rich, and the cherry blossom trees along the river and local agricultural products nurtured by pure water symbolize the simple beauty of rural Japan. While not a flashy tourist destination, it is a place...

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Tatsuno City

"Tatsuno City," located in southwestern Hyogo, is a city where castle town flavor, traditional industries, and beautiful nature harmonize. The Tatsuno district in the center is called the "Little Kyoto of Harima," attractive for its old streetscapes drifting with the scent of soy sauce. On the other hand, the Mitsu-cho area on the sea side features Murotsu, a port town with 1,300 years of history, where you can enjoy superb views of the calm Seto Inland Sea. Furthermore, in spring, the World Plum Park, said to have "ten thousand trees at a glance," colors beautifully. With a 400-year history of...

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Minami-Awaji City

Minami-Awaji City

Minami-Awaji City, located at the southernmost tip of Awaji Island, is a city full of dynamism and romance, dotted with the world's largest "Naruto Whirlpools" and sacred sites associated with Japanese mythology. Agriculture and fishing are very active, and it is an area with extremely high food satisfaction, featuring "Awaji Island onions" with extreme sweetness and luxury ingredients like "3-Year Torafugu" (blowfish). Along the coast, there is Keino Matsubara with beautiful pine forests, and the beauty of the sunset into the Seto Inland Sea is exceptional. From the traditional performing art of Awaji Ningyo Joruri to the latest glamping facilities,...

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Nishiwaki City

Nishiwaki City, located in the center of Hyogo, is known as the "Navel of Japan" (geographical center) and is the production area of "Banshu-ori" textiles, boasting over 200 years of history. These yarn-dyed textiles are of such high quality that they are adopted as shirt fabrics for global high-end brands, and feature rich colors and a soft touch. Walking through the city, you can encounter nostalgic factory ruins with "sawtooth roofs" and landscapes associated with the artist Tadanori Yokoo. Textile shops and cafes renovated from old townhouses are increasing, making it a city where you can enjoy creative and calm...

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Takasago City

Facing the Seto Inland Sea, Takasago City is a "city of matchmaking and longevity" where crafts and culture have flourished since ancient times. Takasago Shrine, which became the setting for the Noh play "Takasago," is known as a sacred place for marital harmony, featuring the "Aioi no Matsu" where two trunks grow from a single root. In addition, the ruins of the "Tatsuyama stone" quarry, a national historic site, offer dynamic landscapes with giant rock faces cut sharply, giving a sense of the power of ancient large-scale civil engineering projects. It is a profound area where you can experience mysterious...

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Asago City

Located in north-central Hyogo, Asago City is a town where the history of Japan's once leading silver mine coexists with mysterious mountain castle landscapes. At the famous "Ikuno Silver Mine," a modern industrial heritage site, you can explore maze-like underground tunnels and be amazed by the high level of technology of the time. In addition, the mystical "Takeda Castle Ruins" floating in the fog attracts photographers from all over the world. It is a stage for travel that stimulates intellectual curiosity, where you can enjoy both the memories of Japan's industrial past and rich natural beauty found in the old...

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Inagawa Town

Inagawa Town, located in southeastern Hyogo, is a "heart-soothing Satoyama" blessed with rich greenery and clear streams, even though it is right next to the city. There are the ruins of the Tada Silver and Copper Mine, which flourished with silver and copper mining since ancient times, where you can enjoy exploring mine tunnels that evoke historical mystery. In addition, a 360-degree panoramic view spreads from Mt. Ono at an altitude of 753 meters, making it a popular camping site where you can gaze at the starry sky at night. It is a recommended area for travelers who want to...

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Tanba City

Tanba City, surrounded by the mountains of eastern Hyogo, is a place like a "hometown of the heart" with silence, natural beauty, and scattered old shrines and temples. The autumn leaves are particularly wonderful, and the sight of ancient temples such as Kogen-ji and Entsu-ji being dyed crimson evokes a quiet impression different from Kyoto. It is also known as the place where the watershed that divides Japan north and south (the point where water separates into the Sea of Japan and the Seto Inland Sea) is located, making it a geologically interesting spot. Organic farming is flourishing, and you...

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Tanba-Sasayama City

Tanba-Sasayama City

Tanba-Sasayama City is a town like a "living history museum" that conveys the remnants of a former castle town to the present. The Sasayama Castle ruins remaining in the center, and the streets lined with samurai residences and old merchant houses, are designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Here, there are many accommodations and cafes that have renovated traditional townhouses, allowing you to stay while feeling Japan's rich past firsthand. In addition, unique food cultures such as "Botan Nabe" to taste wild boar meat and the high-grade Tanba black edamame beans released in autumn...

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Kobe City

Kobe is a beautiful port town sandwiched between mountains and sea, a sophisticated city that developed by quickly incorporating Western culture since its opening in 1868. The cityscape, where multi-cultures fuse, is attractive, including the exotic "Kitano Ijinkan district," the lively "Nankinmachi (Chinatown)," and the modern "Former Foreign Settlement." After enjoying the world-famous "Kobe Beef," the "10-million dollar night view" from Mt. Rokko or Mt. Maya colors your trip. Also, sake tasting at "Nada-Gogo," where representative Japanese sake breweries stand in line, is a must. Within a compact city, history, gourmet food, superb views, and high-quality shopping are condensed, making...

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Akashi City

Akashi City is a "city of food and history" facing the Seto Inland Sea. In particular, "Akashi Sea Bream" and "Octopus" are known for being the highest quality in Japan, and you can enjoy fresh seafood on the spot at the lively "Uonotana Shopping Street." It is also the place where "135 degrees East Longitude," the basis for Japan Standard Time, passes through, and the Akashi Municipal Planetarium is popular as a symbol of the "City of Time." Along the coast, the majestic Akashi Kaikyo Bridge stretches out, and the beautiful stone walls and turrets of the Akashi Castle ruins...

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Hyogo Prefecture

Hyogo Prefecture

Hyogo Prefecture is Japan's only vast prefecture facing two seas: the Sea of Japan to the north and the Seto Inland Sea to the south. It condenses Japan's diverse charms, including the exotic port town of Kobe, the World Heritage Himeji Castle, and the historic Arima Onsen with over 1,300 years of history. Consisting of five distinct regions once called "Gokoku," each breathes its own unique food culture and traditional crafts. It is a treasure trove of gastronomy, featuring the world's finest "Kobe Beef" and sake from "Nada-Gogo," Japan's top brewery district. Surrounded by mountains and sea, Hyogo offers diverse...

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