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Discover Himeji castle

Top attractions in hyogo.

Himeji Castle

Kobe Chinatown (Nankinmachi)

Kobe Port Tower

Takeda Castle

Around hyogo.

Kobe is the fifth-largest city in Japan and the capital of Hyogo Prefecture. Its long history as a port city, concentration of multi-national companies, and reputation as a cosmopolitan city make..

Himeji is Hyogo Prefecture's second largest city by population and has been the center of the historical Harima Province for over a thousand years. It is most famous for its history as a..

Awaji Island in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea is known for traditional puppet theater. The Awaji ningyō jōruri troupe performs at Awaji Doll Jōruri Pavilion in Minamiawaji city. Reconstructed hill..

About Hyogo

One of Japan’s first international ports, significant foreign influences made Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture ’s (兵庫県, Hyōgo - ken ) capital, a city not like many others in Japan – it has a Chinatown , while many Western-style residences of foreigners during the Meiji Period are still preserved in the Kitano district. Arima Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, while the view from Mount Maya is absolutely marvelous.

Outside of Kobe , other tourist spots in Hyogo include the spectacular Himeji Castle and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the world.

Go take in a show by the famous Takarazuka Revue, or if you’re visiting in August, see the dramatic Koshien High School Baseball Championship at Koshien Stadium as well. 

• Things to Do in Hyogo
• Rugby World Cup 2019: Host City, Kobe

Hyogo Top 10

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Kansai Hyogo Castles and Kobe beef on Osaka's doorstep

• Destinations

Ancient castles, a vibrant port city and renowned onsen beckon visitors to conveniently located Hyogo Prefecture

How to get there.

Travel to and from Tokyo, Nagoya, Hiroshima and Fukuoka is an easy journey on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Shin-Kobe Station or Himeji Station. Hyogo is a short ride on commuter rail from Osaka and Kyoto. For access by air, Kobe is about an hour from Kansai International Airport, while Kobe Airport handles domestic flights. If you're traveling by car, the prefecture is well-linked by road. The world’s longest suspension bridge, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, links mainland Hyogo to Awaji Island and onward to Shikoku.

• Himeji Castle, an iconic and well-preserved castle
• Kobe’s nighttime views, best observed from the Kobe Port Tower and the Kobe Ropeway
• Takeda Castle Ruins, also known as the "castle floating in the sky"
• Kinosaki Onsen, a timeless hot spring resort town

Recommended for You

Cherry Blossoms

Forecast of first bloom

28 Mar 2024

Forecast of full bloom

05 Apr 2024

Explore Hyogo by Area

Trending Attractions in Hyogo

Local Specialties

The mountains and forests of Hyogo are home to many wild boar. In the months leading up to winter, hunters would bring home their tusked prizes and make a hot pot dish known as botan nabe that you can still enjoy in the region today.

Akashi Sea Bream

The sea bream flourishes in the waters off the coast of Akashi, and the ones caught here have an exceptional depth of flavor and a texture that is suited for both sashimi and grilling. Sea bream is a traditional dish at celebrations in Japan, so celebrate by trying it here.

Within Japan, "Kobe beef" refers to beef cattle from Tajima. It is characterized by its marbling, flavor and fat that has a melting point lower than human body temperature.

Tamba black beans, known as kuromame, are grown in the Kyoto area and used in several ways in local cuisine. That includes being mashed with sugar and used to make sweets, or roasted until crunchy and served as a snack alongside ice-cold beer.

Toyooka Willow Basketry

Willow basketry in Toyooka has stood the test of time—it's been around for more than 1,000 years. Originally used for household baskets and bento boxes back in the 9th century, today these time-honored weaving techniques are used to make stylish overnight bags and handbags.

Banshu Miki Forged Blades

Centuries ago, tragedy turned into opportunity—rebuilding the razed Miki Castle transformed this region into a bladesmithing center. Custom-crafted saws, knives, chisels and other tools hand-forged in Miki are used and treasured by carpenters and others across Japan.

Izushi Ware

Izushi yaki porcelain dates back to the 18th century discovery of kaolin-rich clay in Izushi. A high-contrast white ceramic, it is used as the base for imaginative reliefs, patterns, underglazes, overglaze decorations and lavishly ornate cartouche details.

Tamba Tachikui Ware

Tamba Tachikui yaki is produced in one of Japan’s six ancient potting centers. This 800-year-old ceramic tradition is focused on functional vessels, including jars and urns. Early forms were stylized with natural ash glazes, while slip glazes were introduced later.

Seasonal Highlights

During cherry blossom season, the prefecture turns pink and the area surrounding Himeji Castle is particularly breathtaking. Enjoy the Kobe Festival and witness the yearly mountain burnoff in the Tonomine Highlands.

The hotter months are a time for outdoor adventures and festivals. Head to the cooler climes of some of Hyogo’s mountains, or down to the beaches of Suma, Ieshima or Awaji Island for fun and fireworks.

Autumn in Hyogo means spectacular events such as the Nada Fighting Festival, Kobe Jazz Street and the Tamba Momiji Meguri (Maple Leaf Tour), as well as cool temperatures for the Kobe Marathon.

The cold winter months are perfect for a ski trip and onsen getaway, and the Kinosaki area is perfect for both.

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Explore Nearby Prefectures

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Hyogo Prefecture

Hyogo Prefecture (���Ɍ�, Hyōgo-ken) is located in the Kansai Region , stretching from the Seto Inland Sea to the Sea of Japan. Its largest city and capital is Kobe , its most famous tourist attraction is Himeji Castle , and its best known hot spring resorts are Arima and Kinosaki .

Top destinations in Hyogo

Kinosaki ••

Himeji ••

Takeda Castle Ruins •

Kobe •

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Hyogo Guide: The Top 15 Things To Do In Hyogo Prefecture

Located in the heart of the Kansai region, Hyogo Prefecture houses several of Japan’s major cities including Kobe, Himeji, and Awaji just to name a few.

Made is famous for its picturesque sights and delicious food, Hyogo Prefecture is occasionally overlooked whenever a trip to Japan is on the cards. Today, I’ll take you on a journey through Hyogo Prefecture so you can discover where to go, what to see, and how you can fill your bellies as you travel across this absolute gem.

Before we get into too much detail, here’s the list of my top 15 things to do in Hyogo Prefecture for all you skim readers!

• Visit Himeiji Castle
• See the Great Buddha at Nofukuji Temple
• Take a trip to Kogen-ji temple
• Hike up Mount Rokko and stop by the Rokko Garden Terrace
• Birdwatch in Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork
• Take a dip in any of Hyogo Prefecture’s famous onsen
• Get your tickets to the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum
• Shop at the Uonotana Shopping Arcade
• Devour some delicious Kobe Beef
• Enjoy akashiyaki: Hyogo’s answer to takoyaki
• Slurp on a bowl of Himeiji oden stew, a winter favourite
• Snack on the mysterious sand lace
• Join the locals for a bowl of taimeshi
• Relish the amazingly fresh Matsuba snow crab!
• Fuel your inner insomniac at the UCC Coffee Museum

Hyogo prefecture is criminally underrated and although it’s best known for its world famous Kobe beef, it has a lot more to offer than just that. So let’s get into it!

Where is Hyogo Prefecture and why is it famous?

For starters, let’s look at Hyogo Prefecture’s geography.

Set in the Kansai region, Hyogo Prefecture is a part of the Keihanshin metropolitan area, the 2nd most populated metropolitan region in Japan – with the other parts of the region being set in Kyoto and Osaka.

This comes as no surprise, however, as Hyogo Prefecture borders the more popular prefectures such as Kyoto Prefecture in the east and Osaka Prefecture in the southeast.

Despite its urbanization, Hyogo Prefecture manages to retain its lush environmental charm.

After all, 20% of the land in this prefecture has been designated as natural parks so you’ll be able to experience pockets of greenery throughout the entire year. In the past, Hyogo Prefecture was a popular destination for relaxation with hot springs such as Arima and Kinosaki scattered throughout the cities.

Today, more and more tourists are looking to visit as the prefecture flaunts picturesque attractions such as Himeji Castle and the large Buddha statue at the Nofukuji Temple.

The Beef: The Top 15 Things To Do In Hyogo Prefecture

Although Hyogo Prefecture isn’t as popular as Kyoto or Osaka, there are still tons to see and do here. From scenic views to unforgettable memories, here are the top 15 things to do in Hyogo Prefecture that I highly recommend.

1. Visit Himeji Castle

Topping my list is a visit to the world-famous Himeji Castle. First built in 1346 at the top of the Himeyama Hill, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Japan’s most visited castles today.

Inside, guests will be able to explore the historical architecture and climb up flights of steep stairs (and I do emphasize, steep!) to reach the very top of the castle.

When you’ve reached the top, you’ll see a small shrine that was built in the past and attempt to work out the maze-like defense systems that Himeji Castle is famous for from above.

Some of the defense systems in the castle are really impressive, even today. There’s a series of loopholes that allowed archers to pick off attacking armies without being spotted. It’s said that there’s up to 1,000 loopholes throughout the castle!

Outdoors in the castle grounds, guests are welcome to sit back and enjoy the lush greenery in the gardens.

Come Cherry Blossom season, you’ll be able to see – and with luck perhaps even join some of the locals as they watch the flowers in full bloom.

A small entrance fee is required before you can visit the Himeji Castle although it’s still beautiful even if you just wish to look at the castle from a distance.

2. See the Great Buddha at Nofukuji Temple

Believed to have been founded in the year 805, the Nofukuji Temple of today is home to the Great Buddha statue.

While the original statue was built in 1891, it was later demolished to make up for metal shortages during World War II. Come 1991, the Great Buddha statue was reconstructed to be the 59ft (18m) tall statue that we see today.

Interesting fact, it’s also the 3rd largest Buddha statue in Japan.

Each year in May, the locals host a Hyogo Daibutsu Matsuri or Day of Enlightenment where you’ll see crowds visiting the temple to pray for all things good in the year to come. The Nofukuji Temple is also a spot that the Shin-saigoku Pilgrimage passes through.

Entry to the temple grounds is free, although donations are appreciated to help with the upkeep of the temple itself. 

3. Take a trip to Kogen-ji temple

Situated in the city of Tamba, the Kogen-ji Temple is a must-see spot if you’re visiting Japan in Fall. The area is full of maple trees and is a sight to behold!

Walking through the fire-orange colored maple leaves, in autumn you’ll be able to see the Kogen-ji Temple in a different light. Built in 1325, the Kogen-ji is a remarkable Buddhist temple and while it isn’t as ancient as some of its neighbors, it has a unique vibe and feels like a cool slice of history.

If you’d like to add a unique touch to your visit, for groups of 4 people or more you can book ahead to try a vegetarian meal on the temple grounds. This meal is called shojin-ryori and was initially created for Buddhist monks using the freshest local ingredients available.

4. Hike up Mount Rokko and stop by the Rokko Garden Terrace

Clocking in at 931 meters above sea level, Mount Rokko is the peak of the Rokko mountains where you’ll get to see the cityscapes of Kobe and Osaka from above.

Glorious at both sunrise and sunset, Mount Rokko is an attraction that is frequented by both locals and tourists alike. Up above, you’ll also come by the Rokko Garden Terrace, a facility made to house restaurants serving homemade local cuisines, cafes, and souvenir stores for tourists.

At nightfall, tourists are welcome to watch the city lights come alive at the Rokko-Shidare observatory, the frame of which was built using Japanese cypress.

Hiking up Mount Rokko and entering the Rokko Garden Terrace are all complimentary, although if you’d prefer not to exhaust yourself on the way up, you can opt to pay a small fee for a cable car ride to the top instead… Which if you’re visiting in summer, you know I’m going to recommend!

It’s so much easier to get to than Mt Fuji too, so if you’re looking to get out of the city and get some fresh air, Rokko is a great option!

5. A birdwatcher’s paradise: Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork

For birdwatchers, the Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork is where you’ll get to see the near-extinct Kounotori or the Oriental white stork.

Honed as the prefectural bird to Hyogo Prefecture, this park situated in Toyooka City is also the last habitat of the Oriental white stork in Japan. If you’re not too keen on keeping an eye out for the wild stork, you can just visit the park observatory to see them up close where several of the birds are kept for protection purposes.

6. Take a dip in any of Hyogo Prefecture’s famous onsen

Onsen or hot springs are a popular recreational activity for the locals and tourists who visit Hyogo Prefecture. Sprawled across various cities in the prefecture, you’ll be spoiled for choice on which onsen to visit during your trip.

If you’re having a tough time picking out the best, then perhaps this list will help you… Or, you could even visit them all:

• Kinosaki Onsen: Said to be founded around 1,400 years ago, Kinosaki Onsen is a beautiful hot spring establishment set by the banks of the Otanigawa River. It’s a traditional onsen in the city of Toyooka and most of the onsen is made of wood.
• Arima Onsen: Also known as “Gold Springs”, the hot springs at Arima Onsen flows in a reddish-brown color as it’s full of iron. Arima Onsen is also one of the oldest and most popular onsen establishments in Japan . After a comforting dip, guests are welcome to sample some local Japanese cuisine in the ryokan or walk through the souvenir shops located within the hot spring resort.
• Sumoto Onsen: Founded in 1993, the Sumoto Onsen that’s in Awaji Island is one of the largest spa resorts in all of Japan. Here, guests can dip their stress away in the hot springs while overlooking the ocean. Over at the guesthouses and hotels, you can expect fresh seafood thanks to the island’s proximity to the sea.
• Takedao Onsen: Set in the Mukogawa Valley, Takedao Onsen is suitable for guests looking to escape the crowd. The set up at Takedao Onsen is mainly left in nature’s hands and you’ll get to bathe in the open-air hot springs overlooking the bright orange leaves in fall. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of fireflies in the summer.
• Shiota Onsen: If you wish to take a dip in onsen near the Himeji Castle, then Shiota Onsen will be the right pick for you. Packing a history of over 300 years, the Shiota Onsen is a quiet spot in the rural areas near Yumesaki River. The onsen is especially beautiful in spring when you can relax in the natural bath and look out at the blooming Cherry Blossoms at the same time.

7. Get your tickets to the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum

Fans of the Astroboy manga rejoice as the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum in Takarazuka city is here for you. Built in memoriam for the famous Japanese comic artist Osamu Tezuka, this museum takes you through the original prints made for most of his works.

In the souvenir store, you’ll also get to purchase some exclusive merchandise from his popular comics.

While you’re at the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum, be sure to also stop by the special animation booth where you can create your own manga animation or read up on Osamu Tezuka’s manga that has been translated into numerous languages at the library.

8. Shop at the Uonotana Shopping Arcade

Located in the city of Akashi, the Uonotana Shopping Arcade is where you’ll see over 100 stores selling freshly caught fish and seafood from the Akashi Port.

If you’re looking to whip up a meal at your local homestay with the freshest ingredients, then the Uonotana Shopping Arcade is where you should be.

Beyond the fresh catches, however, guests will also find rows upon rows of street food, souvenir stores, and even kimono specialty establishments lining the areas of Uonotana Shopping Arcade.

The atmosphere at the arcade is constantly buzzing with noise, so even if you’re not looking to shop for anything, you should still visit here just to soak up the vibes from the locals and tourists alike.

9. Devour some delicious Kobe Beef

True to its reputation, Kobe beef is something you simply cannot miss.

Packed with the perfect blend of meat-to-marbling, you’ll never forget your first taste of melt-in-your-mouth Kobe beef.

This is thanks to the careful process the farmers follow when rearing their special breed of black cattle. Like almost everything in Japan, the attention to detail in raising these delicious beasts seems over the top to most outsiders but the end result speaks for itself.

While a meal with Kobe beef may not come cheap, I’m sure that it’s an experience that you’ll never forget.

Check out this video if you want to see how they prepare some delicious beef!

10. Enjoy akashiyaki: Hyogo’s answer to takoyaki

Made to resemble the world-famous octopus dumplings or takoyaki, akashiyaki is a local street cuisine native to the Hyogo Prefecture.

Inside, ingredients such as kelp and bonito flakes are used to replace octopus, giving the akashiyaki a much softer and more delicate bite. As a result, the insides of akashiyaki can get super hot so you’ll have to eat them with care to avoid being burnt.

No two akashiyaki stores are the same in Hyogo Prefecture as there isn’t a set recipe for this street delicacy.

If you’d like to properly immerse yourself in the culture of Hyogo Prefecture, I recommend trying akashiyaki from numerous stores to taste them all.

11. Slurp on a bowl of Himeiji oden stew, a winter favorite

Oden is a common street food found across all of Japan. With ingredients such as fish balls. daikon or white radish being stewed in a Japanese broth known as dashi, oden is a favorite for cold days out.

But what is it that sets Himeji oden stew that can be found in Hyogo Prefecture apart from the regular oden?

For starters, a Himeji oden stew is usually prepared by pouring ginger soy sauce on it instead of regular dashi. This creates a unique flavor that has visitors coming back for more, especially as the ingredients are usually pretty bland on their own.

Available throughout Hyogo Prefecture, you’ll notice that every establishment prepares Himeji oden stew a little differently from one another.

This makes discovering your favorite Himeji oden stew store a little more fun, as you’ll have to keep trying them from different locations to find the one you like best.

Personally, I really didn’t like the look of oden at first but after giving it a try, it’s surprisingly good. If you’re ever feeling a little under the weather or you really want a cheap, hot meal in the winter… Definitely try out some oden! Especially some Himeji style!

12. Snack on the mysterious sand lace

At first glance, sand lance may look odd to bite.

Similar in appearance to anchovies, sand lance or ikanago is a long, and thin fish that’s mostly found buried in the sand.

When you dine in Hyogo Prefecture, you’ll find the sand lance being served as a snack with beer and sake or in compliment with white rice on your bento sets.

Often prepared with sweet rice wine and a sauce made of a ginger base, sand lance usually exudes a balance of sweet and mildly savory flavor at once. While they may not look the best, sand lance is something I recommend trying while you’re visiting Hyogo Prefecture.

13. Join the locals for a bowl of taimeshi

Taimeshi, or steamed rice with sea bream, is a local favorite in Hyogo Prefecture given its fresh supply of sea bream from the Akashi Strait.

Made with a mix of herbs and spices found locally, the steamed rice is served seasoned. A sea bream prepared with ginger and salt is then placed on top of the rice so the natural oils of the fish can soak through the rice.

While a serving a taimeshi may cost up to a few thousand yen for a meal, it’s a dish that would satisfy every seafood lover as you’ll get to taste the freshness of the sea bream and the aromatics soaking through every last grain of the rice.

14. Relish the amazingly fresh Matsuba snow crab!

Best enjoyed between November to March, Matsuba crab or snow crab is a delicacy that can be found in most ryokans and restaurants in Hyogo Prefecture.

There are several ways to taste the sweetness and freshness in Matsuba crab, although the most popular choices are to cook them in a hot-pot style or to serve cold as a sashimi dish. Either way, Matsuba crab is something you can’t leave Hyogo Prefecture without trying – especially when you’re visiting during the cold winter months.

15. Fuel your inner insomniac at the UCC Coffee Museum

If you’re a coffee connoisseur, the UCC Coffee Museum of Port Island in Kobe will be highly attractive to you.

This is as it’s the only coffee museum in Japan , and on top of being able to enjoy sips of freshly brewed coffee, you’ll also get to tour the UCC exhibition hall. Here, you’ll get to learn how to roast your own beans before being guided to UCC’s very own café known as the UCC Coffee Road.

Various coffee beverages from all over the world are on offer here, making the UCC Coffee Museum a spot that no coffee lover can miss.

Tours are available from Tuesday through to Sunday, although subject to reservation. If you’re not well-versed in Japanese, the UCC Coffee Museum also has downloadable audio guides in English, Chinese, or Korean.

Revisiting Kobe and Himeji

Before deciding whether you should visit Hyogo Prefecture (and spoiler alert: you absolutely should), let’s revisit 2 of the prefecture’s most popular cities to find out what sets them apart from everywhere else in the prefecture of Hyogo.

Kobe is Hyogo Prefecture’s largest city and is the 6th largest city in Japan.

I also dedicated an entire article to the city here, I’d be really happy if you checked it out 🙂

In my opinion, it’s also one of the trendiest and depending on the district, it has a really fresh vibe and a ton of great coffee shops.

While most people would know the city for its award-winning beef, Kobe beef, the city is much more than just a place for livestock.

Set between the sea and Rokko mountain, Kobe is a place where many come to visit for its unforgettable views.

One of Kobe’s most memorable moments was in 1995 when the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake struck, destroying thousands of buildings in the city. Today, most of these buildings have been rebuilt with little signs pointing to the history of this devastating natural disaster.

In the city center, however, tourists will find the Earthquake Museum that was built to commemorate the memory of the lives lost on that fateful day of the great earthquake. 

Kobe is easily reachable from Kyoto and Osaka via the JR line trains so users of the JR Pass are covered. These trips usually take between 30 minutes to an hour, making Kobe an ideal spot for a day trip.

If you’re looking to stay the night (which I highly recommend if you have the time), there is also a wide range of hostels and hotels for any traveler no matter the budget!

Home to the magnificent Himeji Castle, the city of Himeji is the 2nd largest city of Hyogo Prefecture.

Unlike Kobe, Himeji retains an old-time charm from its feudal days.

For tourists visiting Himeji city, expect a greater range of lush greenery lining the streets, castle grounds, and famous temples. This also makes Himeji a great place to be if you’re looking to escape typical cityscape scenery.

In spring, locals can be seen with a picnic basket enjoying the annual cherry blossom viewing, or hanami, with their friends and family… Which you should totally do too!

As those are the months where there may be more tourists whether local or abroad, it’s highly recommended that you pre-book all Himeji activities – especially accommodation – if you wish to visit during spring.

Himeji is also reachable from Kyoto and Osaka via the JR trains. These trips would however take a little longer, clocking in between 45 minutes to 2 hours instead.

To make the most of your trip to Himeji, I recommend booking a night’s stay so you can marvel at the beauty of this city from dusk till dawn. Unless you’re like my friend and use shinkansen from Osaka just to check out Himeji castle and then return to Osaka. In which case, you crazy.

Should you visit Hyogo Prefecture?

Absolutely. Hyogo Prefecture has an unimaginable amount of sights and activities to experience. With it being less popular than its neighboring prefectures, it’s a good way to see a new side of Japan without as many tourists.

Do note that the seasons at Hyogo Prefecture could vastly affect your experience in Japan as the weather can go very hot in summer to fairly cold in winter.

That being said, I highly recommend you visit in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom or during fall when you’ll see the leaves change bright orange lining the canals of the wonderful prefecture of Hyogo.

If you enjoyed this post, check out my article on Shiga Prefecture which has a totally different vibe to Hyogo!

Just your average irresponsible human who spends most of his free time and money traveling Japan. Love the food, culture, and sights but not a huge fan of anime until I used it for studying purposes. Can't decide which is better out of ramen or pizza.

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The Best Places to Visit in Hyogo

Hyogo Prefecture is located in the west side of Osaka and Kyoto in the Kansai Region. Its capital, Kobe City , is a cosmopolitan port city with mountains, Chinatown, and Kobe Harborland, and is famous for Kebe beef. But not only in Kobe, there are many places to visit in Hyogo prefecture such as well-known castle, several hot spring resorts, beautiful nature spots and much more. In this article we present the best places to visit in Hyogo.  Other Places to Visit in Kansai

This article features the area other than the main attractions in Kobe, so read the article for more information about Kobe too!

Maps of the places above

Where to stay in hyogo, popular tours in hyogo, read more about the destinations near hyogo, 1. arima onsen.

Arima Onsen is a hot spring resort located in Kobe, behind Mount Rokko. Arima Onsen is popular for those who want tranquility with beautiful nature yet easy access from Kobe and Osaka. It is one of the oldest onsen resorts in Japan.  

The town can be easily explored on foot, and you can find several hot spring sources, historical temples and shrines and small hot spring museum. You can enjoy hot spring bathing at two public bath houses or at the ryokan (traditional inn) in the town. A numbers of ryokan also offer drop-in baths. 

Take a local bus operated by Hankyu Bus or Shinki Bus from Sannomiya Station (about 50 minutes) via Shin-Kobe Station (about 35 minutes) to Arima Onsen. 

Take a highway bus operated by Hankyu Bus or JR Bus from Hankyu Umeda Station or JR Osaka Station in Osaka (about 60 minutes) via Shin-Osaka Station (about 50 minutes). 

2. Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is a hilltop castle located in Himeji. It is considered as the most spectacular castle in Japan for its imposing size and elegant, white appearance along with its well preserved complex castle grounds. The castle is frequently known as “White Egret Castle” or “White Heron Castle” (Shirasagi-jo) because of its beautiful white exterior. 

The castle complex was completed in 1609 and is made up of over 80 buildings. It is one of Japan’s twelve remaining original castles. On the top floor of the main keep is a small shrine and viewpoints which offers views over Himeji Castle ground and the city. 

The most visited season is during cherry blossom season for there are over 1,000 cherry trees can be found on the castle grounds. 

15 to 20 minute walk from the north exit of Himeji Station. 

3. Takeda Castle Ruins

Takeda Castle Ruins is located in the city of Asago in the northern part of the prefecture. It is situated about 353 meters above sea level and is known as the “castle floating in the sky” because it looks like floating on a sea of clouds on foggy autumn and winter mornings. 

The castle was originally built in 1441, and was abandoned since early 1600s until the ruins were restored in the 1970s and 80s to be opened as a tourist site. There are no buildings on the castle grounds, but the foundations are still largely intact. 

From Himeji, take JR Bantan Line to Teramae Station, then take another JR Bantan Line to Takeda Station (about 2 hours). 

Uzushio is the world’s largest whirlpools of 20 meters in diameter which can be seen in the Seto Inland Sea, or Setonaikai, between Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture and Shikoku. Especially in spring and autumn, you can see bigger whirlpools. 

There is a cruising ship which takes you close to the Uzushio for about 30 minutes, and also sight-seeing boat called Kanrin-Maru which you can tour around the Uzushio for about an hour.  You can check more details from here .

At the very southern tip of Awaji Island, there is also Uzushio Roadside Station which is the closest roadside station to the Uzushio. Uzushio Roadside Station offers a nice view of the O-Naruto Bridge which connects Awaji Island and Shikoku along with a restaurant, café, and souvenir shops with extensive lineups of carefully selected souvenirs. 

To get to the Uzushio Roadside Station, take an express bus from JR Sannomiya Station (about 90 minutes) to Fukura Bus Terminal. Walk 3 minutes to Uzushio Dome Nanairo-kan. There is a free shuttle from the Uzushio Dome Nanairo-kan to the Uzushio Roadside Station.

5. Mount Rokko

Mount Rokko is a range of mountains in southeastern Hyogo Prefecture. The highest peak is 931 meters in height. This is one of the main attractions of the prefecture for its hiking trails and beautiful views of cities of Kobe and Osaka. It also offers a botanical garden, a music box museum, Japan’s first golf course, a few restaurants and shops. 

A circular bus line travels between the area’s major attractions with the top station of both the Rokko Cablecar (from Kobe City) and the Rokko Arima Ropeway (from Arima Onsen).  

To take the Rokko Cablecar up the mountain, take the Hankyu Kobe Line to Rokko Station from Sannomiya Station, then take a local bus number 16 to the base station of the Rokko Cablecar. 

6. Ako Onsen

Ako Onsen is an onsen(hot springs) resort in Ako City which is in southwestern part of Hyogo Prefecture and a part of Seto Inland Sea National Park. There are a few ryokan (traditional inn) which offer open-air hot spring baths with stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea and several islands on the Seto Island Sea. The thermal water of the hot spring in Ako Onsen is well-known for being good for the skin and is considered to be one of the best in the country.

From Himeji Station, take JR Tokaido Sanyo Main Line Express and get off at Banshuako Station (about 30 minutes). 

7. Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple

This is a temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism founded in 966 in Himeji City. The complex of buildings is located at the top of Mount Shosha, where you can reach by a hiking trail or Mount Shosha Ropeway.  

Walk 10 to 15 minutes uphill from the upper ropeway station to reach the Niomon Gate, and another 10 to 15 minutes to reach the Maniden, which is a beautiful wooden temple hall. You can also take a minibus which connects the upper ropeway station and the Maniden. Near Maniden, there are also three massive wooden temples halls called Mitsunodo: the Daikodo (main hall), Jikido and Jogyodo. 

Mount Shosha is frequently used as a filming location for historical movies and TV drama including the Hollywood movie “The Last Samurai”. 

From Himeji Station, take a local bus number 8 to Mount Shosha Ropeway bus stop (about 30 minutes). 

8. Amarube Bridge

It is a railway bridge on JR West’s Sanin Main Line between Yoroi Station and Amarube Station in the town of Kami. This steel-made bridge with about 130 meters in length and 41.5 meters tall was completed in 1912 and was in operation for almost 100 years. The unique design of its structure and its bright color made the bridge popular for tourists. 

Although in 2010, a modern concrete bridge was completed to replace the original steel structure, a few of the old steel supports are left in place as a monument. And in 2013, an observation facility called “Sky Station” was opened in Amarube Station, from where you can walk to Amarube Bridge with the stunning view of the Sea of Japan. 

At the foot of the bridge is the Sky Station Park, which was opened when the Sky Station was opened in 2013. There are a lawn area and resting place which was built using some parts of the original steel bridge. 

Take JR Kishin Line from Himeji Station to Amarube Station (about 8 minutes). 

9. Genbudo Cave

Genbudo Cave is a flood basalt which was formed over 1.6 millions years ago. The cave itself is a result of mining in Edo period. There are 5 caves in Genbudo Park. You can enjoy the stone museum, Genbudo Museum and there are also restaurant and shops at the museum to take a rest and enjoy. Usually every June, the hydrangea festival is held and you can see the beautiful hydrangea while exploring the park.

Take a taxi from Toyooka Station (about 7 minutes) or from Kinosaki Onsen Station (about 5 minutes). Also you can rent a bicycle and cycle there (about 15 minutes)

10. Byakugo-ji Temple

With over 1,300 years of history, this temple is popular for its beautiful garden. You can enjoy the garden all year around but especially in May, many people visit the temple to see 120 meters long wisteria flowers certain. It gets very crowded when the wisterias are in full bloom, so it is recommended to go there in the early morning.

Take a taxi from Ichijima Station (8 minutes)

Setre Highland Villa Himeji ― Located in Mt.Hiromine, you can enjoy the view over the city and highland Awaji Yumesenkei ― A step away from the beach, the ocean view from the room and open air bath is breathtaking! Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama ― Choose Japanese or western style from 30 rooms, you can get a great experience with private Onsen hot springs

Kobe One Day Highlights Private Walking Tour

• VISIT many important sightseeing spots in Kobe in one day!
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• LEARN the local Kobe lifestyle and about Sake with a knowledgeable guide
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How did you think about Hyogo? Main attractions of Hyogo are easily accessible from major cities in Kansai region including Osaka, yet the prefecture offers places where you can get away from hustle and bustle of the busy cities. 

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Happy travelling!

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Hyogo Starts Here

It took me several trips to Hyogo (the prefecture where you find the city of Kobe, among other destinations) to create this Hyogo travel guide, and certainly to make it useful to prospective tourists. During my first few visits I simply hung out with my friend Eriko, who grew up nearby, and mostly conducted myself as a local would (minus speaking Japanese to any functional degree, let alone the Kansai dialect of it).

When I finally did get around to enjoying Kobe sightseeing (and taking in the city on my own, without Eriko’s warm but also sheltering company), I was blown away. From picturesque historical districts to lush botanical gardens, to what might very well be the best balance of East and West in all of Japan, Kobe is a city I wish I hadn’t written off for so long. This was to say nothing of the extent to which I eventually discovered the rest of surrounding Hyogo prefecture

Whether you’re looking for a complete Hyogo itinerary or are just curious about where to eat Kobe beef during a trip to Hyogo, you’re in the right place—Hyogo starts here.

Where to Stay in Hyogo

I’ll talk about the best hotels in Hyogo prefecture in just a minute, but first I have to give Eriko (who I’ll mention many times throughout this article) a plug. She currently lives in Asagiri, which is about 30 minutes by train from Kobe’s Sannomiya station, and rents out one of the rooms in her apartment as a homestay. I stayed a few nights here recently and I highly recommend Eriko’s Homestay —and not just because she is a friend.

I will conceded, of course, that this is not the most convenient location for enjoying most of the activities in my Hyogo travel guide (unless you wake up at the crack of dawn like me and time is not really an object). For that I’d probably recommend that you stay in Kobe City, whether at Kobe Kitano Hotel (which is the heart of historic Kitano-cho) or Hotel Okura , the next-door neighbor of Kobe Port Tower.

My Favorite Things to Do in Hyogo Prefecture

Stroll through kobe’s former foreign settlements.

Whether amid the commercial and governmental buildings of Kyu-kyoryuchi or the enchanting 19th-century homes of Kitano , Kobe is perhaps the #1 place in Japan where West meets (or, rather, rises to the level of) East. As you plan this part of your trip, keep in mind that while Kyukyoruchi is near Sannomiya Station (and, therefore, close to ground/water level) Kitano-cho requires a trek (or a brief subway ride, at least).

Devour Kobe Beef for Lunch (and Maybe Dinner)

Speaking of Sannomiya, Kobe’s central rail hub is also where you’ll find some of the best Kobe beef, at least that which is accessible to non-Japanese speakers. One of my favorite hacks for enjoying Kobe beef without going broke? Have it for lunch, instead of dinner. Whether at chain outlets at Steakland , or any of the dozens of small shops that claim to have the “World’s #1 Kobe Beef,” you can save 50% or even more by eating early.

Take in One of Kobe’s Three Famous Views

Kobe is a port city, but since it’s bordered to the north by mountains, one of the things to do in Kobe is to get a bird’s eye view. If this is all you want, you can either walk or take a combination or bus/cable car/ropeway to Mt. Maya or Mt. Rokko , both of which are also accessible via hiking. Alternatively, Nunobiki Herb Garden is a lush urban escape, and also houses a cafe where you can eat fresh food, and a free herbal foot bath where you can rest up as you enjoy a view of the city.

Watch the Kobe Port Tower Light Up

There are a lot of amazing things to do in Kobe at night, including one food-centered one I’ll describe in a minute. One of the best, especially if you’re a photographer, is to hang out around the Kobe Port area. Whether this involves waiting for iconic Kobe Port Tower to light up, visiting the Port of Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park or simply shopping and dining at Harborland Mall , Kobe’s waterfront is always a great place to be.

Eat Your Way Through Chinatown

Another great nighttime Kobe activity is to visit Kobe Chinatown , aka Nankin Machi ( Nan Jing Ding in Chinese). Far from simply a district to enjoy dim sum (although it is plentiful), Nankin Machi houses a stall devoted entirely to serving various iterations of Kobe beef, to say nothing of the Chinese desserts and beverages on offer, and non-culinary accents such as a pagoda and four gates that sit at the district’s north, east, south and west.

Visit Himeji Castle or Awaji Island

Looking for the best day trips from Kobe? In my opinion, there are two that stand out above the rest. The first would be to visit Himeji Castle , which is just a few minutes from Shin-Kobe by Shinkansen and is arguably the finest feudal fortress in the country. Another would be to travel over the water to Awaji Island , which links Honshu and Shikoku , in addition to being home to its own famous beef and a castle that, while it has nothing on Himeji’s, is perfectly charming as well.

TIP: Another can’t-miss destination in Hyogo prefecture is Uo-no-tana , a seafood market located near Akashi Station, just a short journey from Sannomiya.

How Many Days in Hyogo is Enough?

As a general rule, I’d recommend spending 2 days in Kobe city if you plan to focus on attractions within the city center, or 3 days in Hyogo more broadly if you plan on taking a day trip to Awaji Island or Himeji Castle. This assumes you’ll spend one day exploring city-center districts around Sannomiya and Motomachi Stations, and another day up in Kitano-cho and either at Nunobiki Herb Garden or atop Mt. Maya or Mt. Rokko.

Of course, depending on how deeply you dig into my Hyogo travel guide, you could easily spend longer in the city than this. For instance, you could spend an entire day eating Kobe beef, while hiking Mts. Maya and Rokko (instead of going up by cable car and ropeway) will greatly increase the time you need to spend in Kobe.

Is Kobe Worth Visiting?

In a word, yes. Even if you aren’t excited about what to do in Kobe, at least on paper, there’s something intangibly awesome about this underrated city. I personally began feeling it as I was walking northward from the moving Port of Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park toward Motomachi. As Japan’s population ages and its infrastructure stays largely trapped in the 80s, when its last (and maybe last-ever) economic boom took place, Kobe feels extraordinarily modern, in no small part because so much of the city center was re-built after 1995.

Because of this, I’ve done my best to house within this post a Kobe itinerary that leaves space to discover intangible aspects about the city. For example, Kobe’s citizens are among the only ones in Japan I see jaywalk on a regular basis, which demonstrates how laid-back (and, in some way, un-Japanese) they are in general.

Other FAQ About Travel to Hyogo Prefecture

What else is there to do in kobe.

Apart from dining on famous Kobe Wagyu beef, Kobe is famous for several things. First, the ornate Western-style houses of Kitano-cho, located up the hill from central Kobe not far from Shin-Kobe Station. Secondly, the city’s panoramic viewpoints, including Mt. Rokko and Nunobiki Herb Garden. Finally, Kobe is famous for Nankin-machi, one of Japan’s best preserved and most interesting Chinatowns.

What is Kobe Japan known for?

Historically, Kobe was known as one of the first ports in Japan that opened up to foreign vessels, along with those in Nagasaki and Yokohama. These days, Kobe is famous for its Wagyu beef, as well as for Nankin-machi Chinatown and the historical Kitano-cho district. Sadly, Kobe is also infamous because of the Great Hashin Earthquake that occurred here in 1995.

What is there to do in Kobe at night?

Kobe is gorgeous as it lights up at night, particularly along Osaka Bay, where you can watch Kobe Port Tower light up in brilliant orange. Nighttime is also perfect for devouring 中国料理 (Chinese cuisine) in Nankin-machi Chinatown, as well as for enjoying Wagyu beef at any number of the restaurants near Sannomiya, which is Kobe’s main train station.

The Bottom Line

Whether you came here in search of a comprehensive Hyogo prefecture travel guide, or were simply wondering whether the city is worth a visit in the first place, I believe I’ve answered all your questions. Kobe gets overshadowed by other cities in Japan , and indeed most other places in Japan’s Kansai region, but you shouldn’t leave it off your list of Japan destinations if you can avoid it. Speaking of which, don’t feel shy about hiring me to plan your trip to Japan, whether or not Kobe makes the cut.

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Explore HYOGO

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Rediscover  hyogo.

Welcome to Hyogo, Japan - a land where rich traditions, captivating stories, and natural beauty come together to create an unforgettable travel experience. Our mission is to share the cultural background of Hyogo in harmony with Japanese mythology and heritage, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the foundations of Japanese tradition.

Welcome to Kobe, a city with a rich and ancient history that rivals even Osaka and Kyoto.

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Join us on this voyage of cultural exploration and discover the soul of Hyogo, Japan. Let's embark on a journey that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for Japanese tradition and a profound connection to this enchanting region.

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• 1.1 Tourist Information Site
• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 By plane
• 4.2 By train
• 5 Get around

Hyōgo Prefecture (兵庫県 Hyōgo-ken ) is in the western Kansai region of the main Japanese island Honshu .

Understand [ edit ]

When Japan's prefecture system was inaugurated in the first years of the Meiji era, most of the modern prefectures were made out of one or two of the old Japanese provinces (Hiroshima was once the provinces of Bingo and Aki, Nara was once the province of Yamato). Hyogo, however, inherited three whole provinces and sections of two others. These include:

• Tajima - In the north of Hyogo along the Sea of Japan
• Harima - In the southwest of Hyogo along the Inland Sea, home to Himeji
• Awaji Island - At the entrance of the Inland Sea, culturally linked to Shikoku
• Tamba - Shared with Kyoto Prefecture, in the northeast of Hyogo
• Settsu - Shared with Osaka Prefecture, home to Kobe and the Hanshin area

While these provinces no longer exist in any administrative sense, they came in to Hyogo with distinct regional dialects and identities. This combination has made Hyogo one of the most geographically and culturally diverse prefectures in Japan, and the only one to span the width of the central island of Honshu.

Tourist Information Site [ edit ]

HyoGo! Navi is the prefecture's official Japanese-only tourism site (with integrated Google Translate).

Cities [ edit ]

• 34.690167 135.195444 1 Kobe - The prefectural capital, a cosmopolitan port city with an international flavor
• 34.803583 134.468111 2 Aioi
• 34.643139 134.997222 3 Akashi - Busy seafood market and the world's longest suspension bridge
• 34.754972 134.390333 4 Ako
• 34.733833 135.406333 5 Amagasaki
• 35.339833 134.853083 6 Asago
• 34.815167 134.685389 7 Himeji - Home to Japan's most beautiful castle
• 34.737639 135.34175 8 Nishinomiya - Home of Koshien Ball Park and The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
• 34.8 135.360306 9 Takarazuka - Famous for its all-female theater productions and Tezuka Osamu Museum
• 34.857917 134.545389 10 Tatsuno
• 35.5445 134.820194 11 Toyooka

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 34.798056 135.2475 1 Arima Onsen - Historic hot spring within easy striking distance of Kobe
• 34.383333 134.833333 2 Awaji Island - Onion farms and large bridges to Shikoku
• 35.625889 134.807417 3 Kinosaki
• 35.623472 134.448944 4 Shinonsen

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

The prefecture's only significant airport is Kobe Airport ( UKB  IATA ), serving a limited variety of domestic destinations.

Adjacent Osaka Prefecture's two major airports offer many more flights: Kansai International Airport ( KIX  IATA ) is a major international hub, and Osaka Itami (formally Osaka International Airport, ITM  IATA ) is Kansai's busiest and best served domestic airport (in fact, its North Terminal and runways are in Hyogo. Only its South Terminal is in Osaka Prefecture). Both have convenient transportation links to Hyogo – Itami is only 40 minutes away from downtown Kobe by bus and Kansai has a direct ferry link to Kobe Airport (40 minutes from terminal to terminal, subject to cancellation during bad weather).

By train [ edit ]

Kobe, Akashi, and Himeji are all on the San'yo Shinkansen line, with through services on the Tokaido Shinkansen for one-seat rides from Tokyo. Himeji is also the first morning westbound stop on the Sunrise Izumo/Seto, the last scheduled service sleeper trains in Japan. If coming from closer by, these cities are also well served by regular JR trains on the San'yo Main Line and Tokaido Line.

By bus [ edit ]

Get around [ edit ], see [ edit ].

• Japan's Belly Button Park (日本のへそ公園 Nihon no Heso Kouen ). This park in Nishiwaki city is considered to mark the geographic center of Japan, which is locally called its belly button. There is a large monument to the belly button, and the park is also home to a children's science museum. If you go in they will eagerly make you watch their planetarium show and then let you use their massive telescope. The actual geographic center is not in the park, but down a hill, past the 日本のへそ公園 train station, through a small tunnel and along the Kakogawa river. Don't miss the charming art gallery next to the train station.
• Himeji Castle . One of Japan's best castles , a 5-year renovation was completed in 2015.
• Meditation . Antaiji (安泰寺), Kutoyama, Shin-onsen-cho, Mikata-gun. Homepage: antaiji.org [1] . This is no guest house. Antaiji is a monastery in the Soto Zen school. It was founded in 1923, and made famous as a place for serious meditation and simple living by Sawaki Kodo Roshi and his student, and later abbot, Kosho Uchiyama Roshi. Many foreigners have practiced at Antaiji, and it continues to welcome serious overseas trainees for short and long term stays.

Eat [ edit ]

Drink [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

• Kyoto Prefecture borders Hyogo Prefecture to the east. Obviously, the city of Kyoto is a great destination for any tourist in Japan, due to its abundance of historical and cultural sites, such as Kiyomizu Temple and the Imperial Palace . Uji is also worthwhile, with the famous Byodoin Temple , Ujigami Shrine , and Manpukuji Temple . If you are in northern Hyogo, Amanohashidate is a worthwhile destination, with its main attraction being the view, considered to be one of Japan's Top 3 views.
• Tottori Prefecture meets Hyogo on the northwestern border. The city of Tottori is most famous for the Tottori Sand Dunes , the only sand dunes in Japan, as well as the Kannon-in Garden and Kawahara Castle .
• Okayama Prefecture lies to the west of Hyogo. Bizen , located close to Hyogo, is where the famous Bizen swords and Bizen pottery were first made, and there are museums with artifacts and information about making them. The capital, Okayama , features one of Japan's Top 3 gardens, Korakuen Garden , along with Saijo Inari , one of Japan's Top 3 Inari shrines. The city also has a wide variety of museums and Okayama Castle , the famous black castle. The city of Tsuyama features Shurakuen Garden , the historic Joto Street , and Kakuzan Park , which contains the ruins of Tsuyama Castle and is a great place for cherry blossom viewing. Kurashiki is well known for its charming Bikan historic district, a well preserved and quite large area filled with historic buildings, shops, and museums.
• Osaka Prefecture is located to the southeast. The modern city of Osaka features a wide variety of shopping areas, such as Namba and Umeda . This city also features a variety of museums and cultural sites, such as the Kaiyukan , an excellent aquarium, and the famous Osaka Castle . For historic sites, Sumiyoshi Shrine is a great destination, along with Shitennoji Temple . In the city of Sakai lies the Nintoku Tomb , the largest burial mound in Japan. In Suita City one can visit Expo Memorial Park , which is where the 1970 World Expo was held. The famous Tower of the Sun can be seen here.

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Kobe Beekeepers Store

Genbudo Park (Genbudo Caves & Museum)

Gesshoji Temple

Uontana Fish Market

Copenhagen Suma Hot Dogs

Akashi Municipal Planetarium

Yakitori & Craft Beer Hop Stand

Jesus Pizza Kobe

Aeon Mall Kobe-Minami

Takacho Kitaharima Yokamura Park

Awaji Hanasajiki Flower Park

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15 Best Things to Do in Hyogo

From Himeji Castle to Kobe Beef, Best Things to Do in Hyogo

Hyogo is a prefecture located in Kansai region, stretching from the Seto Inland Sea to the Sea of Japan. The prefectural capital, Kobe is one of the largest cosmopolitan cities in Japan, known for its signature marbled beef called Kobe Beef and scenic setting of mountains with the harbor. The vibrant port cities is a center of economic, transportation and tourism in the region.

Hyogo is situated next to Kyoto and Osaka, two of the most popular cities among tourists in Japan, and  the prefecture itself is a great travel destination as there are numbers of tourist attractions such as historic sites, nature spots, hot spring resorts and delicious local specialties.

In this article, I would like introduce the best things to do in Hyogo Prefecture, from the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Himeji Castle to delicious Kobe Wagyu Beef!

With this Kansai Region Bucket List, let’s also check out the surrounding tourist attractions: Best Things to Do in Kansai

The capital city of Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe (神戸) is one of the most attractive cities and the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. The city is country’s one of the most important port cities with the Port of Kobe which opened for foreign trade in 19th century.

Kobe offers a great number of tourist attractions including the city’s landmark Kobe Tower , the waterfront park Meriken Park , museums, shopping spots and a plenty of restaurants to taste mouthwatering Kobe Beef . The city is also known for its beautiful night view which is considered as one of three most spectacular night views along with Hakodate and Nagasaki.

One of the best places to enjoy the scenic city view of Kobe is Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens , a botanical garden situated on the slope of Mt Rokko. It’s the largest herb garden in Japan with around 75,000 herbs and flowers of about 200 kinds blooming throughout the year. The garden can be access only by the ropeway which offers astonishing views of Kobe City.

Since being one of the oldest port cities in Japan, Kobe has a lot of influence from other countries and offers a unique mixed cultures of Western and Oriental. The Kitano area, the Western influenced district which used to be a residence area of foreign merchants and there are some former houses and buildings no open to public as tourist sites. The city also has the largest China Town .

More info: Kobe: Best Things to Do

2. Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle (姫路城) is a Japanese feudal castle located in Himeji City. The castle is often called the White Heron Castle (Shirasagi-jo in Japanese) because of the beautiful appearance with the white exterior of the building. It’s counted as one of three greatest castles in Japan along with Matsumoto Castle in Nagano and Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto.

The castle renowned for the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture with advanced defensive systems from the feudal period in the 17th century. It’s the only Japanese castle that is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s also designated to National Treasure. The best time to visit the castle is cherry blossom season as 0ver 1,000 cherry trees are planted in the grounds of the castle.

3. Kokoen Garden

The Japanese style stroll garden is 3.5 ha and consists of nine different gardens which are separated from each other by walls. It has a large pond in center with 250 carps. The garden features the style of architecture from Edo period, making it a popular setting for filming Jidaigeki (Japanese historical dramas and movies)

4. Shosazan Engyoji Temple

Shoshazan Engyoji Temple ( 書写山圓教寺 ) is a temple of the Tendai sect located in Himeji City. The temple was founded in 966 by Shoku Shonin and has over 1000 years history. Engyoji is the 27th temple of the 33 Kansai Kannnon Pilgrimage temples. The temple complex consists of multiple buildings including the main hall of the temple Mani-den and some of them are designated to Important Cultural Property of Japan. The temple is located at the summit of Mt Shosha (Shoshazan) and can be reached via a hiking trail or a ropeway.

Engyoji Temple has been featured on numbers of movies and dramas in past mostly with domestic productions, but it became famous worldwide when it was set on the filming location of the Hollywood blockbuster movie “ The Last Samurai ” as multiple scenes were shot around three halls (Daiko-do, Jiki-do and Jogyo-do).

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EZ3koZdHtrEzZgkp8

5. Kinosaki Onsen

Kinosaki Onsen (城崎温泉) is one of the most popular Onsen resorts in Japan, located in Toyooka City in northern Hyogo along the coastline of the Sea of Japan. Kinosaki Onsen, once featured on Lonely Planet as the Best Onsen Town in Japan, attracts visitors by its traditional and charming townscape with historic buildings and willow trees lined along the canal.

Visitors can enjoy strolling down the street with a nostalgic atmosphere, wearing Yukata (cotton kimono) and Geta (wooden sandals). On the streets of Kinosaki, you can hear the clatter of Geta sandals as passengers pass by, which adds a unique quality and characteristic to this Onsen town.

Kinosaki Onsen is home to approx 80 Onsen ryokans and 7 public bathhouses called Sotoyu, and the popular activity in Kinosaki is Sotoyu Meguri, touring all the public bathhouses, which allows you to have various Onsen experience.

6. Kobe Beef

Wagyu (premium Japanese beef) is one of the most popular Japanese food among tourists. In fact, there are over 300 wagyu brands throughout the country, and one of the most famous and renowned wagyu beef brands is Kobe Beef (神戸牛) , which is from Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture. Kobe Beef is valued for its taste, tenderness and well-marbled texture with the delicate fat that melts in your mouth delightfully.

In Kobe City, there are numbers of restaurants and steakhouses that offer delicious and mouthwatering Kobe Beef dishes. You can enjoy Kobe Beef in various ways of cooking such as Teppanyaki, Shabu-Shabu and Sukiyaki. Check the link below to find the best Kobe Beef restaurants in Kobe City!

More info: Best Kobe Beef Restaurants in Kobe

7. Arima Onsen

Along with the Kinosaki Onsen mentioned above, Arima Onsen (有馬温泉) is also one of the top hot spring resorts in Western Japan. Arima Onsen is a popular getaway from the city as it’s located within Kobe City, just behind Mt Rokko. While being situated in the modern city, it attracts visitors with its tranquility and surroundings of the beautiful nature tucked away from the hustle and bustle from the city.

Arima Onsen is considered as one of the best three hot springs in Japan. There are two types of spring waters: Kinsen that has brownish colour and contains iron and salt, and Ginsen that has no colour and contains radium and carbonate.

Arima Onsen is one of the oldest hot springs in Japan from 8th century and also known as a favourite Onsen of Hideyoshi Toyotomi, one of the most famous Japanese samurai and warlord from the 16th century, whose statue can be found in the town.

More info: 10 Best Things to Do in Arima Onsen

8. Takeda Castle Ruins

Takeda Castle Ruins (竹田城跡) are ruins of a mountaintop castle located on Asago City in northern Hyogo Prefecture. The Takeda Castle was built originally in 1441 during the Muromachi period by Otagaki Mitsukage, a retainer of Yamana Sozen, and destroyed in 1600 during the battle of Sekigahara with the foundations and stone walls remained relatively undamaged.

The castle ruins are today a popular tourist site and often called “the Castle in the Sky” as it looks like floating on a sea of clouds. It’s often compared to Machu Picchu, an Incan citadel in Peru. The castle can be visited through the year, however, if you wish to capture the view of the cloud-floating castle, there are more chances for the foggy haze to appear in early morning in autumn (which is about once every three days).

9. Rokkosan

Rokkosan or Mt Rokko (六甲山) is a range of mountains in southeastern Hyogo Prefecture, which spans approx 56km from western Kobe to Takarazuka with the highest point of 931 m. Mt Rokko is a symbol of Kobe City and a popular destination for sightseeing and hiking from the city. The panoramic view of Hanshin area including Kobe City, Osaka Bay and Osaka can be seen from the mountain, and the view is also spectacular after the sunset.

Various attractions are available on Mt Rokko including a botanical garden, museum, park, shops, restaurants, observatories. There are also seasonal events such as autumn leaves viewing and winter illuminations. The mountain can be accessed by a cable car from Kobe City and ropeway from Arima Onsen.

10. Hanshin Koshien Stadium

Hanshin Koshien Stadium (阪神甲子園球場) is a baseball stadium located in Nishinomiya City. The stadium opened in summer in 1924 and has a capacity of 55,000. It’s a home field of Hanshin Tigers, a Japanese professional baseball team that has a huge fanbase in Western Japan. The stadium also hosts national high school baseball tournaments called Koshien, which the stadium was originally built for and given its name. While the tournaments are held, Hanshin Tigers uses Kyocere Dome Osaka as their second home field.

During the season of professional baseball league or high school tournaments, it’s recommended to visit Hanshin Koshien Stadium and watch the baseball game with local fans with an energetic and enthusiastic atmosphere, especially if you are a baseball fan!

11. Kobe Luminarie

Watching winter illuminations is one of the most popular seasonal activities in Japan nowadays, and gorgeous light-ups are displayed in many cities across Japan during winter. Kobe Luminarie (神戸ルミナリエ) is one of the most spectacular illumination events in Japan, which is held annually in Kobe City in winter.

The event originally started in 1995 to commemorate the Great Hanshin Earthquake and has been running over 20 years until today. The event features colourful and gorgeous light installations which are designed by Japanese and Italian artists and displayed at multiple locations in Kobe City. The event invites a few million visitors every year.

12. Autumn Leaves at Ankokuji Temple

Ankokuji Temple is today famous for the Dodan Tsutsuji (Enkianthus perulatus) which turns into red colour during autumn and displays spectacular scenery. The view of the burning red trees can be enjoyed from the main hall of the temple and it looks just like a painting. During the season, the temple attracts thousands of visitors willing to capture a glimpse of the breathtaking scenery.

More info: Ankokuji Temple: the Best Hidden Autumn Leaves Spot in Hyogo

13. Awaji Island

Awaji Island is a popular tourist destination in Western Japan as the island offers an abundance of unique attractions including historic sites, museums, amusement parks, seasonal flowers, nature spots and delicious local cuisine. The island is also famous for the traditional performing art of puppet theater with a history of 500 years and it’s performed the Awaji Puppet Theater until today.

More info ▶ Best Things to Do in Awaji Island

14. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (明石海峡大橋) is a suspension bridge that connects Kobe City and Awaji Island, and spans over the Akashi Strait. The bridge opened in 1998 as the longest suspension bridge in the world (3,911 m) at that time. It’s currently the second longest after the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge in Turkey opened in March 2022. The bridge is part of the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway, the tolled express way connecting Hyogo and Tokushima prefectures.

The science museum, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Exhibition Center is located next to the bridge (on the Kobe City side) where guests can learn the history and technologies about the bridge and its construction. The bridge is usually open only for vehicles, but there is also a 317m long promenade as a tourist attraction. There is also a group tour held occasionally, which allows visitors to walk on a special path and access the top of the bridge

and observation space if you join a group tour. (link: https://www.jb-honshi.co.jp/english/bridgeworld/index.html )

15. Naruto Whirlpools

The Naruto Whirlpools (鳴門の渦潮) are the natural phenomena formed by tidal currents of the Naruto Strait between Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture and Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture. The strait has a width of about 1.3km and connects the Pacific Ocean and the Seto Inland Sea with the tide moving a large amount of water.

The current in the strait is the fastest in Japan with the speed reaching up to 20km/h. The dimension of the whirlpool can be as big as 20m. The whirlpools can be observed from from the shore of Awaji Island,  sightseeing boats or through the glass window on the hallway of the Onaruto Bridge from 45m above the sea. The dramatic movements of the tide can be seen about every 6 hours at high and low tide.

▽Check out the attractions you should experience across Japan with this Japan Bucket List!▽

If you are wondering what to do in Western Japan, check this article below! ▶︎ Top Things to Do in Western Japan

▽Check more things to do in Kansai Region!▽

▶︎30 Best Things to Do in Osaka ▶︎30 Best Things to Do in Kyoto ▶︎10 Best Things to Do in Shiga ▶︎10 Best Things to Do in Mie ▶︎10 Best Things to Do in Nara ▶︎10 Best Things to Do in Wakayama

↓↓↓For more articles about Japan, check these links!! ↓↓↓

▽Related Articles▽

"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have lived and explored countries around the world. As a resident of Japan and based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling Japan with my readers. I hope my story will help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈

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11月 3, 2017

Top 8 Tourist Attractions & Best Things to Do in Hyogo, Japan

In West Japan, Hyogo Prefecture is the popular tourist destination along with Osaka. You can enjoy both Ocean side and Mountain side. If you want to shop or dine, Kobe is where you want to go, but there are lots of tourist spots that you can enjoy if you go little farther! Spend a few days in Hyogo and you will find its charm! We carefully selected popular recommended tourist spots in Hyogo for you to enjoy!

1. Kobe Harbor

Kobe, the popular port city in Japan along with Yokohama. Popular tourist spot to represent Kobe is “Kobe Harbor”, romantic and exotic port city. In the evening the harbor is beautifully lit up and many couples visit here as a date spot.

But not only you can enjoy the night view, the Harborland next to Kobe Harbor has shopping malls and Ferris wheel so you canenjoy all day with your family and friends! You can have a fun time shopping during daytime, and at night you can go to restaurants or bars with awesome views and have a romatic time!

2. Rokko Mountain

A night view of the Kobe port is beautiful, but speaking of the night view spot in Hyogo Prefecture is “Rokko Mountain”! Rokko has a ranch and botanical Gardens, and you can feel the nature right in front of you.

And, the biggest charm is the view from the observatory! It’s a 100 million dollars night view and you can overview the beautiful night scenery from Osaka to Kobe.

You can go up to the summit with the retro cable car while watching the scenery of the city. In addition, at the cafe at the Rokko Garden Terrace you can enjoy delicious desserts while enjoying a superb view. Since you can enjoy both daytime view and night view (they are different and beautiful!) it is a popular tourist spot for many years.

▽ Related Article

3. Kitano Ijinkan

At the mountain side of Kobe, there are Museums called ” Ijinkan”— the houses people from Europe and US used to live. The street is called “Kitano Ijinkan Street”. You can tour the Ijinkan buildings and enjoy the history. Also explore this entire area, lots of shops and eateries.

Since you visit the port city, Kobe, it is fun to experience “not so Japanese” unusual atmosphere! It’s a small are so you can tour quick! Also the access from downtown Sannomiya & Motomachi is about a 10-minute walk, you cant stop by with no hustle.

4. Arima Onsen

A popular hot springs spot in Hyogo, “Arima Onsen”is about 30 minutes away from Kobe by train, and is a secluded hot spring village located deep in the mountains. Arima Onsen is Japan’s oldest hot springs and is located in very attractive old historic streets.

One you step in the street you can smell the hot spring, and the atmosphere of the hot springs town from the old days is still there, very nostalgic.

It is ideal to stay a couple of days, but there are some places allows you to enjoy hot springs for a day trip. Using Rokko Arima ropeway that connects Rokko mountain peaks and Arima hot springs, you can enjoy the view of the deep forest from up high. Since the ropeway is usually not busy, you can relax and enjoy the ride.

→The 10 Best Luxury Hotels and Ryokans in Arima Onsen, Kobe

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5. Himeji Castle

Popular tourist spot as a historical heritage that represents Hyogo Prefecture, “Himeji Castle”. This castle became Japan’s first world heritage. Himeji Castle that looks like a white heron flying in the sky is also known as “Shirasagijo” and pure white beauty. The dignified strong appearance stun people who visit there.

This castle is a masterpiece that the architectural technique is over the top, it is worth to take a look at the details of the castle including the castle tower. You can enjoy the visit any season, but early April blooming cherry trees is the best season throughout the year to see the most beautiful Himeji Castle.

Through April to Fall the castle is lit up at night, you can see the magnificent appearance. It is highly recommended to visit around the time of the season.

→Top 10 Tourist Attractions & Best Things to Do in Himeji, Japan

6. Nishinomiya Gardens

Speaking of fun travel, visiting tourist spots and eating delicious food is a must but you cannot miss fun shopping! We recommend “Nishinomiya Gardens” to those who want such a fun shopping in Hyogo. This mall has indivual stores, department store and supermarket all together. It is one of the largest shopping mall in western Japan.

Total 256 stores and also there is a movie theater, it is a complex building that a wide range of generations can enjoy. This mall is connected to the train station, it is very convenient. For those who want to go shopping in Kansai area, this is the place you don’t want to miss!

7. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

Very popular tourist spot in Hyogo Prefecture, “Akashi Kaikyo Bridge” is the world longest suspension bridge connecting Kobe and Awaji Island. This bridge is certified by Guinness. Each season different lights are set up at the bridge so you can enjoy going there any time of the season.

The view of the sunset from the bridge is the best, we recommend you visiting at dusk. “Maiko Ocean Promenade” built next to Akashi Kaikyo Bridge has a promenade and observatory, you can actually experience the bridge. It has become more popular as a tourist spot. You can overlook large ships come and go or islands around Seto Inland Sea.

8. Awaji Island

Small island in the south of Hyogo Prefecture mainland “Awaji Island”. Hyogo Prefecture has many tourist spots, but Awaji Island is specially very popular. The size of this isaland is very small so you can tour easily.

For those who want to eat fresh seafood, this island will absolutely the place you don’t want to miss!! You can enjoy the most excellent tasty seafood!

Specially Tako-meshi (Rice with octopus) is the best, people come here all the way just to eat this rice! In addition, there are colorful beautiful flowers in every season so you can not only enjoy delicious seafood but beautiful island view.

→The 10 Best Places to Eat in Awaji Island, Japan

Let’s tour around tourist spots in Hyogo!

What did you think? To those who just don’t want to tour popular places in Hyogo, we recommend to enjoy Hyogo at the higher level. Although it may be difficult to experiece everything, we hope you can schedule trips as many as possible and enjpy. By knoing this informtion, we think you can enjoy Hyogo a lot better. Please enjoy Hyogo!

Please share this article for your friends!

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Hyogo Tourism

Hyogo Prefecture is located in the Kansai region, and can be reached in less than an hour by train from Kyoto City, Osaka City, and the Kansai International Airport. The prefecture can also be reached by bullet train in 3-3.5 hours from Tokyo.

Hyogo is a great place to visit for culture, food, experiences, and adventures off the beaten track!

Hyogo's Official Tourism Websites

Official Hyogo Tourism Pamphlets

HYOGO: A Japan in Miniature

See some great features of Japan all packed into one prefecture! These include culture, food, onsen, and nature.

Adventures in Hyogo Prefecture

Learn about outdoor adventure activities in Hyogo Prefecture, specifically in the San'in Geopark and Awaji Island regions.

Sustainable Travel in Hyogo

Travel sustainably in Hyogo Prefecture through outdoor adventures, cultural activities, and accommodations.

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[Hyogo Tajima] Kinosaki Onsen: A townscape with a typical Japanese atmosphere, a two-star hot spring town in the Michelin Green Guide Japon.

Kinosaki Onsen in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture is a traditional town that was awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. The fusion of Japanese culture, hot springs, and beautiful natural environment makes it a blissful place to soothe your mind and body. In this article, we will introdu...

Hyogo Tourism Bureau

• Table of Contents

Enjoy the Michelin Green Guide Japan one-star view from Mt. Daishi: Kinosaki Ropeway

Origin of kinosaki onsen: mandarayu, travel back in time to old japan michelin green guide japan 2-star townscape: kinosaki onsen, recommended photogenic spot by local guide: otani river, summary of basic information for each spot, access to kinosaki onsen.

The Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway has three stops: Sanroku Station, Intermediate Station, and Summit Station. It takes about 7 minutes from Sanroku Station to Sancho Station. There is also a route where you get off at the intermediate station and go up the mountain. Recommended during spring and autumn, when you can see cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.

The view from the top of Mt. Daishi, where the Kinosaki Ropeway is located, was awarded one star in the Michelin Green Guide Japan for its magnificent and splendid view.

At the intermediate station is Onsenji Temple, which is the guardian temple of Kinosaki Onsen. It is said that in the past, there was a tradition of climbing a mountain and visiting a hot spring temple before taking a bath at Kinosaki Onsen. After visiting the shrine, it is also a tradition to learn about ancient bathing etiquette at a hot spring temple and receive a hot water scoop.

The end of the ropeway is the summit of Mt. Daishi - Sancho Station. From the observation deck at the top of the mountain, you can see the magnificent Sea of ​​Japan. As expected, it is a one-star spot in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.

One of the specialties at the top of the Kinosaki Ropeway is ``Kawarake Nage.'' As a Japanese custom, throwing a ceramic vessel from a high place and breaking it is said to ward off evil spirits. It is also said that if you hit the red target set far away, your wish will come true! You can buy kawarake at the mountaintop cafe, so be sure to throw some kawarake and experience the Japanese custom!

Kawarake (3 pieces 300 yen)

There are seven famous hot springs in Kinosaki Onsen. Each hot spring has its own unique characteristics and benefits, as well as an interesting origin story.

Among them, we will introduce "Mandara no Yu" this time. Mandarayu is the oldest hot spring in Kinosaki Onsen, and is known as the origin of Kinosaki Onsen. Its origins date back to about 1,300 years ago, when the monk Dochi Shonin built a hermitage on the site of today's Mandara Hot Spring, believing in a message to save patients suffering from incurable diseases. ``Kinosaki Onsen'' was founded when people continued to chant ``Sutras'' and prayed, and a spiritual spring gushed out.

Mandara-yu is known as a ``hot spring that brings a wish for a lifetime,'' so if you use it before an important life event, game, or entrance exam, you may be able to bring good luck!

We recommend that you research in advance how to take a bath and how to use the inn, as English may not be sufficient.

In Japan, people with tattoos are often not allowed to enter hot springs, but Kinosaki Onsen doesn't have that rule, so even people with tattoos can easily enjoy the hot springs!

Kinosaki Onsen Town is lined with old-fashioned buildings, where you can enjoy the retro atmosphere of Japan. According to the local guide, after enjoying the hot springs, many people wear hot spring yukata and take a walk around the hot spring town, making it feel like you have traveled back in time to old Japan.

According to our guide, the game center at night is very popular. One of the attractions is the game center with a Showa-era atmosphere and long business hours.

Toyooka / Kami / Shinonsen

This is the most photogenic place recommended by a local guide, ``Otoshi River''. Here you can take pictures of the sky and river reflected on the water surface like a mirror. The Otani River covered in snow in winter is very beautiful. A quiet snowy landscape spreads out, with white snow piling up on the riverbanks and tree branches. Sparkling ice crystals float on the surface of the frozen river, creating a truly magical sight.

In spring, the Kinosaki Onsen town is colored with cherry blossoms, creating a beautiful sight. The cherry blossoms blooming all over the hot spring town are truly picturesque.

1. SOZORO Kinosaki Onsen Tourist Information

There is a tourist information center that can also accommodate foreign visitors tourists (Japanese and English available). We offer bus ticket sales, bicycle rental, and luggage storage services.

Business hours: 8:45-18:00 (open all year round)

Location: 96 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture

Phone: 0796-32-0013

2. Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway

Operating hours: First departure 9:10 / Last upbound 16:50 (subject to change depending on weather)

Closed: 2nd and 4th Thursdays

Location: 806-1 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture

Phone: 0796-32-2530

3. Kinosaki Onsen Suedaiyama Onsenji Temple

Visiting hours: 9:00 ~ 17:00 *However, it may be closed on days when the ropeway is closed.

Location: 985-2 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture

Phone: 0796-32-2669

4. Mandarayu

Business hours: 15:00-23:00 (Closed on Wednesdays)

Location: 565 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture

Phone: 0796-32-2194

■From the Osaka area

Chugoku Expressway ⇒ Yoshikawa JC ⇒ T Maizuru Wakasa Expressway ⇒ Kasuga JCT ⇒ Kitakinki Toyooka Expressway ⇒ Tajima Airport IC ⇒ Prefectural Road 50 ⇒ R312 (about 3 hours 30 minutes)

JR Osaka Station (Limited Express Kounotori) ⇒ Kinosaki Onsen Station (approx. 2 hours 30 minutes)

■From the Tokyo area

JR Tokyo Station (JR Shinkansen Nozomi) ⇒ JR Kyoto Station (Limited Express Kinosaki) ⇒ Kinosaki Onsen Station (about 4 hours 40 minutes)

If using a plane

Osaka (Itami) ⇒ Stork Tajima Airport ⇒ Kinosaki Onsen Station (about 1 hour 15 minutes)

Tokyo (Haneda) ⇒ Osaka (Itami) ⇒ Stork Tajima Airport ⇒ Kinosaki Onsen Station (about 2 hours 25 minutes)

Welcome to Hyogo Hyogo is a gateway to the Kansai region, which nurtures the blessed land that connects the Sea of ​​Japan, the Chugoku Mountains, and the Seto Inland Sea, as well as the blessed climate. There are many spectacular views that will catch your eye, such as Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site that was selected as one of the 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots, and the panoramic night view from Mt. Rokko. The world-famous Kobe brand, KOBE BEEF, which is synonymous with Tajima beef, is one of Japan's leading beefs, and the sake rice ``Hyogo Yamada Nishiki'' is a gem that will surprise your tongue. Arima Onsen is a famous hot spring, and Kinosaki Onsen has appeared in many literary works. Surrounded by nature, you can relax your mind and body. You can come across memorable sounds such as the thunderous sounds of the whirlpools of Naruto on Awaji Island, and the dynamic sounds of the fireworks festivals held in various places in the summer. In the herb gardens and botanical gardens in the prefecture, you will be healed by the gentle and pleasant scent of herbs and flowers throughout the four seasons. Enjoy a new journey in Hyogo that stimulates the five senses of sight, taste, touch, hearing, and smell.

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Himeji is located along the southern edge of the Kansai region in Hyogo Prefecture, facing the Seto Inland Sea.

• 2024.02.15.Thu 2024 Himeji Castle Night Cherry blossom Viewing Party ＆ Himeji Castle Cherry Blossom Viewing Festi…
• 2024.02.15.Thu 2/15-2/21　Parts of the road are closed due to road construction at Kokoen Garden.
• 2024.02.14.Wed 2/13-3/13　Mt. Shosha Ropeway is currently closed for inspection and maintenance
• 2023.12.04.Mon Himeji ILLUMINATION2023
• 2023.11.14.Tue Himeji Castle light-up event in November　～Reliving Moments of Beauty～

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