Himeji is just two hours by limousine bus from Kansai International Airport, or about 30 minutes by Shinkansen from Osaka Station (two stops). The area is home to romantic ancient castle ruins and Buddhist temples with over a thousand years of history, many of which have been featured in classic films. Originally built as fortresses for warfare, Japan’s castles eventually evolved into symbols of power and wealth. Embrace your imagination and picture yourself as a castle lord, contemplating how you might once have lived, as you embark on a journey that lets you step into the shoes of characters from famous films.
A 20-minute walk from Himeji station brings you to Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in 1346, the castle was expanded by successive lords and took its present form in 1618. Remarkably, it has survived over 400 years unharmed by the ravages of war, earning it the nickname “Castle of Peace.” Its pristine white exterior, resembling a white heron spreading its wings, has also earned it the moniker “White Heron Castle.” Its elegant structure has captivated many a filmmaker, including the internationally renowned director Akira Kurosawa, who featured it in masterpieces like Ran and Kagemusha.
Himeji Castle
Address: 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Tel.: 079-285-1146
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:00 PM) Hours vary by season
Closed: December 29–30
Next, head to Mount Shosha’s Engyoji Temple, founded about 1,000 years ago by a monk on the mountain’s summit. The vast grounds take about two hours to explore fully. Its solemn, serene atmosphere made it a fitting location for the filming of The Last Samurai, starring Tom Cruise, and has drawn filmmakers from around the world.
Within the temple grounds lies Juroin Hall, designated as an Important Cultural Property and home to a Michelin-starred restaurant. Here, you can savor modern interpretations of shojin ryori, traditional Buddhist cuisine that avoids the use of meat and fish, and includes sesame tofu, tempura, soba, and many more dishes in the temple’s spacious, tranquil setting.
Engyoji Temple, Juroin Hall
Address: 2968 Shosha, Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Shojin ryori is available from April to November (excl. Thursdays)
Tel.: 079-266-3327
Just a 10-minute drive from the foot of Mount Shosha, you’ll find Shiota Onsen, nestled in peaceful rural surroundings. Known for over 300 years for its therapeutic effects on the digestive system, this onsen continues to attract visitors seeking physical and spiritual rejuvenation. Relax in the open-air baths surrounded by nature, under a sky filled with stars.
The story of the Chushingura, which tells the tale of the famous revenge of the 47 Ako ronin (wandering samurai), is popular both domestically and overseas. The Ako domain’s castle, Ako Castle, where these events took place, was built over 13 years starting in 1661, but was eventually abandoned during the Meiji era. However, the gardens within the castle grounds are preserved and maintained to this day.
Ako Castle Ruins
Address: 1424-1 Kamikariya, Ako, Hyogo Prefecture
The oysters from Ako and Sakoshi have become a regional brand known throughout Japan. Located to the east of Ako, Sakoshi sits at the mouth of the Chikusa River, one of Japan’s 100 best waters, surrounded by lush forests. The oysters grown here are safe, hygienic, and have a fruity flavor free from any off-taste or bitterness, making them a favorite even among those less inclined to the delicacy.
While oysters generally take three years to mature, Sakoshi oysters take only six months or so to grow to a large size. They are known for their plumpness and ability to retain their shape and texture even when cooked. Unlike other areas where oysters must be sterilized with UV-treated water before being sold for raw consumption, the pristine waters of Sakoshi Bay require no such treatment. This makes Sakoshi oysters particularly safe and easy to eat, attracting many visitors who come to try raw oysters for the first time. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy these carefully cultivated oysters, a true labor of love from the local fishermen.
Kamashima Fisheries
Address: 319 Sakoshi, Ako, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Tel.: 0791-48-0658 (reception: 6:30–14:00)
Hours: 8:30–016:00
Closed: Tuesdays and Saturdays
Cap off your journey with a stay at Ako Onsen, a hot spring resort overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. Here, you can relax in the revitalizing waters, soothed by the gentle sound of the waves. The onsen’s silky smooth waters are known for their moisturizing effects, earning them the nickname “The Waters of Rejuvenation.”
As you watch the sun set over the horizon, let your thoughts drift toward what the next day will bring. Ako is just three hours away from Tokyo, Shikoku, and Kyushu, making it an ideal starting point for the next chapter of your travel story.
Hyogo Prefecture is accessible by Shinkansen (JR) from Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Travel by air to Kansai International Airport is also convenient, with limousine bus services to Osaka available from the airport.
The Himeji area, featured in this article, can be conveniently accessed from the Shinkansen Himeji station. Shiota Onsen is about 30 minutes away by bus, and Ako Onsen about 30 minutes away by JR.
After your journey in Hyogo Prefecture, consider continuing your trip to Kyushu by Shinkansen (JR) from Himeji.
At Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, visitors can explore the future of technology and experience global food cultures as they tour pavilions from around the world. A major highlight of the expo is its diverse food offerings—from international cuisine served in expansive food halls to pavilions showcasing the best of their national dishes. To enrich this […]
Surrounded by verdant mountains and splendid seas, Hyogo is a treasure trove of premium ingredients for gourmet cuisine. While Kobe beef stands out, Hyogo is also home to seafood such as Kasumi red snow crab, Akashi sea bream, and Awaji conger eel, which have legions of devoted fans. Here, we introduce some must-try delicacies when visiting Hyogo.
Only about 2 hours and 20 minutes by JR Limited Express from Kyoto—no transfers required—lies the easily accessible hot spring resort of Kinosaki Onsen. Alongside Kinosaki, Yumura Onsen is considered one of the two major onsen destinations in the Tajima area. Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, the region is blessed with fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan and mountain delicacies nurtured by beautiful forests and pristine waters.
Awaji Island is located in the eastern part of the Seto Inland Sea. Despite its small size, it’s easily accessible and dotted with numerous tourist spots, making it a popular destination among visitors in recent years. The island is perfect for a drive, as you can circle it in about four hours by car. Read on as we introduce some of the island’s must-see spots.
Located just over two hours from Kyoto by express train, Toyooka City in northern Hyogo Prefecture is a haven of natural beauty, fully designated as part of the San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark. With its pristine blue seas, dazzling white beaches, and fascinating geological formations writ with Earth’s history, Hyogo offers an abundance of scenic spots and year-round activities where you can immerse yourself in nature.
Hyogo Prefecture is home to one of Japan’s oldest pilgrimage routes, the Saikoku Kannon Pilgrimage. The core values that form the foundation of the Japanese spirit—respect for manners and a deep appreciation for things—have been nurtured through the nature and people encountered along this pilgrimage.
Hyogo Prefecture offers awe-inspiring sights: a towering wooden castle with a pristine white facade, the dazzling “million-dollar” night view, and one of the world’s largest whirlpools. These extraordinary vistas showcase the harmonious interplay of nature’s artistry, the ingenuity of past generations, and the dedication of those who preserve them today. Visit the “Castle in the […]
Hyogo Prefecture, located near Kyoto and Osaka, is home to popular tourist destinations such as Kobe and Himeji Castle, which draw many international visitors. The region offers a variety of English-guided tours, enabling travelers to connect deeply with the local community and culture. This article highlights local travel experiences that celebrate the unique culture of […]
Hyogo Prefecture, nestled between mountains and sea, boasts cities with unique identities, from the cosmopolitan port city of Kobe to the historic hot spring town of Arima at the foot of Mount Rokko, one of Japan’s famed 100 mountains (hyaku meizan). Beyond their distinct charm, these towns are home to the cultural origins that have […]
Hyogo Prefecture, blessed with a plethora of diverse landscapes, is often called a “microcosm of Japan.” Offering unique travel experiences that immerse visitors in the region’s distinct ecosystems, culture, and cuisine, the journey outlined below takes you through globally rare stork habitats to sensory Zen retreats and farm-to-table restaurants on Awaji Island to enjoy while […]
Just 12 minutes by Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka lies Shin-Kobe, a station steeped in history. Over time, the area became a hub for foreign residents, quickly adopting Western culture—an influence that extended to the neighboring city of Takarazuka, earning its reputation as a town of culture and arts. Indeed, Hyogo Prefecture’s Kobe-Kitano, Sannomiya, and Takarazuka are picturesque at every turn, making them a hit with influencers. Over two days, we explored some of their top spots as selected by photographers.
A short boat ride from Himeji brings you to Ieshima, a tranquil fishing town where boats bob in the harbor and the day’s catch is displayed beneath seaside eaves. Wander sunlit lanes, greeted by friendly locals and lounging cats, and soon you’ll feel at home in island life. Cross the water again to Naoshima, where contemporary art and bold architecture transform the landscape, blending the everyday with the extraordinary in the heart of the Seto Inland Sea.
Crossing the tranquil Seto Inland Sea leads to Shodoshima, an island where salt and fermentation have shaped centuries of soy-sauce making. Here, the aroma of koikuchi soy sauce, brewed in wooden vats for over 400 years, mingles with the legacy of usukuchi soy sauce from Tatsuno, reflecting the delicate flavors essential to Kyoto cuisine. This journey invites you to experience Japan’s fermentation culture through its rich tastes, scents, and artisanal traditions.
When you travel, every dish you encounter reflects the land and culture from which it comes. In recent years, gastronomy tourism, a journey that explores not only cuisine itself but also the stories behind it, has been attracting attention worldwide. This time, the journey takes us to Kyoto, home to the refined art of lacquerware, and to Tamba-Sasayama in Hyogo Prefecture, renowned for its Tamba pottery. Guided by the Japanese sensibility of hare (the extraordinary) and ke (the everyday), we explore the rich world where food and tableware intertwine.
In the San’in region, red snow crab season opens in autumn, followed by Matsuba snow crab in winter – prime time for crab-focused trips. One of the hub towns is Hamasaka in Hyogo Prefecture, the only place in Japan where “crab sommeliers” host your meal, offering a singular dining experience found nowhere else. Using the hot-spring town of Hamasaka as a base, set off on a grand rail journey toward the Tottori Sand Dunes, taking in the dynamic vistas of the San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark along the way.
Hyogo Prefecture is famed for its scenic rail journeys. Among them, one of the most popular is the Tango AO-MATSU Train, which lets travelers explore both Hyogo and Kyoto while staying in the historic hot-spring town of Kinosaki Onsen. The journey begins in Kinosaki Onsen, about two and a half hours from Kobe, Osaka, or Kyoto by limited express train—a trip that connects hot springs, fine sake, and breathtaking views of the Sea of Japan.
Jun’ichiro Tanizaki, one of Japan’s foremost literary figures, vividly explored the “beauty of shadow” that dwells within Japanese architecture and daily life in his 1933 essay In Praise of Shadows. He wrote that the true essence of Japanese beauty lies not in brightness, but in the subtle interplay of light and shadow—the moon filtering through trees, the soft glow behind a shoji paper screen, the dim reflections upon lacquerware. One of the places that shaped Tanizaki’s aesthetic sensibility was Kyoto, the ancient capital. The quiet shadows that inhabit its temples and gardens deepened his literary world. Another retreat he frequented was Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture.
Brunei is known for its strong sense of identity and deep respect for tradition. While a modern country, Brunei remains rooted in long-standing heritage. The country's culture reflects a blend of Malay, Islamic, and indigenous influences, with contributions from Chinese and Indian communities as well. These traditions are apparent in Brunei's cultural experiences, cuisine, and festivals. From its magnificent mosques and floating villages to flavorful street dishes and festive traditions, let's take a look at the experiences that bring Brunei culture to life.
Brunei is a treasure for anyone who loves the outdoors, offering rainforests, winding rivers, and protected ecosystems, like those inside Ulu Temburong National Park. With so much of its landscape still wild and protected, Brunei offers a peaceful and authentic way to experience the tropics. Here is an overview of Brunei outdoor activities and nature attractions that showcase the country’s incredible biodiversity and natural beauty.
Arima Onsen, alongside Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma) and Gero Onsen (Gifu), is one of Japan’s sanmeisen, or “three famed hot springs.” Nestled in tranquil mountain settings, “Kansai’s hidden retreat” offers visitors not only healing waters to soak in but also numerous local gourmet delights, making it a much-loved getaway for both relaxation and culinary pleasure.