Hyogo Prefecture

Savor the World of Tomorrow at Expo 2025, and Discover Today’s Japan Through Local Gourmet in Hyogo

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 […]

A Culinary Journey Through Hyogo’s Finest Flavors—Then On to the Setouchi Triennale!

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.

Bask in Nature at Tajima’s Two Major Onsen Resorts

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.

Journey through Himeji's Castles and Temples: Immersing Yourself in the World of Classic Films

Himeji 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. Embrace your imagination as you embark on a journey that lets you step into the shoes of characters from famous films.

A Retreat and Scenic Drive around Awaji Island

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.

Hyogo × Setouchi: A Journey Through Two Worlds of Art, from Nature’s Masterpieces to Contemporary Creations

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.

A Journey Through Hyogo: Unraveling the Spirit of Japan

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.

A Trip Through Hyogo’s Breathtaking Scenery

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 […]

Connect with Local Culture and People: A Journey Through Hyogo

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 […]

From the Land of Beginnings to the Future—Exploring Hyogo’s Origins on the Road to Expo 2025

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 […]

A Journey to Experience Hyogo’s Rich Nature and Diverse Culture Through Sustainability

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 […]

Set Off on a Retro-Modern, Photogenic Journey in Hyogo!

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.

Discovering Life and Art in the Seto Inland Sea: A Journey Through Ieshima and Naoshima

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.

From the Seto Inland Sea to Harima—Salt, Hishio, and a Story of Fermentation

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.

Exploring Japan’s Tableware Traditions Through Gastronomy Tourism

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.

Feast on Crab and Scenery: An Adventure by Train Through a Land of Rich Traditions

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.

A Rail Journey Linking Landscapes: From Kinosaki Onsen to Kyoto by the Sea

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.

A Journey through the Shadows: Smoke and Light Across the Ancient Capital 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.

From Cutting-Edge Innovation to Timeless Healing: A Luxurious Adult Getaway, from Expo 2025 to Arima Onsen

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.

A Journey Through Japan’s Colors of White and Red

White—purity, sacredness, and renewal, a color central to rituals and celebrations. Red—the symbol of the sun, blood, life, and prayers for a bountiful harvest. In Hyogo Prefecture, the cities of Himeji and Ako offer a journey into these two symbolic hues, exploring the origins of Japanese aesthetics expressed through white and red.

Discover the Origins of "Washoku" in Osaka and Awaji Island

Registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013, washoku, or Japanese cuisine, has captured the world’s attention. Deeply rooted in the climate, history, and daily life of Japan, it offers more than a dining experience—it invites travelers to explore the traditions and stories behind the cuisine. Why not head out on a journey to the lush, ingredient-rich island of Awaji and the food capital of Osaka and open a window onto the very origins of Japanese gastronomy?

Retreat into Nature in Kobe and Awaji Island

Hyogo Prefecture, bordered by both sea and mountains and adjacent to the cities of Osaka and Kyoto, offers striking natural scenery. A route that takes you from the historic port city of Kobe to Awaji Island in the Seto Inland Sea invites travelers to embrace “wellness tourism,” engaging with nature while reconnecting with body and mind.

Exploring Fashion through “Made in Japan”

After the opening of Kobe Port in 1868, tailors introduced Western-style clothing, and the city nurtured a refined fashion culture. Alongside it grew a spirit and style rooted in the idea of “cherishing good quality items for a long time.” In Kobe, “Made in Japan” refers not only to technique but also to that very spirit. Even in today’s world of fast fashion, walking through Kobe and Kojima in Okayama Prefecture is a journey into the question: what does fashion truly mean?

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Hyogo Prefecture