Hyogo Prefecture is stretching from the Seto Inland Sea to the Sea of Japan. Ancient castles, a lively port city and renowned hot springs draw visitors.

Kobe is the fifth largest city in Japan. It has a long history as a port city of international trade, and reputation as a cosmopolitan city. The majestic World Heritage site, Himeji Castle and Arima Onsen hot springs are probably the main attraction and easy access from Kobe to the both sites.

Seasonal Highlights

There are many places for beautiful flowers and cherry blossoms in Hyogo. Shukugawa Park with about 1,700 cherry trees, lined for 2.8km is one of the best place near Kobe.

You can enjoy nice beaches in Hyogo. The Sea of Japan in the North has beautiful beaches with white sands and green pine groves, and the Pacific Ocean in the South is very easy access from Kobe.

The leaves turn red, orange and yellow in the mountains in Hyogo. Especially shrines and temples in the Tamba area, Ankoku-ji Temple in the Tajima area and Nunobiki no taki water falls on Mt. Rokko offer superb view.

In the north of Hyogo, the Tajima area is a heavy snowy region. There are a lot of Ski Resorts. Kobe Luminarie, an annual winter light-up festival in Dec is one of the biggest attraction.

Local Specialties of Hyogo

Kobe Beef is Japan’s very famous brand of beef followed by celebrities around the world. You can tell the difference by its melt-in-your-mouth texture and incredible flavor.

Tamba black soybeans are extremely large and naturally sugary, which originated in the Tamba area. There are variety of products made by Tamba black soybeans.

Kobe’s Nada district is Japan’s top sake producing region due to the availability of high quality rice, suitable water and favorable weather conditions.