Hyogo Travel Guide
Explore the culturally rich and picturesque Hyogo region of Japan, from its mesmerizing natural beauty to its traditional cuisine and customs.
- Introduction to Hyogo
- List of Places to Visit in Hyogo
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Hyogo
- Best Things to Do in Hyogo: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Hyogo
- Food and Drink Scene of Hyogo
- Where to Stay in Hyogo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Hyogo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Hyogo
- Best Time to Visit Hyogo
- Do’s and Don’ts of Hyogo
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Hyogo: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Hyogo
- Where to Go Next from Hyogo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Hyogo
Located in the Kansai region of Japan, Hyogo is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Hyogo offers travelers a unique combination of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the magnificent Himeji Castle to the stunning Awaji Island, Hyogo is a destination full of unforgettable experiences.
List of Places to Visit in Hyogo
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Himeji Castle: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Japan. The castle is widely considered to be Japan’s most impressive castle and is the largest and most visited castle in Japan.
- Kobe Port Tower: Located in the heart of Kobe, the tower offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. It is especially beautiful at night when it is lit up with different colors.
- Akashi Kaikyo Bridge: The world’s longest suspension bridge that connects Kobe and Awaji Island is a true engineering marvel. You can walk across the bridge to admire the panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Natural Attractions of Hyogo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Mount Rokko: One of Hyogo’s most popular natural attractions, Mount Rokko offers breathtaking views of the entire Kansai region. There are many hiking trails to choose from, and you can reach the top of the mountain via cable car.
- Awaji Island: Located in the middle of the Seto Inland Sea, Awaji Island is renowned for its beautiful beaches and stunning sunsets. The island is also home to the famous Naruto whirlpools.
- Kinosaki Onsen: This charming hot spring town is situated near the Sea of Japan and is famous for its seven public hot springs. The town has a rich history dating back 1,300 years and is a popular destination for relaxation and wellness.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Hyogo
- Hyogo Prefectural Forest Park: Situated on the northern slopes of Mount Rokko, this park offers a variety of hiking and biking trails ranging from easy to difficult.
- Sasayama Castle Town: This reconstructed castle town is perfect for walking and cycling tours. You can enjoy historic buildings, traditional crafts, and local cuisine as you take in the scenery.
- Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden: This herb garden is situated halfway up Mount Rokko and offers stunning views of Kobe and Osaka. There are walking trails throughout the garden, and visitors can also take a cable car to the top of the mountain.
Best Things to Do in Hyogo: Activities and Tours
- Sake Brewery Visit: Hyogo is famous for its sake production, and there are many breweries throughout the prefecture that offer sake tastings and tours.
- Hyogo Food Tours: Experience the diverse and delicious cuisine of Hyogo, including Kobe beef, seafood, and local specialties.
- Nada-Gogaku Festival: This annual festival in October is a unique celebration of the artisans who craft the sake barrels used in the local sake production. The festival features traditional performances, music, and food.
Week-Long Itinerary for Hyogo
| Day | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| 1 | Himeji Castle and Gardens |
| 2 | Kobe Port Tower, Chinatown, and Kitano Ijinkan |
| 3 | Mount Rokko and Arima Onsen |
| 4 | Sasayama Castle Town and Tajima beef |
| 5 | Awaji Island and Naruto Whirlpools |
| 6 | Kinosaki Onsen and local cuisine |
| 7 | Nada-Gogaku Festival or Sake Brewery Visit |
Food and Drink Scene of Hyogo
Must-Try Dishes
- Kobe Beef: Japan’s most famous beef is known for its incredible marbling and flavor. Head to a teppanyaki restaurant in Kobe to try this delicacy.
- Tajima Beef: Another type of beef from Hyogo, Tajima beef is known for its fine marbling and rich flavor. Many restaurants throughout the prefecture serve this delicious meat.
- Seafood: Hyogo is surrounded by the Sea of Japan and the Seto Inland Sea, making it a prime location for seafood. Be sure to try the sashimi and sushi in Kobe’s Sannomiya area, or visit the local fish markets.
Local Beverages
- Sake: Hyogo is home to many sake breweries, including the famous Nada district of Kobe. Be sure to try the local varieties and visit a brewery while you’re in the prefecture.
- Awaji Island wines: Thanks to its mild climate and fertile soil, Awaji Island produces some of Japan’s best wines. Try the white wines, which are the most famous from Awaji.
Where to Stay in Hyogo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Kobe: The Sannomiya area in Kobe is a convenient location for accommodations, with many options ranging from luxury hotels to budget hostels.
- Arima Onsen: This historic hot spring town is a popular destination for travelers seeking relaxation and wellness. There are many traditional ryokans (Japanese inns) in the town that offer hot spring baths and local cuisine.
- Kinosaki Onsen: Similar to Arima Onsen, Kinosaki is a charming hot spring town that is perfect for a relaxing stay. Ryokans are the most popular accommodation option here as well.
What to Buy in Hyogo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Sake: Bring home a bottle of locally made sake, or visit a sake brewery to purchase a souvenir bottle.
- Kobe beef: Purchase a small pack of Kobe beef to take home, or bring back a jar of Kobe beef jerky.
- Traditional crafts: Hyogo is renowned for its traditional crafts, such as pottery, textiles, and lacquerware.
Local Culture and Customs of Hyogo
- Respectful behavior: Like all of Japan, respect for others is an important part of the culture in Hyogo. Be sure to be mindful of others when in public and follow local customs such as bowing when greeting others.
- Noh theater: One of the oldest forms of theater in Japan, Noh is still performed in Hyogo today. Check the local schedules to see if there are any performances during your visit.
- Hyogo dialect: The dialect spoken in Hyogo is called Kansai-ben and is different from standard Japanese. You may notice some differences in pronunciation and vocabulary if you interact with locals.
Best Time to Visit Hyogo
The best time to visit Hyogo is in the spring (April to May) or fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The summer months can be hot and humid, while winter can be cold and snowy.
Do’s and Don’ts of Hyogo
Do:
- Take your shoes off when entering a traditional Japanese home or hotel.
- Throw away trash in designated areas and keep the streets clean.
- Try new foods and experiences, such as sake and local festivals.
Don’t:
- Eat or drink while walking in public.
- Talk loudly or disturb others in public areas.
- Tip at restaurants or cafes, as it is not customary in Japan.
Safety and Health
Safety in Hyogo
Hyogo is generally a safe place to visit. However, travelers should be mindful of pickpocketing and other petty crime in busy tourist areas. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.
Health in Hyogo
Hyogo has a modern healthcare system, and medical care is widely available. However, it’s always a good idea to purchase travel insurance before your trip. It’s also a good idea to bring any necessary medications with you, as some medicines may not be available in Japan.
Getting to Hyogo: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Hyogo
- Kansai International Airport: Located south of Osaka, this airport is the most common point of entry for international travelers to Kansai.
- Itami Airport: Located in Osaka, this airport mainly serves domestic flights.
Bus Stations Near Hyogo
- Sannomiya Bus Terminal: The main bus terminal in Kobe, with connections to other parts of Hyogo and other prefectures.
- Himeji Bus Terminal: Located near Himeji Castle, this bus terminal has connections to regional destinations.
Other Options
- Bullet train (Shinkansen): The bullet train runs from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka, with a stop at Himeji. The journey from Tokyo takes approximately 2.5 hours.
- Local trains: There are many local train lines throughout Hyogo, which can be used to reach smaller destinations within the prefecture.
How to Get Around in Hyogo
The best way to get around Hyogo is by train, as there are many local and regional train lines throughout the prefecture. Buses and taxis are also available, but trains are usually faster and more convenient. Rental cars are available, but driving in Japan can be challenging due to the language barrier and different road rules.
Where to Go Next from Hyogo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Osaka: Located just east of Hyogo, Osaka is known for its food and nightlife.
- Kyoto: Known for its temples and traditional culture, Kyoto is a short train ride from Hyogo.
- Nara: A historic city located south of Kyoto, known for its temples and deer park.
Conclusion
Hyogo offers travelers an unforgettable mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. From the stunning views of Mount Rokko to the delicious Kobe beef, Hyogo is a destination worth exploring. Be sure to take in the local customs and traditions as you explore this charming and picturesque prefecture.
