Region: Kansai
Island: Honshu
Largest City: Kobe
Population: 5,550,742

Hyogo

A model slice of Japan

Region: Kansai
Island: Honshu
Largest City: Kobe
Population: 5,550,742

Touted as a "Japan in miniature," Hyogo is one of Japan’s most diverse prefectures.

Hyogo is bordered by seas to the north and south with mountains in the middle. Varying climates offer outdoor activities all year round, from seaside sunbathing to skiing and onsen. This wide slice of Japan sits next to Kyoto, just north of Osaka, so be sure to add it to your Kansai itinerary

Hyogo’s Awaji Island is the mythical birthplace of Japan while the towering, all-white Himeji Castle is the prefecture’s historical icon. Fast forward to the 21st century with the major port city of Kobe—a multicultural vision and home of famed Kobe beef.

Kobe

Kobe Port

Kobe is the cosmopolitan capital city of Hyogo. It’s perfect as a base for exploring the prefecture proper or as a quick stopover on a tour of the Kansai region. There are plenty of modern shops, restaurants, and bars that cater to international travelers.

It’s also where you can splurge on Kobe’s world-famous wagyu beef. It’s a melt-in-the-mouth marvel of legendary status. Cows are supposedly fed beer and massaged daily—we are totally jealous of them.

Hyogo is big on cultural entertainment. From the intangible arts of the Awaji Puppet Theater to the all-female theater troupe of the Takarazuka Revue based in Takarazuka City to the quasi-religious Koshien National High School baseball finals. There’s plenty to keep you distracted.

Kinosaki Onsen

All the onsen in Kinosaki are tattoo-friendly so no worries for inked travelers.

Near the Sea of Japan, you’ll find historical hot springs in the Tajima region. Kinosaki Onsen in particular is a traditional, canal-lined hot spring town and one of the best options for foreign travelers. Here, you can wear a yukata (cotton robe) and stroll around in wooden sandals dipping into the different public baths. An added plus is that all the onsen here are tattoo-friendly!

Yumura hot spring has been around for more than 1000 years and features a central fountain that gushes water at a slightly scalding 98ºC.

Along the Seto Inland coast between Kobe and Okayama, you’ll also find Himeji Castle. Nicknamed the white heron for its grand white walls, the castle is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s especially photogenic during the cherry blossom season and may just be the best castle in all of Japan.

Plan your trip to Hyogo with the links below!

Trivia

5 Famous Foods You’ll Find In Hyogo

Osaka certainly doesn’t have the monopoly when it comes to quality cuisine in the Kansai area. Welcome to Hyogo Prefecture — where Kobe beef isn't the only thing on the menu.