Located on the Pacific coast of Hyogo Prefecture is the key port city of Kobe—a longtime hub of international trade—and the majestic World Heritage site of Himeji Castle. Head further inland and you’ll find the mountainside ruins of Takeda Castle, also known as “Japan’s Machu Picchu.” For the ultimate hot spring experience, check out nationally famous Arima Onsen or Kinosaki Onsen. Sample perfectly marbled Kobe beef and akashiyaki—the local take on takoyaki octopus balls.How to Get There
Hyogo Prefecture’s two largest cities are Kobe and Himeji and are easily accessed by bullet train.
Travel to and from Tokyo, Nagoya, Hiroshima and Fukuoka is an easy journey on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Shin-Kobe Station or Himeji Station. Hyogo is a short ride on commuter rail from Osaka and Kyoto. For access by air, Kobe is about an hour from Kansai International Airport, while Kobe Airport handles domestic flights. If you’re traveling by car, the prefecture is well-linked by road. The world’s longest suspension bridge, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, links mainland Hyogo to Awaji Island and onward to Shikoku.
Don’t Miss
- Himeji Castle, an iconic and well-preserved castle
- Kobe’s nighttime views, best observed from the Kobe Port Tower and the Kobe Ropeway
- Takeda Castle Ruins, also known as the “castle floating in the sky”
- Kinosaki Onsen, a timeless hot spring resort town
