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Hyogo Prefecture (兵庫)
Our Recommendation
4/5
Review: Consider visting if you have time

Hyogo Prefecture is home to the port city of Kobe, which has a significant history of international trade, and the Himeji Castle, a breathtaking World Heritage site, both located on the Pacific coast. Takeda Castle, nicknamed “Japan’s Machu Picchu,” is situated further inland amidst the mountains. For an exceptional hot spring experience, Arima Onsen and Kinosaki Onsen are highly recommended. Hyogo is also famous for its delicious Kobe beef, known for its exceptional marbling, and a local specialty called akashiyaki, a variation of takoyaki octopus balls.

Prefectures

Hyogo Prefecture (兵庫)

Our Recommendation
4/5
Consider visiting if you have time

Hyogo Prefecture is home to the port city of Kobe, which has a significant history of international trade, and the Himeji Castle, a breathtaking World Heritage site, both located on the Pacific coast. Takeda Castle, nicknamed “Japan’s Machu Picchu,” is situated further inland amidst the mountains. For an exceptional hot spring experience, Arima Onsen and Kinosaki Onsen are highly recommended. Hyogo is also famous for its delicious Kobe beef, known for its exceptional marbling, and a local specialty called akashiyaki, a variation of takoyaki octopus balls.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Places to visit in Hyogo

Himeji Castle

Our Recommendation
4.5/5
Beautiful castle known for its white exterior
Best time to visit: All year round
Duration: 1-2 hours
Price:
Activities: Sightseeing

Himeji Castle, also known as Shirasagijo or White Heron Castle, is a stunning feudal-era castle located in the city of Himeji in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The castle, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, 

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Takeda Castle Ruins

Our Recommendation
4.5/5
Not much of the castle left but still a stunning view from the top
Best time to visit: All year round
Duration: 1-2 hours
Price: Free
Activities: Sightseeing

The Takeda Castle Ruins in Hyogo Prefecture is a historical site located in the town of Asago. The castle was once the residence of the powerful Takeda Shingen, a legendary feudal lord and military commander who lived during the late 16th century. Despite its rich history, Takeda Castle remains relatively unknown compared …

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Ikuta Shrine

Our Recommendation
4.5/5
One of the oldest shrines in Japan to exist
Best time to visit: All year round
Duration: 30 minutes - 1 hour
Price: Free
Activities: Sightseeing

Ikuta Shrine, is a historical shrine located in the city of Kobe in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The shrine, which is said to be one of the oldest shrines in Japan, dates back to the 3rd century AD….

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Kinosaki Onsen

Our Recommendation
4.5/5
Relatively less known but a charming onsen district
Best time to visit: All year round
Duration: half a day/full day
Price: N/A
Activities: Sightseeing, Onsen

Kinosaki Onsen is a hot spring resort located in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The area is famous for its traditional hot springs, known as “onsen,” which have been attracting visitors for centuries. The onsen town is located in a rural area and has been well-preserved, giving visitors a glimpse into…

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Arima Onsen

Our Recommendation
4.5/5
Onsen district accessible from city of Kobe
Best time to visit: All year round
Duration: half a day/full day
Price: N/A
Activities: Sightseeing, Onsen

Arima Onsen is a hot spring resort located in the city of Kobe in Hyogo prefecture, Japan. It is one of the oldest hot springs in Japan and has been used as a therapeutic bath for more than 1,300 years. The hot spring is located in the forested Arima Valley and is surrounded by the Rokko …

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Potential Itineraries

A Cultural Day Trip to Kamakura

Our Recommendation
4.5/5
A great travel option if you want to stay close to Tokyo
Number of Days: 1 day
Sub-destination: Kamakura
Best time to visit: All year
Activities:

While prices are generally cheap, this is perhaps not the case with transport costs. If you are seeking to maximize your time with limited money, Kamakura, which served as the capital centuries ago, may be a good idea. 

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1~2 Day trip to Hakone

Our Recommendation
4.5/5
Experience the Japanese Onsen culture
Number of Days: 1-2 days
Sub-destination: Hakone
Best time to visit: All year
Activities: Onsen, Outdoors

While prices are generally cheap, this is perhaps not the case with transport costs. If you are seeking to maximize your time with limited money, Kamakura, which served as the capital centuries ago, may be a good idea. 

1~2 Day trip to Nikko

Our Recommendation
4.5/5
Experience Mother Nature while learning about Japanese History
Number of Days: 1-2 days
Sub-destination: Nikko
Best time to visit: All year
Activities: Onsen, Outdoors

While prices are generally cheap, this is perhaps not the case with transport costs. If you are seeking to maximize your time with limited money, Kamakura, which served as the capital centuries ago, may be a good idea. 

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