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Hyogo Prefecture is a place that can be called a "miniature of Japan," with diverse culture, history, nature, and modern urban landscapes all condensed into one area. In recent years, it has been attracting a lot of attention from tourists from overseas, and there is a wide range of things to enjoy there, from city sightseeing to hot springs and satoyama experiences.

In this article, we'll introduce basic information that foreign tourists should know when traveling to Hyogo Prefecture, including highlights in each major area, gourmet food, transportation access, and even Japanese etiquette and points to note.

What you'll learn in this article

• Reasons why Hyogo Prefecture is popular with foreign tourists and basic information
• Highlights of major areas such as Kobe, Himeji, Arima Onsen, Awaji Island, Ako, and Tamba Sasayama
• How to enjoy Hyogo cuisine, including Kobe beef, Awaji Island gourmet food, and local cuisine
• Tips for accessing the prefecture from the airport and traveling within the prefecture
• Manners and precautions when using public transportation and hot springs

Basic information about Hyogo Prefecture and why it's popular with foreign tourists

Hyogo Prefecture is located in the Kansai region, facing Osaka to the east, Okayama to the west, the Seto Inland Sea to the south, and the Sea of Japan to the north. It is notable for its diverse tourist resources, including the urban area of Kobe, Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site, Arima Onsen, one of Japan's three oldest hot springs, and the naturally rich Awaji Island.

Hyogo Prefecture is a miniature version of Japan

In Hyogo Prefecture, you can experience all of Japan's most representative attractions, including cities, history, countryside, hot springs, mountains, and the sea, all in one prefecture. Choose an area based on your purpose: Kobe for those who want to enjoy urban sightseeing, Himeji and Ako for those who want to experience history, and Awaji Island and Mount Rokko for those who want to enjoy nature. What's more, the well-developed transportation network makes it easy to travel between areas, making it easy to travel efficiently even on a short trip.

Improving facilities and services for foreigners

Major tourist spots in Hyogo Prefecture are equipped with signs and pamphlets in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Korean, creating an environment where language barriers are minimal. There are also plenty of free Wi-Fi spots, and public transportation runs on time, so even foreign tourists visiting Japan for the first time can enjoy sightseeing with peace of mind.

Kobe: Enjoy the international port city and its gourmet food

Kobe is one of Japan's leading port cities and an international city with a wealth of fashion, gourmet, and cultural facilities. It is the gateway to Hyogo and a must-visit spot for foreign tourists.

Kobe Harborland and Port Tower

At the Port Tower, a landmark of Kobe, and the surrounding Harborland area, you can enjoy shopping malls, a Ferris wheel, and strolls along the seaside. During the day, you can enjoy the open atmosphere of a port town, and at night, you can enjoy the beautiful night view, known as one of the "Three Great Night Views of Japan," making it a great spot for photography.

Tour the Western-style buildings in Kitano Ijinkan District

The Kitano district, which flourished as a foreign settlement from the Meiji period to the early Showa period, is dotted with Western-style foreign-style buildings. While touring these historic buildings, you can walk through streets that still retain the strong international culture of the time when the port was opened, and the unique scenery that blends a Western atmosphere with Japanese streetscapes will be an impressive experience for foreign tourists.

The world-famous Kobe beef steak is a must-try

The world-famous Kobe beef is known for its finely textured meat and melt-in-your-mouth fat. In Kobe city, there are many restaurants that serve Kobe beef in a variety of styles, from high-end restaurants to relatively casual teppanyaki restaurants. There is a wide selection to suit all budgets and styles, making it a great choice for gourmet travelers.

Himeji City: The city of the World Heritage Site Himeji Castle and ninja experiences

Himeji City has a strong historical presence in Hyogo Prefecture. Himeji Castle, affectionately known as "White Egret Castle," is a popular tourist spot that attracts a lot of attention not only from within Japan but also from overseas.

Walking and learning about Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site

Himeji Castle was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and is known for its striking, pure white exterior castle tower. Guided tours available in English and Chinese are available within the castle, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the castle's structure and historical background. Its strategic defensive structure, also known as the "impregnable castle," is a major attraction for travelers interested in military history and architecture.

Ninja and Samurai Experience Tour

Himeji City offers a variety of programs that allow you to experience Japanese culture, such as hands-on activities where you can wear armor and take photos, and a walking rally inspired by ninja training. These programs are enjoyable for both children and adults, and are especially recommended for foreign tourists who are interested in Japanese samurai and ninja culture.

Arima Onsen: Experience traditional hot spring culture at one of Japan's three oldest hot springs

Arima Onsen is a historic hot spring resort that is counted as one of Japan's three oldest hot springs, and is a high-end hot spring town that represents Hyogo Prefecture. Its tranquil atmosphere and traditional Japanese hospitality are appealing, and it has quietly become popular, especially among tourists from Europe and the United States.

Characteristics and effects of gold and silver springs

Arima Onsen is characterized by its "golden spring" and "silver spring." The gold spring is classified as an iron carbonate spring, while the silver spring is a radium spring. They are said to be excellent for improving skin diseases, relieving fatigue, and improving skin condition. In addition to their historical value, they are also highly regarded for their health benefits, making them an ideal hot spring resort for travelers seeking relaxation and wellness.

Enjoy Japanese cuisine and hospitality at a hot spring inn

Arima Onsen's ryokans offer traditional Japanese cuisine, such as kaiseki ryori, that makes use of seasonal local ingredients, allowing you to experience the Japanese spirit of "omotenashi" (hospitality). Some inns offer English menus and cater to vegetarians, and are making progress in providing services that take into consideration differences in food culture.

Awaji Island: A resort island where you can enjoy nature and food

Awaji Island, located across the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge from Kobe, is an island where you can enjoy nature in all four seasons and fresh seafood. In recent years, it has become one of the areas that has received high praise from foreign visitors to Japan.

Awaji Yumebutai and Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park

At Awaji Yumebutai, a complex that fuses nature and architecture, you can experience the dynamic design of architect Tadao Ando. Right next door, Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park is filled with flowers that represent Japan's four seasons, blooming throughout the year, making it the perfect place for strolling and photography. This space, where nature and design come together in harmony, is perfect for travelers looking to relax.

Local gourmet dish of onion and whitebait rice bowl

Awaji Island onions are among the best in the country, boasting a strong sweetness and umami flavor. Onion tempura, made with these onions, and a shirasu bowl topped with plenty of fresh whitebait, are must-try dishes when visiting Awaji Island. Another attraction of Awaji Island tourism is the opportunity to experience the local culture through local ingredients.

Ako City: Experience Japanese Bushido at the setting of Chushingura

Ako City, known as the setting for the famous Japanese historical tale "Chushingura," is an area where you can enjoy history and atmosphere. It is especially popular with foreign tourists who are interested in Japanese history and Bushido.

Ako Castle ruins and Oishi Shrine

The area around the ruins of Ako Castle is dotted with spots associated with the Ako Gishi, with Oishi Shrine being the central figure among them. Here you can experience Japanese spiritual culture, which symbolizes loyalty and sincerity. English guide pamphlets are also available, making this a valuable place where you can learn about history in a solemn atmosphere.

Learn about Ako's salt culture

Ako has been a region with a long history of salt production, and the high quality of Ako salt is highly acclaimed both in Japan and overseas. There are also many gourmet foods and souvenirs made with salt, making it a unique experience that you won't find anywhere else.

Tanba Sasayama: Experience "Another Japan" in Satoyama

Tamba Sasayama is a satoyama area where traditional Japanese rural scenery remains. It is a place that offers a valuable experience for foreign tourists who want to discover "another Japan" that cannot be found in urban areas.

Stay in an old-style house and experience farming

In Tanba Sasayama, you can experience Japanese regional culture and lifestyle firsthand by actually experiencing farm work and staying in an old Japanese house. English-guided tours are also available for inbound tourists, allowing you to enjoy the satoyama experience without having to worry about language barriers.

Taste local dishes such as black beans and wild boar dishes

Tamba Sasayama is famous for its black beans and boar hotpot (a wild boar dish). By experiencing this regional food culture, you can gain a deeper understanding of the connection between Japanese food and agriculture. By combining sightseeing with food experiences, you can further deepen your understanding of local culture in this area.

Transportation access and travel tips for sightseeing in Hyogo Prefecture

Hyogo Prefecture has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including the Shinkansen, airports, and expressways, and is highly rated by foreign tourists for its ease of travel.

Access from Kansai International Airport and Kobe Airport

There is a direct limousine bus that runs from Kansai International Airport to Kobe, making travel relatively easy even with a suitcase. From Kobe Airport, you can take the Port Liner to the city center in a short time. English-language information is available at the airport and major stations, making it easy for first-time visitors to find their way around.

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In addition, there are well-developed railway and express bus services to various parts of the prefecture, making it easy to plan a round-trip trip combining areas such as Himeji, Arima Onsen, Awaji Island, Ako, and Tamba Sasayama with Kobe as your base.

Manners and points of caution that foreign tourists should know

By learning about Japan's unique etiquette and rules in advance, you can avoid trouble and enjoy your trip more comfortably. Let's take a look at some basic points that are common throughout Japan, including Hyogo Prefecture.

Manners on public transportation

It is important to observe the following manners when using public transportation such as trains and buses.

• Don't talk loudly in the car
• Set your mobile phone to silent mode
• Give up your priority seat to those who need it, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.

These are generally required rules in Japan, and by following them you can share space with the people around you comfortably.

Things to note when using hot springs

Japanese hot spring culture has its own unique rules. One thing to be particularly careful of is regulations regarding tattoos. If you have a tattoo, some hot spring facilities may restrict your entry. However, recently there has been an increase in facilities that allow tattoos or allow the use of cover stickers, so it's a good idea to check the facility information before visiting to ensure peace of mind.

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It's also a good idea to remember basic etiquette when visiting a hot spring, such as washing your body thoroughly before entering the bath and not putting your towel in the bath.

Summary: Experience the diverse charms of Japan all in one place in Hyogo Prefecture

Hyogo Prefecture is a region that encapsulates the diversity of Japan, with an exquisite blend of urban sophistication and rural simplicity. From the seaside night view of Kobe, relaxing at Arima Onsen, exploring the history of Himeji Castle, the nature and cuisine of Awaji Island, and experiencing the culture and satoyama of Ako and Tanba Sasayama, there's something for every type of traveler.

Furthermore, with its excellent transportation access and foreign language support, it is a safe and easy destination for foreign tourists to visit. By adding Hyogo Prefecture to your travel options, you will have the opportunity to discover "Japan in its regional culture," which cannot be seen through urban tourism alone. As a travel destination filled with pride and excitement, Hyogo Prefecture will open the door to a new Japanese experience.

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