Related articles

How to eat Osaka okonomiyaki【せんりみち公式】The ideal way to eat Osaka-style okonomiyaki – Introducing the correct eating method to fully enjoy fresh and delicious okonomiyaki

The Kansai region is packed with the best of Japan's diverse culture and nature. Among these, Hyogo Prefecture has been attracting attention from foreign tourists in recent years for its exquisite blend of urban and natural, traditional and modern elements. However, compared to major tourist destinations like Kyoto and Osaka, Hyogo Prefecture is still relatively unknown, offering numerous attractions that international travelers can truly enjoy. This article provides detailed information on Hyogo Prefecture's recommended sightseeing spots, cultural experiences, access tips, and tips for overcoming language barriers to enjoy the prefecture. Rather than a typical tourist guide, this guide is written from a traveler's perspective, focusing on "experience," "discovery," and "inspiration." It's packed with tips for turning your authentic Japanese experiences in Hyogo Prefecture into travel memories that will spark conversations with friends and family.

Discover the charms of Hyogo Prefecture: What foreigners think of it

Taking advantage of its geographical location that stretches from east to west, Hyogo Prefecture is a prefecture where you can enjoy diverse cultures and natural landscapes. For example, Kobe is known as an international city, characterized by its beautiful cityscape sandwiched between the sea and mountains. Furthermore, there are many impressive spots scattered throughout the prefecture that foreign tourists will enjoy, such as Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site, and Arima Onsen, which is loved both domestically and internationally.

Kobe's exotic atmosphere and sophisticated streetscape

Kobe was once the site of a foreign settlement, and the area boasts a unique blend of European and modern architecture. Kitano Ijinkan-gai, in particular, is a place where you can experience European culture while still in Japan by touring the Western-style buildings built during the Meiji period. The sophisticated streetscape and unique port town atmosphere are popular with visitors from China, Korea, and Southeast Asia, and the area also makes for great photo opportunities.

Experience the world of samurai at Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle, a registered World Heritage Site, is famous for being one of the best-preserved castles in Japan. Its elegant white heron shape leaves a strong impression even on first-time visitors to Japan. For foreign history buffs, it is the perfect tourist destination to experience the authority and architectural techniques of Japan's feudal era. Another plus point is that audio guide services are available in English, Chinese, Korean, and other languages, allowing you to deepen your understanding as you tour.

Experience nature in Hyogo Prefecture: Scenic spots and activities

In addition to the appeal of its cities, Hyogo Prefecture also has many areas where you can enjoy nature. For foreigners in particular, Japan's mountains, hot springs, and oceans are seen as exotic and mysterious, which can be a major attraction.

Trekking with spectacular views from Mt. Rokko

Mount Rokko is a mountain towering behind the city of Kobe, and is extremely popular for mountain climbing and hiking. It's a rare spot for foreign tourists to experience the changing seasons, with autumn foliage in the fall, escaping the heat in the summer, and skiing in the winter. From the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kobe's cityscape and Osaka Bay, perfect for Instagram.

Experience the healing and culture of Kinosaki Onsen

Kinosaki Onsen, a famous hot spring in the Tajima region, is a tourist destination with a wide range of services for foreign tourists. Popular attractions include a tour of the seven outdoor baths and the extraordinary experience of walking around the town in a yukata robes. The English menu and friendly staff, which cater to tourists from all over the world, are also popular, making this an ideal spot for foreigners who want to experience "Japanese hot spring culture."

Local gourmet food recommended for foreigners

Gourmet food is one of the joys of traveling, and Hyogo Prefecture is home to a wealth of exquisite dishes that will delight the palates of foreigners, including Kobe beef, seafood from Awaji Island, and Akashiyaki.

Kobe Beef: A world-renowned premium food ingredient

Kobe beef is extremely well-known overseas, and is one of the dishes that many foreign visitors look forward to. In the Sannomiya and Motomachi areas, there are not only high-end restaurants but also reasonably priced restaurants, so you can experience it to suit your budget. With food safety and security being emphasized these days, Kobe beef, with its strong traceability, has earned the trust of foreign tourists.

The appeal of Akashiyaki and local seafood

Unlike Kansai-style takoyaki, Akashiyaki, which is eaten with dashi broth, is a local dish unique to Hyogo. Even foreign tourists will be pleasantly surprised by its fluffy texture and gentle flavor. The seafood delivered from the Akashi Strait and Awaji Island is also fresh and delicious. Local sushi restaurants and seafood bowl restaurants will leave you feeling more satisfied than you would expect.

Discover the Japanese spirit through cultural experiences: Special experiences you can have in Hyogo

More and more foreigners are becoming interested in "experiencing" local culture, rather than just visiting tourist spots. Hyogo Prefecture is also home to a wide range of facilities that offer Japanese cultural experiences, creating an extraordinary experience.

Tea ceremony experience and Japanese sweets making

In Kobe and Himeji, there are facilities where foreigners can experience the authentic tea ceremony. You will be guided into a tea room and savor the matcha and Japanese sweets while immersed in the tranquility of Japanese culture, evoking emotions that go beyond words. While learning about the actions and meaning of making matcha, you can also experience the spirituality and etiquette of the Japanese people.

Japanese clothing transformation experience and photo shoot

Particularly popular are kimono and yukata rentals and photo shoots at charming spots. English-speaking staff are always on hand in areas around Himeji Castle, Arima Onsen, and Kinosaki Onsen, providing full language support. It's also perfect for sharing on social media, making it a must-do part of any trip for young foreigners.

Transportation access and tourist route design

Hyogo Prefecture is easily accessible from Kansai International Airport and Osaka, making it a safe choice for first-time visitors to Japan. By planning your sightseeing route, you can efficiently visit many spots.

Routes starting from Kobe are convenient

The basic route starts from Kobe City and goes around Mount Rokko, Himeji Castle, Arima Onsen, Kinosaki Onsen, etc. The Shinkansen, JR, and private railways are all connected, and there is plenty of English signage. Smartphone apps and tourist information centers also provide multilingual information, making it easy to get around without getting lost.

Save money with tourist passes

If you're traveling in Hyogo, it's a good idea to use a tourist pass issued by a railway company. For example, there are the Kansai Wide Pass and the Himeji-Kobe Tourist Pass, and there are also discounts available for foreign tourists. This allows you to travel efficiently while keeping your budget in check.

Hospitality and a sense of security for foreign tourists

Hyogo Prefecture is strengthening its services to meet inbound demand, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey.

English and Chinese speaking staff available

Major tourist destinations and accommodations offer multilingual support, with English and Chinese being given priority. Many call centers and medical institutions also offer English support, providing peace of mind in emergencies.

Consideration for religion and food culture

Kobe is the center of a growing number of restaurants that cater to diverse religious and food cultures, including halal-certified restaurants and vegetarian options. The area is also becoming more welcoming to travelers from Muslim and Hindu countries.

Shopping spots and souvenir information in Hyogo Prefecture

Many people end their trip by going shopping, so it's worth compiling information on popular souvenirs and shopping in Hyogo Prefecture for foreign visitors.

Kobe Fashion and Cosmetics

Motomachi and Sannomiya are lined with stores selling Japanese and international brands, making them popular with trend-conscious foreign tourists. There are also many brick-and-mortar drugstores offering cheap Japanese cosmetics, making these areas attractive shopping spots for tourists from Asia.

Souvenirs unique to Hyogo

They stock a wide range of regional products, including Kobe sweets (gaufres, cheesecake), seafood from Akashi, and carbonated rice crackers from Arima Onsen. They are also available at airports and Shinkansen stations, and the cute packaging means they're sure to please.

summary

Hyogo Prefecture is a tourist destination like an untapped gem for foreign visitors. The sophisticated urban culture of Kobe, the history of Himeji, the hot spring experiences of Arima and Kinosaki, the abundant nature and local cuisine—all of these are full of attractions that make foreign travelers want to return. With easy access, multilingual support, a diverse food culture, and even a variety of cultural experiences, Hyogo Prefecture continues to evolve as a destination geared toward inbound tourism. As travel objectives shift from "simple sightseeing" to "deep understanding of Japan," Hyogo Prefecture undoubtedly has the power to meet those needs. As a "hidden treasure trove" that we highly recommend for future inbound travel, Hyogo Prefecture is sure to become an unforgettable destination.

Make a reservation here!