Hyogo Prefecture is a captivating tourist destination with numerous must-visit attractions—from the World Heritage Site "Himeji Castle," the exotic ambiance of "Kobe," to one of Japan’s three oldest hot springs, "Arima Onsen," and the spiritually enriching "Awaji Island." Whether for couples or family trips, it’s a year-round hotspot.
This time, we recommend 20 top sightseeing spots and Instagram-worthy locations in Hyogo Prefecture. At the end, we’ve included a suggested travel itinerary to help plan your Hyogo adventure!
1. Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle, one of Japan’s 12 remaining original castle keeps, is a national treasure and Japan’s first World Heritage Site, making it a flagship tourist attraction in Hyogo. After a five-and-a-half-year restoration in 2015, the castle regained its pristine white beauty.
Standing approximately 46 meters tall, Himeji Castle’s main keep is supported by two massive pillars called “shinbashira,” each about 25 meters long and 1 meter in diameter. The eastern pillar, an original from the castle’s construction, has supported the structure for 400 years and is a must-see highlight inside the keep.
- Himeji Castle (姫路城)
- Address: 68 Honmachi, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (extended to 6:00 PM from June 1 to August 31)
- Closed: December 29–30
- Access: 5-minute walk from “Otemon-mae” bus stop, accessible by bus from Himeji Station
2. Kobe Port Tower
The red landmark “Kobe Port Tower” in Kobe’s iconic Meriken Park is a symbol of the city. It reopened in April 2024 after earthquake-proofing and renovations.
A new rooftop skywalk offers panoramic views of Kobe from 100 meters high. Tickets for the observation deck and rooftop terrace require advance purchase for a specific date, so plan ahead.
- Kobe Port Tower (神戸ポートタワー)
- Address: 5-5 Hatoba-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Hours (Observation Area): 9:00 AM–11:00 PM
- Access: 5-minute walk from Minato Motomachi Station
3. Kitano Ijinkan-gai
Kobe’s “Kitano Ijinkan-gai” exudes exotic charm with its Western-style residences, cafes, and churches, perfect for Instagram-worthy photos.
The most iconic spot is the “Uroko House and Uroko Museum,” with its fish-scale-like natural stone exterior and stunning interior decor featuring Western ceramic collections. It’s the first of Kobe’s ijinkan (foreign residences) to open to the public.
- Kitano Ijinkan-gai (北野異人館街)
- Address: Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Access: 15-minute walk from Sannomiya Station (JR, Hankyu, Hanshin, or subway)
4. Mount Maya Kikuseidai
Mount Maya’s “Kikuseidai” is one of Japan’s top three night views, alongside Hakodate and Nagasaki, making it a must for romantic evenings in Kobe.
Known as the “$10 million night view,” Kikuseidai offers a stunning panorama from Kansai Airport to the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. The city lights around Osaka Bay sparkle like stars, living up to its name.
- Mount Maya Kikuseidai (摩耶山・掬星台)
- Address: 2-2 Mayasan-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Access: Direct access from “Hoshi no Eki” on the Maya Sightseeing Line
5. Nankinmachi
Kobe’s vibrant Chinatown, “Nankinmachi,” is filled with lively Chinese food stalls and enthusiastic vendors, creating a bustling atmosphere.
The main street, stretching 200 meters from Changan Gate in the east to Xi’an Gate in the west, is perfect for snacking on the go. Enjoy Chinatown classics like xiaolongbao, meat buns, and bubble tea.
- Nankinmachi (南京町)
- Address: 1-3-18 Sakaemachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture (Nankinmachi Square)
- Access: 5-minute walk from Motomachi Station (JR or Hanshin)
6. Arima Onsen
Documented in the *Nihon Shoki*, “Arima Onsen” is renowned as Japan’s oldest hot spring and remains a popular destination. Just 30 minutes by train from central Kobe, its accessibility draws many visitors.
Arima Onsen features two distinct hot springs: the cloudy, mineral-rich “Kinsen” (golden spring) and the clear “Ginsen” (silver spring). For a casual experience, visit the public bathhouses “Kin no Yu” and “Gin no Yu.”
A 5-minute uphill walk from Gin no Yu leads to Tansan Spring Park, where you can taste refreshing carbonated spring water from a tap.
- Arima Onsen (有馬温泉)
- Address: Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Access: From Tanigami Station (Kobe Municipal Subway), take the Kobe Electric Railway Arima Line to Arima Onsen Station (approx. 15 minutes)
7. Rokko Shidare Observatory
At night, enjoy the “$10 million night view” at the top-tier “Rokko Garden Terrace.” Within its grounds, the “Rokko Shidare Observatory” stands like a giant tree on Mount Rokko.
This observatory is a popular photo spot. In summer, enjoy cooling activities using natural ice and mountain breezes; in winter, witness frost-covered trees. Each season offers unique experiences.
- Rokko Shidare Observatory (自然体感展望台 六甲枝垂れ)
- Address: 1877-9 Gokaesan, Rokkosan-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Hours: (March 16–November 24) 10:00 AM–9:00 PM *Subject to weather adjustments
- Access: From Rokko Cable Car “Sanjo Station,” transfer to the Rokko Mountain Bus to “Rokko Garden Terrace” stop
8. Himeji Central Park
“Himeji Central Park” is a family-friendly attraction combining a safari with over 190 animal species and various amusement rides. Options include a Drive-through Safari, a Safari Bus for non-drivers, and a Sky Safari for aerial views.
All viewing is done from vehicles, making it rain-proof. It’s also the only place in Japan to see herds of wildebeest.
- Himeji Central Park (姫路セントラルパーク)
- Address: 1434 Toyotomicho Kamiose, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (*Varies by season) *Night Safari available in summer
- Closed: Irregular Wednesdays (except holidays, spring break, summer, September–November, and winter break)
- Access: 5-minute drive from Sanyo Himeji East IC (Sanyo Expressway)
9. Takeda Castle Ruins
Known as the “Castle in the Sky” or “Japan’s Machu Picchu,” Takeda Castle offers a dreamy morning vista. With luck, you may witness its famous “sea of clouds” phenomenon.
For a morning hike, driving or renting a car is most convenient. Park at the “Takedamachi Naka Parking Lot” near JR Takeda Station, then head to the castle trailhead. The serene, cloud-topped view is exclusive to early visitors.
- Takeda Castle Ruins (竹田城跡)
- Address: 169 Kojozan, Takedamachi, Wadayama, Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Access: 40-minute walk via the “Station Back Trail” from JR Takeda Station
10. Maiko Marine Promenade
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, connecting Kobe to Awaji Island, spans 3,911 meters and was the world’s longest suspension bridge when built, earning a Guinness World Record. The “Maiko Marine Promenade” offers close-up views with an observation lounge, thrilling walkways, and a café for scenic dining.
A highlight is the “47-meter Round Bridge,” offering views of the Akashi Strait 47 meters below. Walking it feels like strolling on the sea, both thrilling and awe-inspiring.
- Maiko Marine Promenade (舞子海上プロムナード)
- Address: 4-2051 Higashi Maiko-cho, Tarumi-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM *Extended to 7:00 PM during Golden Week and summer
- Closed: Second Monday of each month (October–March), December 29–31
- Access: 5-minute walk from JR Maiko Station
11. Ikuta Shrine
Located in Kobe’s bustling Sannomiya district, “Ikuta Shrine” is a haven for love and marriage blessings, offering various charms and spiritual spots. The most popular is the “water fortune-telling” using “mizumikuji.”
Place the mizumikuji in a pond deep within Ikuta Forest, and the text appears instantly. Keep it like a regular omikuji or tie it at the pond’s designated spot.
- Ikuta Shrine (生田神社)
- Address: 1-2-1 Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Access: 10-minute walk north from JR Sannomiya Station or private railway Sannomiya stations
12. Kinosaki Marine World
“Kinosaki Marine World” is an experiential aquarium with unique activities like dolphin trainer experiences, fish feeding, and catch-and-eat horse mackerel fishing. Book popular activities in advance on the official website.
Reopened in 2024 for its 30th anniversary, it features a new display with 20 cubic tanks.
- Kinosaki Marine World (城崎マリンワールド)
- Address: 1090 Seto, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Hours: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM *Subject to change
- Access: 5-minute drive from Kinosaki Onsen
13. Awaji Flower Terrace
“Awaji Flower Terrace” is a sky garden at 298–235 meters altitude. Enjoy seasonal blooms: canola and poppies in spring, verbena and sunflowers in summer, sage, cosmos, and violets in fall and winter.
Admission is free! The panoramic restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of flower fields and the sea. On clear days, enjoy coffee on the breezy outdoor terrace.
- Awaji Flower Terrace (あわじ花さじき)
- Address: 2865-4 Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Closed: Wednesdays (except peak season), year-end and New Year
- Access: 10-minute drive from Higashiura IC (Kobe Awaji Naruto Expressway)
14. Kobe Fruit & Flower Park Ozo
“Kobe Fruit & Flower Park Ozo,” located behind Mount Rokko, is a flower and fruit-themed park offering seasonal blooms, natural hot springs, fruit picking, and a small amusement park. It’s near Sanda Premium Outlets and easily accessible from Arima Onsen.
In winter, it hosts Kansai’s largest illumination event, “Kobe Illuminage,” with dazzling lights in a medieval European street setting.
- Kobe Fruit & Flower Park Ozo (道の駅 神戸フルーツ・フラワーパーク 大沢)
- Address: 2150 Kamiozo, Ozo-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Hours: Varies by facility (check official website)
- Access: 15-minute taxi ride from JR Sanda Station
15. Genbudo Park
“Genbudo Park,” near the Michelin two-star Kinosaki Onsen in the San’in Coast Geopark, features the national natural monument “Genbudo Cave,” formed 1.6 million years ago by solidified volcanic magma, creating striking hexagonal basalt columns.
The “Genbudo Museum” at the entrance offers basket-weaving, stone pendant-making, and local cuisine.
- Genbudo Park (玄武洞公園)
- Address: 1362 Akaishi, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Closed: December 29–January 3
- Access: 10-minute drive from Kinosaki Onsen Station
16. Awaji World Park ONOKORO
“Awaji World Park ONOKORO” is a children’s amusement park on Awaji Island, ideal for families as most rides have no height restrictions.
Besides rides, the “Mini World” zone features miniature models of global landmarks, offering a world-tour experience.
- Awaji World Park ONOKORO (淡路ワールドパーク ONOKORO)
- Address: 8-5 Shiotaniijima, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Hours:
(Weekends/Holidays) 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
(Weekdays) 10:00 AM–5:00 PM - Closed: Irregular Wednesdays *Maintenance closures possible
- Access: 15-minute drive from Tsuna Ichinomiya IC (Sanyo Expressway)
17. Amarube Sky Station
“Amarube Sky Station” offers stunning Japan Sea views from an elevated platform. Originally part of the JR San’in Main Line’s Amarube Viaduct, it was transformed into an observation facility after the bridge’s reconstruction.
The north observation deck overlooks the Japan Sea, while the south side offers close-up views of trains crossing the new Amarube Bridge. The all-glass “Amarube Crystal Tower” elevator is a must-see.
- Amarube Sky Station (あまるべ空の駅)
- Address: 1723-4 Kasumi-ku Amarube, Kami-cho, Mikata-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM *Elevator 6:00 AM–11:00 PM
- Access: Direct from Amarube IC (San’in Kinki Expressway) or JR Amarube Station
18. Sasayama Castle
Sasayama Castle, located in Tamba Sasayama City, a historic transportation hub to Kyoto, was built under Tokugawa Ieyasu’s orders and retains its castle town charm.
The grand Oshoin, once comparable to Nijo Castle, was destroyed by fire in 1944 but rebuilt in 2000. The western “Otumachi Samurai Residences” and eastern “Kawaramachi Merchant District” preserve the castle town’s original appearance.
- Sasayama Castle (篠山城)
- Address: 2-3 Kitashinmachi, Tamba Sasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Closed: Mondays, year-end (December 25–January 1)
- Access: 5-minute walk from “Nikaicho” bus stop, reachable by Shinki Green Bus from JR Sasayamaguchi Station
19. Akashi Municipal Planetarium
Akashi City is famous for lying on Japan’s standard time meridian at 135°E. The “Akashi Municipal Planetarium,” located directly on this meridian, has over 50 years of history and operates Japan’s oldest planetarium projector.
The rooftop sundial points to 12 when the sun aligns with the meridian. Try the “human sundial,” where your shadow tells the time.
- Akashi Municipal Planetarium (明石市立天文科学館)
- Address: 2-6 Hitomarucho, Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Hours: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
- Closed: Mondays, second Tuesday of each month, year-end *Temporary openings/closures possible
- Access: 3-minute walk north from Hitomaru-mae Station (Sanyo Electric Railway)
20. Izushi Castle Town
In the Tajima region, “Izushi” is a well-preserved castle town dubbed “Tajima’s Little Kyoto,” featuring the grand Izushi Castle ruins, Japan’s oldest clock tower, and Edo-period sake breweries and residences.
Famous for “Izushi soba” served on white porcelain plates, this charming town blends history and cuisine, making it a worthwhile detour.
- Izushi Castle Town (出石城下町)
- Address: Izushi-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Access: 40-minute drive from Kinosaki Onsen
Ijinkan and Sweets Galore! A 2-Day, 1-Night Hyogo Itinerary
Hyogo travel often centers on Kobe, but surrounding areas like the hot spring haven “Arima Onsen,” nature-rich “Awaji Island,” and historical sites like “Takeda Castle Ruins” and “Izushi Castle Town” are equally captivating. Here’s a recommended 2-day, 1-night itinerary.
Day 1
Start your Hyogo journey at the World Heritage “Himeji Castle.” For families, visit “Himeji Central Park” nearby. In the afternoon, head to Kobe to enjoy Nankinmachi’s Chinese cuisine, Meriken Park, and Kitano Ijinkan-gai. Stay overnight at the conveniently located “Arima Onsen” or visit “Rokko Garden Terrace” for a night view.
Day 2
Explore the Tamba-Sasayama area with a leisurely stroll through “Sasayama Castle” and its castle town. If time allows, extend your trip to the “Castle in the Sky,” Takeda Castle Ruins.
