What to do and see in Hyogo Prefecture, Kinki: The Best Sights & Landmarks

April 18, 2022 Terina Blouin

Discover the best top things to do in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan including Himeji Castle, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Yodoko Guesthouse, Awajihanasajiki, Street of Kinosaki Onsen, Hanshin Koshien Stadium, Shoshazan Engyoji, Izanagi Shrine, Kiyoshikojin Seichoji, Yagi no Shidareume.
Restaurants in Hyogo Prefecture

1. Himeji Castle

68 Hommachi, Himeji 670-0012 Hyogo Prefecture +81 79-285-1146 http://www.city.himeji.lg.jp/guide/castle/
Excellent
63%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,324 reviews

Himeji Castle

Built in the beginning of the 17th century when Japan's unique castle architectural techniques had reached their peak, Himeji Castle was the first in Japan to be registered as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage in 1993 as well as designated as a National Treasure in 1951. It is called "Hakuro-jo" (White Heron Castle) because of its brilliant white exterior and supposed resemblance to a white heron taking flight. Q1. Can I use a credit card? A1. Yes, you can. We accept major credit cards like VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, Diners and JCB. Q2. Do you have a coin operated locker? A2. Yes we do, but the number and kind of them are limited, so you had better use the ones in Himeji station. The biggest size is 1135H x 350W x 640D(mm). Q3. When is peak season? A3. Our peak is usually around late March to early April for cherry blossoms, late April to early May for Japanese Holiday Season so called 'Golden Week', and October and November for travel season for Japanese. Q4. When do I have to arrive to avoid congestion? A4. 15 to 30 minutes prior to opening time (9am (8am-8:30am for peak season)). Q5. How long does it take to walk around the castle? A5. Normally, it takes at least 90 minutes to explore the castle, but you can try to go up and down with no stop in 45 minutes.

Reviewed By v1kk1ta - Puerto Rico, Caribbean

Himeji Castle also known as White Heron Castle due to its elegant, white appearance, is widely considered as Japan's most spectacular castle for its imposing size and beauty and its well preserved, complex castle grounds. One of the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

2. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

Tarumi-ku, 655-0047 Hyogo Prefecture http://www.jb-honshi.co.jp/bridgeworld/index.html
Excellent
49%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 410 reviews

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

The world's longest suspension bridge.

Reviewed By Krubee - Singapore, Singapore

Built in 1998 which connects Kobe to Iwaya in Awaji Island stands the longest central pan suspension bridge in the world - the Akashi Kaiyko Bridge. The bridge is 3911 m long with the central span the longest. The bridge can withstand Typhoons and 8.5 magnitude earthquakes. If you plan to cross the bridge the toll fee is 2300 yen. We went there from Osaka taking the JR Kobe Rapid line to Maiko station and from there can walk 3 to 5 mins from the West side. The bridge is free but the exhibition costs about 310 yen. We didn't go inside the exhibition but instead we just walked towards the bridge and its monument where we took great photos and videos together. It was also sunset so we marvelled at the sun while setting down. There are very few tourists and locals around so it was a pretty quiet and less crowded day. We didn't get a chance to cross the bridge by car to Awaji island but will definitely try it next time around. So if you visit Kobe, try passing by Maiko and marvel at the longest suspension bridge in the world.

3. Yodoko Guesthouse

3-10 Yamatecho, Ashiya 659-0096 Hyogo Prefecture +81 797-38-1720 https://www.yodoko-geihinkan.jp/
Excellent
63%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 54 reviews

Yodoko Guesthouse

4. Awajihanasajiki

2805-7 Kusumoto, Awaji 656-2301 Hyogo Prefecture +81 799-74-6426 http://www.hyogo-park.or.jp/hanasajiki
Excellent
41%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 320 reviews

Awajihanasajiki

A flower field that gently spreads out toward Osaka Bay in the hilly area of northern Awaji Island. A flower sightseeing spot where you can enjoy a large panorama of a vast flower of about 15 hectares (entrance: free parking lot:Standard-sized car ¥200,Bus ¥ 1600) Opening hours 9:00 to 17:00 (last admission time 16:30)

5. Street of Kinosaki Onsen

Kinosakicho Yushima, Toyooka 669-6101 Hyogo Prefecture http://matinami.o.oo7.jp/kinki2/kinosaki.htm
Excellent
51%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 649 reviews

Street of Kinosaki Onsen

Reviewed By seanv0

Great onsen town with lots to do that truely captures what's so great about Japan. Managed to do many of the quintessential 'When in Japan' activities during our stay here.

6. Hanshin Koshien Stadium

1-82 Koshiencho, Nishinomiya 663-8152 Hyogo Prefecture +81 798-47-1041 http://www.hanshin.co.jp/koshien/
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 679 reviews

Hanshin Koshien Stadium

Reviewed By geoffrey_matt - Hobart, Australia

This is a must do experience if you like sports at all. Japanese baseball is huge fun, and totally family friendly. There’s no aggressive people here like in other countries. The great thing, other than the baseball itself, is the crowd. There are special songs for each player, and the whole crowd knows them all. So when a batter steps up the whole stadium starts singing his song, which is awesome. I recommend you go to the team store first and get a pair of the plastic bashing sticks, then you can bash the rhythm out with everyone else! You can also get some of the balloons which get let off en masse at the 7th innings. There’s also food in the stadium which is pretty standard, so hot dogs, chips, popcorn etc. There are girls walking around all the time selling beer at your seat, which is also fun. The Tigers are one of the best teams in Japan so the game is typically really good too, and it’s not too costly. If you go to the Koshien Stadium website there’s and English guide to buying tickets, which we did and worked pretty well. The only issue you might have is if you ask for 2 tickets in a specific area, they might not be able to find two free seats beside each other. That case isn’t described in the English guide but it’s not too hard to figure out. Overall I couldn’t recommend this enough, please go, it’s brilliant

7. Shoshazan Engyoji

2968 Shosha, Himeji 671-2201 Hyogo Prefecture +81 79-266-3327 http://www.shosha.or.jp/
Excellent
67%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 445 reviews

Shoshazan Engyoji

Reviewed By peterkL9043ZC - Perth, Australia

Himeji has much more to offer than a castle. On Mount Shosha is the magnificent Enkyoji Temple. It’s actually a series of temples and shrines amongst beautiful nature, creating a serene spiritual experience. ‘The Last Samurai’ was apparently filmed here. Caught the rope-way up (600 yen) and hiked down (free and fun - note some areas were quite steep). Lovely views of Himeji in certain spots. Bamboo walking sticks are thoughtfully placed along the track up/down. Highly recommended.

8. Izanagi Shrine

740 Taga, Awaji 656-1521 Hyogo Prefecture +81 799-80-5001 http://izanagi-jingu.jp/index.html
Excellent
44%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 207 reviews

Izanagi Shrine

9. Kiyoshikojin Seichoji

1 Maitani, Takarazuka 665-0831 Hyogo Prefecture +81 797-86-6641 http://www.kiyoshikojin.or.jp/
Excellent
39%
Good
54%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 96 reviews

Kiyoshikojin Seichoji

10. Yagi no Shidareume

219 Yagiumamawari Murakami Residence, Minamiawaji 656-0445 Hyogo Prefecture
Excellent
53%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Yagi no Shidareume

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