Top Things to do in Hyogo Prefecture
Top Hotels in Hyogo Prefecture
What to do and see in Hyogo Prefecture, Kinki: The Best Things to do Good for Couples
Discover the best top things to do in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan including Himeji Castle, Koko-en, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Itami Sky Park, Awajihanasajiki, Mt. Maya, Shukugawa Park, Street of Kinosaki Onsen, Takeno Coast, Hanshin Koshien Stadium.
Restaurants in Hyogo Prefecture
1. Himeji Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,324 reviews
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. Koko-en
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,110 reviews
Japanese garden 'Koko-en' was constructed in1992 at the exact site of Nishi-Oyashiki(Lord's West Residence) with Himeji Castle, one of the world cultural heritages, as a background. The area of this garden is about 3.5 ha and it is composed of 9 difficult garsens,built on the archaeologically excavated site of samurai houses and roads. Using the gardening techniques in the Edo period(ca.1600-1860) as a good model, 'Koko-en' creates historical atmosphere with the magnificent view of Himeji Castle. We hope you will have agood stroll and feel history in 'Koko-en' with Himeji Castle.
Reviewed By tlarraya - Community of Madrid, Spain
I loved this garden (and we've seen quite a few so far in Japan). It's varied, it has so many beautiful spots with stone bridges, wooden houses and a wooden covered bridge, stepping stones in the water, lots of beautiful kois (some shockingly huge), flowers, trees with beautiful shapes,.. It's a must visit with the castle (there's a combined ticket). Allocate 45 minutes since we couldn't finish it in 30. There's a refreshing spray water tunnel at the entrance that's really appreciated in August. Beautiful!
3. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 410 reviews
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.
4. Itami Sky Park
5. Awajihanasajiki
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 320 reviews
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)
6. Mt. Maya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 424 reviews
Reviewed By Elisabethmh - Oslo, Norway
Mount Maya (Maya-San in Japaneese) is a mountain 700 meters above sea level and one of the most important mountains in the Rokko mountain range north of Kobe. The story goes that Mount Maya is named after Lady Maya - the mother of the Buddha. You can easily reach the top of the mountain by cabel car and the view is absolutely stunning! I can highly reccomend a trip to Mt. Maya while visiting Kobe. You won`t regret the spectacular view from the top.
7. Shukugawa Park
8. Street of Kinosaki Onsen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 649 reviews
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.
9. Takeno Coast
10. Hanshin Koshien Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 679 reviews
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
