Hyogo

Hyogo Prefecture faces the Sea of Japan to the north and the Seto Inland Sea to the south, and because of its diverse climate and landscapes it is called a "Japan in miniature." Its history is deep: World Cultural Heritage "Himeji Castle," known as White Heron Castle for its graceful form, draws visitors from around the world as the finest masterpiece of Japanese castle architecture. Around Kobe Port, which has had an exotic atmosphere since the port opened in the Meiji era, retro brick buildings blend with the modern cityscape, offering sophisticated strolls through a port town. The bounty of nature is rich as well, with the "10-million-dollar night view" from Mt. Rokko, the beautiful coastline of Awaji Island, and the dramatic mountains of the northern Tajima region, creating scenery in every season. Hot spring culture is also firmly rooted, and "Arima Onsen," one of Japan's three oldest hot springs, and "Kinosaki Onsen," where hopping between public baths in a yukata is a joy, are ideal places to soothe travel-weary bodies. The food is not to be missed. Mountain and sea delicacies abound, starting with world-famous "Kobe beef," as well as Akashi octopus and the sake of the "Nada Gogo" district, Japan's foremost sake-brewing region. Combining urban glamour with historic charm, Hyogo is a profound destination where you will find something new on every visit.