Hyogo Prefecture's Absolute Essentials

Hyogo Prefecture spans from the Seto Inland Sea to the Sea of Japan, centered around the cosmopolitan port city of Kobe. The region features the 108-meter Kobe Port Tower and the preserved Western-style residences of Kitano Ijinkan. Natural landmarks include the multi-tiered Nunobiki Falls and the ancient Arima Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot spring towns. To the north, the 15th-century Takeda Castle ruins sit atop a mountain, often appearing above a sea of clouds. Local culinary highlights include authentic Kobe beef and the vibrant stalls of Nankin-machi Chinatown.