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Awaji Ningyo-za

This is a dedicated theater where you can experience "Awaji Ningyo Joruri," a traditional performing art boasting over 500 years of history. The sound of the shamisen, the emotional voice of the narrator (tayu), and the movements of the puppets brought to life by three puppeteers working as one will shake the hearts of viewers beyond the language barrier. After the performance, there is a precious interaction time where you can touch life-size puppets and take commemorative photos with the puppeteers. This traditional performing art, the origin of Japanese puppet theater, is highly valued and involved with UNESCO Intangible Cultural...

Hyogo
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Hyogo

Esaki Mansion

Located near the World Heritage Himeji Castle, the Ezaki Residence is the historic home and private stage of the Ezaki family, a distinguished lineage of Noh performers in the Kanze School. This hidden gem offers international visitors a rare, intimate encounter with Noh, Japan’s oldest masked theater and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Unlike large theaters, the atmospheric wooden stage at Ezaki Residence allows you to feel the performers' breath and the vibrations of the taiko drums up close. In addition to performances, the residence often hosts workshops where you can wear authentic Noh masks and learn the basics of...

Hyogo
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Hyogo

Kinosaki Onsen

Boasting over 1,300 years of history, Kinosaki Onsen has gained immense support from international tourists as the "most Japanese hot spring town." The greatest appeal of this town is wearing a colorful yukata and clicking wooden geta clogs while visiting the seven public bathhouses (sotoyu). The scenery along the Otani River lined with willows exudes a nostalgic beauty when gas lamps are lit at night, as if wandering into a movie from the Taisho era. It is also famous for exquisite crab dishes in winter. Hot springs, gourmet food, and traditional strolling—this hot spring resort is a must-visit once in...

Hyogo
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Hyogo

Tendaki Falls

Counted as one of "Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls," Tendaki is one of Hyogo Prefecture's largest famous waterfalls with a 98-meter drop. As its name suggests, its powerful and beautiful appearance looks as if water is falling from the heavens. From the parking lot to the waterfall, you walk a 1.2-kilometer mountain path while listening to the murmur of the stream; along the way, there are several small waterfalls to enjoy while forest bathing. Especially during the fresh green season and autumn foliage, the contrast between the vibrant trees and white splashes is wonderful, providing a sense that sharpens all five...

Hyogo
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Hyogo

Arikoyama Castle Ruins

Located at the 144-meter summit of Mt. Ariko overlooking the town of Izushi, this mountain castle ruin strongly retains the atmosphere of the Sengoku period. Climbing the steep mountain path, a panoramic view opens up before you, showing the beautiful layout of the Izushi castle town and the distant Tajima mountains. The ruins feature well-preserved earthen walls and moats from the time, allowing you to reflect on the era when Sengoku warriors rode through. At the foot of the mountain lies the charming "Izushi Castle," and by visiting both, you can experience how Japanese fortifications evolved over time. This is...

Hyogo
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Hyogo

Takeda Castle Ruins

Built on a 353-meter summit, this mountain castle ruin is world-renowned as the "Castle in the Sky" or the "Machu Picchu of Japan." On autumn and winter mornings, when fog surrounds the area and creates a sea of clouds, the sight of the stone ruins appearing to float above the clouds is breathtakingly mystical. The magnificent stone walls, piled up over 400 years ago, represent the pinnacle of civil engineering at the time, and the view of the Tajima cityscape below is truly spectacular. Walking the paths to the castle and watching the movement of the clouds from the top...

Hyogo
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Hyogo

Asago City

Located in north-central Hyogo, Asago City is a town where the history of Japan's once leading silver mine coexists with mysterious mountain castle landscapes. At the famous "Ikuno Silver Mine," a modern industrial heritage site, you can explore maze-like underground tunnels and be amazed by the high level of technology of the time. In addition, the mystical "Takeda Castle Ruins" floating in the fog attracts photographers from all over the world. It is a stage for travel that stimulates intellectual curiosity, where you can enjoy both the memories of Japan's industrial past and rich natural beauty found in the old...

Hyogo
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Hyogo

Shin-Nishinomiya Yacht Harbor

One of the largest marinas in Western Japan, this sophisticated waterfront offers the gentle sea breeze of the Seto Inland Sea. The sight of numerous luxury yachts and cruisers is breathtaking, providing a resort-like atmosphere just by taking a stroll. It is also known as the base for the world-renowned ocean adventurer Kenichi Horie, with the yacht he actually used on display. With plenty of restaurants and cafes overlooking the sea, you can spend a luxurious time watching the sunset over the water. It is a spot where you can experience Japan's "modern marine lifestyle" in an open environment.

Hyogo
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Hyogo

Mt. Ono

Mt. Ono, the highest peak in Inagawa Town, is a spot boasting a 360-degree panorama from an altitude of 753 meters. Because city lights hardly reach it, you can gaze at the starry sky at night as if it's falling, making it a hidden sacred place for travelers who love stargazing and camping. Near the summit, megalithic groups that are the source of the Ina River are scattered, making one feel the mysterious power of nature. In addition, fresh hydrangeas color the mountain in summer, and bright autumn leaves spread in autumn. It is an ideal location for mental refreshment...

Hyogo
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Hyogo

Inagawa Town

Inagawa Town, located in southeastern Hyogo, is a "heart-soothing Satoyama" blessed with rich greenery and clear streams, even though it is right next to the city. There are the ruins of the Tada Silver and Copper Mine, which flourished with silver and copper mining since ancient times, where you can enjoy exploring mine tunnels that evoke historical mystery. In addition, a 360-degree panoramic view spreads from Mt. Ono at an altitude of 753 meters, making it a popular camping site where you can gaze at the starry sky at night. It is a recommended area for travelers who want to...

Hyogo
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Hyogo

Uzu-no-Oka Onaruto Bridge Memorial Hall

This is an entertainment facility located on a hill with a view of the whirlpools and the Onaruto Bridge at the southernmost tip of Awaji Island. Here, unique experiences themed around "onions," a specialty of Awaji Island, are plentiful. The giant onion monument "O-Tamaneghi" is world-famous as a photo spot, and you can also enjoy playful attractions like the onion catcher. The local gourmet "Awaji Island Burger" enjoyed while looking at the superb view and fresh seafood dishes are also excellent. There are also exhibits to learn the science of whirlpools, making it a popular spot full of hospitality where...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
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Hyogo

Nada Kuroiwa Suisenkyo

Nada Kuroiwa Suisenkyo, located in the southern part of Awaji Island, is one of Japan's leading scenic spots where about 5 million wild narcissuses bloom on steep slopes. In winter from January to February each year, the entire area is covered with the lovely white flowers of narcissuses, and a sweet, gentle scent wafts around. Against the backdrop of the blue and calm Kii Channel, the contrast of narcissuses blooming powerfully in the cold winter air is breathtakingly beautiful. Climbing up the walkway, a panoramic superb view where the sea and flowers meld together spreads out, making it a popular...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Nature
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Hyogo

Naruto Strait

The Naruto Strait, located between Awaji Island and Shikoku, is a spot where you can witness a wonder of nature, famous for the world's largest "whirlpools." The intense currents created by the ebb and flow of the tide produce huge whirlpools up to 20 meters in diameter, which is truly a masterpiece. By boarding a sightseeing cruise ship, you can observe the swirling sea up close with the roaring sound and experience its dynamism with all five senses. Also, the Onaruto Bridge running overhead has a walkway called "Uzu-no-Michi," where a thrilling experience of looking down at the whirlpools from...

Hyogo
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Hyogo

Tanba City

Tanba City, surrounded by the mountains of eastern Hyogo, is a place like a "hometown of the heart" with silence, natural beauty, and scattered old shrines and temples. The autumn leaves are particularly wonderful, and the sight of ancient temples such as Kogen-ji and Entsu-ji being dyed crimson evokes a quiet impression different from Kyoto. It is also known as the place where the watershed that divides Japan north and south (the point where water separates into the Sea of Japan and the Seto Inland Sea) is located, making it a geologically interesting spot. Organic farming is flourishing, and you...

Hyogo
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Hyogo

Tanba-Sasayama City

Tanba-Sasayama City is a town like a "living history museum" that conveys the remnants of a former castle town to the present. The Sasayama Castle ruins remaining in the center, and the streets lined with samurai residences and old merchant houses, are designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Here, there are many accommodations and cafes that have renovated traditional townhouses, allowing you to stay while feeling Japan's rich past firsthand. In addition, unique food cultures such as "Botan Nabe" to taste wild boar meat and the high-grade Tanba black edamame beans released in autumn...

Hyogo
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Hyogo

Awaji Island

Awaji Island, boasting the largest area in the Seto Inland Sea, is a mysterious place considered the "first island born in Japan" in Japanese mythology. From the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge at the northern tip to the Naruto Whirlpools at the southern tip, the entire island is full of dynamic views. Long called "Miketsukuni" (Land of Royal Food), it is known as a treasure trove of ingredients such as fresh seafood, high-sugar onions, and Awaji Beef. Recently, the island has also seen an abundance of latest attraction facilities like "Nijigen no Mori," where you can experience the worldviews of anime and...

Hyogo
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Hyogo

Hanshin Area

Located between Kobe and Osaka, the Hanshin area is a region where rich nature surrounded by sea and mountains harmonizes with sophisticated residential areas. It includes the western half of "Nada-Gogo," Japan's leading sake brewing center, where you can enjoy historic brewery tours. It also has unique entertainment cultures such as Takarazuka, home to the all-female "Takarazuka Revue," and "Koshien Stadium," the holy ground for Japanese professional baseball. There are many historical shrines and temples such as Nishinomiya Shrine, making it popular as an area where you can enjoy urban convenience while efficiently experiencing Japan's unique subcultures, traditional lifestyles, and...

Hyogo
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Hyogo

Kobe City

Kobe is a beautiful port town sandwiched between mountains and sea, a sophisticated city that developed by quickly incorporating Western culture since its opening in 1868. The cityscape, where multi-cultures fuse, is attractive, including the exotic "Kitano Ijinkan district," the lively "Nankinmachi (Chinatown)," and the modern "Former Foreign Settlement." After enjoying the world-famous "Kobe Beef," the "10-million dollar night view" from Mt. Rokko or Mt. Maya colors your trip. Also, sake tasting at "Nada-Gogo," where representative Japanese sake breweries stand in line, is a must. Within a compact city, history, gourmet food, superb views, and high-quality shopping are condensed, making...

Hyogo
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Hyogo

Tanba Area

Located inland in eastern Hyogo, the Tanba area is a place with rich agricultural products nurtured by misty basins and old-fashioned Japanese Satoyama scenery. "Tanba Black Beans" and "Tanba Chestnuts" are prized as some of the most luxurious ingredients in Japan, and in autumn, you can enjoy a gastronomic trip to celebrate the harvest. It is also known as the production area of "Tanba-yaki," one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, where you can visit traditional climbing kilns that have continued for over 800 years and experience pottery making. Surrounded by quiet mountains, this land is loved by authentic travelers who...

Hyogo
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Hyogo

Harima Area

The Harima area, which spreads across southwestern Hyogo, is a region that strongly retains Japanese history, centered on the National Treasure Himeji Castle. Ancient shrines, temples, and burial mounds are scattered across the vast plains, allowing you to feel Japan's progress from ancient to medieval times. It is also a treasure trove of traditional industries where craftsmanship shines, such as "Banshu Miki Cutlery," which boasts some of the world's best sharpness, and high-quality "Banshu-ori" textiles. Blessed with the mild climate of the Seto Inland Sea, it is also famous as the home of "Yamada Nishiki," high-quality rice suitable for sake...

Hyogo
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Hyogo

Tajima Area

Located in northern Hyogo, the Tajima area is a region attractive for its overwhelming natural beauty and deep history. It includes "Kinosaki Onsen," which has a 1,300-year history and is highly acclaimed by Western visitors for its culture of visiting public bathhouses in yukata, and the "Takeno Coast," where dynamic cliffs of the San'in Kaigan Geopark stretch out. It is also known as the production area of "Tajima Beef," the root of the world-famous Kobe Beef, and the taste of marbled meat enjoyed in its home is exceptional. Activities such as skiing in winter and paragliding in summer are also...

Hyogo
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Hyogo

Akashi City

Akashi City is a "city of food and history" facing the Seto Inland Sea. In particular, "Akashi Sea Bream" and "Octopus" are known for being the highest quality in Japan, and you can enjoy fresh seafood on the spot at the lively "Uonotana Shopping Street." It is also the place where "135 degrees East Longitude," the basis for Japan Standard Time, passes through, and the Akashi Municipal Planetarium is popular as a symbol of the "City of Time." Along the coast, the majestic Akashi Kaikyo Bridge stretches out, and the beautiful stone walls and turrets of the Akashi Castle ruins...

Hyogo
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Hyogo

Hyogo Prefecture

Hyogo Prefecture is Japan's only vast prefecture facing two seas: the Sea of Japan to the north and the Seto Inland Sea to the south. It condenses Japan's diverse charms, including the exotic port town of Kobe, the World Heritage Himeji Castle, and the historic Arima Onsen with over 1,300 years of history. Consisting of five distinct regions once called "Gokoku," each breathes its own unique food culture and traditional crafts. It is a treasure trove of gastronomy, featuring the world's finest "Kobe Beef" and sake from "Nada-Gogo," Japan's top brewery district. Surrounded by mountains and sea, Hyogo offers diverse...

Hyogo
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Osaka

Hotel Keihan Universal Tower

Located right next to Universal Studios Japan (USJ), this is one of the tallest hotels in the area at 138 meters. Its main feature is the natural hot spring observatory bath on the 31st floor, where you can heal from the excitement of the park while having a private view of Osaka's night cityscapes. Guest rooms are over 30 square meters, providing a relaxing space for families or groups. With easy access to USJ and a perfect view, it’s a hub that upgrades the quality of your journey.

Osaka
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