Spots List

Izanagi Jingu Shrine

Izanagi Jingu Shrine

Izanagi Jingu Shrine, located in northern Awaji Island, is one of Japan's oldest shrines recorded in Japan's oldest history books, "Kojiki" and "Nihon Shoki." Enshrining the couple deities Izanagi and Izanami who gave birth to Japan, it is filled with a sacred air as the hometown of mythology. Within the grounds, there is the giant "Meoto Okusu" (Couple Giant Camphor Tree), over 900 years old, with two trunks combined into one, boasting immense popularity as a power spot for matchmaking, marital harmony, and safe childbirth. The dignified shrine buildings and quiet space enveloped in deep green provide a special experience...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Yura-cho, Sumoto City

Yura-cho, Sumoto City

Yura Town, located in the southern part of Sumoto City, is a town where the history of once being a military strategic point protecting Osaka Bay and a rich fisherman culture live on. Yura Port is known nationwide for landings of fresh "Yura Sea Urchin," Spanish mackerel, and sea bream, and is famous as a gourmet town where foodies frequent. Also, nearby Narugashima is a superb view spot called "Awaji Island's Amanohashidate," where you can encounter untouched nature if you cross by boat. Military remains such as brick batteries also remain in the town, allowing for a historical exploration mood....

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Sumoto City

Sumoto City, the central city of Awaji Island, is a town where the history of a former castle town and modern resort culture fuse. From the Sumoto Castle ruins at the summit, you can overlook the city and sea, and at the foot, there is "S BRICK," with stylish shops and cafes reusing Meiji-era red brick warehouses. It is also famous as a hot spring area, and the relaxation time in open-air baths overlooking the sea is exceptional. In addition, it is a treasure trove of exquisite gourmet food abundantly using local "Awaji Beef," fresh seafood, and sweet "onions." It...

Hyogo
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ohama Park

Located in Sumoto city area, Ohama Park is a representative scenic spot of Awaji Island with white sand beaches and beautiful pine forests selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Pine Groves." With Mt. Mikuma, where Sumoto Castle towers, in the background, you can enjoy a unique landscape where history and nature fuse. The shallow beach with high transparency is crowded with many swimmers in summer, and loved by locals as a quiet strolling course in winter and spring. The seaside promenade is ideal for walking or jogging, and the panoramic view of Osaka Bay seen while feeling the sea...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shintsunshi Beach

Shintsunshi Beach

Shintsunshi Beach, located in Goshiki-cho on the west coast of Awaji Island, is an open beach where you can enjoy calm Seto Inland Sea waves and beautiful sunsets. Because the waves are quiet, families can enjoy it with peace of mind, and combined with adjacent facilities like "Wellness Park Goshiki," you can fully enjoy a resort mood all day long. The greatest highlight is the crimson sunset sinking into Harima-nada. The mystical sight of the sky and sea dyed orange is one of the highlights of Awaji Island sightseeing. There are also eateries nearby where you can enjoy local fresh...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Takeno Coast

Facing the Sea of Japan, this is a coastline with crystal-clear waters and successive strange rocks and superb views of the San'in Kaigan Geopark. Takenohama Beach, selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Beaches," is beautiful with emerald green water and white sand, and is crowded with many swimmers in summer. Sea cave tours by sea kayak are a very popular activity for international visitors, allowing them to observe giant natural formations like the "Yodo Sea Cave" up close. In winter, the rough waves of the Sea of Japan spray, showing a powerful expression completely different from summer. It is...

Hyogo
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Gokuraku-ji Temple

Gokuraku-ji Temple

Located in the quiet inner parlor of Kinosaki Onsen, Gokuraku-ji is a famous temple with a history continuing since the Muromachi period. The greatest highlight here is the main hall, designated as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property, and the beautifully maintained rock garden called "Seikan-tei (Dokuza-niwa)." In the grounds enveloped in silence, you can spend a meditative time unrelated to the bustle of the hot spring town. Also, if you reserve in advance, it is possible to perform "Zazen experience" or "Sutra copying." It is the best place to touch Japan's traditional spiritual culture and organize your mind after...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kannabe Kogen

Kannabe Kogen in Toyooka City is a playground of great nature centered on Mt. Kannabe, the only place in the Kinki region where a volcanic crater clearly remains. Agriculture is flourishing on the fertile land, a blessing of the volcano, and highland vegetables such as cabbage and watermelon are particularly exquisite. It is a treasure trove of activities, filled with experiences where you can directly feel the Earth's energy, from outdoor sports like trekking, mountain boarding, and camping to mysterious "wind cave" explorations. It is also known as a mecca for paragliding, and the conical shape of the volcano viewed...

Hyogo
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Izushi, Toyooka City

Izushi, Toyooka City

Izushi, called the "Little Kyoto of Tajima," is a town of history and gastronomy where the atmosphere of a former castle town remains in perfect form. The "Shinkoro," Japan's oldest clock tower and symbol of the town, and the magnificent stone walls of the Izushi Castle ruins are essential for photography. The greatest pleasure here is eating around "Izushi Sara Soba," served on small plates. It is a traditional soba culture continuing from the end of the Edo period, and competing for how many plates you can eat is part of the fun. Also, at "Eiraku-kan," the oldest playhouse in...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Toyooka City

Toyooka City, the central city of northern Hyogo, is a city of nature symbiosis and traditional crafts where "Oriental White Storks," which have achieved a return to the wild, soar. "Toyooka Kaban" (bags), with roots in wickerwork spanning over 1,000 years, is famous as Japan's largest bag production area boasting world-class quality. Also, within the city, there is "Kaban Street," where you can enjoy a trip visiting bags where craftsmanship shines. The city houses super popular spots such as Kinosaki Onsen and the castle town Izushi, and enjoys the rich natural blessings of mountains, rivers, and the sea. With a...

Hyogo
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Manba Ski Resort

Manba Ski Resort

Adjacent to the Kannabe Kogen area, Manba Ski Resort is a popular spot even for intermediate and advanced skiers who want authentic runs. Attractive for its wide slopes and varied courses, it is connected to the neighboring "Oku-Kannabe Ski Resort," allowing you to ski through a vast area all day long. Especially on the forest courses, the exhilaration of skiing through trees clad in snow is outstanding, and you can fully enjoy Japan's beautiful snowy scenery. At the base, there are cozy inns and hot springs, allowing you to experience the "classic Japanese winter style" of healing fatigue after skiing....

Hyogo
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kannabe Kogen Ski Resort

Kannabe Kogen Ski Resort

Located in Toyooka City, Kannabe Kogen Ski Resort is a leading winter resort in Kansai. Characterized by many gentle slopes, it allows beginners and families to enjoy skiing and snowboarding with peace of mind. This area also has a unique topography created by volcanic activity, and activities outside of winter are very plentiful. In summer, you can enjoy adventures soaring through the sky and racing across the earth, such as grass skiing, paragliding, and hot air balloon experiences. The cool climate unique to the highlands and gourmet food using fresh local vegetables and "Tajima Beef" are also attractions. For travelers...

Hyogo
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Nishi-Harima Astronomical Observatory, Center for Astronomy, University of Hyogo

Nishi-Harima Astronomical Observatory, Center for Astronomy, University of Hyogo

Located at the summit of Mt. Onagi in Sayo Town, this public astronomical observatory houses "Nayuta," one of the world's largest telescopes with a 2-meter aperture. It is rare worldwide for general travelers to observe the universe with such a huge telescope, allowing you to feel the mysteries of space up close. The starry sky, which can never be seen in the city, is breathtaking, and since accommodation facilities are available, you can enjoy stargazing all night long. Surrounded by rich nature, you can also enjoy hiking and superb views during the day. For star lovers worldwide, it is truly...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kawa-no-Mori (Leather Forest)

Kawa-no-Mori (Leather Forest)

Located in the leading leather production area centered on Himeji and Tatsuno cities, this is a facility where you can experience leather culture. Here, you can directly handle and purchase high-quality "Himeji Leather" and "Tatsuno Leather" products made with advanced tanning techniques passed down in this land since ancient times. Also, a major attraction is that workshops to actually make small leather goods are held, allowing you to experience craftsmen's handiwork. You can deeply learn about the "commitment" in Japanese manufacturing, such as the texture and scent of leather and the beauty of aging. For travelers looking for lifelong leather...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Nishi-Harima Area

Nishi-Harima Area

The Nishi-Harima area, spreading across southwestern Hyogo, is a versatile region where history, crafts, nature, and space science fuse. In this land near the World Heritage Himeji Castle, spots where craftsmanship shines are scattered, such as "Ako Unka-yaki," influenced by "Bizen-yaki" (one of Japan's six ancient kilns), and the sacred place of the leather industry. On the other hand, cutting-edge technology and rich nature coexist, with the beautiful coastline of the Seto Inland Sea and the Harima Science Garden City, which houses the world-class scientific research facility "SPring-8." It is an area that proposes diverse travel styles to satisfy intellectual...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Aioi City

Aioi City, facing a deep cove in the Seto Inland Sea, is a lively port town that once flourished as a shipbuilding town. The "Aioi Peiron Festival" held every May is a dynamic festival where people compete by rowing long boats of Chinese origin, and its heat has become a symbol of the town. Along the sea, there is "Manyo-no-Misaki" (Cape of Manyo), and the beauty of the many islands in the Seto Inland Sea viewed from there is so beautiful that ancient poets loved it, offering a soul-washing panorama. In addition, it is famous for being able to taste...

Hyogo
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shiso City

Located in west-central Hyogo, this is a nature-rich city certified as a "Forest Therapy Base," with about 90% of the city area being forest. Famous waterfalls such as "Hara Fudo Falls," selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls, are scattered here, where you can enjoy forest bathing filled with negative ions and hiking. In addition, there is a theory that Shiso is the "birthplace of Japanese sake," and sake tasting at traditional breweries is one of the attractions. You can enjoy authentic outdoor activities throughout the four seasons: skiing in winter, and camping from spring to summer. It is...

Hyogo
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Sayo Town

Sayo Town, at the western end of Hyogo, is a town that fascinates travelers from all over the world with the beauty of its night sky and summer "sunflowers." In summer, the sight of about 1.2 million sunflowers dyeing the vast land yellow is spectacular, and that overwhelming color will surely be a lifelong memory. Also, the "Nishi-Harima Astronomical Observatory," which has one of the world's largest telescopes, is located in the town, where you can observe a starry sky as if it's falling. Strolling through the streets of "Hirafuku," which retains the remnants of an Edo-period post town, is...

Hyogo
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kamigori Town

Kamigori Town, located on the border with Okayama Prefecture, is a calm historical town through which the clear Chigusa River flows. Known as a place associated with the Nanboku-cho period warrior Akamatsu Enshin, mountain castle ruins and old temples are scattered about, evoking historical romance. Especially "Kokenawa Castle Ruins" and "Shirahata Castle Ruins" are popular as historical exploration spots that double as hiking. Nature is also rich, and the cherry blossom trees along the river and local agricultural products nurtured by pure water symbolize the simple beauty of rural Japan. While not a flashy tourist destination, it is a place...

Hyogo
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tatsuno City

"Tatsuno City," located in southwestern Hyogo, is a city where castle town flavor, traditional industries, and beautiful nature harmonize. The Tatsuno district in the center is called the "Little Kyoto of Harima," attractive for its old streetscapes drifting with the scent of soy sauce. On the other hand, the Mitsu-cho area on the sea side features Murotsu, a port town with 1,300 years of history, where you can enjoy superb views of the calm Seto Inland Sea. Furthermore, in spring, the World Plum Park, said to have "ten thousand trees at a glance," colors beautifully. With a 400-year history of...

Hyogo
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kobe Municipal Arboretum

Kobe Municipal Arboretum

A vast arboretum representing Japan, utilizing the expansive grounds of Mt. Rokko. Although very close to the city, trees from all over the world and Japanese wild plants are displayed in conditions close to nature, allowing you to touch plant diversity while enjoying forest bathing. The "hydrangeas" during the rainy season are particularly spectacular, and the sight of hydrangeas—the flower of Kobe City—filling the mountainside is breathtakingly beautiful. In addition, the autumn foliage is wonderful, and the Metasequoia avenue dyed golden is photogenic. With guided tours available, it is a place for deep soul-healing learning and relaxation for international tourists...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ogo-cho, Kobe City

Ogo-cho, Kobe City

"Ogo," which once flourished as a post town for sankin-kotai, is a charming town where historical streetscapes and rich agriculture coexist. "Ogo-shuku Honjin Ruins," the only site in Japan adjacent to a roadside station, has restored and opened a magnificent building where Edo-period samurai stayed; you can reflect on the history of the time while looking at the hearth and beautiful garden. In addition, Ogo is famous as a production area for "Yamada Nishiki," the highest-grade sake rice, and beautiful rural landscapes spread out. Private houses where the skills of thatched-roof craftsmen breathe and simple gourmet foods utilizing local ingredients...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Yamada-cho, Kobe City

Yamada-cho, Kobe City

Although only a short distance from downtown Kobe, this area retains deep traditional Japanese rural landscapes. Here, there is "Hakogi Sennen-ya," an Important Cultural Property considered the oldest private house in Japan, conveying Muromachi-period architectural styles to the present. The landscape with scattered thatched-roof old houses makes one feel as if they have slipped back in time several hundred years. Surrounded by rich nature, you can trace the roots of Japanese residential culture while feeling seasonal agricultural products and the beauty of Satoyama. Hiking courses are also maintained, making it a hidden village known only to a few, ideal for...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Mudo-ji Temple

Located at the foot of Mt. Nibu in Kita-ku, Kobe City, surrounded by rich nature, Mudo-ji is an ancient temple with a history continuing since the Heian period, enveloped in silence and mystery. It houses five precious Buddhist statues designated as National Important Cultural Properties, including the wooden seated statue of Dainichi Nyorai, the principal image, allowing you to feel the depth of Japanese Buddhist art up close. The grounds are very quiet with few visitors, offering a meditative time listening only to the chirping of birds and the sound of wind. The mossy stone steps and the surrounding deep...

Hyogo
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter