[2023] Summary of access methods from Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo to popular spots in Hyogo (Kobe Nankinmachi, Himeji Castle, Kinosaki Onsen, etc.)

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Nankinmachi, Himeji Castle, Kinosaki Onsen, Arima Onsen, Takeda Castle Ruins, and Awajishima are popular spots that you must visit when you come to Hyogo, and can be visited on a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto. This article will introduce how to get to popular spots in Hyogo from Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyo...

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Hot springs in a world heritage site! Hyogo Prefecture is full of charm

Hyogo Prefecture has Nankinmachi, Kobe's Chinatown, which is known as a sacred place for eating out, Himeji Castle, which was the first place in Japan to be registered as a World Heritage Site, and Kinosaki Onsen, which has been famous for its 7 hot springs and has been blessed with blessings for more than 1,000 years. There are many attractive sightseeing spots such as Arima Onsen, Japan's oldest hot spring with a long history, Takeda Castle Ruins, known as a fantastic castle in the sky, and Awajishima, the first special island in Japan!

1. How to get to Nankinmachi from Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto

Kobe Chinatown "Nankinmachi" is considered one of Japan's three major Chinatowns, along with Yokohama Chinatown and Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown. The area has an exotic atmosphere, such as the tower gate and the pavilion, and is an area where you can enjoy delicious gourmet food such as grilled xiaolongbao and meat buns.

▪If you want to know more about Kitano Ijinkan and Nankinmachi, please refer to the article below.

Enjoy gourmet food in the exotic atmosphere of Kobe Chinatown "Nankinmachi", which is nurtured by Hyogo!

▪Here we will introduce how to get to Kobe Nankinmachi from Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

Access to Hyogo by “public transportation” [Official website: HYOGO! Navigation]

How to get from Tokyo to Kobe Nankinmachi

If using a plane:

Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes from Haneda Airport (ANA/SKYMARK) To Kobe Airport Approximately 18 minutes by Port Liner from Kobe Airport To Sannomiya Station Transfer to JR or Hanshin for approximately 1 minute To Motomachi Station Approximately 5 minutes' walk from Motomachi Station.

If using the train:

From Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen for about 2 hours and 30 minutes to Shin-Osaka Station.From Shin-Osaka Station, transfer to JR and go to Motomachi Station for about 30 minutes.

How to access from Osaka to Kobe Nankinmachi

About 20 minutes from Osaka Station on the JR Kobe Line and get off at Sannomiya Station. Transfer to JR or Hanshin Railway for about 1 minute to Motomachi Station. From Motomachi Station, walk about 5 minutes.

How to get from Kyoto to Kobe Nankinmachi

About 50 minutes from Kyoto Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line and get off at Sannomiya Station. Transfer to JR or Hanshin and go to Motomachi Station for about 1 minute. From Motomachi Station, walk for about 5 minutes.

Nankinmachi Map [Official website: Nankinmachi Shopping District Promotion Association]

・About a 7-minute walk from Kencho-mae Station on the Kobe Municipal Subway/Yamanote Line. About 5 minutes walk from Motomachi Station on the JR Kobe Line/Hanshin Railway.

・Get off at Kobe Municipal Subway/Kaigan Line "Kyukyoryuchi/Daimaru-mae Station" and walk for about 2 minutes.

・About a 10-minute walk from JR Kobe Line "Sannomiya Station" or Hankyu Railway/Hanshin Railway "Kobe Sannomiya Station".


2. How to get to Himeji Castle from Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto

Himeji Castle, registered as a World Heritage Site, is a castle whose construction began around 1346. Himeji Castle still has a castle tower built before the Edo period. It is also said to have high historical value. Himeji Castle is also called Shirasagijo due to the whiteness of its outer walls.

▪ If you want to know more about Himeji Castle, please refer to this article.

[Himeji Castle] Touring the castle becomes more fun! Top 7 highlights of Japanese castles!

How to access Himeji Castle from Tokyo

If using a plane:

Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes from Haneda Airport (ANA/SKYMARK) to Kobe Airport. From Kobe Airport, take the Port Liner to Sannomiya Station for approximately 18 minutes. Then, transfer to the JR Kobe Line New Rapid Service bound for Himeji and arrive at Himeji Station in approximately 40 minutes. From the north exit of Himeji Station, take the Shinki Bus and get off at Otemon-mae, a 5-minute walk. If you are taking the train, you can take the Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen Nozomi bound for Hiroshima from Tokyo Station and arrive at Himeji Station in about 3 hours and 10 minutes without changing trains. From the north exit of Himeji Station, take the Shinki Bus and get off at Otemon-mae, a 5-minute walk.

How to access Himeji Castle from Osaka

From Osaka Station, take the JR Kobe Line Rapid Service bound for Himeji, which will take you to Himeji Station in about an hour. Take the Shinki Bus from the north exit of Himeji Station and get off at Otemon-mae, then walk for 5 minutes.

How to access Himeji Castle from Kyoto

From Kyoto Station, take the JR Kyoto Line Rapid Service bound for Himeji and go to Himeji Station for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.Take the Shinki Bus from the north exit of Himeji Station and get off at Otemon-mae, then walk for 5 minutes.


3. How to get to Kinosaki Onsen from Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto

Kinosaki Onsen, which has been open for more than 1,300 years, is known for its ``seven hot springs tour'' that brings good luck. It is said that visiting this shrine will bring you good luck such as prosperous business and finding a good match. There are many gourmet foods that you can enjoy after taking a bath, such as Tajima beef steak skewers and hot spring eggs.

▪If you want to know more about Kinosaki Onsen, please refer to this article.

[Hyogo Tajima] 9 recommended gourmet dishes from Kinosaki Onsen that you want to eat after taking a bath!

[Official website] Visit Kinosaki

How to access Kinosaki Onsen from Tokyo

If using a plane:

Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Haneda Airport (JAL/ANA) Transfer from Osaka Itami Airport (JAL) to Tajima Airport for approximately 35 minutes. From Tajima Airport, transfer to the Zentan bus and arrive at Kinosaki Onsen Station in about 40 minutes.

If using the train:

From Tokyo Station, take the JR Shinkansen Nozomi to Kyoto Station, then transfer to the limited express Kinosaki and arrive at JR Kinosaki Onsen Station in approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes.

How to access Kinosaki Onsen from Osaka

If using a plane:

Approximately 35 minutes from Osaka Itami Airport (JAL) to Tajima Airport. From Tajima Airport, transfer to the Zentan bus and arrive at Kinosaki Onsen Station in about 40 minutes.

If using the train:

Take the limited express Kounotori from JR Osaka Station and arrive at JR Kinosaki Onsen Station in about 2 hours and 40 minutes.

How to access Kinosaki Onsen from Kyoto

If using the train:

From JR Kyoto Station, transfer to the limited express Kinosaki and arrive at JR Kinosaki Onsen Station in about 2 hours and 20 minutes.


4. How to get to Arima Onsen from Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto

Arima Onsen is said to be the oldest hot spring in Japan, located in Hyogo Prefecture. It has a history that goes back over 1000 years. Although the hot spring town is compact with a circumference of 1 kilometer on each side, it is a charming hot spring town with many hot spring inns and hideaway-like shops.

▪If you want to know more about Arima Onsen, please refer to this article.

1 hour from Osaka/Kyoto! Arima Onsen Complete Guide - Recommended day-trip hot springs, cafes, and souvenirs!

How to access Arima Onsen from Tokyo

If using a plane:

Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Haneda Airport (JAL/ANA) to Osaka Itami Airport. From Osaka Itami Airport, take the Hankyu Kanko Bus and arrive at Arima Onsen in about 30 minutes.

If using the train:

From Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka Station, approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Take the Hankyu Kanko Bus from Shin-Osaka Station and arrive at Arima Onsen in about an hour.

For those coming from Tokyo

How to access Arima Onsen from Osaka

If using the train:

From Osaka Station, take the JR Kobe Line to Sannomiya Station. From Sannomiya Station, transfer to the Kobe Municipal Subway and go to Tanigami Station. Then transfer to Kobe Electric Railway and arrive at Arima Onsen Station in about an hour via Arimaguchi Station.

If using the bus:

Take the Hankyu Kanko Bus from Shin-Osaka Station and arrive at Arima Onsen in about an hour.

How to access Arima Onsen from Kyoto

If using the train:

From Kyoto Station, take the Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen to Shin-Kobe Station. Then, from Shin-Kobe Station, transfer to the Kobe Municipal Subway and head to Tanigami Station. Then transfer to Kobe Electric Railway and arrive at Arima Onsen Station in about 1 hour and 20 minutes via Arimaguchi Station.

If using the bus:

Take the Keihan bus from Kyoto Station's Hachijo Exit and arrive at Arima Onsen in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.


5. How to get to Takeda Castle Ruins from Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto

Takeda Castle Ruins, a castle in the sky located on the top of a mountain 353.7 meters above sea level and famous for its fantastic views, is a nationally designated important cultural property and has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Famous Castles. Around the ruins of Takeda Castle, accommodation facilities have been built where you can enjoy a relaxing and luxurious time while looking out at the magnificent scenery of the castle in the sky, and this area is attracting attention both domestically and internationally.

▪If you would like to know more about Takeda Castle Ruins, please refer to this article.

[Hyogo Prefecture] Spectacular views are right next door! 3 recommended accommodations near Takeda Castle Ruins and Ikuno Ginzan Silver Mine

How to access Takeda Castle Ruins from Tokyo

If using a plane:

Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes from Haneda Airport (JAL/ANA) to Osaka Itami Airport. From Osaka Itami Airport, take the Hankyu Kanko Bus to Shin-Osaka Station for about 25 minutes. From Shin-Osaka Station, take the limited express Kounotori to Wadayama Station for approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes. Then, transfer to the Bantan Line from Wadayama Station and go to Takeda Station for about 10 minutes. Transfer to the Tenku Bus from Takeda Station and arrive at Takeda Castle Ruins in about 20 minutes.

If using the train:

From Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen to Himeji Station. From Himeji Station, transfer to the JR Bantan Line, go via Teramae Station, and go to Takeda Station. Transfer to the Tenku Bus from Takeda Station and arrive at Takeda Castle Ruins at approximately 4:30.

How to access Takeda Castle ruins from Osaka

If using the train:

From Osaka Station, take the limited express Kounotori to Wadayama Station for approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes. Then, transfer to the Bantan Line from Wadayama Station and go to Takeda Station for about 10 minutes. Transfer to the Tenku Bus from Takeda Station and arrive at Takeda Castle Ruins in about 20 minutes.

If using the train:

From Kyoto Station, take the Kinosaki Limited Express to Wadayama Station for approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. Then, transfer to the Bantan Line from Wadayama Station and go to Takeda Station for about 10 minutes. Transfer to the Tenku Bus from Takeda Station and arrive at Takeda Castle Ruins in about 20 minutes.

How to access Takeda Castle ruins from Kyoto

If using the train:

From Kyoto Station, take the Kinosaki Limited Express to Wadayama Station for approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. Then, transfer to the Bantan Line from Wadayama Station and go to Takeda Station for about 10 minutes. Transfer to the Tenku Bus from Takeda Station and arrive at Takeda Castle Ruins in about 20 minutes.


6. How to get to Awajishima from Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto

Awajishima is located in the eastern part of the Seto Inland Sea and is said to be the first island to be born in Japan, so it is also called the ``Kokusei no Shima''. Awaji onions and Awaji beef are famous as local specialties, but there are also plenty of other delicious seafood and mountain products. The island is also a popular tourist destination, with a theme park where you can enjoy the world of anime, ``Nijigen no Mori,'' and a lodging facility with an outstanding sense of openness, ``Zenbo Yasunei.''

▪If you want to know more about Awajishima, please refer to this article.

[Hyogo Awaji] Nijigen no Mori is a theme park where you can experience the world of anime such as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Naruto!

[Hyogo Awajishima] “Zenbo Yasuning” Stay in a cedar building floating in the forest! Enjoy the Zen experience and gourmet food with a spectacular 360 degree view!

How to access Awajishima from Tokyo

If using a plane:

Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Haneda Airport (ANA/SKYMARK) to Kobe Airport. Approximately 18 minutes by Port Liner from Kobe Airport to Sannomiya Station. Transfer to the express bus from Sannomiya Station and arrive at Sumoto Bus Center in about 80 minutes.

If using the train:

From Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka Station for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. From Shin-Osaka Station, transfer to the Kyoto Line and go to Sannomiya Station for about 30 minutes. Transfer to the express bus from Sannomiya Station and arrive at Sumoto Bus Center in about 80 minutes.

How to access Awajishima from Osaka

From Osaka Station, take the Tokaido Sanyo Main Line and go to Sannomiya Station for about 20 minutes. Transfer to the express bus from Sannomiya Station and arrive at Sumoto Bus Center in about 80 minutes.

How to access Awajishima from Kyoto

From Kyoto Station, take the Tokaido Sanyo Main Line and go to Sannomiya Station for about 50 minutes. Transfer to the express bus from Sannomiya Station and arrive at Sumoto Bus Center in about 80 minutes.


[Official website] Hyogo prefecture tourism site “HYOGO! Navi'

The official website of Hyogo Tourism Headquarters, which provides tourist information for Hyogo Prefecture (Kobe, Himeji, Kinosaki, Awajishima, etc.). There is a lot of recommended travel information, including special sightseeing spots such as Hyogo Prefecture's Japanese heritage sites and cycling, as well as model courses where you can enjoy hot spring culture and Japanese sake, so be sure to check it out!

HYOGO! Check your navigation now!

Written by

Welcome to Hyogo Hyogo is a gateway to the Kansai region, which nurtures the blessed land that connects the Sea of ​​Japan, the Chugoku Mountains, and the Seto Inland Sea, as well as the blessed climate. There are many spectacular views that will catch your eye, such as Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site that was selected as one of the 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots, and the panoramic night view from Mt. Rokko. The world-famous Kobe brand, KOBE BEEF, which is synonymous with Tajima beef, is one of Japan's leading beefs, and the sake rice ``Hyogo Yamada Nishiki'' is a gem that will surprise your tongue. Arima Onsen is a famous hot spring, and Kinosaki Onsen has appeared in many literary works. Surrounded by nature, you can relax your mind and body. You can come across memorable sounds such as the thunderous sounds of the whirlpools of Naruto on Awaji Island, and the dynamic sounds of the fireworks festivals held in various places in the summer. In the herb gardens and botanical gardens in the prefecture, you will be healed by the gentle and pleasant scent of herbs and flowers throughout the four seasons. Enjoy a new journey in Hyogo that stimulates the five senses of sight, taste, touch, hearing, and smell.

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