A thorough explanation of the five areas of Hyogo Prefecture and their charms! Gourmet food, hot springs, nature, etc.

• Table of Contents
• Hyogo Prefecture consists of 5 areas
• 1. Tajima area: Kobe beef, Kinosaki Onsen
• 2. Tamba area: Tanbayaki, Sanbou Gourmet
• 3. Harima area: Himeji Castle, Harimaori
• 4.Settsu area: Sake, Arima Onsen
• 5. Awaji Area: Uzushio, Awaji Puppet Theater
• Enjoy Hyogo to the fullest through the charms of its five areas!
• [Official website] Hyogo Prefecture tourism site HYOGO! Navi

Hyogo Prefecture consists of 5 areas

Hyogo Prefecture is located in the Kansai region of Japan and consists of the five regions of Harima, Tajima, Tanba, Awaji, and Settsu . Each region has its own characteristics, and you can enjoy the different charms of each region. There are plenty of transportation options, and it is easily accessible from Kyoto and Osaka.

1. Tajima area: Kobe beef, Kinosaki Onsen

Tajima is home to spectacular mountains and valleys, and is known as the production area for Tajima beef, which is the origin of Kobe beef. It is an area where you can enjoy historic townscapes and seasonal flavors, and the charm of nature and gourmet food.

The roots of Kobe beef “Tajima beef”

"Kobe Beef" is one of Japan's most representative gourmet foods, with many fans not only from Japan but also from overseas. It has passed what is said to be the most stringent standard among branded Wagyu beef, and is characterized by its smooth texture and melt-in-your-mouth mellowness. The roots of "Kobe Beef" actually lie in "Tajima Beef" grown in Tajima, Hyogo Prefecture. Careful breeding in Tajima greatly influences the deliciousness of top-class Wagyu beef such as Kobe Beef and Specially Selected Matsusaka Beef.

[Official website] Kami Town Sightseeing Guide

Enjoy exquisite healing and delicious food at Kinosaki Onsen

Kinosaki Onsen is a traditional Japanese hot spring resort located in a quiet area surrounded by beautiful nature. This historic hot spring town offers open-air baths and footbaths, and is especially appealing for its seasonal atmosphere and cuisine that makes use of local ingredients. It is especially recommended for those who want to experience Japan's hot spring culture and elegant atmosphere.

[Toyooka City Tourism Official Website] Kinosaki Onsen

2. Tamba area: Tanbayaki, Sanbou Gourmet

Tamba is an area where you can enjoy beautiful rural scenery, traditional crafts, and historic townscapes. There are tea plantations, bamboo forests, and old folk houses dotted around the area, giving you a taste of Japan. There are also local attractions such as Tamba black beans, a specialty of Tamba, and the historic buildings of Tamba Sasayama City.

"Tanbayaki" is a blend of tradition and art.

Tamba is a region known for its traditional pottery, the most representative of which is ``Tanbayaki''. Tanbayaki is a type of pottery made using a unique technique and is characterized by its stately design and high quality. Local restaurants often use Tanbayaki tableware, creating a harmonious balance between the food and the beauty of the tableware. You can also observe the production process at the Tanbayaki workshop and gallery.

[Official website] Tamba Traditional Crafts Park Tachikui Village

``Sanbou Gourmet'' where you can enjoy luxurious and exquisite taste

Tamba has three special products called the ``Tanbasanbou'': ``Tamba chestnuts,'' ``Tamba black soybeans,'' and ``Tamba Dainagon adzuki beans.'' All of these products were created using the unique natural environment and traditional manufacturing methods of the Tamba region, and are representative of the region's food culture.

Tamba chestnuts, which are said to be the best chestnuts in Japan, are characterized by their large size and strong sweetness, making them the best in taste. Every year around autumn, there are many repeat visitors who come to Tamba to collect chestnuts. At many cafes and restaurants, you can enjoy Mont Blanc in a variety of ways, including the classic Mont Blanc, but also in pasta and rice. In the beautiful scenery of Satoyama, please enjoy the deliciousness that can only be found in this region.

[Official website] Growing, growing Yumenoki

3. Harima area: Himeji Castle, Harimaori

Harima is a historic area that includes Himeji Castle. Himeji Castle, in particular, is attracting attention both domestically and internationally due to its combination of beautiful nature and historical landmarks. The Harima area is also a place where you can feel the local specialties and climate, making it an attractive tourist area that blends tradition and modernity.

Himeji Castle, the royal road to sightseeing in Hyogo

Himeji Castle is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Japan. Characterized by its chalk walls and beautiful layout, it is one of the largest and well-preserved castles in Japan and has been registered as a World Heritage Site. The area is surrounded by elaborate stone walls and beautiful gardens, and the surrounding scenery of cherry blossom trees is soothing. It is a great tourist destination where you can feel the history and beauty of Japan.

[Official website] Himeji Castle

“Harima-ori” is particular about “one-of-a-kind” and “one-of-a-kind items”

Banshu-ori is a typical textile produced in Nishiwaki City, Hyogo Prefecture, and is known not only in Japan but also around the world.It uses the method of dyed textiles, in which the threads are first dyed and then the pattern is woven. It is characterized by its natural texture, beautiful colors, and wonderful feel due to its unique manufacturing method. It accounts for more than 70% of domestic yarn-dyed fabrics and is also used in the products of famous international brands.

The Banshu Ori brand ``tamaki niime'' continues to inherit tradition, while also focusing on creating pieces that are ``one-of-a-kind'' and ``one-of-a-kind.'' Inspired by the landscape of Satoyama, which changes its appearance with the seasons, and the warm interactions with local people, you can feel the warmth in each piece. You can purchase products such as shawls and clothing at the shop located about an hour from Kobe. You are sure to find your favorite item that doesn't exist anywhere else.

[Official website] Tamaki niime

4.Settsu area: Sake, Arima Onsen

In addition to Kobe City, which has an exotic atmosphere, Settsu is also home to Nada, which is known for its sake production, and Arima Onsen, which is popular as Japan's oldest hot spring. Kobe is attracting attention from all over the world as a tourist destination that combines a historical townscape with gourmet food, such as the port town scenery and Kobe beef, but there is also a rich variety of attractions gathered throughout the city, sea, and mountains. Masu.

The finest sake from Nadagogo

Nadagogo, located in Nada Ward, Kobe City, is a sake-brewing region known as the best sake producer in Japan. This region is dotted with traditional breweries that produce delicious sake. One of the attractions is that you can enjoy the historical manufacturing methods and scenery, and get a closer feel of Japanese sake culture through brewery tours and tasting events.

The Old Sake Brewery Memorial Museum was a sake brewery built in 1659 (Manji 2) in the main residence of the Honkano family in Mikage, Kobe, and was moved to its current location in 1961, and is a museum that tells the history of sake brewing to this day. It was open to the public as a.

On January 17, 1995, the former Sake Brewery Memorial Hall collapsed due to the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. Four years later, on January 25, 1999, the building was reopened after complete reconstruction work. Inside the museum, Nada's sake brewing tools, a nationally designated Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property, as well as props from our collection are on display. We also offer sake tasting and sell limited edition alcohol and original goods. Please experience to your heart's content the passion for sake brewing that has been passed down unchanged for over 350 years.

[Official website] Kiku-Masamune Brewery Memorial Museum

It will open in April 2022 after renovating the Kenbishi Sake Brewery, which has a history of over 500 years. This is a former sake brewery restaurant where you can enjoy sake from 26 Nadagogo breweries and food with a theme of ``seasonal, local, compatibility, and fermentation.''

[Official website] Nadagogosakedokoro

``Arima Onsen'' The ultimate healing trip

Arima Onsen, located about 30 minutes by car from Kobe, is one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, with a history of over 1000 years. Not only can you enjoy a wide range of ways to enjoy hot spring facilities, such as public baths, facilities for day trip baths, and foot baths, we also recommend touring the hot spring town, which is full of traditional atmosphere. There are many tourist attractions, such as Arima Temple, Shirogane Falls, and the Arima Onsen Ropeway, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery from the top of the mountain.

[Official website] Arima Onsen

5. Awaji Area: Uzushio, Awaji Puppet Theater

Awaji is known as a sophisticated resort area with beautiful natural scenery and fresh seafood. While you can enjoy beautiful beaches and scenic views, there are also plenty of tourist spots such as Awaji World Park and Sumoto Onsen. Enjoy traditional island culture and gastronomy, as well as art and activities.

Experience the power of nature! “Whirlpool” in the Naruto Strait

The whirlpools of the Naruto Strait are known as the area that connects Shikoku and Awajishima in Japan. The power of the violent whirlpools generated by the ebb and flow of the tide is overwhelming! Taking a tour of the whirlpools up close on a sightseeing boat is a thrilling and recommended experience that allows you to feel the wonders of Japan's natural wonders.

[Official website] Uzushio Cruise

Awaji’s traditional art “Awaji Puppet Joruri”

Awaji Puppet Joruri is a traditional puppet show originating from Awajishima that boasts a history of over 500 years. A group of three people control puppets wearing kimonos, and the story is told to the sounds of traditional Japanese instruments such as the shamisen and clapperboard. At Awaji Puppet Theater, there are four performances a day, and you can enjoy performances of various genres. Awaji Ningyo Joruri, which incorporates elements of Kabuki and Noh, and is particular about the carvings and kimono designs, is recommended for experiencing traditional Japanese culture.

[Official website] Awaji Ningyo Joruri

Enjoy Hyogo to the fullest through the charms of its five areas!

As we have introduced so far, each region of the five countries has different charms. Transportation within the prefecture is well-developed, and you can conveniently travel around each area by train, bus, or car, so you can visit all five countries at once and experience the charm of Hyogo.

[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!

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