Digging deep into the charm of Hyogo Prefecture: historical discoveries and inspirational spots in my travels
- A Step into Hyogo Prefecture – A Gateway to Its Deep History
- How to dig deeper into the charms of Hyogo Prefecture
- My Most Impressive Experience in Hyogo Prefecture
- Hyogo Prefecture’s nature and gourmet food – Spectacular views before your eyes and paradise on your palate
- Interacting with locals – the moment you feel the essence of Hyogo
- Ending the trip – night view of Hyogo
- Historical buildings selected by Kasumi
A Step into Hyogo Prefecture – A Gateway to Its Deep History
Historical background of Hyogo Prefecture
Hyogo Prefecture is one of Japan’s prefectures with its rich history and culture. I have traveled to 47 prefectures and have been drawn to Hyogo many times. In a nutshell, this area is a “treasury of historical discoveries”. A variety of historical events have taken place in Hyogo Prefecture, from the ruins of the Kofun period dating back to B.C., to the Sengoku period and the Meiji Restoration.
Historical spots visited
The historical spot I recommend is Himeji Castle. This beautiful white heron castle is the best preserved castle in Japan and is designated as a national treasure. Himeji Castle’s magnificent exterior, the secret rooms and staircases hidden inside, and the many stories hidden behind them captivate visitors.
How to dig deeper into the charms of Hyogo Prefecture
Interacting with the locals is essential to gaining a deeper understanding of the charms of Hyogo Prefecture. I visited several local cafes and restaurants during my trip. Among them, “Cafe Tabibito” in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture was particularly impressive. The owner’s grandmother is very knowledgeable about the history and culture of the area and I learned a lot from her stories.
In addition, there are many local organizations and tourism associations in Hyogo Prefecture, and by taking advantage of the tours and experience programs offered by these organizations, you can experience the charms of Hyogo Prefecture one step further.
My Most Impressive Experience in Hyogo Prefecture
The most impressive experience for me was the experience in Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture. The story of the Ako Roshi is known to people all over Japan, but I was able to actually feel the history there. Visiting the ruins of Ako Castle and the grave of Takumi Asano, I was able to feel the atmosphere of that era.
In the next part, I will go more in-depth and tell you more about the region’s nature, gourmet food, and the impressive spots I experienced. It is impossible to fully understand the charms of Hyogo Prefecture in just one visit.
Hyogo Prefecture’s nature and gourmet food – Spectacular views before your eyes and paradise on your palate
Hyogo’s natural charms will captivate you at first sight
Hyogo Prefecture is a place where the vibrancy of urban areas, rural scenery, and magnificent nature coexist. What captured my heart was the spectacular view of Awaji Island. When you cross over to the island, the beauty of the Pacific Ocean spreading out in front of you, the mountains in the center, and the rice fields surrounding the mountains are like a picture.
Gourmet food in Hyogo – It’s a journey
Hyogo Prefecture’s food culture was born from its diverse natural environment. Kobe beef is a specialty that is loved by many people both in Japan and abroad, but it is not only that. Onions from Awaji Island, crabs from the Tajima region, and seafood from the Harima region… Dishes made with these local ingredients allow you to feel the local climate.
What was particularly impressive was the dinner we had at Kobe Beef Master, a long-established restaurant in Kobe. The tender and juicy Kobe beef steak was one of the most delicious meals of my trip to Japan.
My recommended spot – Sunset at Harima Sea
Hyogo Prefecture has many beautiful beaches and coastlines, but the sunsets at Harima Sea are especially spectacular. One summer day, I listened to recommendations from locals and visited Harima-nada. The moment the sun sank below the horizon, I was captivated by its beauty. Enjoying local seafood while watching the sunset was an unforgettable experience.
Interacting with locals – the moment you feel the essence of Hyogo
Meeting locals
The most memorable part of my travels is the interaction with the people I met. I felt that most people in Hyogo Prefecture are warm and friendly. At the small festivals and markets in the towns and villages I visited, I was able to speak naturally with the locals and learn first-hand about their lives and culture.
A special experience – Kobe’s traditional tea ceremony
There are many places in Kobe city where you can experience traditional Japanese culture, but one that was particularly impressive was the traditional tea ceremony experience. At Kobe Wa-no-ie, located in the historic streets of Kobe, we were able to experience an authentic tea ceremony under the guidance of experts. The work of making a cup of tea in that quiet space made me feel as if time had stopped.
Local Festival – Spring Hyogo Shrine Annual Festival
There are many festivals in Hyogo Prefecture, but the Hyogo Shrine Reitaisai in spring is a must-see. I was captivated by the many food stalls, the traditional mikoshi parade, and the locals’ enthusiasm for the festival. On the night of the festival, I was able to feel the charm of Hyogo with my whole body while dancing with the locals.
Ending the trip – night view of Hyogo
Kobe’s night view is one of the most beautiful in Japan. I enjoyed the night view from “Hyogo Harborland”. The countless lights floating in the sea and the lights of the city were united, shining like a sea of stars. This beautiful scenery was the perfect moment to mark the end of my trip to Hyogo prefecture.
summary
Our trip to Hyogo Prefecture was a series of historical sites, natural beauty, delicious food, and interaction with the locals. In order to feel the essence of this place, it is important to go beyond just sightseeing and get deeply involved with the local culture and people. I would be happy if you could feel the charm of Hyogo Prefecture through my travelogue. I look forward to visiting this beautiful land one day.
Historical buildings selected by Kasumi
Hyogo Prefecture is dotted with many historical buildings, each of which has a deep history and background. This time, I, Kasumi, will introduce five historical buildings that I find particularly impressive. Each building will be given a “Kasumi Point” to explain its charm in detail.
Himeji Castle (Himeji City)
Himeji Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Japan and is registered as a World Heritage Site.
Kasumi points:
It is also called “White Heron Castle” due to its beautiful appearance resembling a white heron. Many turrets and walls still exist, and the historical value is very high.
Ako Ronin’s Tomb (Ako City)
Many people visit the graveyard to pay homage to the loyalty of the Ako Roshi and lay flowers.
Kasumi points:
It is a place where you can learn about the background of the Ako Incident and the way of life of roshi. There is also a museum on the premises where you can learn about the history in detail.
Takeda Castle Ruins (Asago City)
The ruins of Takeda Castle, also known as the castle in the sky, are located on the top of a mountain, and you can enjoy the scenery of each season.
Kasumi points:
The appearance of being shrouded in mist in the early morning is fantastic and fascinates visitors.
Trekking up the mountain is also one of the pleasures.
Nishinomiya Shrine (Nishinomiya City)
Located between Kobe and Osaka, this shrine is especially crowded with many worshipers during the New Year’s visit.
Kasumi points:
The selection of lucky men on January 10th is famous, and many people participate and watch every year. The traditional architecture where you can feel the history from ancient times is worth seeing.
Kobe Former Settlement (Chuo Ward, Kobe City)
In this area where Western architecture from the 19th century still exists, you can enjoy a walk while looking at the historical buildings.
Kasumi points:
The cobbled streets and retro buildings that make you think of European streets are attractive. There are also many cafes and general stores, so you can enjoy shopping while strolling.
There are still many historical buildings in Hyogo Prefecture, but I, Kasumi, have introduced five spots that I particularly recommend. Please visit these places and experience their history and charm firsthand.
