Things to do in  Hyogo Prefecture

If you only have time for a single day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, make it Himeji Castle, which is widely considered one of Japan’s most beautiful surviving feudal castles. Also known as the White Heron Castle, thanks to its striking white exterior, the UNESCO World Heritage–listed complex features a five-story central tower with surrounding moats, walls, and pagodas. The castle grounds are flanked by the ponds and tea rooms of Koko-en Gardens, a welcome retreat for a stroll or lunchtime stop.

Occupying two floors of a former sake brewery, the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum introduces visitors to the history and process of sake brewing. Life-sized figures recreate scenes from the traditional brewing process, and brochures are available in English to help non-Japanese speakers get their bearings.

Linking the Akashi Strait from Kobe to Awaji Island, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge opened in 1998 and is one of the world’s longest suspension bridges. The bridge's central span is 1,991 meters (6,532 feet) long, and while crossing the bridge, travelers come here to see the Bridge Exhibition Center and the Maiko Marine Promenade.

Situated on the Kobe waterfront on a swathe of reclaimed land, Meriken Park is notable for its numerous art installations and memorializing those who lost their lives in the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake. It's home to the Kobe Port Museum and the Kobe Maritime Museum, both noteworthy examples of contemporary architecture.

Situated on the grounds of Himeji Castle, this garden was constructed in 1992 to commemorate the centenary of Himeji City becoming a municipality. It's spread out over 3.5 hectares (8.5 acres) and features nine different gardens designed to match the historic aesthetic of the castle that towers over them.

Fans of Japanese pop culture will love Nijigen no Mori (Awaji Island Anime Park). Located within Hyogo Prefectural Awajishima Park, it's a must-visit for anime enthusiasts of any age, and its entertaining attractions will even appeal to those unfamiliar with anime.

Kobe Port Tower—nicknamed “Steel Tower Beauty—is a crimson tower built in an hourglass shape resembling a Japanese hand drum, called a tsuzumi. Situated in the Central District, the tower rises 354 feet (108 meters) above the city, and is known as the symbol of Kobe. Visitors come here for the panoramic sightseeing decks and rotating bar.

Spread along Kobe’s sparkling waterfront, Kobe Harborland encompasses shopping, dining, entertainment, and more. The bustling, attraction-packed area is one of the Japanese city’s most-popular destinations for locals and visitors alike.

Kobe is an important port city, and the Kobe Maritime Museum records and celebrates its history. The latticed steel architecture of the museum was designed to invoke the impression of sailing ships. It’s a modern museum with plenty of interactive exhibits, model ships to explore, and information in Japanese and English.

Located on Port Island, Kobe Animal Kingdom offers up-close encounters with numerous varieties of animals and birds who roam the park freely. Visitors of all ages, including young children, will delight in seeing creatures from all around the world in recreations of their natural habitats.

At Taiyo Park in Himeji, visitors can tour of some of the world’s most famous monuments without leaving Japan. The park contains smaller replicas of such iconic attractions as the Giza pyramids, the Statue of Liberty, and China’s Terracotta Warriors. Don’t miss the 3D trick-art gallery inside the replica of Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle.

Situated in Maiko Park, on the mainland side of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the Maiko Marine Promenade allows you to get a closer view of one of the world’s longest suspension bridges. Head to the observation lounge for great views of the bridge and the Akashi Straight below.

Most visitors to Japan have likely tried some coffee from the Ueshima Coffee Company (UCC), renowned for having introduced the world’s first canned coffee. At the UCC Coffee Museum, you can immerse yourself in coffee culture, learn about how coffee is made, and experience it with all five senses.