Hyōgo

Hyogo is a prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan, spanning the country from the Sea of Japan to the Inland Sea. Its capital is the cosmopolitan port city of Kobe. Home to the magnificent Himeji Castle and prized Kobe beef, it blends international flair with deep heritage.

Hyogo reaches across the width of Honshu, from the Sea of Japan coast in the north, over central mountains, to Kobe and the Seto Inland Sea in the south, including Awaji Island. The climate varies from snowy north to mild south.

Hyogo's culture centers on Kobe, a historic open port with international influences and a famous beef brand, alongside the hot springs of Arima and the castle town of Himeji. It blends modern port-city life with traditional Japan.

Kobe was one of the first Japanese ports opened to foreign trade in the 19th century, giving it a cosmopolitan character. The prefecture suffered the devastating 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake and rebuilt rapidly.