Visit HYOGO

Hyogo Prefecture is home to a set of famous waters: Arima Onsen, one of the three oldest hot springs in Japan; Kinosaki Onsen, where you can enjoy touring the open-air baths; and Yumura Onsen, which boasts some of Japan’s highest temperatures. These historic hot spring resorts also offer traditional handicrafts and gourmet cuisine, and are places for relaxation now just as they were in the past. First, why not check out the qualities and features of each hot spring, as well as sightseeing and activities in the area?

Arima Onsen, surrounded by lush nature, is a historic hot spring area that has long been loved by emperors, nobles, and warlords. Here, you can enjoy two different types of hot springs: the red-brown “golden waters” (Kinsen) that warm you to the core and the colorless and clear “silver waters” (Ginsen), said to be good for the skin. Another appeal of Arima is its location, which is easily accessible from Osaka and Kobe.

This hot spring resort offers plenty of dishes made with local ingredients and local specialty gourmet cuisine. Kobe beef croquettes, local specialty tansan senbei crackers, and hand-made gelato are all perfect treats to try when you walk around the streets. Other highlights include historic spots such as the Taiko-hashi Bridge and Nene-bashi Bridge, associated with the Taiko (Regent) Hideyoshi. At night, the streets are lit up so you can enjoy a stroll in the ambiance of a hot spring town.

Kinosaki Onsen, where the Otani River is lined with beautiful willow trees, opened 1300 years ago. It was loved by many of the literati, including novelist Shiga Naoya. Here, you can enjoy a hot-spring tour, visiting seven open-air springs in close proximity, each with their own merits. Another appeal is the opportunity to savor seasonal marine produce, including crabs.

First, change into a yukata (a light kimono) and start touring the open-air baths. Strolling along the cobblestones in historic style is a staple of a visit to Kinosaki. Drop into a souvenir store or eatery on your bath tour and treat yourself to some conversation with the locals. On the following day, head to spots associated with the literati who loved Kinosaki or sightseeing destinations such as Genbudo Park.

This historic hot spring area lies in the mountains of the San'in area. It shot to fame as the setting of the NHK Drama “The Diary of Yumechiyo” (1981). The original spring waters are very hot—98℃—and in winter their steam shrouds the area and creates an atmosphere of elegance. The historic “yugaki” culture of cooking vegetables and other foods in the hot spring waters has been passed down to the present day.

Take a moment to rest at the foot bath and watch the koi carp and ducks swimming in the Haruki River that runs through the center of the town. You can also cook an “onsen egg” by hanging the egg in the extremely hot “Arayu” waters. You might even see the exhibitions at the Yumechiyokan or take a walk around the retro Showa-style streets. The following day, why not head a little further out to see the Takeda Castle Ruins, famous as the “castle in the sky”?

Takarazuka is easily accessible from Kobe and Osaka. It’s well-known as the base of the Takarazuka Revue, but also has a long history as a hot spring area. It has two types of spring—the red-brown “kinposen” and the clear “ginposen”—and these are a convenient destination after watching a show at the Revue, seeing The Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum, or hiking along the Mukogawa River.

Takedao Onsen lies in the Mukogawa River valley. It's said that it was discovered by the samurai Takedao Naozo, a defeated deserter of the army of Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century, and was named after him; it offers a quiet and secluded atmosphere that is famous among those in the know. Its waters, which contain radon, are said to be good for relieving fatigue, and large numbers of hikers visit in the seasons for new greenery and fall leaves.

This is one of Kansai’s leading hot spring resorts, located mainly on Awaji Island. Large ryokan inns and hotels line the sea cliffs, offering plenty of gourmet dishes and activities. Sumoto Retro Komichi, in the castle town of Sumoto, incorporates fashionable social medial-worthy cafes in old folk residences and miscellaneous goods shops.

These hot springs offer a warm climate and spectacular sea views spread before your eyes. Minami-Awaji Onsenkyo, located on the southernmost tip of Awaji Island, has seven hot-spring sources in which you can bathe, each with its own merits. Make the most of joys you can only experience here, such as Awaji Island’s three-year-old tiger puffer fish and an Uzushio Cruise.

Containing medicated baths with abundant benefits, Shiota Onsen town prospered as a hot-spring health resort in the Edo period (1603–1868). Its peaceful rural satoyama landscape, surrounded by mountains, has led to it being known as Himeji’s “inner sanctum,” and the cherry trees lining the Yumesaki River bloom beautifully here in the spring. From Himeji Castle, it takes around 30 minutes by car to reach Shiota, where you can experience a feeling of the extraordinary.

Ako charms as a location that commands stunning views, including of the islands of Shodoshima and Ieshima in the Setouchi area and the setting sun at Ako Misaki, selected as one of the best 100 sunsets in Japan. The mineral-rich spring waters are also called the “yomigaeri no yu,” meaning the “springs of revival,” and are well-known for relieving tiredness and helping to beautify your skin.

With streetscapes filled with an exotic ambiance, gourmet dishes, and the night views from Mount Rokko, Kobe boasts plenty of highlights. If you want to indulge and enjoy both Kobe and hot springs, why not plan a two-night three-day trip? With Kobe as your base, you can travel a little further to the nearby Arima Onsen, Kinosaki Onsen, Yumura Onsen, Awaji Island, and more.

Highlights of the Himeji area include National Treasure Himeji Castle, the culture of castle towns such as Akashi and Ako, and the scenery of the islands of Setouchi. Don't miss the local gourmet dishes, which includes seafood as well as Himeji oden (hot pot) and other treats. If you’re enjoying Himeji as a base, we recommend Shiota Onsen and Ako Onsen.

What do you think? Hyogo Prefecture, home to diverse hot springs, is a place where you can indulge in a comfortable hot-spring feeling and even combine this with city sightseeing in places such as Kobe and Himeji. Once you’ve decided on your target hot spring destination, make sure you also check out the attractions in its area.