Introducing Instagram-Worthy Photos of Hyogo Prefecture
Hyogo Prefecture boasts a variety of stunning attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Himeji Castle, historic hot springs like Arima Onsen and Kinosaki Onsen, and the majestic Takeda Castle, also known as the “Castle in the Sky.” The prefecture is also home to scenic spots like Mount Rokko with its panoramic night view of Kobe, the coastal charm of Meriken Park, and the exotic atmosphere of the Ijinkan and Nankinmachi Chinatown in Kobe.
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle, a national treasure and Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also known as the “White Heron Castle” due to its elegant appearance. In 1580, Toyotomi Hideyoshi became the lord of Himeji Castle, fortifying it and developing the castle town. He hosted tea ceremonies here and eventually moved to Osaka Castle after defeating Akechi Mitsuhide. This history has earned Himeji Castle the nickname “Success Castle.”
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 3-minute walk from Himeji Station
Takeda Castle
Takeda Castle, situated on a mountaintop at an elevation of 353.7 meters, features extensive stone walls that span about 100 meters east-west and 400 meters north-south. Built in 1443 by the Yamana clan, it is also called the “Tiger Lying Down Castle” due to the shape of the mountain. In late autumn, morning fog creates a magical landscape, leading to its nicknames “Castle in the Sky” and “Japan’s Machu Picchu,” attracting many visitors.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 1-hour walk from Takeda Station
Shoshazan Engyoji Temple
Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, established in 966, is located on Mount Shosha at an elevation of 371 meters. Known as the “Mount Hiei of the West,” it features notable structures like the Maniden, Daikodo, and Jikido. The temple grounds have also been used as filming locations for many movies and dramas.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 21-minute walk from Himeji Station
Arima Onsen
Arima Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, alongside Dogo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture and Shirahama Onsen in Wakayama Prefecture, known since the Nara period. The hot spring town features two communal baths: Kinsen (Golden Hot Spring) with reddish-brown, salty water believed to have sterilizing properties, and Ginsen (Silver Hot Spring) with clear water said to stimulate appetite.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 4-minute walk from Arima Onsen Station
Kinosaki Onsen
Kinosaki Onsen, with over 1300 years of history, has been beloved by many literary figures such as Shimazaki Toson and Shiga Naoya. The onsen town, which received two stars from the Michelin Green Guide Japan, attracts both domestic and international tourists. Its seven unique public baths each offer distinct charms.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 1-minute walk from Kinosaki Onsen Station
Kitano Ijinkan
Kitano Ijinkan district, about a 10-minute walk from JR Shin-Kobe Station, is known for its colonial-style Western architecture from the Meiji and Taisho periods. Notable buildings include the “Weathercock House” and “House of Scales.” The Platon Decorative Arts Museum, also called the Italian House, and its garden terrace café are popular photo spots.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information:15-minute walk from Sannomiya Station
Nankinmachi
Nankinmachi, located in central Kobe, is one of Japan’s three major Chinatowns alongside Yokohama and Nagasaki. With over 100 Chinese restaurants and shops along Motomachi and Sakaemachi streets, it offers authentic Chinese cuisine such as gyoza, xiaolongbao, and shark fin ramen, as well as popular takeout options like meat buns and soft-serve ice cream. Since the opening of Kobe Port in 1867, Nankinmachi has thrived while maintaining its historical charm, bustling with locals and tourists alike. Nearby Meriken Park is a great spot to enjoy takeout food.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 3-minute walk from Motomachi Station
Meriken Park
Meriken Park, created to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the opening of Kobe Port, is located in Kobe’s bay area. The park features photogenic spots like the Kobe Port Tower, the BE KOBE monument, and the Kobe Brick Warehouse. The BE KOBE monument is especially popular for Instagram-worthy photos. In 2021, the aquarium and art fusion facility AQUARIUM x ART átoa opened here. The park also houses unique architectural sites like the Kobe Maritime Museum and resort hotels, making it a scenic spot during the day and a romantically lit area at night.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 9-minute walk from Motomachi Station
Mount Rokko Night View
The night view from Mount Rokko is famously known as the “10 million dollar night view,” offering a sweeping vista of Osaka Plain and Wakayama. To enjoy this spectacular scene, take the retro-modern cable car to Rokko Sanjo Station, then head to the Rokko Garden Terrace for a panoramic view. The mesmerizing nightscape’s scale and beauty captivate all who visit.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 14-minute walk from Rokko Station
