Visit all seven Setouchi prefectures, from Spirited Away bath houses, picturesque arched bridges, and more, in this five day itinerary!
Anna ToccoliMarch 17, 2023
There’s hardly a traveler to Japan who hasn’t thought about, read, or traveled to Kyoto’s cultural capital or Hyogo’s Himeji…
MikaMarch 29, 2022
From the picturesque canals of Kinosaki Onsen to Amanohashidate's pine-covered sandbar, the Kitakinki (北近畿) region has everything necessary to make…
MikaJanuary 5, 2022
Ako City (赤穂市) is a small coastal town in Hyogo Prefecture along the beautiful Seto Inland Sea. Its location between…
Thomas SiebertMarch 20, 2021
Ako a smaller city in Japan that is perfect for a short stay if you are looking for an off-the-beaten-track…
Thomas SiebertMarch 20, 2021
Not far from Kobe City in Hyogo prefecture, is the onsen resort of Arima Onsen (有馬温泉). With a history dating back…
ClaudiaNovember 28, 2020
When I was a kid, my mother thought it was best to keep my brother and I occupied with a…
MikaMarch 19, 2020
“Watch out for those deer!” I whispered, as a herd suddenly skipped across the road in the dark. It was…
MikaMarch 14, 2020
"Itadakimasu!” With my stomach already dangerously at capacity, I dove into my last order of soba (buckwheat) noodles in the…
MikaMarch 13, 2020
I might not have been the image of grace stomping along in my inch-high geta sandals. But it completed my…
MikaMarch 13, 2020
I have a confession to make: I hate haunted houses. As a kid, the looming fear that something would come…
MikaMarch 13, 2020
It was a day of wind and rain — not exactly the ideal weather for a photoshoot in Hyogo Prefecture's…
MikaMarch 13, 2020
In southern Hyogo Prefecture, between Kobe and Osaka, the old JR Fukuchiyama Line has emerged as a popular hiking trail for adventurous…
EimiJune 15, 2019
Sponsored by Sanda City In the small town of Sanda, which lies north of Kobe, as the city stretches into the mountains of…
Joachim DucosOctober 31, 2018
Kobe Shushinkan Brewery (神戸酒心館) is one of the favorite places that I like to show visiting friends and family. Situated…
Kelly NagataApril 9, 2017
Mikage, Kobe, is a quiet neighborhood that has been historically known for production of granite, or "Mikage-ishi" in Japanese. The…
Kelly NagataJuly 30, 2016
This sake museum, with many parts of the original brewery still preserved, is just one of many others in Nishinomiya-go.
RandMay 6, 2016
From seeing where "The Last Samurai" was shot to natural beauty, Engyoji Temple in Himeji has much to offer to…
Brian KoldApril 11, 2016
There are many onsen towns in Japan, and every prefecture has something unique to offer. They are all different in…
Luka JacksonApril 10, 2016
Hidden in Himeji is a mountain that holds beautiful temples and a wonderful hiking opportunity with a view well worth…
Luka JacksonApril 3, 2016
From rich history to architectural beauty Himeji Castle does its reputation as Japan's best preserved and perhaps most beautiful castle's…
Brian KoldMarch 21, 2016
Hiking in Hyogo a short way from Himeji is the spectacular nature of Takeda castle, Japan's Macchu Picchu.
Ethan CookmanMarch 19, 2016
Hidden in the basement of the Center Plaza mall in Sannomiya, Makino has become a no-brainer go-to when it comes…
Kelly NagataMarch 7, 2016
Anpanman is a beloved children’s character in Japan. Apart from the merchandise found throughout Japan, there is also a museum…
Kelly NagataMarch 6, 2016
Round, eggy, fluffy, with octopus pieces inside – akashiyaki might look very much like takoyaki, but looks are deceiving you.
Kelly NagataMarch 2, 2016
Pickles can give insights into how the locals lived, so you can imagine my delight when I chanced upon a…
Kelly NagataFebruary 29, 2016
Did you know Kobe is home to one of the largest sake producing regions in Japan? Nada Gogou is a…
Kelly NagataFebruary 24, 2016
