Last Updated: 20/07/2023
Curating the best things to do in Hyogo into a potent recipe for your holiday desires, we’ve put together the best of the prefecture’s many attractions. Hyogo is synonymous with the famous Kobe beef, and you’ll get to try it out first hand on barbecue adventures. The meat is named after the prefectural capital city of Kobe, which makes up one of 29 cities across the area. Hyogo is also home to one of the country’s top biggest Buddha statues and the renowned Himeji castle.
Notably, the prefecture also enjoys a considerable share of the Seto Inland sea and thus serves up many watersport opportunities entailing flyboarding, SUPs, SUP yoga, jet boats, and more. Adventures also lie beyond the water and up into the sky, with paragliding and hot air balloon tours giving you a bird’s perspective of breathtaking plateaus, mountains, seascapes, and vegetation.
There’s a generous lineup of traditional appeals for those into ancient arts. You can learn pottery, ceramic making entailing mini shochu dispensers, aroma gel candle making, and much much more!
For more awesome things to do in Hyogo, look no further!
1. The Kansai sunset kayak of a lifetime
The Kansai sunset over Awaji island is breathtaking. Believed to have been among the very first islands formed in Japan, you’re sure to have a rich kayaking experience out on the sea!
Weekend kayaking & SUP experience
Sumoto, Hyogo
Weekend kayak fishing experience
Sumoto, Hyogo
3. Adventure for the taste buds: Hyogo BBQ’s
Take some time off from a hard itinerary of exploring and embark on a journey of the senses. From specialty beef and yellow corn to vegetables on a stick and more, this BBQ adventure promises impeccable culinary delight!
BBQ on Awaji Island
Minamiawaji City, Hyogo
Make Hot drinks and sweets with a bonfire in front of the sea
Minamiawaji City, Hyogo
4. Play in the forest like a monkey
The forest is your amusement park in Hyogo! Climb up old indigenous trees, swing from suspension cables like a monkey and take a rejuvenating nap on a hammock between trees!
Climb Trees and Enjoy the Superb Nature Views (Half-day Course)
Toyooka, Hyogo
Have Fun and Play in a Forest with Your Friends and Family (Zip-Lining, Tree Climbing, and More!)
Toyooka, Hyogo
Zip-Lining, Climbing, and Other Forest Adventures at Oku Kannabe an Outdoor Park in Toyooka City!
Toyooka, Hyogo
5. Get lost in an amusement park of waterfalls and lava rocks
Play within Mother Nature’s self-made park, and have fun on the vine swings, gentle waterfalls, and centuries-old lava rocks that have formed a perfect playground. This beautiful promenade in nature also has the best scenery!
Half-Day Guided Trekking Experience While Enjoying the Beautiful Scenery Created by Lava Rocks (Beginner-Friendly Course)
Toyooka, Hyogo
9. Flyboarding in Hyogo: Walk on water
Channel the power of hydraulic flight and enjoy rare abilities on a sunny sea. Fulfill your jet pack riding ambitions and savor fresh breezes and the warm weather of an enchanting coastline where dreams come true!
Enjoy Exciting Marine Sports in Hyogo (Flyboard & Wakeboard Experiences)
Tatsuno, Hyogo
Feel the Thrill of Walking in the Air with Flyboarding Adventure in Hyogo (Beginner-Friendly Course)
Tatsuno, Hyogo
10. Fly with oriental storks while hoverboarding Hyogo
Break the chains of gravity and experiment with a hoverboard over the inland sea. These experiences span Toyooka and Himeji and entail adventures around a sea famous for its basalt caves and oriental storks!
Have Fun Sliding on the Water Surface and Flying in the Sky on a Hoverboard or a Wakeboard
Tatsuno, Hyogo
Fly in the Sky with Water Pressure While Riding on a Hoverboard in Hyogo!
Tatsuno, Hyogo
13. Cycling surrounded by the majestic nature
If you aren’t a big fan of heights, stick closer to the ground with cycling adventures around Awaji island. The tree-lined stretches of tarmac in Hyogo make for some of the most meditative rides in nature.
Feel the Wind and Relish the Beautiful Nature in a Cycling Tour in Hyogo
Toyooka, Hyogo
8. Touch and mold Japanese heritage via pottery workshops
Learn how to make special Japanese tea bowls for ceremonies and a range of traditional kitchenware including pots and a mini shochu server. Your painting skills stand to learn a thing or two as well!
Experience the Authentic Bizen Pottery in Hyogo (Beginner-Friendly Course)
Amagasaki, Hyogo
Take Part in a Ceramic Pottery Workshop While Enjoying the Sea Breeze Using an Electric Wheel
Akashi, Hyogo
One-Day Ceramic Clay Experience Using Electric Wheel
Amagasaki, Hyogo
10. Himeji workshops: When leather becomes art
Build your personality into a sleek leather watch that you can confidently say you made yourself. This leather crafts experience also entails wallets, among an assortment of other impressive leather goodies!
Authentic leather craft experience
Himeji, Hyogo
Leather craft arm clock making experience
Amagasaki City, Hyogo
Authentic Leather Craft Experience Course
Amagasaki City, Hyogo
11. Bring your imagination to life with Hyogo glass
The clarity and texture of glass make it an excellent material for handwork. Pour your creativity into glass forging and create beautiful beads and vessels of all manner of colors and patterns!
Glass Beads Crafts Workshops: Tonbo Ball Hand-Making Experience in Hyogo
Kobe, Hyogo
In conclusion, Hyogo Prefecture is an exciting hub of thrilling activities and diverse experiences waiting to be explored. Whether it's the adrenaline rush of fly boarding, the serenity of a kayaking adventure, the joy of horse riding, or the satisfaction of crafting in a leather workshop, Hyogo promises a memorable journey for every type of traveller. Add in cycling through scenic routes and zip-lining for an unparalleled bird's-eye view, and you have a perfect recipe for an unforgettable visit. So, pack your spirit of adventure and gear up to explore, learn, and play in the mesmerizing landscapes of Hyogo. Let's turn the ordinary into extraordinary in Hyogo!
QWhat is the best time of year to visit Hyogo Prefecture?
AHyogo is beautiful all year round. However, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are particularly popular due to cherry blossoms and fall colors. Ski enthusiasts should consider winter (December-February).
QAre these activities in Hyogo suitable for kids?
AMany activities in Hyogo, like horse riding and kayaking, are indeed suitable for kids. However, age and height restrictions may apply for some activities, such as zip-lining or fly boarding.
QHow can I travel around Hyogo Prefecture?
APublic transportation like trains and buses are widely available. For more freedom and flexibility, consider renting a car or a bike.
QCan I participate in these activities without prior experience?
AYes, most activities cater to beginners and provide necessary instructions and safety briefings. For specialized workshops, it's advisable to check with the organizer in advance.
QWhat local food specialties should I try in Hyogo?
ADon't miss trying Kobe beef, one of the most famous delicacies. Also, enjoy fresh seafood, sake from Nada district, and Akashiyaki, a local variant of takoyaki.