Hyogo Prefecture occupies the heart of western Honshu, stretching from the rugged Sea of Japan coast to the warm Seto Inland Sea, anchored by the cosmopolitan port city of Kobe. It shelters Japan's most photogenic castle at Himeji, the ancient hot-spring village of Arima Onsen, the world-famous Kobe beef ranches of the Tajima highlands, and the island of Awaji, birthplace of Japanese mythology.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
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Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Carry a small towel — public restrooms often lack paper towels
- Silence your mobile phone on public transport
- Say 'Sumimasen' (excuse me) to get a staff member's attention politely
- Use both hands when giving or receiving something (objects, payment, gifts)
- Learn a few basic Japanese phrases — even minimal effort is highly appreciated
Don't
- Do not eat or drink while walking — find a bench or designated eating area
- Do not photograph inside shrines and temples without checking signage first
- Do not enter onsen with visible tattoos without confirming the venue allows them
- Do not speak loudly on trains or in quiet temple areas
- Do not tip restaurant staff or taxi drivers
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Arigatou gozaimasu
Thank you very much
Sumimasen
Excuse me / I'm sorry
Eigo ga hanasemasu ka?
Do you speak English?
Kore wa ikura desu ka?
How much does this cost?
Kobe-gyuu wa doko de taberaremasu ka?
Where can I eat Kobe beef?
Eki wa doko desu ka?
Where is the station?
Onsen ni tatuū wa dame desu ka?
Is tattooed bathing not allowed at this onsen?
Oaiso onegaishimasu
The bill, please
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Hyogo.
Items:
- Religion
- Shinto
- Detail
- Japan's indigenous religion. Major shrines in Hyogo include Ikuta Jinja in Kobe (one of Japan's oldest shrines) and Miho Shrine in Himeji. Wash hands at the temizuya (ablution fountain) before approaching the main hall.
- Religion
- Buddhism
- Detail
- Widespread throughout Hyogo. Engyo-ji Temple on Shosha-zan above Himeji is a Tendai sect temple. Proper attire (shoulders and knees covered) is appreciated but not strictly enforced at most temples.
- Religion
- Christianity
- Detail
- Kobe has a notable Christian heritage from its port history — over 10 historic churches remain in the Kitano Ijinkan district.