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.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Kobe Oji Zoo
Free under-16 admission; 130+ species including pandas, tigers, and penguins. 3-1 Oji-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe. Open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; adult ¥600 ($4); closed Wednesday. Tel: +81-78-861-5624
Kobe Animal Kingdom
Indoor animal park with free-roaming capybaras, meerkats, and exotic birds on Port Island. Adult ¥2,200/$15, child ¥1,100/$7.40. Open 10:00 AM–5:00 PM weekdays; closed Tuesday. Tel: +81-78-302-8899
Suma Aqualife Park Kobe
Aquarium with dolphin shows (11:00 AM and 2:30 PM daily) near Suma Beach. Adult ¥1,950/$13; child ¥800/$5.40. Open 9:30 AM–5:00 PM. Tel: +81-78-731-7301
Himeji Castle Family Visit
Children under 15 free; narrow castle corridors and steep stairs are exciting for older children; wear comfortable shoes. Castle open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; adult ¥1,000/$6.70
Round 1 Kobe Sannomiya
Japan's famous multi-floor entertainment complex — bowling, arcade games, billiards, sports, and karaoke. 2-2-3 Sannomiya-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe. Open 10:00 AM–midnight
Awaji Island Sea Turtle Museum
Marine museum on Awaji Island with sea turtles and Seto Inland Sea exhibits. 1 Nojima Yurushima, Awaji, Hyogo. Open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; adult ¥1,000/$6.70; child ¥500/$3.40
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers
Dormy Inn Kobe Sannomiya
Nemu Resort Awaji (Westin Awaji)
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
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Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.