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Hyōgo Prefecture

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Hyōgo is a large prefecture located in the Kansai region of Japan. It sits on the main island of Honshu.

Map of Hyogo prefecture, with prefectural government branches and former borders
Map of Hyogo prefecture, with prefectural government branches and former borders

The land stretches from the Sea of Japan in the north to the Seto Inland Sea in the south. To the east, it borders Kyoto Prefecture. To the southeast, it meets Osaka Prefecture. It also touches Tottori and Okayama prefectures to the west.

Sumoto city view from Sumoto Castle Awaji Island Japan01n
Sumoto city view from Sumoto Castle Awaji Island Japan01n

Many different types of land make up this area. The northern part of Hyōgo is not very crowded. Most people live along the southern coast instead. This southern area is part of a huge urban region. This region includes Kobe and Osaka.

Yamasakitown Shisocity Hyogopref arban area
Yamasakitown Shisocity Hyogopref arban area

Kobe is the capital and the largest city in the prefecture. It is the seventh-largest city in all of Japan. Other major cities include Himeji, Nishinomiya, and Amagasaki.

Hyōgo has a very long and interesting history. In the year 1180, the Imperial court moved to Fukuhara. This place is known today as the city of Kobe. The capital stayed there for five months. The prefecture also includes parts of old provinces like Harima and Tajima.

Himeji Castle The Keep Towers
Himeji Castle The Keep Towers

One famous site is Himeji Castle. This castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a very special place to visit.

Nature and industry live side by side here. About 20% of the land is part of Natural Parks.

Ibo River Tatsuno Hyogo02n4272
Ibo River Tatsuno Hyogo02n4272

These include the Sanin Kaigan and Setonaikai National Parks. The economy is very strong in Hyōgo. It is a major center for transport and business. Kobe Port is one of the largest ports in Japan.

Port of Kobe01s3780
Port of Kobe01s3780

The area also has many research institutes. One place in Harima is called SPring-8.

There is always something happening in Hyōgo. The weather is hot and humid during the summer. In winter, the north gets lots of snow. The south only gets a little snow. People enjoy many festivals like the Himeji Castle Festival.

Himeji Oshiro Matsuri August09 191
Himeji Oshiro Matsuri August09 191

You can also find famous food like Tajima beef. Many people visit to see the beautiful sights and taste the local treats.

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🖼️ Images & Media (13)
Hyogo Kenminka.ogg
File:Himeji Castle The Keep Towers.jpg
Himeji Castle The Keep Towers.jpg
File:Map of Hyogo prefecture, with prefectural government branches and former borders.svg
Map of Hyogo prefecture, with prefectural...
File:Kobe Biennale 2011 03s3.jpg
Kobe Biennale 2011 03s3.jpg
File:Takarazuka arban area No,2.JPG
Takarazuka arban area No,2.JPG
File:Sumoto city view from Sumoto Castle Awaji Island Japan01n.jpg
Sumoto city view from Sumoto Castle Awaji...
File:Ibo River Tatsuno Hyogo02n4272.jpg
Ibo River Tatsuno Hyogo02n4272.jpg
File:Yamasakitown Shisocity Hyogopref arban area.JPG
Yamasakitown Shisocity Hyogopref arban area.JPG
File:Hyogo prefecture population pyramid in 2020.svg
Hyogo prefecture population pyramid in 2020.svg
File:Port of Kobe01s3780.jpg
Port of Kobe01s3780.jpg
File:Binnenkant van Kyocera Dome Osaka, -22 maart 2019.jpg
Binnenkant van Kyocera Dome Osaka, -22...
File:デカンショ祭り.JPG
デカンショ祭り.JPG

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