Hyogo

Overview

Hyogo is a first-level administrative division of Japan in the Kansai region. Its area is about 8,401 km2 and its population about 0.1 million (2024), with its capital at Kobe.

History

Comprising the old provinces of Settsu, Tanba, Tajima, Harima and Awaji; Himeji domain led in the Edo period, and the prefecture formed in 1876.

Geography and industry

Himeji Castle (World Heritage), Arima Onsen, Kinosaki Onsen and Awaji Island are famous. Kobe Port was a center of modern trade; Kobe beef and Nada sake are renowned. Shipbuilding and steel thrive in Kobe and Himeji.

Transport

Sanyo Shinkansen stops at Shin-Kobe, Nishi-Akashi, Himeji and Aioi; the Tokaido Main Line (JR Kyoto and Kobe lines) links the Hanshin corridor.