Hyogo

Hyōgo Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region on the southern coast of Honshu. Its capital is Kobe. The prefecture covers about 8,400 square kilometers and has a population of roughly 5.5 million, making it one of the more populous prefectures in western Japan.

The northern part is dominated by the Rokko mountain range, which rises inland from the coast along Osaka Bay, while the southern coastline faces the Seto Inland Sea and includes Awaji Island. Major urban centers include Kobe, Himeji, Amagasaki, Akashi, and Toyooka. The prefecture contains historic sites such as Himeji Castle and hot-spring towns like Arima Onsen and Kinosaki Onsen.

Historically, the area corresponds to provinces such as Harima and Tajima. In the modern era, Hyōgo Prefecture was established during the Meiji period and developed into an important industrial and port region. The 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake caused extensive damage centered on Kobe and prompted widespread rebuilding.

Kobe Port is a major international hub for trade and logistics. The Nada district in Kobe has long been a center for sake production. Hyōgo is also known for Kobe beef and for cultural heritage sites such as Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourism centers include hot springs and scenic nature in the Rokko and coastal areas.

Hyōgo is served by JR West and other railways, with Shin-Kobe Station on the Sanyo Shinkansen. The Port of Kobe provides important maritime access, and the prefecture is connected to the broader Kansai region by road and rail.