While Hyogo Prefecture may not attract as many tourists as Osaka or Kyoto, it stands out with its impressive size and wealth of attractions.

Highlights include Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site; Takeda Castle (Japan's “Machu Picchu”); renowned hot springs towns like Arima Onsen and Kinosaki Onsen; and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, which held the Guinness World Record as the world's longest suspension bridge from 1998 to 2022. Autumn brings vibrant foliage, making it the best season to visit.

However, with key attractions spread out, public transportation can be time-consuming. Driving is the best way to explore, offering the freedom to reach even the more remote spots. So, let's cover the main tourist spots in Hyogo Prefecture on a two-day rental car trip!

Located in Japan’s Kansai region, Hyogo Prefecture offers a blend of rich nature and diverse culture. Stretching all the way from the Sea of ​​Japan to the north and the Seto Inland Sea to the south, it boasts beautiful coastlines and mountains.

Our itinerary begins in the prefectural capital of Kobe. Home to a wealth of attractions, like Japan’s second-largest Chinatown, the spectacular views from Mt. Rokko, the lively port district, and Kitano Ijinkan-Gai, the historical Western-style homes built by foreign merchants and diplomats over a century ago, the blend of nature and exotic cityscape are key contributors to Kobe’s identity.

It is an attractive tourist destination where you can enjoy the scenery in each season, and especially the autumn leaves in autumn. You can also see our article on where to stay in Kobe for our hotel recommendations.

There are several car rental companies around Kobe-Sannomiya Station, the largest station in Kobe City, including Nippon Rent-a-Car, Nissan Rent-a-Car, and Toyota Rent-a-Car. Each has a variety of vehicles to choose from.

Tap here to see options and book a rental car in Kobe. Be sure to make your car rental reservations in advance, given the popular fall season.

Your first stop on this day is Zuihoji Park, famous for its autumn foliage in Arima Onsen. Since there is no on-site parking, you’ll need to use a nearby paid lot, about a 10-minute walk away.

Known as one of the best places to see autumn leaves in the Kansai region, Zuihoji Park is home to many maple trees, making it a great place to enjoy the beautiful foliage.

It is home to a garden cherished by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598), the military commander who unified Japan during the Warring States period. A peaceful walking path, centered around the mountain gate that was relocated from Fushimi Castle in Kyoto, is the perfect place to enjoy the vibrant autumn colors at your own pace.

In fall, tea ceremonies are held in the garden, which transforms beautifully with bright red foliage.

If you can get an early start, you can drive along Prefectural Route 16 and enjoy the fantastic views from one of the several observation decks of Mt. Rokko before going to Zuihoji Park.

Next, head to the historic castle town of Izushi, which takes around two hours from Zuihoji Park. Known as the “Little Kyoto of Tajima” thanks to its well-preserved historical atmosphere and traditional architecture, Izushi is a castle town rich in history, featuring Edo-period buildings and the ruins of Izushi Castle.

In Izushi Castle Town, the autumn foliage blends beautifully with the historic streets lined with samurai residences, temples, and merchant houses. The vivid autumn leaves adorn the stone walls and temples, creating a picturesque, atmospheric scene.

Although the original castle was dismantled in the late 19th century, the stone walls, gates, and a few reconstructed structures still remain, offering a glimpse into the past.

The ruins of Izushi Castle and a tour of a traditional Izushi-ware ceramics workshop are also recommended things to do in this area, as your schedule allows. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through this charming area, steeped in history.

Izushi is famous for its Izushi Sara Soba, so why not try the local specialty soba for lunch?

Your next destination is Genbudo Park, a natural park where you can see impressive columnar joints of basalt, formed by volcanic activity around 1.6 million years ago.

Part of the park is designated as a national natural monument, and it’s a key site within the San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark, offering a fascinating glimpse into the wonders of nature.

The main highlight of the park is the Genbudo, a magnificent rock wall of towering basalt pillars arranged in a strikingly regular pattern. Scattered around the park are several other caves, each with its own unique beauty. Seeing this mysterious, natural landscape close up is truly awe-inspiring.

In autumn, the scenery becomes even more breathtaking as the vibrant foliage contrasts beautifully with the dramatic columnar joints.

Near the parking lot is the Genbudo Museum, which featured a large Tyrannosaurus fossil when I visited, leaving me in awe. If you have time, I highly recommend stopping by the museum for a visit.

On this day, you will be staying at Kinosaki Onsen. To fully enjoy a leisurely stroll around the charming hot spring town, it’s best to arrive and check in early.

Kinosaki Onsen is one of Japan's premier hot spring resorts, boasting a history of over 1,300 years. This charming town attracts many tourists with its seven outdoor baths, offering a unique hot spring experience. The harmonious blend of historic streets and natural hot springs creates an inviting atmosphere where you can immerse yourself in the town’s rich onsen culture.

In autumn, the willow trees line the streets, turning red and adding a vibrant splash of color to the hot spring town. Especially if you stay at one of the area’s traditional ryokan inns, I recommend putting on a yukata and then head out to explore the town, browsing souvenir shops and enjoying some of the local delicacies along the way.

The first destination on Day 2 is the Takeda Castle Ruins. Cars can only go as far as the Yamashiro no Sato Parking Lot at the foot of the mountain, and from there you have to take a bus (150 yen) or a taxi to the Takeda Castle Ruins bus stop halfway up the mountain. From there, it takes about 20 minutes to walk to the summit. Of course, if you're confident in your legs, you can also walk from the parking lot to the summit (about 2.5 km/45 minutes).

Takeda Castle Ruins is a mountaintop castle site, one of Japan's leading mountain castles, built on a mountain 353 meters above sea level. It is particularly known as the "Castle in the Sky" floating in the sea of ​​clouds and as the "Machu Picchu of Japan," and is also known as a filming location for movies and TV dramas.

The remains of the stone walls have been well preserved, and it is a spot where you can get a real feel for its grandeur as you tour the entire castle.

The biggest attraction of Takeda Castle Ruins is the sea of ​​clouds that can be seen from autumn to winter. If you are lucky, you can see the fantastic castle ruins floating above the sea of ​​clouds in the early morning.

However, you need to view Takeda Castle floating in the sea of ​​clouds from another mountain, and I recommend the Ritsuunkyo Observatory (Mapcode: 347 731 099*67) located on the middle slope of Mt. Asago.

In particular, the view of the sea of ​​clouds and colored trees in the early morning is fantastic during the autumn foliage season.

Next, you will head further south in Hyogo Prefecture to Himeji Castle.

Himeji Castle is one of Japan's most renowned castles and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also known as Shirasagi-jo ("White Egret Castle") for its striking white tower, it holds significant cultural value as one of Japan's 12 remaining original castles, having survived numerous wars in its original form. Frequently ranked among Japan’s top castles, Himeji Castle is constantly considered one of the nation’s most admired historical treasures.

The view from the castle tower is spectacular, so even though there is a fee, it is definitely worth going inside the castle. On the way to the tower, you can walk around the castle grounds and enjoy the best of Japanese castle architecture. However, because it is so popular, the wait to enter can be quite long. When I went, the wait was about an hour.

The castle is also surrounded by beautiful gardens, and its harmony with nature throughout the seasons creates a stunning landscape, from cherry blossoms in the spring to vibrant autumn leaves in the fall. At night, the castle is illuminated, offering a magical and entirely different experience from the daytime views.

During the autumn foliage season at Himeji Castle, you can enjoy the contrast between the white castle tower and the colorful leaves. The foliage around Nishinomaru Garden is particularly beautiful, and the scenery interwoven with the castle and autumn nature is a must-see.

After enjoying the World Heritage Site of Himeji Castle, head next to the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, spanning approximately 4 kilometers, held the Guinness World Record as the longest suspension bridge in the world from 1998 to 2022. Its opening significantly improved car access from Honshu (Japan’s main Island) to Awaji Island and Shikoku Island.

The main attraction is the breathtaking view of (and from) the bridge itself. You can get a real sense of its size while viewing it from Maiko Park or the Awaji Service Area. If time permits, a visit to the Bridge Science Museum and Maiko Marine Promenade is also recommended, where you can explore the inside of the bridge for a closer look at its impressive engineering.

Our final stop of the day is Meriken Park, a spacious seaside park that brings together Kobe Port’s most iconic landmarks. With its open atmosphere, perfectly suited to the port city of Kobe, it attracts many tourists. The park is home to the Kobe Port Tower and Kobe Maritime Museum, offering a perfect blend of sea and city that captures the essence of Kobe.

The view of Kobe Port from the park's plaza is captivating, and you can relax at the cafes and benches facing the sea while soaking up the atmosphere of the port. For a more expansive view, Kobe Port Tower offers a 360-degree panoramic lookout from its observation deck, which I recommend if you have time. The "BE KOBE" art monument is also a popular photo spot for visitors.

When I visited, it was a clear afternoon as in the photo, and I enjoyed sitting on a bench, watching ships pass by, and immersing myself in the peaceful vibe of this charming port town.

There are not many autumn leaves in Meriken Park, but there are some near the Port Tower, and the clear autumn air and foliage add color to the harbor scenery. You can enjoy the open view of the autumn leaves and the sea while walking in the spacious park.

Near Meriken Park, you'll find Nankinmachi, Kobe's vibrant Chinatown, where you can enjoy a variety of street food and eat your way through the lively streets. It's a great spot to explore and experience the flavors and culture of the area.

When staying at Kinosaki Onsen, the accommodation you choose will vary depending on the type of traveler you are. Below, I will introduce accommodations for each type of traveler.

Also refer to this article

This inn is simple, good value for money, and located near the hot spring town, making it ideal for solo travelers. This is a bed-and-breakfast inn that does not provide meals, but they will kindly guide you to restaurants that suit your tastes.

The accommodation information is available in English, and the hostel's attached acupuncture and moxibustion center, Waraku, offers relaxation services such as acupuncture, cosmetic acupuncture, and massages.

This is a quiet and sophisticated hot spring inn for adults only. Tsuki no Shizuku is located in a quiet area a little way from the center of Kinosaki Onsen, making it the ideal place for two to spend some time alone.

There are also two private baths, so you can enjoy a peaceful moment together without worrying about others around you.

The rooms are Japanese-style, with a peaceful aura.

This inn is attractive for its reasonable pricing and wide range of facilities, making it suitable for families.

There is a manga corner, a games corner, karaoke rooms and other facilities that the whole family can enjoy.

The buffet-style meals offer a wide variety of dishes that even children can enjoy. In addition to Japanese-style rooms, there are also spacious Western-style rooms and maisonette-type rooms, making it convenient for families.

Before your rental car trip in Japan, it's important to be familiar with the following basics.

If it's your first time renting a car in Japan, make sure you familiarize yourself with the process. You can find more details in the article below.

Renting a Car in Japan: What you need to know

Mapcode assigns a numerical value to locations in Japan, allowing easy identification through car navigation systems. Many modern satnavs support Mapcode input, making it simpler than entering a name, address, or phone number. However, inputting the wrong number can send you to the wrong location, so always double-check your destination. Recently, I always use Mapcode when traveling to new places.

If you're planning to drive in Japan, it's important to learn the basic traffic rules for safety. I recommend the following article, which provides a clear explanation of the rules for foreigners.

The itinerary introduced here does not involve trekking, so a pair of sturdy, non-slip sneakers should be sufficient. However, since some paths, like those at the Takeda Castle Ruins, are unpaved, it's best to avoid sandals or high heels. Additionally, from October onward, temperatures tend to drop, so bringing a warm outer layer (jacket or sweater and a hat) will ensure you're comfortable.

In this itinerary, I introduced a route to drive around Hyogo Prefecture in the fall. Hyogo Prefecture is an attractive area with many tourist destinations, including Himeji Castle, Takeda Castle, Arima Onsen, Kinosaki Onsen, and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. The autumn foliage season is particularly popular, making it the perfect time to travel. However, since the tourist destinations are spread over a wide area, it can take a long time to get around using public transportation. For convenience and flexibility, I recommend renting a car, allowing you to easily explore even the more remote spots at your own pace.

Enjoy Hyogo's famous autumn-colored sites on a two-day drive!