Discover Hyogo

Osaka to Sasayama

Take the train from Osaka to Sasayamaguchi station (around 1h).

Have a walk in Tamba Sasayama

Tamba Sasayama is a historic castle town known for its well-preserved Edo-period architecture, rich cultural heritage, and culinary traditions. Nestled in a mountainous region, the town is famed for Sasayama Castle, built in the early 1600s, and its surrounding samurai residences and merchant houses. Tamba Sasayama is also renowned for its agricultural products, particularly the prized black soybeans (Tamba kuromame) and wild boar cuisine. Each autumn, the town hosts a popular food festival that draws visitors from across the country. With its blend of scenic beauty, historical significance, and local delicacies, Tamba Sasayama offers a unique and immersive experience of traditional rural Japan.

You will stay tonight in a renovated traditional town house.

Sasayama to Kinosaki Onsen

Take the train from Sasayama to Kinosaki Onsen (around 1h30).

On arrival at your ryokan, you will be warmly welcomed by the staff. You will experience the deeply rooted Japanese custom of Ometenashi (to whole heartedly look after guests). Your stay here will be a most unique Japanese experience from how you dress, sleep and bathe. Relax and embrace the experience and do as the locals do. 

Kinosaki self guided tour

Kinosaki Onsen, a charming hot spring town located in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, is renowned for its picturesque atmosphere and traditional ryokan accommodations. The town is famous for its seven public onsens, each offering a unique bathing experience amid beautifully landscaped surroundings. Visitors can enjoy the traditional ritual of wearing yukata (light cotton kimono) while strolling along the quaint streets, lined with wooden architecture and willow trees.

For those interested in history, the quaint streets are dotted with temples and shrines, including Onsenji Temple, nestled in the scenic hills of Kinosaki Onsen. Established in 738 AD, this tranquil temple is dedicated to the deities of hot springs and wellness, reflecting the town’s deep connection to onsen culture.

The Stork Sanctuary is a unique and inspiring conservation site dedicated to the preservation of the Japanese white stork, a symbol of good fortune and a cherished species that was once on the brink of extinction. The sanctuary provides a safe habitat for these majestic birds while also educating visitors about their significance in Japanese culture and the ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and reintroduce them into the wild. Guests can observe the storks in their natural surroundings, learn about their breeding and nesting behaviors, and appreciate the sanctuary’s commitment to biodiversity.

Kinosaki Onsen to Himeji

Travel by train from Kinosaki to Himeji (~around 2 hours 30 minutes).

Himeji castle

Himeji Castle is one of Japan’s most iconic and best-preserved feudal castles, often referred to as the “White Heron Castle” due to its elegant, white-plastered exterior that resembles a bird taking flight. Originally built in the 14th century and significantly expanded in the early 1600s, the castle is a masterpiece of Japanese castle architecture, featuring complex defensive systems, winding paths, and multiple baileys. Unlike many other castles in Japan, Himeji has never been destroyed by war, earthquake, or fire, and it remains in its original form. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, it attracts millions of visitors each year and stands as a powerful symbol of Japan’s cultural heritage and architectural ingenuity.