Hyōgo Prefecture is located in the Kansai region of Japan and features a long, north-south stretching geography. The prefectural capital is Kobe City, and with a population of approximately 5.35 million, it ranks seventh nationwide. Bordered by the Seto Inland Sea to the south and the Sea of Japan to the north, it is one of the few prefectures on the main island of Honshu that faces two different seas. Hyōgo is also known for being intersected by the Japan Standard Time meridian (135° East longitude).
Geography and Regional Composition
Hyōgo Prefecture consists of seven historical provinces: Settsu, Harima, Tajima, Tanba, and Awaji, and spans across four ancient administrative regions—Kinai, Sanyōdō, San'indō, and Nankaidō—the most among any prefecture in Japan. Due to this unique geographical and historical background, the prefecture is known for its exceptional diversity and is sometimes called a “microcosm of Japan” or nicknamed “Hyogoslavia” (a blend of Hyōgo and Yugoslavia). The prefecture is currently promoting regional identities through a campaign titled “United 5koku of HYOGO.”
Major Regional Divisions:
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Hanshin Region (Settsu Province): Adjacent to Osaka Prefecture, this area includes cities such as Kobe and Nishinomiya. It functions as a bedroom community for Osaka and is heavily urbanized.
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Harima Region (Harima Province): Centered around Himeji City, it is a manufacturing hub. Historically, it is home to many cultural assets including the famous Himeji Castle.
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Tajima Region (Tajima Province): Located in the northern San’in region along the Sea of Japan, it is rich in nature and known for heavy snowfall in winter.
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Tanba Region (Tanba Province): An inland area focused on agriculture and forestry. Surrounded by mountains, it is a quiet and serene region.
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Awaji Region (Awaji Province): Comprising Awaji Island in the Seto Inland Sea, it is known for its warm climate and abundant natural beauty.
Industry and Economy
Along the southern coast facing the Seto Inland Sea, Hyōgo boasts major industrial zones such as the Hanshin Industrial Zone and the Harima Coastal Industrial Area, making it one of Japan’s leading centers for heavy and chemical industries. Kobe Port has developed into a hub for international trade and was historically used for exporting Tajima’s raw silk during the Meiji era.
In contrast, the northern and inland areas focus on agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, although these regions are also facing depopulation and aging. Overall, Hyōgo Prefecture encompasses a diverse range of elements—industry and agriculture, urban and rural, dense and sparse populations—making it a microcosm of Japan’s societal structure.
Climate
The climate in Hyōgo varies significantly by region:
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Southern Area (Seto Inland Sea side): Characterized by a mild, dry Seto Inland Sea climate. Coastal cities like Kobe experience little snowfall and enjoy relatively comfortable winters.
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Northern Area (Sea of Japan side): Falls under the Japan Sea climate, with heavy snowfall in winter. Some areas, such as Toyooka and Kasumi, are designated as heavy snowfall zones and occasionally experience intense snowfalls known as "doka-yuki" (sudden, large snowfalls).
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Inland Areas: High-altitude regions see significant temperature differences between day and night. Places like Sanda City frequently experience sub-zero temperatures, with winter conditions similar to those found in Eastern Japan.
Culture and Tourism
Hyōgo is also culturally diverse, featuring numerous attractions such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Himeji Castle, the historic castle town Izushi, and popular hot spring resorts including Arima, Kinosaki, and Yumura. Nature lovers enjoy Mount Rokko and Awaji Island, while the exotic atmosphere of Kobe’s cityscape continues to attract visitors.