Category:Hyōgo Prefecture

Hyōgo Prefecture (兵庫県) is located in the Kansai region of central Honshū, stretching from the Sea of Japan in the north to the Seto Inland Sea in the south. Its diverse geography includes coastal plains, mountains, and islands, making it both a transportation hub and a region of varied cultural influences.

The capital, Kobe, is a major international port city known for its cosmopolitan character, historic foreign settlements, and world-famous Kobe beef. Other parts of the prefecture, such as Himeji, are renowned for landmarks like Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Culturally, Hyōgo blends international openness with strong local traditions. It is famous for the Nada sake brewing district, the Arima hot springs, and a wide variety of crafts, from ceramics to textiles. Hyōgo’s crafts reflect both everyday life and refined artistry, rooted in centuries of cultural exchange.

Signature Crafts of Hyōgo Prefecture

• Tamba ware (丹波立杭焼) – one of Japan’s “Six Ancient Kilns,” known for rustic, practical pottery.
• Toyooka bags (豊岡鞄) – high-quality leather bags with a long tradition of craftsmanship.
• Banshū textiles (播州織) – cotton fabrics with fine patterns, produced since the Edo period.
• Metalwork and sake brewing tools – linked to Hyōgo’s sake-making heritage in the Nada district.