Beautifully situated along the Seto Inland Sea in western Japan, the Hyogo Prefecture is an enticing mix of bustling city life and breathtaking nature. The area experiences four well-defined seasons, boasting mild springs for cherry blossom viewing, hot summers for beach activities, strikingly colourful autumns, and cool winters which sometimes bring snow to the northern regions.

The capital city, Kobe, sits at the prefecture's core and is famous for its seamless blend of Western and Japanese architecture, the result of being one of Japan's initial ports that welcomed foreign trade. The local culture is a representation of the Japanese philosophy of "elegance meets tradition", where historical temples coexist with contemporary shopping districts and avant-garde culinary delights.

What makes Hyogo unique is its exceptional diversity: from the soothing hot springs of Kinosaki Onsen to the ancient castle town of Himeji, which houses Japan's most magnificent original castle. The area's shining star is its world-renowned Kobe beef, a delicacy known globally for its impressive marbling and velvety texture.

Gourmet lovers can't miss the opportunity to taste Akashi octopus, freshly caught from the nearby seas, or Tajima chicken, the actual parent breed of the cherished Kobe beef cattle. The sake breweries in the Nada district open their doors for tours and tastings of Japan's premier rice wine, created using the region's unblemished mountain water.