Hyōgo Prefecture, Prefecture in Kansai Region, Japan
Hyōgo is a prefecture stretching between the Seto Inland Sea and the Sea of Japan in the Kansai region. The area includes both coastal cities like Kobe and Himeji and mountainous interior regions with rice paddies and smaller towns.
After the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the area was established as a separate prefecture and Kobe opened to international trade. The port transformed the region into a center for shipbuilding and export, while earthquakes and wars led to the rebuilding of many towns.
Kobe developed as one of the first ports open to foreign trade and still retains Western influences in its architecture and dining culture. Local communities maintain centuries-old brewing traditions in sake production and participate in annual temple festivals where portable shrines are carried through neighborhood streets.
Major cities are connected by an extensive rail network that makes travel between coastal areas and mountain regions straightforward. Visitors planning to see multiple places should consider that distances between the coastlines and inland areas can involve several hours of travel.
The Nada district in Kobe ranks among the largest sake production areas in the country and relies on pure spring water from the mountains. Several breweries open their warehouse spaces to visitors and offer tastings of different rice varieties used for varied flavor profiles.
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