When to catch the colours in Hyogo?
Average cherry blossom and autumn foliage dates for Hyogo, from the Japan Meteorological Agency's 1991–2020 normals — the fortnight to aim for, not a promise for any particular year.
- Cherry blossom
- First flowersMar 27
- Full bloomApr 5
- Autumn foliage
- Leaves turnDec 1
- Peak viewingDec 1 – Dec 15
Where to look next?
The prefectures we've mapped so far, nearest to Hyogo first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Himeji Castle — Japan's most beautiful original castle — Kobe's harbour, beef and jazz-age cosmopolitanism, Arima Onsen's gold and silver waters, and Kinosaki's willow-lined onsen town on the northern coast.
Easily — it's under an hour from Osaka or Kyoto by shinkansen and the castle is a ten-minute walk straight up the boulevard. Go at opening to climb the keep before the queues, then add the Kōko-en gardens next door.
Kinosaki for the full ritual — yukata, clogs, and seven public baths along a canal town, best as an overnight with crab in winter. Arima for convenience: it's tucked behind Kobe, 40 minutes from the city, with famously mineral-rich 'gold' water.