Japanese site: はりまっぷ
HARIMAP IN ENGLISH
Himeji, Kobe & beyond
Practical guides to Hyogo’s castles, hot springs and festivals — checked against official sources, with prices and dates you can act on.
Himeji
Himeji Castle Tickets 2026
Himeji Castle costs ¥2,500 for non-residents from March 2026. Which ticket to buy, the daily English tour, what to bring, and how to get there from Himeji Station.
Kokoen Garden, Himeji
Kokoen garden next to Himeji Castle: ¥400 entry, the ¥2,600 combination ticket, tea house and lunch hours, and the 2026 autumn evening opening (Nov 17 to Dec 6).
Kobe · Arima Onsen
Arima Onsen Day Trip from Kobe
How to spend a day at Arima Onsen: public baths vs Taiko no Yu (prices, hours, tattoo rule), ryokan day use, walking the old town, and getting there from Kobe or Osaka.
Kin no Yu and Gin no Yu, Arima Onsen
Compare Arima Onsen’s two public baths: Kin no Yu ¥800 and Gin no Yu ¥700, weekday prices, the ¥1,200 two-spa pass, hours, closing Tuesdays and the tattoo question.
Kobe Luminarie 2027
The 32nd Kobe Luminarie runs January 29 to February 7, 2027 at Meriken Park, Higashi Yuenchi and the old Foreign Settlement. Paid-area ticket prices and what is still to be announced.
Ako · Akashi
Ako Castle Ruins
Ako Castle, home of the 47 Ronin story: free entry, garden and museum hours, the Top 100 Castles stamp, and access from JR Banshu-Ako Station.
Ako Gishisai 2026
The 123rd Ako Gishisai, the 47 Ronin festival, is on December 14, 2026. Parade times, free and paid viewing (apply by Oct 30), and getting there from Banshu-Ako Station.
Akashi Castle
Akashi Castle has no keep but two of Japan’s 12 surviving three-storey turrets, 5 minutes from Akashi Station. What to see, walking route and parking fees.
Awaji · Travel Tips
Awaji Island Day Trip from Kobe
Plan an Awaji Island day trip from Kobe: pick one area, the northern bus loop, the direct bus to Awaji Island Park (¥950), and a whirlpool day in the south.
Do You Need a Rental Car in Hyogo? Himeji, Kobe and Awaji by Train and Bus
When you need a car in Hyogo and when you do not: Himeji Castle, Kobe and Awaji Island Park by train and bus, the bus vs car cost, and the driving permit rules for visitors.
About Harimap
Harimap is a Japanese local information site for Hyogo Prefecture, covering events, new openings and places to visit in Himeji, Kobe and the Harima region. These English guides are written for visitors and residents who don’t read Japanese. Each is based on our Japanese article and checked against official sources; the check date is shown at the top of every guide.
Prices, hours and dates change. Found something out of date? Tell us through our contact form (in Japanese, but English messages are welcome).