Day 1
Thanks to its rich natural environment and historical importance, the Nada-Gogo area in Hyogo Prefecture brews the largest amount of sake in Japan. The countryside, nurtured by pure water from the majestic Rokko Mountains and fertile soil, has produced numerous top-quality sakes. Located in the Nada-Gogo area only 30 minutes from Osaka, the Hakushika Memorial Sake Museum is the ideal place to learn about the history of sake production. At the adjacent historic sake brewery, taste as much as you like of styles selected by the brewery's direct sales store.
After enjoying sake in Nada-Gogo, travel 30 minutes by private vehicle to Kobe, the capital of Hyogo Prefecture. For lunch, enjoy Kobe beef, which is produced to the world's highest standards and is one of Japan's most iconic delicacies.
In the afternoon, enter the world of Japanese architectural beauty and art. At the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum in Kobe, experience the long history of Japanese architectural culture through a display of carpentry tools that represent the best of Japanese building techniques over the centuries.
Next, revel in the fusion of architectural beauty and art at the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando. In a venue that evokes Ando’s creativity and passion for architecture, immerse yourself in works of art. If you are planning to visit Naoshima, the experience here will heighten your anticipation for the art adventure ahead.
After a day of sightseeing, head to a prestigious ryokan located in the Arima Onsen district not far from central Kobe. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoy the tranquility and luxury of this illustrious hot spring resort.
Day 2
With Arima Onsen as your starting point, enjoy a short excursion to Akashi and Awaji Island, where the homegrown tastes and traditions of Hyogo Prefecture are very much alive.
Your first stop is Akashi’s Uontana, a bustling seafood market offering fresh produce directly from the rich waters of the Akashi Straits. The fish and seafood here not only grace the tables of local residents, but also attract people from far and wide.
After experiencing firsthand the vitality of the market, head to the fishermen's cooperative seafood auction close by. Seeing seafood and fish caught early in the morning and put up for auction is a rare opportunity to experience the dynamism of the market up close.
After the excitement of the auction, head to a nearby sushi restaurant for lunch and marvel at the skills of the chef as he deftly prepares fish caught that very same morning.
In the afternoon, travel by private vehicle to Awajishima, the largest island in the Seto Inland Sea.
Belonging to Hyogo Prefecture, this beautiful island has both a rich natural environment and an abundance of history and culture. Blessed with a mild climate and lush nature, the island is inseparably linked with the culture of indigo dyeing, which continues to fascinate people today. Visit the farm and workshop of an indigo dyer to learn about the history of the craft while gaining firsthand knowledge of dyeing cloth or a small accessory. This is a rare opportunity to experience a traditional Japanese craft.
After experiencing the culture and nature of Awaji Island, return to Arima Onsen for a second night’s stay. This day spent experiencing the culinary delights of the sea and the beauty of a traditional handicraft will surely remain etched in your travel memories.
Day 3
After two days of relaxation at Arima Onsen, begin your journey to Kagawa Prefecture and its flourishing art scene. From Kobe Airport, enjoy a flight by helicopter to Naoshima. What would take three to four hours overland takes less than one hour by helicopter.
From the sky, enjoy a panoramic view of the Hyogo Prefecture cities you have visited and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea to where you are heading. The stunning views of the sea and islands will undoubtedly add a new page to your travel memories.
After arriving at Naoshima, head to Benesse House, a fusion of art and nature, and enjoy an exquisite lunch prepared with ingredients from the teeming waters of the Seto Inland Sea.
In the afternoon, discover the many works of art dotted around Naoshima that have been created by both artists and islanders. Don’t be surprised to be approached by the locals as you walk around the island—interacting with the islanders is just one of the many pleasures of the trip.
(Recommended Route for Benesse Art Site Naoshima: Art House Project, Ring of Fire - Solar Yang & Lunar Weerasethakul, Chichu Art Museum, Lee Ufan Museum, Benesse House Museum)
As the many artworks look quite different at night, feel free to roam the island at your own pace. Seeing the artworks at night is a privilege reserved for overnight guests.
Day 4
Starting out from Naoshima, spend a luxurious day exploring the Seto Inland Sea art islands on a private cruise. Relish the unparalleled experience of crossing the sea to experience spectacular works of art on different islands.
From Naoshima, travel by chartered cruise to Teshima, some 30 minutes away. The beauty of nature and art coexisting can be more fully appreciated on Teshima, which has only 700 residents. There are views of the sea from the spectacular rice terraces and, if you visit during the time of harvesting, it’s possible to join the farmers in bringing in the rice. Amidst the serenity of the landscape and art, leave behind your daily concerns and enjoy a moment of peace and tranquility.
(Recommended route: Teshima Art Museum, Terraced Rice Field Project, Les Archives du Coeur)
After a day of sightseeing on Teshima, take a chartered cruise to Inujima before returning to enjoy a second evening on Naoshima.
Day 5
After bidding farewell to art island Naoshima, check out of the hotel and travel by chartered cruise to Takamatsu. Upon arrival at Takamatsu Port, enjoy a celebrated udon lunch at a restaurant popular with locals and brimming with Shikoku charm. Takamatsu boasts the largest production of udon noodles in Japan, so it’s no wonder it’s known as the "Udon Prefecture."
In the afternoon, visit Ritsurin Garden, which is recognized nationally as place of scenic beauty. Epitomizing the splendor of traditional Japanese gardens, Ritsurin Garden is a must-see for all visitors to Japan. The magnificent scenery created by the age-old pine trees is sure to leave a lasting impression.
The day concludes with a visit to the Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum, a legacy of world-renowned American sculptor Isamu Noguchi. It is well worth a visit for anyone interested in architecture, design and sculpture, as well as for all those who wish to find peace in a place of tranquil beauty.
After visiting the museum, continue to explore Takamatsu or leave for your next destination.
Bordering four prefectures, including Osaka and Kyoto, and looking out over the beautiful Seto Inland Sea, Hyogo is a prefecture brimming with charm. The region is popular with travelers from across the globe for its cosmopolitan city of Kobe, Himeji’s history, the rich nature of Awaji, and the genteel atmosphere of Arima Onsen. Once an enclave for foreign traders, the prefectural capital of Kobe is characterized by its distinctive cityscape and its celebrated beef, a specialty that never goes out of fashion among food lovers. While Hyogo Prefecture is a treasure trove of culinary delights, it is also known as a mecca for lovers of sake, as the mountains and farmland nurtured by the prefecture’s rich natural environment produce some of the finest sake available. Arima Onsen is a long-established hot spring resort that has been attracting famous writers and celebrities for well over a century. The ambience of this distinguished hot spring town and its therapeutic waters continue to appeal to travelers today.
Visit Hyogo Prefecture to enjoy gourmet cuisine and prized sake, and spend soothing moments of bliss in the many hot springs. After your stay, one option is to take a helicopter or chartered cruise to the islands of the Seto Inland Sea and visit the many artworks there. Through this trip, savor an unforgettable experience that combines fine dining, preeminent sake, mind and body healing, and world-class art.