9 Best Things to Do in Hyogo (Koube) in spring (March to May)

Spring in Hyogo Prefecture is marked by warm weather and beautiful flowers. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, many tourist spots become bustling with activity, and you can also enjoy springtime gourmet treats. This guide introduces the features and attractions of spring in Hyogo Prefecture, cherry blossom and flower field spots, and spring gourmet delights.

*Please note that the event dates mentioned may change. Please check the official website of each facility for the latest information.

About Spring in Hyogo Prefecture

Features and Attractions

“Hyogo Prefecture” is a place where you can enjoy the natural beauty of all four seasons. In spring, cherry blossoms and various other flowers bloom in abundance, captivating visitors. It is an ideal season for enjoying hanami (flower viewing), hiking, and local gourmet delights.

Climate and Clothing

Spring in “Hyogo Prefecture” sees gradually rising temperatures from March to May with mild weather. The days are warm, but the nights can be a bit chilly, so it’s handy to bring a light jacket or cardigan. Comfortable clothing suitable for hanami and hiking is recommended to fully enjoy the season.

Cherry Blossom Spots

“Hyogo Prefecture” has many spots where you can see beautiful cherry blossoms. Here are three recommended spots.

“Himeji Castle” (Himeji City)

“Himeji Castle” is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is also known for its cherry blossoms. From late March to early April, about 1,000 cherry trees bloom magnificently. The “Himeji Castle Night Cherry Blossom Viewing” event is particularly enchanting, with illuminated cherry blossoms and the castle creating a magical atmosphere.

“Tatsuno Park” (Tatsuno City)

“Tatsuno Park” is famous for its cherry blossoms, with about 3,000 cherry trees blooming at once. The best time to see them is early April, and at night, you can enjoy the illuminated cherry blossoms. The “Tatsuno Sakura Festival” also offers opportunities to experience local culture and history.

“Manyo no Misaki” (Aioi City)

“Manyo no Misaki” offers breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea and cherry blossoms. About 150 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom beautifully from late March to early April. It is also a popular spot for cycling and touring.

Spring Flower Field Spots (Other than Cherry Blossoms)

“Hyogo Prefecture” also boasts many beautiful flower fields besides cherry blossoms. Here are three spots that are perfect to visit in spring.

“Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens” (Kobe City)

“Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens” is one of the largest herb gardens in Japan, with about 200 varieties and 75,000 plants of flowers and herbs in full bloom. From late April to early June, vibrant pot marigolds and chamomiles are at their best.

“Awaji Hanasajiki” (Awaji City)

“Awaji Hanasajiki” features flower fields with the backdrop of the Akashi Strait and Osaka Bay. It is famous for about 1 million rapeseed flowers and linaria. Rapeseed flowers bloom from early March to late April, while linaria is in full bloom from late March to late April.

“Awaji Island National Akashi Kaikyo Park” (Awaji City)

At “Awaji Island National Akashi Kaikyo Park,” you can enjoy colorful tulips and nemophila. Tulips are in full bloom from late March to early April, while nemophila peaks from late April to early May.

Spring Gourmet

“Hyogo Prefecture” offers delicious gourmet treats with the arrival of spring. Here are three highly recommended spring delicacies.

“Kasumi Crab” (Kami Town)

“Kasumi Crab” is a specialty of “Kami Town” known for its juicy meat and rich flavor. The fishing season lasts from September to May, allowing you to enjoy fresh crabs in spring. Since they are only caught at the “Kasumi Port,” the local flavor is truly unique.

“Hotaruika” (Kami Town)

“Hotaruika” (firefly squid) is known as a “spring herald of the sea,” with its peak fishing season from March to May. “Hyogo Prefecture” has recently become the top producer of Hotaruika in Japan. They are caught at “Kasumi Port” and “Shibayama Port,” and freshly boiled Hotaruika are plump and delicious.

Mountain Vegetable Dishes (Hachikita)

Spring is the season for wild mountain vegetables such as fukinoto, yomogi, zenmai, and tara no me. These mountain vegetables are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them highly nutritious. In places like “Hachikita,” you can enjoy picking mountain vegetables and savoring fresh mountain vegetable dishes.