Hello and welcome to Hyogo Prefecture! I am pleased to say (unbiasedly) that you have been placed in one of the best prefectures in one of the best regions (Kansai) in Japan. Whether you’ve visited or lived in Hyogo before or this will be your first time, I hope you have a lovely time here while on the JET Programme.
About Hyogo
Hyogo is largest prefecture by size in the Kansai region, containing 41 cities and towns (municipalities). It’s one of the most unique prefectures as it spans from the Sea of Japan in the north to Seto Inland Sea and Osaka Bay in the south, with the prefectures of Osaka and Kyoto to the east, and the prefectures of Okayama and Tottori to the west. This means you’ll find a diverse range of climates, landscapes and cultures typically found elsewhere in Japan, but all situated in one area.
The prefecture is split into 6 different areas: Kobe, Hanshin, Harima, Tajima, Tamba and Awaji. Based on their historic roots and provinces, each area offer a rich sense of entertainment, history, festivals, historical sites and cuisine. You are also well connected to other areas of Kansai and beyond thanks to good road and train access, the Shinkansen and several airports.
Just located across the bay from Osaka lies Hyogo’s captial, Kobe. It’s one of the first port cities that opened up to foreigners back in the 19th century and well known for it’s association with ‘Kobe Beef’, a renowned wagyu beef served up in its many restaurants. Other notable cities in Hyogo include Himeji (known for Himeji Castle) and Toyooka (known for Kinosaki Onsen).
About Hyogo AJET
Hyogo AJET aims to serve all JETs throughout Hyogo. The goal of the Hyogo AJET is to provide a support network both within and outside the office in order to help you to have a hassle-free and fun time while in Japan.
The Hyogo Association for Japan Exchange and Teaching is a chapter of National AJET that concentrates on providing support a little closer to home. Hyogo AJET is a volunteer based initiative, with this website housing an extensive open source living guide aimed at providing information on just about every area of life in Hyogo.
This is a completely volunteer based contribution, with the latest volunteer currently undertaking a massive update on its many blog posts to keep it relevant and up to date. If you are a current (or former) JET in the Hyogo LINE chat or Discord group, feel free to send a message for any feedback, requests or ideas that you have and I will happily get back to you.
Matthew Li (current JET 2024-)
Website created by Whitney Litz