Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
Hyƍgo
Introduction References & Edit History Related Topics
Images
White Heron Castle, also known as Himeji Castle, seen through branches of blooming cherry blossoms in Himeji, Japan. Hyƍgo prefecture, Japan
Britannica AI Icon
Adding us as a Preferred Source tells Google you trust our content, so our articles show up more often in your Google Search, Discover feed, and AI Overviews.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
cherry blossoms at Himeji Castle
cherry blossoms at Himeji Castle Cherry blossoms framing the tower of Himeji Castle, Himeji, Hyƍgo prefecture, western Honshu, Japan.

Hyƍgo

prefecture, Japan
Also known as: Hyogoken
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors
History

Hyƍgo, ken (prefecture), western Honshu, Japan. The prefectural capital is Kƍbe on ƌsaka Bay.

Hyƍgo is bounded by the Sea of Japan (East Sea) to the north and the Inland Sea to the south and includes Awaji Island, the largest island of the Inland Sea. Hyƍgo is dominated by Kƍbe and other southern coastal cities forming part of the ƌsaka-Kƍbe Metropolitan Area. Hyƍgo’s industries include the production of iron, steel, textiles, and lumber. Agriculture and forestry are also well developed.

Hyƍgo prefecture, Japan
Hyƍgo prefecture, Japan

An ancient centre of communication with western Japan and continental Asia, Hyƍgo is well served by railways. Kƍbe is one of Japan’s leading ports in foreign trade. Other important cities are Nishinomiya, Amagasaki, Akashi, and Takarazuka. Himeji, to the west-northwest of Kƍbe, is renowned for its historic castle. Area 3,240 square miles (8,392 square km). Pop. (2010) 5,588,133.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by René Ostberg.
Discover the fascinating events that shaped the world, straight from our editors.
By clicking “Sign Up”, you consent to the Britannica Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.