Even if it rains, no worries! 8 Indoor Tourist Spots in Hyogo Prefecture

You were all dressed up and totally ready to have fun today, looking forward to this moment… but unfortunately, it's raining. It's cold, you're getting wet, and your excitement is starting to fade, right? But don't worry! There are still some amazing spots you can enjoy because of the rain.

When it comes to traveling, choosing the right place is key. Hyogo Prefecture is often associated with the popular tourist city of Kobe, but if you broaden your perspective, you'll find there's so much more to see. Whether you want to relax and enjoy the scenery, feel the changing seasons, experience some art, or even go shopping since you're already here—there are plenty of ways to have fun. This time, we've carefully selected indoor sightseeing spots you can enjoy even on rainy days, making your trip truly memorable.

1. Be Healed by Sea Creatures! Kobe Suma Aqualife Park!

Just a 5-minute walk from JR Suma Kaihin Koen Station, Kobe Suma Aqualife Park is home to about 600 species and around 13,000 sea creatures you can interact with. This aquarium has a long history, originally opening in 1897 (Meiji 30) as Warakuen Aquarium in Wada Cape. There are plenty of hands-on experiences, like getting up close to the animals, touching dolphins and seals, and even feeding penguins.

Their "Dolphin Live" show features bottlenose dolphins performing amazing tricks, and the "Sea Otter Feeding Live" is a cute event where you can watch sea otters during their mealtime while getting explanations. It's all heartwarming and sure to make you smile!

For something a little more wild, check out the "Fish Live," where you can watch piranhas and archerfish as they feed. The giant tank, with sharks and rays swimming in a massive 24-meter-wide display, is breathtaking. You'll also meet adorable sleeping seals and one of the world's largest freshwater fish, the pirarucu, among many other sea creatures.

2. The God of Manga! Welcome to the World of Tezuka! "Tezuka Osamu Memorial Hall"

The Tezuka Osamu Memorial Hall, designed like a European medieval castle, is an eye-catching building. As you enter, you'll be celebrated by "The Phoenix." Inside, you'll find fascinating exhibitions, and one of the highlights is the "Library" where you can read every single one of Tezuka's manga works to your heart's content—it's easy to lose an entire day here!

There's also an "Animation Workshop" where you can experience making animations, and the "Atom Vision" theater showing original movies. From the basement to the second floor, it's all about Tezuka's world. Even if you're not a fan or from a different generation, you'll still have a great time here!

3. Relax with Negative Ions! "Kiseki no Hoshi Botanical Museum"

When you hear "botanical museum," you might imagine lots of overgrown plants, but Kiseki no Hoshi Botanical Museum is different. The plants are beautifully designed like a stylish garden, reflecting the theme of "coexistence between nature and humans." No wonder it's a popular spot, even for family trips.

The displays change with the seasons, focusing on the shapes, scents, and colors of the plants, capturing the attention of visitors. In summer, they hold hula dance shows, and during Golden Week and Christmas, there are various events and gardening workshops. There's always something seasonal to enjoy here!

4. An Aquarium That's More Than Just Watching! Kinosaki Marine World!

We already introduced an aquarium at the beginning, but this one has a totally different vibe—it's an aquarium that also doubles as an attraction park! Cute fish are fun to watch and all, but sometimes you want a bit more excitement. If that's you, Kinosaki Marine World is perfect!

There are dynamic dolphin and sea lion shows that feature water and fire, penguin walks, and sea lion dives—all sorts of performances to enjoy. The keepers are friendly and approachable, making each visit a new and exciting experience. Head over to the Fishing Zone to try catching horse mackerel, which you can then have cooked as tempura and enjoy right there! There's also “Dive,” a hands-on area where you can interact with dolphins and tide pool creatures. Highly recommended!

5. Greeted by a Giant Frog!! Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art

Opened in 2002, this is one of the largest art museums in western Japan, nicknamed "The Museum of Art." The collection mainly features artists connected to Hyogo, including Ryohei Koiso and Tadanori Yokoo, and boasts more than 8,000 works. There are also concerts and film screenings you can enjoy for free, so you'll never get bored. The view from the museum is also quite stunning and highly recommended. As you head down the slope outside, a giant frog statue called "Bi-Kaeru" will welcome you!

6. Experience the Atmosphere of a Traditional Downtown! Sanwa Hondori Shopping Street!

Sanwa Hondori Shopping Street is famous for lighting up the "magic number" countdown when the Hanshin Tigers are close to winning the championship, making it a must-see spot for Hanshin fans. Even if you're not into baseball, you can still enjoy exploring the shops lined up along this covered street—so no worries even if it's raining! Fun fact: F1 driver Kamui Kobayashi, who is from Amagasaki, often visited this street shopping when he was young. Enjoy the downtown vibe, and with the low prices, it's perfect for bargain shopping.

7. Want Both Shopping and a Date Spot? Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlets!

Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlets is a modern, open-air shopping center inspired by Pasadena, an upscale suburb of Los Angeles. It has a chic, adult atmosphere with about 210 famous brand stores—so many that you won't know where to start! As Kobe's flagship outlet mall, it's perfect for both shopping and dining, and you can enjoy it all indoors on a rainy day. The sophisticated atmosphere makes it a great place for a date too!

8. Warm Up on a Rainy Day at Takarazuka Onsen!

Takarazuka Onsen is famous as the birthplace of the Takarazuka Revue. The city is lively and stylish, with lots of trendy shops surrounding the area. After a tiring day of walking in the rain, why not relax in a hot spring? They even have luxurious rose baths sprinkled with rose petals—an elegant, high-end experience perfect for winding down and reflecting on your day. After your bath, you can also enjoy aromatherapy treatments and spa services to refresh both body and mind.

◎ Summary

This time, we introduced a variety of spots, from classic destinations to a wide range of genres. You can go shopping in Kobe, where elegant and stylish shops line the streets, interact with sea creatures at the aquarium, immerse yourself in the world of art to nurture your sensitivity, and at night, relax in a hot spring to heal your body… These are perfect destinations to treat yourself for all the hard work you've been doing.

You could also rent a reasonably priced hotel and have a fun girls' night out with your friends! Spending time indoors can lead to discoveries you might not notice otherwise. Whether it's for a date, a family trip, or a fun outing with friends, there are plenty of sightseeing spots to enjoy. Don't hesitate to go out, even on a rainy day!