About Toyooka
Toyooka is located 440 km from Tokyo and 3 hours by plane. It can be found in northeast Hyogo prefecture, 100 km away from Kyoto.
On April 1st, 2005, one city and five towns (Toyooka, Kinosaki, Takeno, Hidaka, Izushi and Tanto) were merged together, making Toyooka the city with the largest area in Hyogo Prefecture.
Area: 697.55 km2
Population: 78,656 (as of April 2019)
80% of Toyooka is surrounded by nature, with the Maruyama River flowing through the center cultivating a beautiful landscape and a rich environment.
Within Toyooka lies Kinosaki Onsen, a town with a 1300 year history, known as one of the best hot spring locations in the Kansai region. In terms of local industry, the area is known for its “Izushi-ware” porcelain, as well as a “handbag town” (Kaban no machi) boasting the greatest production of bags in all of Japan.
Additionally, Toyooka is the region where the Oriental White Stork, a special natural monument of Japan, took its last breath before going extinct. Several storks were released from captivity in September 2005, and in May of 2007, after 43 years, the first chicks were born in the wild. There continue to be globally unprecedented efforts to return the species back to living in the wild amidst human civilization, and storks have now become the town’s symbol.
We are advancing the development of a town where people and nature can live in harmony while passing on resources and culture inherited from our predecessors onto the next generation.
Toyooka
Come meet our city's symbol, the Konotori
In the heart of Tajima lies Toyooka, a city that prides itself on superb bag production, and the preservation of the endangered Konotori stork.
Kinosaki
Stroll this ancient onsen town in yukata
Loved by travellers and locals alike, this is Kansai's most beautiful onsen destination. Follow the flowing Otani river and explore this nostalgic onsen town. With many seasonal sights and events, this town provides a different experience every time you visit.
Takeno
Mountains, rivers, and the sea set the stage for you to experience many outdoor adventures.
With its Kansai-famous Takeno beach and an abundance of rich nature, this area is particularly recommended for fans of the outdoors. After a day of activities, enjoy some local seafood and relax at Takeno's onsen.
Kannabe
Enjoy the great outdoors and one of Kannabe's many ski resorts.
Hiking and wild vegetables in spring, camping in summer, fall foliage and fruit picking in autumn, and skiing and snowboarding in winter. No matter the time of the year there is always something to do in Kannabe.
Izushi
A castle town nicknamed 'Little Kyoto'
With it's preserved townscape of classical architecture, you'll feel like you've taken a portal back to the Edo era when you visit this historical castle town.
Tanto
Time flows peacefully in this quaint rural town
Surrounded by abundant nature, clean air and the picturesque scenery of rice paddies, enjoy Tanto's local produce and natural onsen.