Dernière mise à jour · Les tarifs en Yens (¥) sont donnés à titre indicatif. · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Kakogawa (加古川市, Kakogawa-shi) is a city located in Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 June 2024, the city had an estimated population of 255,523 in 110,380 households and a population density of 1,800 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 138.48 square kilometres (53.47 sq mi).
Within Hyōgo Prefecture (Kansai region), Kakogawa (加古川市) serves as a special city in hyōgo prefecture. Travelers exploring Hyōgo often combine a stop in Kakogawa with regional highlights such as UNESCO World Heritage Himeji Castle, Kobe harbor & Mount Rokko, Arima Onsen (gold & silver waters), willow-lined Kinosaki Onsen, Takeda 'Castle in the Sky' (Asago), and Awaji Island.
| Information | Détails pour Kakogawa (加古川市) |
|---|---|
| Nom Japonais | 加古川市 (Kakogawa) |
| Statut Administratif | Special city in Hyōgo Prefecture |
| Prefecture & Capital | Hyōgo Prefecture (Capital: Kobe) |
| Région du Japon | Kansai |
| Population | 267,631 residents |
| Superficie / Densité | 138.51 km² · 1,932 people per km² |
| Fondation / Statut | 1950-06-15 |
| Coordonnées | 34.75°N, 134.8333°E |
Getting to Kakogawa & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Shin-Kobe & Himeji Stations (Sanyo Shinkansen) & Sannomiya Station): 22m from Osaka to Kobe Sannomiya or 60m to Himeji on the JR Special Rapid; 30m from Shin-Osaka to Himeji on the Sanyo Shinkansen.
- Local rail & IC cards: Once in Hyōgo Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Kobe with Kakogawa. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Hyōgo have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Kakogawa en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Kakogawa are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Hyōgo can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.
Que Manger à Kakogawa & Hyōgo : Spécialités Locales
Kakogawa partage les traditions culinaires de la préfecture de Hyōgo et de la région de Kansai. Ne manquez pas ces spécialités locales lors de votre visite :
- Kobe beef & Tajima wagyu — a signature specialty across Hyōgo Prefecture.
- Akashi-yaki (egg-rich octopus dumplings dipped in dashi) — a signature specialty across Hyōgo Prefecture.
- Matsuba snow crab (in Kinosaki Onsen) — a signature specialty across Hyōgo Prefecture.
- Kobe patisserie sweets & Nada sake — a signature specialty across Hyōgo Prefecture.
- Izushi皿そば (small-plate soba) — a signature specialty across Hyōgo Prefecture.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Kakogawa.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
Late March–early April for Himeji Castle's 1,000 cherry trees; November–March for crab and willow-lined canal bath-hopping in Kinosaki Onsen.
Regional highlights across Hyōgo Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Kakogawa include: UNESCO World Heritage Himeji Castle, Kobe harbor & Mount Rokko, Arima Onsen (gold & silver waters), willow-lined Kinosaki Onsen, Takeda 'Castle in the Sky' (Asago), and Awaji Island.
Conseils Pratiques pour Visiter Kakogawa
- Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter at the regional hub (Shin-Kobe & Himeji Stations (Sanyo Shinkansen) & Sannomiya Station) or major stations in Hyōgo Prefecture for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Kakogawa accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
Questions Fréquentes (FAQ)
Where is Kakogawa (加古川市) located in Japan?
Kakogawa (加古川市) is a special city located in Hyōgo Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan (coordinates: 34.75°N, 134.8333°E). It has a population of approximately 267,631 across an area of 138.51 km².
How do I get to Kakogawa by train?
Most visitors reach Kakogawa via the main prefectural gateway of Shin-Kobe & Himeji Stations (Sanyo Shinkansen) & Sannomiya Station. 22m from Osaka to Kobe Sannomiya or 60m to Himeji on the JR Special Rapid; 30m from Shin-Osaka to Himeji on the Sanyo Shinkansen. From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Kakogawa. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Shinkansen Fare Calculator.
What local food is Kakogawa and Hyōgo known for?
In Kakogawa and across Hyōgo Prefecture, top local dishes include Kobe beef & Tajima wagyu, Akashi-yaki (egg-rich octopus dumplings dipped in dashi), Matsuba snow crab (in Kinosaki Onsen), as well as Kobe patisserie sweets & Nada sake and Izushi皿そば (small-plate soba). Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Kakogawa?
Late March–early April for Himeji Castle's 1,000 cherry trees; November–March for crab and willow-lined canal bath-hopping in Kinosaki Onsen. Check our Japan Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: