Welcome to the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History!

Our museum was established in April 1983 to develop a “deeper understanding of Hyogo Prefecture’s history among the residents of the prefecture; promote education, research, and culture; and impart the rich history of Hyogo Prefecture to visitors.” In 2003?our 20th anniversary?we drew up a basic plan for renovating the exhibits. The guiding philosophy of the plan was to create a “museum of intercommunication,” following the results of our survey and study of the museum's role in the twenty-first century. The new museum reopened in April 2007.

Our new “museum of intercommunication” is a venue for learning. It is designed for people of all ages, from small children to seniors, and all interests, from casual browsers to serious students of local history. The new museum has a universal design that allows people to relax and interact with each other.

On behalf of the staff, I wish you a very enjoyable visit!




The Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History opened in April 1983 at the northeast corner of a special historic site in the former Himeji Castle compound. Its purpose was to deepen our understanding of local history and promote education, study, and culture,

The museum contributes to education and the study of local history. In 1996, the museum underwent renovations to revamp the permanent exhibition, expand the special exhibition rooms, and install new IT devices.

New plans were drawn up on our 20th anniversary in 2003. 1n 2006 we began totally renovating the interior with the goal of becoming a “museum of interchanges” where Hyogo residents could meet and interact in a venue for learning. The museum celebrated its grand reopening on April 20, 2007.

January 1973	The announcement of the construction of the Prefectural Museum by the governor
August 1, 1979	Setting up the preparation room for opening the Prefectural Museum
February 23, 1980	Formulation of the basic plan for constructing the Prefectural Museum
June 12, 1981	Commencement of construction work
September 4, 1982	Completion of construction work
April 1, 1983	Opening of the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History
March 23, 1996	Opening of the new of the Permanent Exhibition Room
February 26, 1996	Authorized to exhibit important cultural assets to public 　　(Authorized by the director of Agency for Cultural Affairs)
December 25, 2000	Exemption of submitting notification in showing important tangible cultural properties 　　(Authorized by the director of Agency for Cultural Affairs)
April 20, 2007	Reopening of the museum after the renewal of the exhibition rooms and other facilities

* Click the name of each room below, you can see the detail of them.