At 135 degrees east longitude and 35 degrees north latitude, Nishiwaki is not only the center of Hyogo Prefecture, but also the true "navel" of the Japanese archipelago. Here, in the heartlands, enjoy a rich crossroads of leisure and human interaction.
Nishiwaki City is the geographical hub of Japan, a fact that
has inspired a local Japan Railways station to be named "Japan Navel
Park Station." At the center of the city, where a music hall, bus terminal
and other urban functions furnish a concentrated base of culture and
information, lies Nishiwaki Royal Hotel. The quarter is also rich in
sightseeing and leisure spots. Besides the aptly named Japan Navel Park,
recommended stops include the Nishiwaki Earth Science Museum "Terra
Dome," providing layman's explanations of astronomical phenomena, along
with Nishiwaki Okanoyama Art Museum, a venue noted for its collection
of works by globally famed illustrator Tadanori Yokoo. For a taste of
natural splendor, hike up to Sengamine Ridge. To bask in a rustic atmosphere
from days gone, venture over to the Tatsuno district, known as the "Little
Kyoto" of the Hyogo region. The general vicinity contains an impressive
selection of golf, skiing and other outstanding recreational facilities,
making the Nishiwaki Royal Hotel an outstanding local base camp for
leisure and business alike.