Kobe is the capital city of Hyogo Prefecture and was an important port city during the Edo Period.
Kobe (神戸) is the capital city of Hyogo prefecture and is
one of the 10 largest cities in Japan. Kobe is a city
enclosed between mountains and sea. Kobe Port (神戸
港) is one of biggest ports in Japan. It was one of the few
ports open to foreign trade when the Japanese
government was forced to end its seclusion towards the
end of the Edo Period. Since then, Kobe port became
bigger and gained many economic benefits. Because of
this port, Kobe was influenced by different foreign
cultures. The Kitano district was the former settlement for
foreigners (神戸旧居留地) and many of the old buildings
are preserved. Some of the old buildings were
transformed into high end bars and shops.
Also, there is Chinatown, which is known Nankinmachi
(南京町). Nankinmachi is a popular tourist attraction
packed with shops, food stands, and restaurants. Thus,
the culture in Kobe developed with the influence from
foreign visitors. Also, there are some artificial islands that
were built to help redevelop the city after the Great
Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995. There is little
remnants of the catastrophe, but the Earthquake
Museum displays the events of what happened and how
far the city has come.
Kansai | Hyogo | Kobe
Mount Rokko
Mount Rokko has the highest peak in the Rokko Mountain Range and panoramic views of the Hanshin Region.
Kansai | Hyogo | Kobe
Arima Onsen
Arima Onsen is located in Kobe and is one of the oldest hot springs in Japan.
Kansai | Hyogo | Kobe
Nada Sake District
Sake is fermented rice in Japan and the Nada Sake District is one of the biggest producers of the alcoholic beverage.
Kansai | Hyogo | Kobe
Sorakuen Garden
Sorakuen Garden is located in the center of Kobe and is a traditional Japanese landscape garden.
Kansai | Hyogo | Kobe
Kobe Earthquake Memorial Museum
The Kobe Earthquake Memorial Museum is a reminder of the tragedies of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
Kansai | Hyogo | Kobe
Shin-Kobe Ropeway
The Shin-Kobe Ropeway passes by the Nunobiki Waterfall and reaches an observation deck with great views of Kobe.
Kansai | Hyogo | Kobe
Kobe Harborland
Kobe Harborland is a shopping and entertainment district located between Kobe Station and the waterfront.
Kansai | Hyogo | Kobe
Kobe Chinatown
Kobe Chinatown is known as Nankinmachi and is located in central Kobe.
