Kobe is the capital of Hyogo Prefecture and one of Japan’s ten largest cities. Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is also considered one of Japan’s most attractive cities. The night view from just under 3000 feet of Mt. Rokko is known around the world as a million dollar view and one of the top 3 night views in Japan.
Just a hop step and jump from Osaka City (30 minutes by the JR train), Kyoto (50 minutes by the JR train) Kobe offers stress free accessibility.
Kobe City is a harbor city and the Meriken Park harbor area is a popular location for Japanese and Overseas Visitors alike. There are harbor cruises to enjoy and an uncountable number of restaurants and cafes to just sit down and relax at. Kobe is also home to the second largest China Town. Being one of the first ports in Japan to open up to the western world in the 19th century alongside the ports of Yokohama, Nagasaki, Hakodate and Niigata, a very European influence can still be seen today in Kobe at the areas such as the Kitano hillside area.
Kobe City has one of the highest consumption rates of cakes and sweets in all of Japan, and also is known for a high density of bakeries and patisseries. The coffee scene is also superb.
Kobe is also home to the World-famous Kobe Beef. There is no better place to eat Kobe beef than in Kobe, and at a more reasonable price compared to some of the Cities of Japan. Believe it or not, but many restaurants will sell Kobe Beef from 10gram portions. }
Kobe city also is one of the 3 top producers of Japanese Sake. Some of the largest Sake Companies are based only 20 minutes from City center.
Located in the mountains of Mt Rokko range, just some 30 minutes from central Kobe, is the oldest Onsen (Hot Springs) village in Japan, Arima Onsen. Documented from the year 663, Arima has relaxed, healed and rejuvenated an uncountable amount of people in the unique rusty color Hot Springs. There are two types of hot springs here, clear and rusty. the rusty one is also clear, but when the minerals have a chemical reaction with the air, the color changes to a rustic brown. One of the most unique and one of the best options for a luxury Hot Springs resort, if you are wanting to get away from the crowds of other locations throughout Japan.
Approximately 40 minutes by train from Kobe is the City of Himeji. Himeji City boasts Himeji Castle. Himeji Castle is also known as the White Heron Castle and is both a Japanese National Treasure and a World Heritage site. Its status as one of Japan’s 12 remaining original castles makes this fortress a must for anyone interested the history of Japan. The first fortifications built on the site were completed in the 1400s, and were gradually enlarged over the centuries by the various clans who ruled over the region. The castle complex as it survives today was completed in 1609. It has never been destroyed by War, Fire or earthquakes making it not only an icon of Himeji, but also for Japan. A true masterpiece of architecture and the Castle’s elegance can be experienced in any season. During World War 2 instead of painting over the white plaster which would be ruined, the Japanese Government even covered the castle with a black nets so if could not be seen from above. Next to Himeji Castle, are the Kokoen Gardens a great complement to Himeji castle. The Edo period-style Garden beautifully encapsulates Japan’s changing seasons.
Highlights: Meriken Park (Waterfront Park) • Kitano Ijinkan-gai (Former residential area of foreign merchants) • Uroko House & Observation Gallery • Motomachi (Under The Railway Bridge) • Glion Stadium • Aquarium x Art Atoa • Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens • Rokko Mountain Range Hiking • Arima Hot Springs Village • Himeji Castle • Kokoen Gardens in Himeji • Mt Shosha Engyoji Temple • Akashi Sake & Whisky Brewery • Akashi Uonotana fish markets • Nada Sake production area
Recommended length of stay: 1-2 nights