Kobe

Kobe, a port city nestled between the Rokko Mountains and Osaka Bay, offers a unique blend of cultures. You'll find Western-style houses in the Kitano district, taste world-renowned Kobe beef at local restaurants, and soak in the ancient Arima Onsen hot springs. Take a cable car up Mount Rokko for city views, stroll through the lively Harborland area, or explore Nankinmachi, Kobe's Chinatown.

Kobe's Mountain and Sea Setting

Kobe stretches along a narrow strip of land between the Rokko Mountains and Osaka Bay, creating a city where mountain and sea experiences are easily accessible. This geography influences the city's climate, culture, and lifestyle. Start your day with a walk along the waterfront, then ride a cable car up Mount Rokko to see the city and bay below.

Kobe Beef and Local Cuisine

Kobe's name is synonymous with its beef, considered among the finest meats worldwide. Kobe beef comes from Tajima-gyu cattle raised in the region under strict conditions. The meat has extensive marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor. Try this delicacy at various restaurants throughout the city, from upscale establishments to casual eateries. Kobe's culinary scene also reflects its international heritage, with a wide range of global cuisines available.

Nada: The Sake District

The Nada district of Kobe is a major sake-producing region in Japan. Its success in sake brewing comes from high-quality rice, pure water from the Rokko Mountains, and a favorable climate. Visit several sake breweries in Nada, where you can often tour the facilities and taste their products. The Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum offers an in-depth look at the sake-making process and the history of this traditional Japanese drink.

Arima Onsen: Ancient Hot Springs

A short trip from central Kobe takes you to Arima Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot spring resorts. The area has two types of hot spring waters: the iron and salt-rich "gold springs," and the carbonate and radium-containing "silver springs." Experience these waters at public baths or at one of the many ryokan (traditional inns) in the area. Between soaks, walk the streets of Arima, lined with souvenir shops and cafes.

Mount Rokko

Mount Rokko, at 931 meters above sea level, is a popular recreational area. A ropeway takes you to the summit, where an observation deck provides views of Kobe, Osaka, and the Inland Sea. The mountain area includes the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, featuring native and alpine plants, and the Rokko Garden Terrace, a complex with restaurants and shops. Visit the Rokko-Shidare Observatory, designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, for a unique architectural experience.

Kitano: Western-Style Architecture

The Kitano district, north of Sannomiya Station, is home to many ijinkan, Western-style houses built by foreign merchants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of these houses are open to the public as museums, giving insight into the lives of Kobe's early foreign residents. Walk the streets, lined with stone walls and gas lamps, to experience an atmosphere reminiscent of old Europe. Kitano also has several cafes and restaurants, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed afternoon.

Kobe's Port and Harborland

Kobe's port has been central to the city's development since opening to foreign trade in 1868. Today, the waterfront area remains active, with Harborland serving as a shopping and entertainment district. The red Kobe Port Tower provides 360-degree views of the city and harbor from its observation decks. In nearby Meriken Park, you'll find the Kobe Maritime Museum and the Earthquake Memorial Park, which preserves a section of damaged waterfront as a reminder of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake.