The number of tourists who were interested about Japan’s culture and ended up visiting Japan are not small. Some cities in Japan have traded with foreign countries since ancient times and still retain the exotic scenery from the past, and among them is the Kobe city. The Kobe city is located in the southeastern part of the Hyogo prefecture in Kansai. In the past, Kobe was Osaka and Kyoto’s international port and was the earliest international trade port in Japan. Hence, Kobe was always grouped together with Osaka and Kyoto when being introduced in guide books.
Kobe Harbor: The place for couples
The writer of this article has a special attachment to Kobe city because her first date with her Japanese husband was in Kobe port! The landmark of the Kobe port is the Kobe Port Tower. From the outside, it somehow looks like a Japanese Taiko (drum). The Tower will be lighted up at night, and the Kobe Port will be decorated with all sorts of colours, giving you a beautiful night scenery. If you go to the Umie Mosaic which is on the opposite side, you will get a romantic atmosphere, comfortable sea breeze, and though there are sounds of the gentle waves as well, you can still clearly hear the soft whispers of your lover beside you. Be it walking around the port or watching the view of the port by cruise during the daytime, you will be covered in the bosom of the refreshing sea breeze. No better spot to be on a date with your lover.
The Kitano Ijinkan in Kobe city
This neighbourhood was once a town where trading with foreigners were done, which is why it is a town filled foreigners who have emigrate to Japan. The housing area and the consulate of the foreign traders are also located in Kitano. Thus, the Kobe city of Japan has become an area filled with various foreign element. Each building has a style that is different to the other, you can visit and observe them at a small fee. Among them, the most famous one is the Kazamidori Hall which was the house of the German trader at that time. The Kazamidori (weathercock) on the peak of the building is the symbol of that building. If you are interested in a cup of coffee while you are in this area, look around for a certain Starbucks in this area, it is very suitable for the atmosphere here. The Starbucks here was originally a foreign trade dealer’s house and is still in a good condition. Although not obvious, there are some green and white wrinkles on the walls which is a decent combination with the atmosphere there. If you bring your girlfriend to the Ijinkan, Kitano, be prepared mentally because your girlfriend is going to request you to take a lot of good pictures of her here. There is no better background for a photograph than this city.
Delicious gourmet in Nankin-machi Chinatown
The Nankin-machi Chinatown which is a 5-minute walk away from Motomachi station is one of three biggest Chinatown in Japan. Unlike the relaxing colors of the Ijinkan in Kitano, this Chinatown is a bright red as if it was wrapped in the lively atmosphere of Chinese New Year. Although there are various Chinese cuisines, their taste is adjusted to the taste of Japanese which is why it may be a bit different than what you expect. All the same it is delicious and different from the usual Japanese food and that attracts many Japanese to come over to have a taste of Chinese food like the meat dumplings and meat filled buns. Experiencing China’s atmosphere in Japan might be an interesting thing to do too don’t you think?
The works of a famous architect, Tadao Ando, are in Kobe City
The “Hyogo Prefecture Art Museum” in Kobe city is a museum designed by Tadao Ando. With the classic Béton brut finish, the building itself became a work of art. The spiral staircase is the symbol of the museum, and based on the angle of the sunlight, you can see different expressions inside the building. Apparently, Mr. Ando has paid special attention to space and lightings when designing this building. Although photography is prohibited inside the building, you are free to take any photographs outside the building. If you bring along a girlfriend who loves to take photo, she will definitely be happy!
A schedule even the guys can enjoy
There are many wonderful sightseeing spots for the women, but we should also let the guys have some fun right? Most of the women may not have any interest in watching sports games, but let your boyfriend have some fun by accompanying him to watch the sport games in Kobe. If you are a 30 years old and above sports lover, you can join any of the “World Masters Games 2021 Kansai”! Athletes from all over the world will be competing in this sports event and among those events, the ones held in Kobe city are racewalking, basketball, baseball, table tennis, swimming and orienteering(sprint). Since this is a long-awaited date in Kobe, accompany him to one or two matches, and if he is participating in those competition, you may be able to get great pictures of your boyfriend in action! Enjoy this once in four years event with your boyfriend, and if you have the chance, why not try participating in it?
For more information regarding the “World Masters Games 2021 Kansai”, check out the link here ☞ https://www.wmg2021.jp/en/
Comments