After traveling for around 40 minutes by train from Osaka, I arrive in the streets of Kobe, which are brimming with international atmosphere. I’m going to be introducing some of the attractions and must-see sights here in Kobe, which has a different feel to neighboring Osaka.
In Kobe’s mountainous region of Kitano, the streets are lined with western-style houses. Kobe—a port city that developed largely thanks to foreign trade—was once inhabited by a large number of westerners, and this is the area in which many of them once lived—Kobe Kitano Ijinkan-gai (“foreign residence district.”) As well as the symbolic Kazamidori-no-Yakata (Weathercock House,) you can also take a look at the adorable light-green colored Moegi-no-Yakata (Moegi House,) or Uroko-no-Ie (Uroko House,) a house atop a hill with walls like fish scales (uroko).
This is Kobe Kyu-Kyoryuchi (“former foreign settlement,”) which is situated near the central area of Sannomiya. This area was also once inhabited by a large number of foreigners. Something of its past atmosphere still remains today, and it’s a trendy area with streets lined with clothes stores and the like.
As well as westerners, Kobe was also inhabited by a great number of Chinese merchants. This is Kobe’s Chinatown, which is known as Nankin-machi. On holidays it’s packed with tourists, like you can see in the photo. Nankin-machi is Japan’s largest Chinatown after Yokohama’s, and there’s no shortage of places serving food and drinks.
Through foreign trade, Kobe flourished as a port city, and at night you can enjoy some very romantic scenery at the port. The glowing red Port Tower is particularly symbolic of Kobe. Romantic is definitely the right word for Kobe’s nighttime scenery, which was even chosen as one of Japan’s “new” three great nighttime views!
Speaking of nighttime views, one thing you definitely don’t want to miss is the “Kobe Luminarie.” It’s a huge light festival held each year in memory of those who passed away in the Great Hanshin earthquake of 1995. The event symbolizes hope for the city’s revival. This year it’s being held over a ten-day period from December 4th to 13th in the Kyu-Kyoryuchi and Higashi Yuenchi Park. The illuminations are like works of art—breathtakingly beautiful!
Kobe’s most famous delicacy, Kobe Beef, is one thing you’ll definitely want to try out! Famous around the world, Kobe Beef is renowned for its finely grained, marbled meat. Be sure to give the steak a try!
If you want to enjoy some chic, western atmosphere right in the middle of Kansai, Kobe is the place to go!
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