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  • Nankin-machi (Nanjing town)

    "Nankin-machi" (Japanese name for Nanjing town) in Kobe is one of the three best Chinatowns in Japan, along with Yokohama Chinatown and Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown. There are more than 100 Chinese restaurants, Japanese and Western restaurants, grocery stores, general stores, and many other stores lining the streets.

    • Kobe
    • Shopping Streets
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    On this trip to Kobe, I made a special point of visiting Nankin-machi to walk around and explore! As soon as I arrived, I was drawn in by the Chinese-style streetscape, with red lanterns, traditional gates, and lively streets. The whole atmosphere was really distinctive and gave me the familiar feeling of being in Yokohama Chinatown.

    Nankin-machi is Kobe's famous Chinatown and one of the largest Chinatowns in western Japan. It connects to the Motomachi Shopping Street, and the area is lined with all kinds of Chinese restaurants, food stalls, and specialty foods. Just looking at the wide variety of food made me want to keep eating my way through the neighborhood!

    Nankin-machi is mainly surrounded by three gates: Chang'an Gate, Nanlou Gate, and Xi'an Gate. Each has its own distinctive features, and they are all must-photograph landmarks here.

    It's also very convenient to get to. Take the train to Motomachi Station, and it's just a short walk from there. You can also walk from Sannomiya Station, though it's a bit farther away.

    This is a great place for a food-focused stroll. Take some photos, browse the shops, and try a few snacks that catch your eye while experiencing Kobe's lively, international atmosphere!

  • Meriken Park

    Meriken Park, a park that faces the port of Kobe, was made in 1887. It is a place where one can relax whilst feeling the fresh ocean breeze surrounded by a panorama of open spacious.

    • Kobe
    • Parks & Gardens
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    If you're visiting Kobe, I really recommend making time for a walk around Meriken Park! It has a wide, comfortable waterfront area. Walking along the harbor, feeling the pleasant sea breeze, and looking out over the expansive ocean view made me feel much more relaxed.

    We specifically chose to visit around sunset, and it really didn't disappoint! The setting sun slowly turned the sky red, and the orange-pink glow reflected on the water. Combined with the scenery of Kobe Harbor, it was beautiful from every angle. Even casual snapshots turned into romantic landscape photos.

    During the day, the blue sky and ocean feel fresh and refreshing, while the evening brings a softer, more romantic atmosphere. Especially as the sun was setting, I couldn't help but stay a little longer. Kobe's beauty isn't limited to its lively streets; it also has this relaxing and charming harbor atmosphere.

  • Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlet

    Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlet is the largest outlet shopping mall in West Japan. The outlet mall is designed as a “open sophisticated town for adults” modeled after Pasadena, a high-class residential suburb of Los Angeles.

    • Kobe
    • Commercial Buildings
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    On this trip to Kobe, I made a point of setting aside time to visit Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlets! You can get there by bus from Sannomiya, and it was more convenient than I expected. As soon as I arrived, I realized how large the complex really is. The streets have an open-air design with the feel of an American town, so walking around and shopping gives it a somewhat foreign atmosphere.

    There are quite a lot of brands and products here, including clothing, shoes, bags, and all kinds of household goods. There’s plenty to browse, and it’s easy to spend a lot of time here without realizing it. But because the complex is so large, trying to walk through every area will really make your feet sore. Toward the end, all I wanted was to find somewhere to sit and rest.

    Another big plus is that Sanda AEON is right next to the outlet. After finishing here, you can keep browsing at AEON, extending your shopping trip with no worries about running out of places to shop!

    There are also several ways to get here. You can take a bus from Kobe Sannomiya, transfer to a bus at Sanda Station, or take a highway bus from Osaka Station.

    After walking around this time, I felt that if you already have certain brands in mind, it’s a good idea to check the store locations beforehand. Otherwise, you may get lost in such a large complex and wear yourself out.

    Overall, this is definitely a good place for people who enjoy shopping to include in their Kobe itinerary. Between the outlet and the AEON next door, you can shop for quite a while! All I can say is that the shopping was fun, and my feet definitely felt it too!

  • Kobe Oji Zoo

    A municipal zoo located in Nada Ward, central Kobe, set against the lush greenery of the Rokko mountain range. It is home to Approx. 650 animals from around 120 species, including popular animals from around the world such as elephants, giraffes, and koalas, all viewable up close. It is especially known as one of the few zoos in Japan where you can see koalas.

    • Kobe
    • Zoos & Aquariums
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    On this trip to Kobe, we added another attraction that's great for families with children! When we came to Kobe Oji Zoo, I originally thought we would just see the animals, but once we entered the zoo, I found it more interesting than expected. Not only can you observe all kinds of animals up close, but there are also amusement rides and flowers to enjoy. The whole zoo has a very relaxed atmosphere.

    I really liked the atmosphere here. There weren't too many visitors, so it wasn't crowded and there was no need to rush to get in line. We could walk around at our own pace and stop to watch every little thing the animals did. Some were relaxing lazily, while others were busy eating. Every little movement was so cute!

    However, we really did encounter a heat wave this time. It was so hot that we started sweating after walking for just a short while, and it was impossible to stay out in the sun. It only felt more comfortable when we reached the shade under the trees, so we had to keep looking for shady places to rest as we walked around. It was a small unexpected part of this zoo visit.

    The most memorable part of this visit was the zoo's star, **JAZZ**! That beautiful, fluffy, large tail was so eye-catching that I couldn't help stopping to watch for a while, even from a distance. We were especially lucky to catch JAZZ interacting with a keeper. It was truly rare to see something like that in person, and it also showed the familiarity and understanding between the animals and the keepers who care for them.

    Rather than rushing through each exhibit, I preferred being able to stop and really observe the animals. Without large crowds, we could leisurely enjoy our time with them.

    Although the heat that day was a bit too much, seeing the adorable JAZZ and all the little surprises from the other animals still made the trip feel worthwhile! Another wonderful memory from my trip to Kobe.

  • Kobe Anpanman Children’s Museum & Mall

    This is a spot for children to meet their hero, Anpanman. The building is divided into two floors, with the museum on the second floor (admission fee applies) and a shopping mall on the first floor (free to enter).

    • Kobe
    • Amusement Parks & Theme parks
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    On this trip to Kobe, we made a special visit to the Kobe Anpanman Children’s Museum, and it definitely didn’t disappoint! As soon as we walked in, we saw tons of familiar and adorable Anpanman characters. From large figures and themed decorations to all kinds of play areas, every corner was full of childlike fun. It really felt like stepping into the cartoon world!

    This place is truly a paradise for kids. For little ones who love Anpanman, everything is exciting and great for photos. Just seeing all these cute characters makes you happy. It’s the perfect place to bring young children.

    Besides playing at the museum, there’s also a shopping mall next door. In addition to Mosaic Plaza, the huge umie shopping mall is right in front. Both buildings have plenty of stores, food, and places to rest, making it convenient to shop, eat, or take a short break. You could spend the whole day here without getting bored.

    Also, the Kobe Harbor Ferris wheel is right next to the Anpanman Museum. After exploring, you can ride the Ferris wheel and enjoy views of Kobe Harbor from above, adding a touch of romance to the trip.

    This stop is really great for a family trip. There’s not only a cartoon world that kids will love, but adults can also shop, enjoy good food, and take in the scenery. The whole family can have a great time!

  • Setsugetsuka Main Store

    A renowned teppanyaki restaurant where highly skilled chefs grill carefully selected Kobe beef right before your eyes. The restaurant primarily sources premium, female Kobe beef that is carefully raised for over 30 months and has never calved. This exquisite beef is distinguished by its rich color and delicate marbling, and is further enhanced through extended aging, removing excess moisture and concentrating its flavor.

    • Kobe
    • Meat Dishes
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    When in Kobe, of course you can't miss the renowned Kobe beef! This time, I made a special visit to Setsugetsuka Main Store to enjoy an elegant teppanyaki meal.

    The dining atmosphere is quite upscale, with a professional chef preparing the food right in front of you. From grilling to plating, you can watch every detail up close, which adds a sense of anticipation to the entire dining experience.

    What satisfied me most about this meal was the quality of the beef. The meat was finely textured and tender, with a rich beefy aroma and natural sweetness. It was truly delicious! The ingredients themselves were very fresh, so even without much seasoning, you could taste their original flavors. I couldn't help taking one bite after another.

    The staff were also very friendly, and the dishes were served efficiently. The overall service was smooth yet attentive, allowing me to relax and enjoy the meal.

    Sometimes when traveling, you need to plan a nicer meal. Everything from the ingredients and cooking to the service was satisfying. This Kobe beef experience truly added a wonderful food memory to my trip to Kobe!

  • Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens / Ropeway

    Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens is the largest herb garden facility in Japan, where you can see 75,000 herbs of around 200 different species, growing at an altitude of about 400 meters. It is filled with fresh scents and colors all year round.

    • Kobe
    • Zoos & Aquariums
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    On this trip to Kobe, I made a special visit to the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens. I had been looking forward to this attraction, and it really didn't disappoint when I finally visited!

    The ropeway ride was fun right from the start. As it slowly climbed the mountain, the cityscape gradually unfolded below. Looking down from above at downtown Kobe, the harbor, and the sea in the distance, the view became more and more expansive, and I couldn't stop taking pictures along the way. Seeing the scenery from the ropeway really made it feel like all of Kobe was spread out before my eyes.

    When I arrived at the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens on the mountain, the sight was even more impressive! The entire garden is built along the hillside, with beautifully maintained flowers and plants. Combined with the European-style buildings, walking through it felt like visiting a garden in a small European town.

    There are also quite a few hammocks throughout the garden, and as soon as I saw them, I really wanted to lie down and enjoy the moment. Finding a comfortable spot, feeling the mountain breeze and warm sunshine, with beautiful flowers, greenery, and views of Kobe Port in front of me, helped me relax quite a bit. When traveling, I'm usually busy rushing between attractions and taking pictures, so it was especially nice to slow down and enjoy the scenery for once.

    Since the garden is built on a hillside, some of the paths have ups and downs and require a little stamina. However, because of the higher elevation, you can enjoy beautiful views of the city and bay from different angles along the way. It's definitely worth taking your time to walk around and look.

    I bought a package that included round-trip ropeway tickets and admission to the herb gardens. To reach the ropeway boarding area, you first need to go up to the building's second-floor platform and then follow the signs. First-time visitors may want to keep an eye out for this.

    What left the deepest impression on me during this visit to the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens was the relaxed, carefree feeling. From the expansive views on the ropeway to the fragrance of flowers, greenery, and gentle breeze in the gardens, every corner made me reluctant to leave in a hurry.

  • Mt. Rokko (Rokkosan)

    Mt. Rokko (Rokkosan), the prominent peak of the Rokko Mountains, is 931 meters above sea level. With easy access by cable car to the top of the mountain, the mountain is full of various facilities that offer physical activities, romantic nightscapes, and more.

    • Kobe
    • Nature Spots
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    On this trip to Kobe, I specifically planned a visit to Mt. Rokko! I had always heard that it has one of Japan's famous million-dollar night views, but it wasn't until I reached the summit that I truly experienced its appeal.

    Looking out from the summit, the view was incredibly expansive, and I felt myself relax. The distant mountains, Osaka Plain, Kobe Port, and Osaka Bay were all visible at once. The city and ocean blended together in a view that made me want to keep looking. The air on the mountain was especially fresh, and although the gentle breeze was a little chilly, it felt particularly pleasant.

    Mt. Rokko is about 931.5 meters above sea level. In addition to its magnificent mountain and ocean views, it's also a popular destination for outdoor recreation and hiking. There are open-air observation decks, restaurants, and recreational facilities on the mountain. You can take transportation up the mountain or choose to hike and enjoy the natural forest scenery along the way.

    The most captivating part is still the night view. As the sky gradually darkened, the city lights came on one by one, and the vast cityscape slowly turned into a glittering sea of lights. Seeing a view like this from up high was genuinely moving in a way that's hard to describe, and I finally understood why everyone says the night view from Mt. Rokko is worth making a special trip to see.

    The temperature at the summit is quite a bit lower than in the city, especially in the evening and at night, so remember to bring an extra jacket!

    My favorite part of this trip to Mt. Rokko was standing high above and looking out at the expansive scenery, temporarily setting aside the busyness of everyday life and quietly enjoying the beauty of the moment. Sometimes, the joy of traveling is simply finding a view that makes you reluctant to leave. That alone makes the trip worthwhile!

  • Kobe Kitano Ijinkan (Former Foreign Residences)

    When the port of Kobe opened in 1868, the "Kobe Kitano Ijin-gai (foreign city)" developed as a land of foreign settlement. Located on a hill overlooking the ocean, the town has a unique mix of Western and Japanese style buildings. About 30 Western-style buildings have been preserved in their original state, and 16 are open to the public.

    • Kobe
    • Famous Places
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    On this trip to Kobe, we made a special visit to the exotic Kitano Ijinkan district. It feels very different from typical Japanese streets. As you slowly stroll along the hillside, you can see beautifully preserved Western-style residences one after another. The red brick, wooden buildings, and distinctive streetscapes come together to make you feel as if you’ve suddenly arrived in Europe, and every casual photo looks charming.

    There are several differently themed foreign residences to choose from in this area. This time, we bought a three-house combo ticket, so we could take our time exploring at our own pace without rushing. The Sherlock Holmes House left a particularly strong impression on me. It has many themed settings and story displays, and you can also borrow detective costumes and hats for photos. Putting on the costume and walking through the house really made me feel like Sherlock Holmes stepping into the setting of a mystery novel. It was quite fun!

    The Kitano Ijinkan district preserves traces of the history of foreign residents who lived here during the Meiji period. Each Western-style residence has its own architectural features, and the interiors display furniture, household items, and decorations used at the time, offering a closer look at what life was like back then.

    Besides visiting the Western-style residences, there are also plenty of distinctive cafes, dessert shops, and small stores along the way. It’s a great place to find somewhere to sit and rest while enjoying a leisurely trip. Although some of the streets are steep and require a bit of stamina, the architecture and scenery along the way are well worth taking the time to appreciate.

  • Kobe Port Tower

    Rising over Kobe Harbor, this port tower is known as the “Beauty of the Iron Tower” for its graceful hyperboloid shape-like an elongated drum-and its vivid red exterior. Loved by locals as a symbol of Kobe since its debut in 1973 (1963), it reopened after Approx. 2.5 years of seismic reinforcement and renovation, with a grand renewal in April 2024.

    • Kobe
    • Observatories
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    On this visit to Kobe Harbor, of course I had to see the iconic Kobe Port Tower! From far away, I could see its deep red structure standing by the harbor. Its design is truly distinctive, and with the blue sky, harbor, and surrounding buildings, the whole scene was quite beautiful. I couldn't help taking out my camera and snapping several photos.

    When I actually walked over to the tower, I found the area very pleasant. Meriken Park is right next to it, so you can take a leisurely walk along the waterfront, enjoy the harbor views, and watch the boats and the sea. It's less bustling than downtown and has a more relaxed atmosphere.

    This place has a different kind of beauty during the day and at night. Especially after dark, when the tower and surrounding buildings light up, the entire harbor becomes more romantic. The lights reflected along the waterfront, together with Kobe's city skyline at night, make it a great place to stop and take in the view or take some photos.

    There are also shopping malls, restaurants, and plenty of tourist attractions nearby, so you can visit them all together and enjoy shopping, good food, and ocean views in one trip.

    I think the Kobe Harbor area is well worth taking the time to explore at a leisurely pace. There's no need to rush; just looking at the sea and taking photos is enjoyable! If I have the chance to visit Kobe again, I'd also like to come at a different time and see how the harbor scenery changes throughout the day.

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