For thousands of years the seaport at Kobe has been a major epicenter, regulating trade between Japan and China, Okinawa, and several other countries. Kobe, at one point over 8 centuries ago, once even served as the capital of Japan.

Because of the major port, Kobe was usually amongst the first areas in Japan to be exposed to western technology and culture. As time went on, Kobe evolved into the spectacular city that it is today. Back in 1995 a devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake stunned the area, killing over 6,000 people and injuring tens of thousands more. Despite having lost over 100,000 homes and suffering structural road damage that made relief efforts nearly impossible, Kobe has revitalized itself. Visitors who aren’t familiar with the area would never guess that such a devastating event had occurred only a little over 10 years prior.

Kobe is a spectacular place for visitors looking to stray a bit further from Japan’s traditional culture in favor of urban life. The city is known for its urban development, industrial developments, fine cuisine, and excellent shopping opportunities. There are, of course, hundreds of things you should do while visiting, but here are our favorite seven to get you started!

7. Find Some Kobe Beef

Right, right - Kobe beef is not a place - Kobe beef is a food. You won’t find a more tender and mouthwatering cut of beef anywhere on earth, which is why Kobe is so famous for its production.

Why is Kobe beef so special? They treat their cow pretty well before they slaughter them. Kobe cows are raised in Tajima, are massaged on a regular basis, and are fed beer (seriously). Beef is a fine example of a product that was introduced to Japan by western civilization - they just took the time to refine the process.

6. Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum

The westernmost region of Kobe, known as Nada, is incredibly famous for its production of a fine rice wine known as Sake. The entire region is littered with sake breweries and many of them are happy to give you a taste of their creations.

The museum tour begins with a barrel of sake larger than you’ve ever seen in your life. After learning about the tools used to make the wine and viewing a couple of educational videos you’ll reach the end of your tour, which of course includes another free tasting!

5. Luminarie

Luminarie begins two weeks before the Christmas holiday. The city is decorated with millions of lights, lining each of Kobe’s streets, businesses, homes, and bridges.

The lights, which are a stunning site to behold, are hung each year to honor those who were lost in the aforementioned earthquake. Over 5,000,000 visitors head towards Kobe in December of each year to see the breathtaking display and pay their respects.

4. Nunobiki Falls

Believe it or not, one of the most impressive waterfalls in all of Japan is actually in the city of Kobe. Behind the train station at Chuo-ku you’ll find Nunobiki Falls, the results of the cascading waters flowing from Mt. Rokko.

Ok, the falls aren’t directly behind the train station. You’ll have to walk about 20 minutes into the forest to find them. The path is clearly marked and seeing the falls, as beautiful as they’re often described in Japanese literature, is well worth the walk.

3. Ikuta Jinja

Ikuta Jinja is one of a few historic religious sites in Kobe. The shrine was, according to legend, originally founded in the 3^rd century. If this is true, the shrine would be amongst the oldest in Japan, though parts of it had to be rebuilt after the earthquake.

2. Tor Road

Kobe is almost as well known for its shopping as it is for its beef. Tor Road is not a mall, but a street full of stores stretching through Kobe.

The road is littered with shops and boutiques showcasing the work of some of Japan’s most popular designers. When you’re tired of shopping you’ll have no trouble finding a trendy café or restaurant within which you can rest and grab a bite to eat.

1. Harborland & Meriken Park

A stroll through Harborland & Meriken Park will serve as one of the highlights of your visit to Kobe. At the Port of Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park you’ll be humbled by a series of chunks of broken concrete and crooked lamp posts preserved to commemorate the earthquake victims.

Not far from the memorial are the Kobe Maritime Museum and the Port Tower. Climb to the top of the tower and you’ll be confronted with a spectacular 360 degree view of Kobe and beyond. The waterfront is littered with shops, restaurants, and even a Ferris wheel.

Kobe may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of Japan, but we guarantee that after one visit it’ll be a place you’ll always remember.

Image credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Posted in Japan

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