Introduction: Kobe combines the appeal of Western style and traditional Japanese beauty. As the first port city in Japan to open to the outside world, Kobe has a large number of European-style buildings left in the city center, known as "Ijinkan". Most of them are now cafes, restaurants and museums open to the outside world. Walking around the center of Kobe, you will feel like you are in a European town. The port area of ??Kobe is famous for its modernity, and the bright Kobe night scene is evaluated as a night view worth tens of millions of dollars. Arima, Akashi, and Himeji Castle near Kobe are important towns in ancient Japan. They still retain the layout that has been passed down for hundreds of years. The castle of Himeji Castle is even called the most beautiful city in Japan.

Port of Kobe

Where is the pulse of Kobe? The port scenery is the most charming at night

Port of Kobe is one of the most important industrial and commercial ports in Japan, with a history dating back to 12 At the end of the Heian period, it was built by the powerful military commander Taira Kiyomori as a port for trade with China and as a military reserve. After hundreds of years of changes, the Port of Kobe has now transformed into a large, modern area with promenades suitable for walking and sightseeing. The buildings in the port area are famous for their modern design and lighting effects. There are sightseeing facilities such as Kobe Tower and the Kobe Maritime Museum, and activities such as maritime fireworks and open-air concerts are held regularly.

Kitano Ijinkan

The charming European-style villa area is the most distinctive landscape in Kobe

A large number of Western-style buildings were built in Kobe during the Meiji and Taisho periods The building is currently the most completely preserved in the Kitano generation in Chuo District. The area from Yamamoto-dori 1-chome to 3-chome in Kitano is called Kitano Ijinkan Street. Most of them were private residences of foreign businessmen or foreign embassies and consulates.

After getting off at Sannomiya Station or Motomachi Station, walk up the mountain along Kitano Street or Ijinkan Street, and you will see many small Western-style buildings in front of you one by one. Some of them have been transformed into museums or art galleries, while others have maintained their original layout and are open to the public. The most famous buildings include the Menghuang Pavilion, Kazami Chicken Pavilion and Fish Scale House. Boutiques, coffee shops, small restaurants and flower shops are dotted between the mansions. The whole area is filled with an elegant and exotic atmosphere, like a small European town, and is very suitable for walking.

Kobe Tower

The landmark building rebuilt after the Kobe earthquake is also the world’s only tubular structure observation tower

Kobe Tower is the world’s first tubular structure Structure built observation tower. Its unique architectural structure is unique not only in Japan but also around the world, and it has won many architecture-related awards. There is a 360-degree observation deck on the tower, which is very suitable for climbing up to overlook the night view of Kobe.

Kobe Tower was built in 1963. The tower is 108 meters high and is a symbolic building of Kobe City. From 2013 to March 2014, the city of Kobe initiated the largest-ever renovation project on the tower. After renovation, the Kobe Tower became even more dazzling at night.

Mount Rokko

The largest outdoor leisure resort in the Kansai region is known as the night view worth 10 million US dollars.

The city of Kobe is surrounded by the Mount Rokko mountain range. The highest mountain among them is Mount Maya. Various viewing platforms and sightseeing resort facilities have been built on the mountain, including the Rokko Mountain Ranch where you can have close contact with small animals, the vibrant Buhiki Flower Garden and the Music Box Museum, which are very suitable for family outings. Among them, overlooking the entire city from Mount Maya's Koseidai is recognized as the best angle to watch the night of Kobe. In addition, there is a cable car from Mt. Rokko directly to Arima, which is one of the main modes of transportation to the Arima area. If you choose to visit Mount Rokko and then go to Arima, it is necessary to buy an Arima Malacca Pass.

Mosaic Ferris Wheel

The logo of Kobe Port. This huge Ferris wheel is suitable for couples to go on a date to watch the night view.

One of the landmarks of Kobe Port area is this bright red Ferris wheel. The Ferris wheel facility was formerly located in the mini amusement park called Mosaic Garden, so it is often called the Mosaic Ferris wheel. After the amusement park closed in 2013, the Ferris wheel, as a landmark of Kobe, was managed and operated by surrounding shopping malls.

This is also a great place to enjoy the night view of Kobe, and the night ride is very romantic.

Kobe beef

The world-famous Kobe beef refers to Tajima cattle raised in Hyogo Prefecture, where Kobe is located. After the meat quality reaches the standard, it is rated as Kobe beef. sell. In recent years, purebred Tajima cattle have been bred in other prefectures in Japan to produce Kobe beef, but without exception, the meat quality and fat ratio must meet strict standards to be recognized. The characteristic of Kobe beef is that the fat veins like snowflakes are distributed in the red meat. This cut is called "frost". Kobe beef is expensive. Generally, a steak of about 120g costs more than 6,000 yen. The taste is very different from ordinary Wagyu beef. Because of its uniform fat content, Kobe beef melts in your mouth and has a rich flavor.

Kobe beef pays attention to using the simplest cooking techniques to bring out the aroma of the ingredients. Common ways to eat beef include sizzling steak, barbecue and Xiabuxiabu shabu-shabu. It is usually sold in the form of a set meal with other varieties of Wagyu beef or seafood, which is a relatively high-end meal. You can rest assured that practitioners in the Kobe area are relatively standardized, and there is rarely any fraud. Just look for the store to have the Kobe beef certification sign. There are quite a number of Kobe beef restaurants in the Sannomiya and Kitano areas of Kobe. Popular restaurants require reservations in advance. Economical set meals containing Kobe beef are sold at lunch, and the price is only half of dinner. If you have enough budget, it is recommended to try the most authentic Kobe beef.

Kobe Desserts

In Japan, Kobe desserts are synonymous with innovation, world-class quality and exquisite craftsmanship, and their reputation will never be lost to that of Kobe beef. Kobe's food system is deeply influenced by European countries, and because there are many pastures nearby, rich in high-quality milk sources, many pastry chefs choose Kobe as the cradle of their own businesses. Many dessert masters have been born in Kobe, the most famous of which is Susumu Koyama. He combines the essence of Western desserts with Japanese production techniques to create new baking recipes. Those who love sweets may wish to spend more time visiting the delicious dessert shops hidden on the streets of Kobe and experience the charm of this dessert city with the tip of their tongue.

Kobe, with its strong Western style, may be the most suitable city in Japan for opening a cafe. Japan's first Starbucks was born here, and many small coffee shops on the streets have a history of more than decades. There are many coffee shops in the Kitano area. The warm and low-key shops are generally not expensive and are suitable for a short break.