Discover Kobe In Japan: Between The Traditional And The Global
Kobe is a city located in Hyogo prefecture, in Japan. It is the sixth largest city in the country and a very important focus of international trade. It is also famous for being one of the most global cities in the country.
How to get to Kobe
There are many ways to get to this city. Everything will depend on where you are, that is, where you come from. In any case, if you have a JR Pass, you can take a bullet train or shinkansen . From Osaka, it takes just 15 minutes to get there.
The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake or Kobe Earthquake
In 1995 a large 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the area. The outbreak was located about 20 kilometers from the city, so it was seriously affected. Approximately 6,500 people lost their lives and thousands of buildings were destroyed. Since Kobe was the closest city to the epicenter, it was the one that suffered the most shock waves.
Today, the city has been totally rebuilt and there are no signs of the terrible catastrophe. Every January 17, near Shin-Kobe Station, a large “1.17” is lit as a tribute to the victims. There is also a museum dedicated to the earthquake in the city.
What to visit in Kobe
This is a city somewhat different from the rest. Its cosmopolitan air and foreign architecture buildings give it a global look that many other Japanese cities do not have.
For this reason, it does not usually appear in tourist itineraries. However, if you get the chance, this city can make for a lovely day trip on your Japan tour.
The Kobe Harbor Tower
Admire the shape and reddish color of the tower and, if you feel like it, go up and enjoy the views of the bay from the top of the tower, it is worth it.
The Kitano neighborhood
There you will feel at home, as it is full of homes of foreigners. A charming place with a very European air.
The Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park
A park was built to commemorate the 1995 earthquake. There, you can learn a little more about what happened during the disaster. Although, as we have said, the city has been rebuilt, there is still an area that remains as it was after the earthquake , as a reminder of that event and its great magnitude.
The Kobe Harbor Land
This large mall is full of shops and restaurants and is where many Japanese hang out. If you prefer a quieter place, near the Kobe Harbor Land are the Mosaic Gardens, from which you can appreciate a wonderful view of the harbor.
The Shin-Kobe Ropeway cable car
The Shin-Kobe Ropeway cable car goes up to the Nunobiki Habu-Koen Gardens and from it you can see the entire bay. You will enjoy incredible views of the city.
Mount Rokko at dusk
If you have extra time and want to enjoy unforgettable views, go up to Mount Rokko at dusk. There you can admire the lighting of the city and see how it gradually lights up.
Kobe beef: taste the most expensive meat in the world
If the city is famous for something, it is for the quality of its meat. This exquisite delicacy is famous all over the world, and for good reason. Only a few cattle of the Tajima variety of the wagyu (Japanese cow) breed meet all the strict requirements and are considered Kobe meat.
The amount of infiltrated fat that this meat has is what makes it special: it melts in your mouth and tastes indescribable. In addition, it has a high concentration of unsaturated fats, inosinic and oleic acids, and omega-3 and omega-6. If you are there, you cannot leave without trying the authentic Kobe beef!
As we have said before, Kobe is a less traditional city, so to speak. Once there, you will discover a city that combines the Japanese tradition with the cosmopolitanism of the foreigner. Therefore, it can be a breath of fresh air on your tourist itinerary. If you visit Japan, spend a day walking around it.
Cover photo: Patrick Müller / Flickr.com
