Kobe

Kobe (神戸) is a major city that serves as the capital of Hyōgo Prefecture. It has a long history of influence from both China and Europe and is widely known (for good reason) as a very elegant town, setting it apart from its more famous neighbors of Osaka and Kyoto.

Getting There from Mie

In 2009, getting to Kobe became a lot easier for those of us coming from Mie with the opening of the Kintetsu-Hanshin Namba Line. Change trains at Tsuruhashi or Namba Station (Kintetsu), and you can ride straight to Sannomiya in Kobe.

Getting Around Town

Kobe is pretty walkable. There is also a subway.

Things to See

• Kobe Luminarie

  Kobe's biggest yearly event, held to commemorate the Great Hanshin Earthquake.

• Mount Rokko (六甲山)

  Home to one of Japan's top-three night views. From up here you can get a pretty commanding view of the central Kansai megapolis, being able to see all the way from downtown Kobe, along Osaka Bay to Osaka, and down even as far as the Rinkū Gate Tower and Kansai Airport. Getting there requires a bus, a ropeway, and another bus -- all of which run until 8:00pm or so, allowing people who want to see the night view to get home.

Food and Drink

In the outside world, most people who hear "Kobe" would be inclined to think of beef, however within Japan Kobe is most famous for its breads, cakes, and other western-style desserts. People (often ladies) flock to Kobe for cake tours. Just walk around Sannomiya and the shopping streets and you'll find plenty.

• Le BaTaClan

  Fabulous little bakery and cafe in Kobe's huge Mint Department Store. Their morning set with a salad, hard boiled egg, and several types of bread is highly recommended.

Accommodations

• Kobe Dears BackPackers House

  Cute, clean little hostel in Kobe. Not located in a very hopping area, but the train station is close to take you into central Kobe. Dorm rooms are 2500.