Explore Kobe – one of Japan's top 6 major cities and a lively trading port. Since its port's inception in 1868, Kobe has become a focal point for numerous foreign visitors and traders, creating a distinctive environmental landscape. This is why Kobe is an iconic city with Western-style influences.
Setting foot here, travelers might feel like they're in a miniature European city. One intriguing house in this area, known as Kazamidori-no-yakata, was designed by a German architect and features a windmill-shaped tower resembling a rooster. The house has been chosen by the Japanese government as an important cultural property. In the Kitano area, there are many cafes and restaurants with a strong Western ambiance. Sit back with a cup of coffee and observe the streets. Stroll along tree-lined roads, wrought-iron gates, and roadside sculptures. What makes this Western-inspired city unique is its unhurried pace. Visitors can unwind, explore gardens, and discover the architectural beauty of the houses.
Another must-visit for travelers is the Earthquake Museum. Opening its doors in early 2002, the museum is part of the Human Resources Institute for Recovery and Disaster Prevention, established to commemorate the tragic event of January 17, 1995, in Kobe.
Mariken Bridge, once a foreign ship docking hub, now transformed into Mariken Park with a dock exclusively for leisure cruises. The port tower in the park stands at 108m, becoming a symbol of the port. From the tower's summit, visitors can enjoy picturesque views of the city, extending to Osaka and Shikoku Island. Kobe's largest shopping district, Sannomiya, is located north of the port, between Sannomiya and Motomachi stations.
Posted by: Liên Lưu
Keywords: Exploring Kobe – A European Essence Packed into a City Just Right