{"id":21991,"date":"2018-11-23T12:23:25","date_gmt":"2018-11-23T12:23:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/?p=21991"},"modified":"2018-11-23T16:03:22","modified_gmt":"2018-11-23T16:03:22","slug":"kobe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2018\/11\/23\/kobe\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 things to do in Kobe"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F21991&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F21991\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F21991&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F21991&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F21991%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F21991\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F21991\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p>\u201cThe home of Kobe beef?\u201d 9 times out of 10, when you ask someone if they\u2019ve heard of Kobe, the famous marbled meat comes to mind, but (while apparently delicious) this port city has a whole lot more going for it. Despite being overshadowed by big brother Osaka, it&#8217;s a great addition to any itinerary.<!--more--><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-half-width wp-image-22006\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/DSC01894-Copy-720x540.jpg\" alt=\"Kobe cable car\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/DSC01894-Copy-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/DSC01894-Copy-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/DSC01894-Copy-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/DSC01894-Copy-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/DSC01894-Copy-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/DSC01894-Copy-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/DSC01894-Copy-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/DSC01894-Copy-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/DSC01894-Copy-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/DSC01894-Copy-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/DSC01894-Copy-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>In 1995, Kobe was devastated by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake; 6,000 residents lost their lives and much of the city\u2019s infrastructure was rebuilt. These days, other than the Earthquake Memorial Museum, there&#8217;s no hint of the devastation; this towering city proudly gleams, with buildings reflecting in the harbour on one side, and mountains looming beyond on the other.<\/p>\n<p>As one of Japan\u2019s first trading ports in the 19th century, Kobe has been far more influenced by international visitors than many other Japanese cities, and many note its laidback, cosmopolitan edge.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Best things to do in Kobe<\/h2>\n<p>I quizzed former Kobe residents in our office for their top tips for how to spend your time in this underrated metropolis. In return for my questions, I received a chorus of unbridled enthusiasm, including, \u201cit\u2019s the first place I think of when I wake up and the last city on my mind when I fall asleep&#8230;&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>1. Eat Kobe beef<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-21995 size-medium-plus-size\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe-Beef-Houki-Kobe-3-e1541677836580-510x507.jpg\" alt=\"Kobe Beef, Kobe, Japan\" width=\"510\" height=\"507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe-Beef-Houki-Kobe-3-e1541677836580-510x507.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe-Beef-Houki-Kobe-3-e1541677836580-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe-Beef-Houki-Kobe-3-e1541677836580-300x298.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe-Beef-Houki-Kobe-3-e1541677836580-768x763.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe-Beef-Houki-Kobe-3-e1541677836580-1024x1017.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe-Beef-Houki-Kobe-3-e1541677836580-564x560.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe-Beef-Houki-Kobe-3-e1541677836580-1200x1192.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe-Beef-Houki-Kobe-3-e1541677836580-900x894.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe-Beef-Houki-Kobe-3-e1541677836580-720x715.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe-Beef-Houki-Kobe-3-e1541677836580-1440x1430.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe-Beef-Houki-Kobe-3-e1541677836580-390x387.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe-Beef-Houki-Kobe-3-e1541677836580-780x775.jpg 780w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p>Might as well get this one out of the way. Kobe beef, with its marbled texture and strong flavour, is considered a delicacy the world over. While it will be pricier than the majority of other meals you\u2019ll have in Japan, travel consultant <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/about-us\/staff-profiles\/travel-consultants\/117\/kester-wright\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kester<\/a> insists it\u2019s \u201cworth every penny\u201d.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">2. Spend an afternoon in Harbourland<\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-half-width wp-image-22009\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/iStock-525972346-KOBE-720x480.jpg\" alt=\"Kobe, Japan skyline at the port.\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/iStock-525972346-KOBE-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/iStock-525972346-KOBE-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/iStock-525972346-KOBE-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/iStock-525972346-KOBE-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/iStock-525972346-KOBE-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/iStock-525972346-KOBE-1200x801.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/iStock-525972346-KOBE-900x601.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/iStock-525972346-KOBE-1440x961.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/iStock-525972346-KOBE-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/iStock-525972346-KOBE-780x521.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/iStock-525972346-KOBE-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p>As the site of the docks, the harbourside is a bastion of history, but after being rebuilt beautifully, it\u2019s also a symbol of modernity. Head there at night to see the tower light up, illuminating the passing ships below. In the daytime, there\u2019s a shopping complex (including a Studio Ghibli store) for all your souvenir needs.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">3. Head to Kitano-cho to see unusual architecture<\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-22015 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kitano-cho-Kobe-720x480.jpg\" alt=\"International buildings in Kitano-cho Kobe, Japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kitano-cho-Kobe-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kitano-cho-Kobe-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kitano-cho-Kobe-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kitano-cho-Kobe.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kitano-cho-Kobe-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kitano-cho-Kobe-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kitano-cho-Kobe-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kitano-cho-Kobe-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kitano-cho-Kobe-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p>Relics of the city\u2019s early port history can be found in the Kitano-cho area of in the north of the city. Stroll the streets spotting Western-style architecture built to house foreign diplomats and merchants. These days many of the buildings have been converted into boutiques and caf\u00e9s, so you can have a peek inside to see how things used to be.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">4. Party or watch jazz in Sannomiya<\/h2>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium-plus-size wp-image-22019\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Jazz-statue-in-Kobe-Japan-510x762.jpg\" alt=\"Jazz statue in Kobe, Japan\" width=\"510\" height=\"762\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Jazz-statue-in-Kobe-Japan-510x762.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Jazz-statue-in-Kobe-Japan-201x300.jpg 201w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Jazz-statue-in-Kobe-Japan-768x1148.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Jazz-statue-in-Kobe-Japan-685x1024.jpg 685w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Jazz-statue-in-Kobe-Japan-377x564.jpg 377w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Jazz-statue-in-Kobe-Japan-900x1345.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Jazz-statue-in-Kobe-Japan-720x1076.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Jazz-statue-in-Kobe-Japan-390x583.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Jazz-statue-in-Kobe-Japan-780x1165.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Jazz-statue-in-Kobe-Japan.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p>Post World War II, Louis Armstrong played in Kobe, marking the beginning of a huge jazz movement in the city. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/about-us\/staff-profiles\/travel-consultants\/163\/julia-anukam\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Julia<\/a> insists that Sannomiya is <em>the<\/em> place to watch live jazz in the whole of Japan. If you\u2019re a real muso, you could even time your trip with the annual jazz festival.<\/p>\n<p>For something a little livelier, this area has no shortage of pubs, karaoke bars and nightclubs.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">5. Travel up Mount Rokko or Maya for the best views<\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-22016 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/View-from-Rokko-Kobe-720x480.jpg\" alt=\"Million Dollar View from Mount Rokko\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/View-from-Rokko-Kobe-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/View-from-Rokko-Kobe-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/View-from-Rokko-Kobe-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/View-from-Rokko-Kobe.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/View-from-Rokko-Kobe-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/View-from-Rokko-Kobe-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/View-from-Rokko-Kobe-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/View-from-Rokko-Kobe-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/View-from-Rokko-Kobe-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p>For the most spectacular views of the city, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/about-us\/staff-profiles\/travel-consultants\/194\/becky-barry\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Becky<\/a> recommends hiking or taking a cable car to the observation decks at the top of Mount Rokko or Mount Maya. The night-time view over Kobe has been dubbed one of the \u2018Three Major Night Views in Japan\u2019, and nicknamed the \u2018Ten Million Dollar Night View\u2019, in reference to the cost needed to maintain the lights.<\/p>\n<p>If you fancy heading to a quaint <em>onsen<\/em> town, it\u2019s possible to take a cable car from Rokko to the nearby hot springs resort Arima onsen (one of the oldest in Japan).<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">6. Escape the city at Nunobiku Herb Garden<\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-22013 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Nunobiki-herb-garden-Kobe-720x540.jpg\" alt=\"Nunobiki herb garden, Kobe, Japan view\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Nunobiki-herb-garden-Kobe-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Nunobiki-herb-garden-Kobe-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Nunobiki-herb-garden-Kobe-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Nunobiki-herb-garden-Kobe.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Nunobiki-herb-garden-Kobe-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Nunobiki-herb-garden-Kobe-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Nunobiki-herb-garden-Kobe-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Nunobiki-herb-garden-Kobe-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Nunobiki-herb-garden-Kobe-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p>While living in Kobe, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/about-us\/staff-profiles\/travel-consultants\/212\/thomas-lewis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Thomas<\/a>&#8216;s favourite place was the picturesque Nunobiku Herb Garden. If it weren\u2019t for views that stretch for miles, you would never guess that this quaint corner &#8211; with its trees, pretty flowers, glass-housed herb gardens and manicured grounds &#8211; is part of the city. Travel to Shin-Kobe Station and take a cable car up for the best views.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">7. Go shopping<\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-22024\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe-Motomachi-Street-Japan.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe-Motomachi-Street-Japan.jpg 512w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe-Motomachi-Street-Japan-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe-Motomachi-Street-Japan-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe-Motomachi-Street-Japan-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe-Motomachi-Street-Japan-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p>Sannomiya isn\u2019t just hot on jazz clubs, it&#8217;s also home to a big shiny shopping mall. But with a mile of small trinket shops alongside fancy designer boutiques, Motomachi is the city\u2019s main shopping street and a must for those after a spot of retail therapy.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">8. Take a break in one of the city\u2019s coffee shops and bakeries<\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-half-width wp-image-22010\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/296221_10201136857042107_404363806_n-720x720.jpg\" alt=\"Hamster latte, kawaii coffee in Kobe, Japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/296221_10201136857042107_404363806_n-720x720.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/296221_10201136857042107_404363806_n-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/296221_10201136857042107_404363806_n-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/296221_10201136857042107_404363806_n-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/296221_10201136857042107_404363806_n-564x564.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/296221_10201136857042107_404363806_n-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/296221_10201136857042107_404363806_n-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/296221_10201136857042107_404363806_n-780x780.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/296221_10201136857042107_404363806_n-510x510.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/296221_10201136857042107_404363806_n.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p>Sweet tooth? Caffeine fiend? Luckily for you, Kobe has a healthy caf\u00e9 culture. With a range of coffee shops and bakeries you\u2019ll be spoilt for choice. What\u2019s more, the Japanese find ways of making all food fun; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/about-us\/staff-profiles\/travel-consultants\/194\/becky-barry\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Becky<\/a> suggests going to Green House, a downtown caf\u00e9 with bamboo and wooden interiors. They even made a cute hamster in her latte!<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">9. See the Kobe Luminarie<\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-22307\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe_Luminarie_2011_01sds.jpg\" alt=\"Kobe Luminarie\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe_Luminarie_2011_01sds.jpg 640w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe_Luminarie_2011_01sds-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe_Luminarie_2011_01sds-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe_Luminarie_2011_01sds-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Kobe_Luminarie_2011_01sds-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p>With 20,000 lights, the Kobe Luminarie extravaganza puts even those sparkly Mount Rokko night views to shame! This annual light festival is held for two weeks every December to commemorate the Great Hanshin Earthquake. After the earthquake, many people were left in darkness, so Kobe Luminarie is seen as a symbol of hope.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">10. Sip sake at one of 40 breweries<\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium-plus-size wp-image-21997\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Hakutsuru-Sake-Brewery-Kobe-7-510x680.jpg\" alt=\"Hakutsuru Sake Brewery, Kobe 7\" width=\"510\" height=\"680\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Hakutsuru-Sake-Brewery-Kobe-7-510x680.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Hakutsuru-Sake-Brewery-Kobe-7-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Hakutsuru-Sake-Brewery-Kobe-7-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Hakutsuru-Sake-Brewery-Kobe-7-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Hakutsuru-Sake-Brewery-Kobe-7-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Hakutsuru-Sake-Brewery-Kobe-7-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Hakutsuru-Sake-Brewery-Kobe-7-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Hakutsuru-Sake-Brewery-Kobe-7-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Hakutsuru-Sake-Brewery-Kobe-7-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Hakutsuru-Sake-Brewery-Kobe-7-780x1040.jpg 780w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p>The Nada district has around 40 breweries along the Hanshin train line, making it one of Japan\u2019s largest sake producers. Observe the traditional process from rice to cup and round off your visit with a sample or two.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Fancy seeing those million dollar views for yourself?\u00a0<\/strong><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/about-us\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Get in touch<\/a>\u00a0to start planning your trip to this special city.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F21991&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F21991\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F21991&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F21991&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F21991%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F21991\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F21991\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like this post? Help us by sharing it! \u201cThe home of Kobe beef?\u201d 9 times out of 10, when you ask someone if they\u2019ve heard of Kobe, the famous marbled meat comes to mind, but (while apparently delicious) this port city has a whole lot more going for it. Despite being overshadowed by big brother [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":89,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2355,2366,2367,2360],"tags":[1798,4016,4019],"class_list":["post-21991","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-first-trip-to-japan","category-japanese-food-and-drink","category-japanese-culture-and-history","category-travellers-tales-from-japan","tag-kobe","tag-things-to-do-in-kobe","tag-how-to-spend-a-day-in-kobe"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21991","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/89"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21991"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21991\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22309,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21991\/revisions\/22309"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21991"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21991"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21991"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}