It's hard to imagine that only in 1995, more than 6,000 residents lost their lives in the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. Today there is little sign of the massive destruction that took place in just 20 seconds at 5.46am on January 17th that year. Yet Kobe will never forget this terrible tragedy and a visit to the earthquake museum is highly recommended.

Kobe was one of the first Japanese ports to open to foreign trade in 1868 and it was here that Japan got its first taste of football, golf and beef!  Today Kobe beef is world famous. Other culinary delights include fresh fish such as sea bream and octopus from the nearby Akashi Kaikyo Channel, which is spanned by the world's largest suspension bridge.

Kobe's early introduction to foreign influences gives it a cosmopolitan air unrivalled in Japan. Churches, mosques and synagogues sit comfortably together and the lively Chinatown, Nankin-machi, is well worth exploring.

Wedged between the mountains and Osaka Bay, wherever you wander in Kobe you'll never be far from the sea. Along the waterfront, Harbourland and the artificial islands of Port Island and Rokko Island are best visited at night. Recent harbour developments include the futuristic architecture of the maritime museum, ferris wheel and the glowing red Port Tower. Down town Sannomiya is the best place for shopping and partying, and a trip up the surrounding mountains by cable car offers unbeatable panoramas.