Perched between Osaka Bay on its south end and Mount Rokko on its north, Kobe is a beautiful city in Hyogo, central Japan renowned for its tasty beef.
This historic port city welcomes tourists from around the world, with a host of attractions, panoramic views of the mountains and course taste of its signature marbled beef (wagyu) and fat. Kobe is one of Japan’s 10 largest cities. It was hit by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995, though it has bounced back from the devastation pretty well. The Rokko Mountain offers an excellent opportunity to hike through steep paths and enjoy picturesque views from its range. The town also houses historic temples and museums, including Ikuta Shrine. To begin your adventure, here are the best things to do in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan:
1. Enjoy your time exploring Kobe Oji Zoo
This zoo is not only the home to a giant panda and koalas but also home to the highest number of Flamingos in Japan. The animal life in Kobe Oji Zoo is something worth exploring. Established in 1928, the zoo caters for over a million visitors annually. At this historic zoo, you get to interact with several animals, including a few Indian elephants, polar bears, and the famous giant panda - Tan Tan. Inside the zoo, the former residence of EH Hunter, founder of Osaka Iron Works, is a prime example of ijinkan (or foreign home) and is also a splendid sight to see, featuring magnificent Western-style designs and light green walls.
2. Breathe in some fresh air in the lush greenery of Nunobiki Herb Garden
A walk through a garden filled with the fragrance of flowers and herb with your eyes closed is almost heavenly. Opening your eyes to explore the beauty of Nunobiki is similar to having a taste of heaven. The 12 extensive gardens feature over 200 blooms of 75,000 herbs and flowers. From the Fragrant Garden to the Lavender Garden, there is so much to see. You would not want to miss out on a chance to enjoy panoramic views of Kobe in a 10-minute midair stroll on Nunobiki Ropeway.
3. Get a glimpse of cultural heritage at Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum
The collection of ancient tools in the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum speaks of Japan’s cultural heritage. Situated among lush vegetation at the foot of Mount Rokko, the museum is an attraction that not only appeals to history enthusiasts but also lovers of nature’s beauty. The museum is made up of two floors below ground and one above. There is a lobby on the floor above the ground with wooden furniture where you can relax and enjoy the green scenery around.
4. Remember dark times in Kobe's history at Port of Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park
This memorial park is located inside Meriken Park, where the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake destroyed 60 m (197 ft) breakwater of Meriken Pier in 1995. The park is dedicated to the memory of the earthquake and has been preserved in such a way that visitors can safely view it. You can watch images, videos, and models that tell of the magnitude of the earthquake. Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park takes you through the story of the devastation and the survival of the dark times.
5. Treat your eyes to the view of Nunobiki Falls
Waterfalls are considered significant in Japan as they are seen as divine falls. Nunobiki Falls is one of the most significant falls in Japan. The towering falls in downtown Kobe are a beauty to behold. A short hike from the Shin-Kobe station through lush vegetation, well-paved paths, and mountains would lead you to these scenic falls. There are four waterfalls: Ondaki, Mendaki, Tsusumigadaki, and Izumoki, to explore. The sight of water gushing through the rocks is pure beauty; you don’t want to miss it.
6. Quench your adrenaline thrist by hiking up Mount Rokko or Mt. Futatabi
Sitting 930 meters (3,051.2 feet) above sea level, Mount Rokko provides one of the best hiking experiences in Kobe. The hike to the top will take you through an idyllic setting of small rivers and waterfalls. At the top, you are rewarded with pleasant views of Osaka bay and Kobe city. After the hike, be sure to enjoy a swim in the warm waters of Arima Onsen. Mount Futatabi also offers a great hiking option with scenic views of the mountains and lake.
7. Visit the Tetsujin 28 Statue
Tetsujin 28 is a giant memorial of the 7.3-tremor Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake which rocked various cities in Japan in 1995. The 18m (59 ft) statue is a manga character from Mitsuteru Yokoyama’s 1956 Tetsujin 28-go. The dwarfing statue stands in Wakamatsu Park. The beautiful work of art attracts a lot of children who love the comic character, which depicts strength and hope. Tetsujin 28 is a perfect backdrop for beautiful holiday shots with children and family.
8. Stroll across Akashi Kaikyo Bridge to get stunning views
This iconic suspension bridge was opened in 1998 and was the longest suspension bridge at that time. It is sometimes called Pearl Bridge and is located in West-central Japan. The bridge has six lanes and connects Kobe to Awaji Island. At the foot of the bridge on the Kobe end, there is an exhibition center that tells tourists all about the planning and construction of the bridge. Also explore Maiko Marine Promenade which is made up of observatory hallways where you can see the bridge’s interior, Akashi Strait, and Osaka Bay.
9. Embrace technology at Kawasaki Good Times World
Technology is appreciated when we can see where we are coming from against where we are now. Kawasaki Good Times World is a display of the wealth of technology of the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group. This technological giant is known for making motorcycles, ships, and aircraft. The museum is located in the same building as the Maritime Museum, close to Kobe Port Tower. You can even enjoy a flight simulator and a train simulator to experience the real deal.
10. Discover Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
While savoring alcoholic drinks made from fermented rice and water, popularly known as ‘sake’ in Japan, it will be cool to also know about the process of making them. Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum pays homage to the sake-making process. It is an old sake brewhouse which is still in its original form. You can walk through the process, from the cooling apparatus to the koji culture room, with detailed videos explaining better. You also get to have a taste of sake that is freshly pressed and unpasteurized.
Read also: Top 8 things to do in Fukuoka: Best Places for Food and Roam around
from : https://wikitopx.com/travel/top-10-things-to-do-in-kobe-705650.html
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