Kobe - the Port to Japan

After a successful move into my mountain-view apartment (see previous post), it was time to explore my new home and see what Kobe had to offer. Travelling down from Mount Rokko to get into the city was an easy stroll, but boy was that a trek on the way back. I spent many late lights (and a few early mornings) drudging myself up that mountainside, sweltering in the thick, humid air. The way down to Sannomiya however, as I said, was a doddle.

Arriving in Sannomiya (via any one of three parallel train lines) you are immediately greeted by the usual tall buildings and clean advertising of ‘big city’ Japan. Like many of the metro lines throughout Japan, the space surrounding the train lines is not left wasted and decrepit, but is vibrant, busy, and full of life. Shops, restaurants, and bars litter the undercarriage of the tracks, with long stretches of what one could call a ‘strip-mall’.

One popular area in Sannomiya is Ikuta road which houses a plethora of bars, clubs, and variety of shops. Selling all sorts of wares, from shoes (I bought some Dragon’s beard shoes made in Osaka), to triangular watermelons, to Kobe beef, you’d find whatever you’re looking for.

Triangle watermelon?!

Kobe Beef - it's everywhere!

Moving away from Sannomiya I wander to Chinatown, which was one long street of Peking ducks, pork buns, and all the sweet and savoury dishes you could imagine. I had a steamed pork bun (which was delicious), which I later discovered was a snack that could be purchased hot and fresh in almost any convenience store, anywhere in Japan. Oh well…

Chinatown

Moving toward Osaka bay I come across some beautifully unique French-styled buildings unusually built between what looked like office buildings. Random, but this city seems to have many such hidden gems.

Arriving in the Port of Kobe, you’re immediately struck by the distinctiveness of the buildings. Sharp, clean lines accentuate the waterfront, with seafood restaurants scattered along the waterside. At the pier is a large Ferris wheel that looked like it’d seen better days. Admittedly, every large city in Japan had at least one large Ferris wheel, so I can’t imagine this one got much use. Kobe was actually the busiest port in the world during the 70’s, however, the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995 destroyed much of the city, including the port infrastructure. It is now Japan’s 4^th busiest port, never fully recovering from such a devastating natural disaster.

Well I’ve rambled enough for today, soI hope you’ve enjoyed these insights into Kobe and will stay tuned for my visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Himeji Castle.