Places to Explore

• Downtown Kobe

  In 1868, after nearly 200 years of isolation, the Kobe port opened to the West, and Kobe became an important gateway for cultural exchange. Confined to a small area by its natural boundaries, the city has... (more)

• Kitano-cho

  Wealthy foreigners, including Americans, English, and Germans, settled in the Kitano area in the late 19th century, bringing Western-style domestic architecture. Their homes are referred to in Kobe as... (more)

• North of Kobe

  Thanks to Kobe's mountain backdrop, hiking is a popular local pastime. From Shin-Kobe Station it's a short climb to the Nunobiki Falls. For a good mountain day hike, try going up Rokko-san; from Hankyu... (more)