Hi all,
Looks like we are going to go for a night in Kobe at the Plaza Kobe. It is a bit out of the way, but all I can get at this point, and I think will be more interesting to spend a night there rather than the Sheraton in Osaka. FYI, Arima Onsen had no availability.

Now for food...recommendations for *not too expensive* Kobe beef? I know there is Steakland and some other places all near one another - which is the best of this bunch? I just want a taste, we tend to spend money on accommodation rather than food so nothing too pricey.

One idea for a day trip might be the Miho Museum.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7027.html

Transport could be an issue but we enjoyed the drive there through forested areas and the building,collection and setting are spectacular.

We also visited the nearby town of Shigaraki which is a ceramics center famous for its Tanuki statues as well as art and traditional ceramics studios