A hidden gem of Kansai is the lovely port city of Kobe. Offering interesting history, colorful culture, architectural marvels, and delicious cuisine, there are numerous sightseeing options in Kobe!
Ikuta Shrine
Anyone hungry for a taste of the rich historical culture that Japan has to offer will certainly enjoy a visit to Ikuta Shrine. A short walk from Kobe-Sannomiya Station, Ikuta Shrine is possibly one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. It was founded in the 3rd Century by Empress Jingu and is dedicated to the god Wakahirume. Ikuta Shrine was a pivotal location during the Genpei War. Its history is retold in traditional Japanese Noh Theater. The shrine puts on performances of the plays Ebira and Ikuta Atsumori during the annual fall festival, Akimatsuri.
Kobe Port Tower
Perhaps you’d rather take in the culture from a bird’s eye view. If that’s the case, a stop at Kobe Port Tower ought to be in your plans. Built in 1963, this hyperboloidal-shaped lattice marvel stands 108 meters over the port, allowing for stunning panoramic views of both the city and the sea. The Kobe Port Tower is located near the Kobe Maritime Museum and is only a short walk to the Hanshin Earthquake Memorial Park. At night, the tower is lit in a rainbow of colors — truly a feast for the eyes.
Kobe’s Chinatown, Nankinmachi
Another unique destination worth adding to your sightseeing activities is Kobe’s renowned Chinatown. Called Nankinmachi, it was founded in 1868 at the beginning of the Meiji Restoration and was one of the first designated “foreign” neighborhoods in Japan following the end of the 200-year-old isolationist foreign policy.
Nankinmachi is touted as the most colorful of the Chinatowns in Japan, boasting festive streets lined with interesting little shops, mahjong clubs, and delectably adventurous dining opportunities. If you can find the right street vendor, I recommend the deep fried scorpion on a stick — it tastes just like shrimp. Even if arachnids aren’t to your taste, the delicious varieties of steamed and fried dumplings, known as gyoza, are sure to satiate your appetite for the exotic.
Kobe Harborland
For all your shopping needs, there’s Kobe Harborland. In addition to stores and restaurants, it has some extra options for entertainment, including the Anpanman Museum, the attractive Gaslight Street for taking a stroll, Manyo Club hot spring, and — a symbol of Kobe — the towering Ferris wheel. Pay Kobe Harborland a visit for all your souvenir needs as well as for everyday shopping.
Nunobiki Park
When you’re tired of the bright city lights and noisy, bustling crowds, or if you’re a connoisseur of nature’s flare for sublime aesthetics, take the train to Shin-Kobe Station and make your way to Nunobiki Park. The interior of the park creates the illusion of having left the city for the tranquility of a quiet mountain grove.
Despite being located fairly close to downtown, visitors to Nunobiki Park report feeling like they are much farther away. But the tranquility of the park is just the beginning of this location’s charm. Tucked away in the corner of the park is the breathtaking Nunobiki Falls. Considered to be among Japan’s “divine” waterfalls, Nunobiki Falls is frequently a muse for Japanese poetry and is mentioned in the Tales of Ise.
Kobe Animal Kingdom
Another way to spend time in nature is to head to Kobe Animal Kingdom. The park aims to recreate the natural habitats of animals like capybaras, shoebills, Sumatran tigers, marmosets, and much more. With 70% of the park being indoors, it’s a great option even for a rainy day.
Every day, the park has a number of events where you can see the animals in performances (such as the Wings — Free Flight Bird Performance) or learn more about them through talks. There are also interactive experiences, such as feeding waterfowl, penguins, or sheep, petting rabbits, taking photos with an owl, or riding a camel.
Should you find yourself in the Kobe City area, know that your sightseeing opportunities are plentiful. Whether you’re looking for historic sites, modern culture, natural scenery, or exotic cuisine, Kobe has all you could desire — and then some.
Tomomarusan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
