Kobe expats

Kobe is a major Japanese port city and the country’s sixth largest municipality. Influenced by western cultures since the 19th century and attractively situated between mountains and sea, the city has become the choice of a growing number of expats drawn to the cosmopolitan lifestyle options and international schools. Around 44.000 registered foreign nationals currently live in Kobe (nearly 3% of the population). Here are some of the neighborhoods most popular with Kobe expats. Ashiya Located on the outskirts of the city between Kobe and Osaka, Ashiya is Kobe’s most exclusive residential neighborhood. It’s home to celebrities such as former baseball player Senichi Hoshino and award-winning writer Yoko Ogawa as well as wealthier expats. There are many western-style homes here, either detached properties with big gardens (and sometimes swimming pools too) or low-rise apartments. The streets are lined with shops, cafes and restaurants and many properties offer great hillside views overlooking Osaka Bay. However, living here is not cheap and many apartments sell for over 100 million yen. Rokko Island This artificial island near downtown Kobe is popular with expat families and has a strong expat community vibe. It’s close to a number of good international schools as well as…