Kobe is the capital of Hyogo Prefecture and one of Japan's ten largest cities. Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is also considered one of Japan's most attractive cities. Kobe has been an important port city for many centuries. Kobe Port was one of the first Japanese ports to be opened to foreign trade in the late Edo Period, and the city remains one of Japan's more cosmopolitan cities. In January 1995, Kobe was hit by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, which killed over 5000 people and destroyed tens of thousands of buildings. A decade later, the city is completely rebuilt, and few signs of the terrible event are left.
The Kobe Harborland is one of the major Kobe tourist attractions. It is a favorite hangout place of the tourists. You can access the Kobe Harborland from the Kobe Port Tower and the Meriken Park if you take the path located on the south of the Naka Pier Central Passenger Terminal. The Kobe Harborland is one of the most frequented tourist places in and around the city. It is visited by people from all across the world. The waterfront of the Kobe Harborland boasts of magnificent beauty and is a place where the localites as well as the tourists can relax and spend some quality time with their loved ones. This harbor land features a wide range of restaurants, an amusement park, cinemas and a good range of ships which you can see arriving and departing from the Kobe Harborland.
The Kobe Port Tower is counted among the topmost tourist destinations in Kobe. The Kobe Port Tower is considered as the "symbol of Kobe" and is a must-visit for any traveler. Kobe is a unique colorful city which has captured the attention of the traveler with its diversities. Kobe not only offers spectacular scenic beauty but is also known for its sophisticated and cosmopolitan character. The Kobe Port Tower is situated in Meriken Park and one can have a sweeping view of the surroundings from the observation deck of the tower.
The Meriken Park, Kobe is one of the major tourist attractions in Kobe which attracts thousands of travelers from all over the world. This park in the waterfront area of Kobe started in 1887 and has currently celebrated its 120th anniversary with elan. This park is not only a favorite destination for the foreigners but also for the local people who want to spend the idyllic hours in the afternoon near the waterfront of Kobe. The Meriken Park, Kobe is a popular place among the children as there are a number of rides in the park.
Roll up your sleeves and join the working class at this greasy hole-in-the-wall eatery underneath the tracks of Hanshin Sannomiya Station. It must be doing something right, as it's been selling nothing but gyoza for more than 40 years, favored for the light texture of its dumpling skin and stuffed with minced pork, leek, and cabbage. At your table will be soy sauce, vinegar, and chile sauce, which you should mix in the little bowl provided; gyoza come eight to a serving. Avoid the noontime rush, when this tiny place is like an assembly line for speed eating.
Kobe beef is considered the most exclusive beef in the world. Technically speaking, there's no such thing as Kobe beef, it is merely the shipping point for beef from elsewhere in Japan. What is called "Kobe beef" comes from the ancient province of Tajima, now named Hyogo Prefecture, of which Kobe is the capital. Real beef connoisseurs, however, still refer to it as Tajima beef. This beef comes from an ancient stock of cattle called "kuroge Wagyu" (black haired Japanese cattle). Today they are raised on only 262 small farms, most of which pasture fewer than five cows, and the largest of which run only 10 to 15 animals. Each animal is pampered like a spoiled child. Their diets are strictly controlled and during the final fattening process, cattle are fed hefty quantities of sake and beer mash. Each animal gets a daily massage. The theory is that mellow, relaxed cows make good beef.
Great sushi, sashimi and interesting side dishes in an attractive modern setting. (It's on the second floor, above a narrow shopping arcade.) The nigiri-zushi dinner menu is Y3500. It is located in Sannomiya, Kobe.
Multi-functional yet hospitable, futuristic in design yet warm: contrasts come together to make this luxury hotel a contemporary institution in the international hotel world. On man-made Port Island, within sight of cosmopolitan Kobe. 3 km from railway station, 25 km from Osaka Airport, 45 min. from Kansai International Airport by K-Jet (jet foil). Limousine service.
Discover all that Japan has to offer while staying at the Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers. We'll help you stay connected to favorite attractions with convenient access to the Kansai International Airport and an overhead walkway to Rokko Liner. Joining us for a special occasion? Whenever visiting for business or leisure, our friendly staff will provide you with everything you need for a comfortable, productive stay. Find solace in our 276 guest rooms and suites, complete with stunning views of Rokko Mountain and Osaka Bay. Separate shower and bathing facilities, vanity areas, and Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed - help you enjoy a pleasant night's sleep. When it's time for a great meal, enjoy the casual fare at Garden Cafe or soar to the Kobe Grill for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Osaka Bay. For more breaks, unwind in our heated indoor pool, lift weights at our fitness center or simply relax in the soothing bubbles of our whirlpool. For an additional level of comfort, schedule an in-room massage by our spa technicians. And when you're ready to explore, hop on the 25-minite shuttle to Universal Studios Japan, or take Rokko Liner to visit downtown Kobe activities, shopping and nightlife. Our 26,286 square feet of function space are flexible to accommodate any occasion, from an international convention to an informal party for friends. Our 14rooms range from a conference hall to private boardrooms, and everything in between. With expert design, the latest equipment, and friendly service, we'll help you plan an event they will always remember. A warm welcome awaits you at the Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers.
This is the city resort hotel responds to the needs of business travelers with convenient services and amenities. (0807yy) The hotel is 17-story modern building in white color. The hotel is located in the middle of Kobe's new downtown area. About 10 minutes by car from Sanyo Shinkansen (Bullet train) "Shin Kobe" station. From Sannomiya, center of city, 3-minute train ride to Kobe Station and 2-minute walk to the hotel from Kobe Station.