Get to know a bustling metropolis every day in Kobe, Japan

Mondo Tourism Updated on 2024-02-02

Reading guide: Kobe, the seat of the county seat of Hyogo Prefecture in Japan, is Japan's international ** port city, and is an important city belonging to the Osaka metropolitan area, one of the three major metropolitan areas in Japan. It is located in the southwest of Honshu Island, the largest of Japan's four major islands, and faces Osaka Bay on the west side of Mt. Rokko. Located in the Keihanshin metropolitan area, Kobe City is one of the cities designated by Japanese government ordinance, and the area of Kobe City is 55702 km with a population of 152050,000 people.

Kobe cityscape. Image source network1. Introduction to Kobe CityKobe, the seat of the prefectural office of Hyogo Prefecture in Japan, is an international port city in Japan, and an important city in the Osaka metropolitan area, one of the three major metropolitan areas in Japan. It is located in the southwest of Honshu Island, the largest of Japan's four major islands, and faces Osaka Bay on the west side of Mt. Rokko. It is located in the Keihanshin metropolitan area and is one of the cities designated by the Japanese government. The area of Kobe City is 55702 km with a population of 152050,000 people.

Kobe cityscape. Image source network

In 1868, Kobe became one of Japan's first five ports to open its doors to foreign trade, and Kobe quickly developed into one of Japan's most important port cities. Although the 1995 Hanshin-Awaji Dai** brought a huge blow to Kobe, after years of reconstruction, Kobe's urban construction and population have exceeded the previous level. In addition, Kobe is also a livable city, and was selected as one of the "25 Cleanest Cities in the World" by Forbes magazine in 2007 and ranked 5th in the world in 2012, making it one of the top 10 cities in Japan. In addition, Kobe is home to 25 prestigious universities, museums, and tourist attractions. Including Kobe University, Kobe City Foreign Chinese University, Hyogo Medical University, Songshu Junior College, Hyogo Prefectural University, Kobe Sukugawa Gakuin University, Kobe Yamate Junior College, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe Shoin Women's Gakuin University, etc. Kobe City Museum, Kobe Anpanman Museum, Japan; Kobe Port, Mt. Rokko, Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, Nankinmachi Chinatown, etc. 2. The historical evolution of Kobe

The history of Kobe dates back to the Paleolithic period, and artifacts from the Paleolithic and Jomon periods have been found in many parts of the city. After the Yayoi period, with the introduction of rice farming techniques and metal tools, the population of Kobe increased further. During the Nara period, the imperial court at that time built Owatamari in Hyogo Ward, beginning the history of Kobe as a port. Owada Park was one of the five major locations in Japan at that time. At the end of the Heian period, the national government was unable to renovate the port, and the Owatado fell into ruin. During the Kamakura Shogunate period, most of Kobe's population lived in the Hyogo area, known as Hyogo, which was an important port in Japan at the time. In the early 14th century, during the period of upheaval from the establishment of the new military policy to the Muromachi shogunate, Kobe was the stage for the Battle of Minatogawa. During the same period, Kobe entered the reign of the Akamatsu clan for about 200 years. At the end of the Edo shogunate, Japan was forced to open its borders under pressure from Europe and the United States. In 1858, the shogunate signed the Ansei Five-Power Treaty with the United States, Britain, France, Russia, and the Netherlands, which stipulated the opening of five ports as treaty ports. In 1868 (the first year of the Meiji era), the port of Kobe was officially opened. At the same time as the opening of the port of Kobe, a Kobe foreign residence was opened in Kobe City, which was exclusively for foreigners. Numerous foreign churches, banks, businesses, and consulates were concentrated here, and the Kobe settlement became one of the most cosmopolitan areas in Japan at the time. In 1899 (Meiji 32), with the abolition of extraterritoriality in Japan, the residency system was abolished, and the status of the central city of Kobe is still maintained to this day. In 1889, Kobe became one of the first cities in Japan. In 1920 (Taisho 9), the Port of Kobe opened a shipping route to the United States. In the early Taisho and Showa periods, Kobe was one of the world's top four shipping markets, along with London, New York, and Hamburg. At the end of World War II, Kobe was repeatedly attacked by the U.S. military, destroying more than 20% of the city's urban area and killing more than 8,841 citizens. After the end of World War II, Kobe soon embarked on a process of reconstruction. Heavy industries such as shipbuilding and iron and steel became the new pillar industries of Kobe, and Kobe developed into an important industrial city in Japan after the war. In 1956, Kobe became one of Japan's first cities designated by government decree. On January 17, 1995, the Hanshin-Awaji Dai** occurred off the coast of Kobe City, which dealt a huge blow to Kobe. Today, Kobe has developed into a beautiful international port city, which is full of East and West influences due to its influence from Western culture. 3. Kobe's economic strength and honorary titles

Kobe has a prominent economic position as an important city in Japan and the seat of Hyogo Prefecture. Kobe is located in the southwest of Honshu Island, on the north shore of Osaka Bay, and has a natural deep-water port, the Port of Kobe, which is one of Japan's most important international ports and plays a key role in the economic development of Kobe and the entire region. Since the Meiji Restoration, the Port of Kobe has been one of the first international ports in Japan to open to the outside world due to its strategic location.

Port of Kobe. Image source network

Kobe has a well-developed industry, involving a variety of fields such as iron and steel, shipbuilding, machinery manufacturing, and chemical industry, among which industrial production accounts for a certain proportion of total economic activity. In addition, the service industry is the leading industry of Kobe's economy, and high-end services such as finance, commerce, tourism, and logistics are developing rapidly, reflecting the characteristics of Kobe as an international city. Kobe is famous for its high-quality beef, "Kobe beef," and animal husbandry has a strong presence in local agriculture. 4. Kobe's Famous Tourist Attractions and Scenic Spots1.Mt. Rokko is a mountain in the northeastern part of Kobe City, rising 931 meters above sea level, known for its magnificent panoramic views and abundant natural landscapes.

Mt. Rokko. Image source network 2Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden: This is home to a variety of seasonal flowers and plants, making it suitable for all seasons.

Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden. Image source network 3Rokkokan & Rotating Ten Nations Observatory: 360-degree views of downtown Kobe and Osaka Bay. In winter, it is a popular spot for skiing and tobogganing. 4.The Port of Kobe is an important international port in Japan, and the port area is equipped with leisure facilities such as American Park and Mosaic Square. Kobe Port Tower is a landmark that visitors can climb to enjoy a beautiful night view of Kobe Port and the city skyline.

Port of Kobe. Image source network

5.Similar to Yokohama Chinatown, Nankinmachi is the largest Chinese community in Kobe, with a large concentration of Chinese restaurants and specialty shops. 6.The Kobe City Museum exhibits the historical artifacts and cultural development of the Kobe region from ancient times to the present day, as well as the results of international exchange.

Kobe City Museum. Image source network 7As the central business district of Kobe, Sannomiya Central District is home to large shopping malls, department stores, restaurants, and entertainment facilities, making it a great place to shop and enjoy food. 5. Introduction to Kobe's food culture and special cuisine

Kobe Beef: Japan's world-renowned top Wagyu beef brand, known for its rich creamy fat, tender taste and unique flavor.

Kobe beef. Image source network

Bread: Kobe has a well-developed bread culture and is one of the highest in Japan in terms of consumption. Local bakeries pay attention to the production process, oven equipment and the choice of raw materials, so that they can enjoy a variety of high-quality breads. Japanese Cuisine: Since Kobe is a tourist hotspot in Japan, there are plenty of local restaurants that serve fresh seafood and other traditional Japanese dishes such as sushi, tempura, yakiniku and more.

Sushi. Image source network Southeast Asian food and desserts: As an international port city, Kobe brings together a variety of international cuisines, including dishes from Southeast Asia and other places, as well as specialty desserts and ice cream. Nankinmachi Food: In Nankinmachi (Chinatown), you can find a lot of Chinese cuisine and other Asian-inspired snacks. In short, Kobe is a foodie's paradise where you'll find a unique culinary experience that will satisfy your taste buds, no matter what your taste preferences are. 6. Gonzo in Kobe

1.Kobe University AnecdotesKobe UniversityAs a well-known national comprehensive university, there are many interesting stories and cultural events that may have taken place on its campus.

Kobe University. Image source network

2.Located in Hyogo Prefecture, Bamboo Field Castle is known as the "Castle in the Sky" because its ruins resemble a castle floating in the air when the clouds and mist shroud in a certain season. It attracts a large number of tourists, especially couples, every year, and is known as the "Holy Land of Lovers". 3.Smiling Lamb: A "smiling" lamb lives in a pasture in Kobe, Japan, a peculiar phenomenon that has attracted people's attention and interest in ** reports. 4.The Mystery of the Kobe Maru: This story is a historical anecdote about the mysterious sinking of a transport ship called the Kobe Maru in Poyang Lake at the end of World War II in 1945.

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