Kobe is a city most people have heard of because of the devastating earthquake that hit it in 1995. It was rebuilt with astonishing speed and is back to being one of Japan's most pleasant cities. Hemmed in by mountains to the north, it spreads for miles along the shores of the inland sea, joining the urban sprawl of Osaka to the east.
To the west is the 'White Egret Castle' of Himeji-jo, the ultimate samurai castle and one of the few genuine ones left. Next door is a museum where you can dress up as a samurai and sit on a stuffed horse to have your photo taken...
All Japanese cities have some local culinary delight. For Kobe it's sake, tako-yaki (octopus balls), and the most expensive beef in the world. Kobe beef cattle live a life of luxury, feed on milk and beer, and are massaged regularly throughout their short lives.
Lonely Planet guide to Japan and the Rough Guide to Japan both give a comprehensive run-down on the country, whilst Lonely Planet also published (currently out of print) a detailed "Hiking in Japan" guide that includes hikes around Kobe's Kansai region. Japanese publishers Kodansha International produce a mini-atlas of Japan. Written in both English and Kanji-script, it is invaluable to the confused gaijin (foreigners).
Author: Guy Bristow
Date: 1 March 2004