Kobe

Kobe, the capital of Hyōgo Prefecture, is a vibrant port city nestled between the Rokko Mountains and Osaka Bay in Japan’s Kansai region. With a population of approximately 1.5 million, it ranks among Japan’s largest cities and serves as a key component of the Keihanshin metropolitan area, alongside Osaka and Kyoto. Kobe’s history as a significant maritime hub dates back centuries, and it was among the first Japanese ports to open to international trade in the 19th century. Despite the devastation caused by the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake, which claimed over 5,000 lives and destroyed tens of thousands of buildings, Kobe has been meticulously rebuilt and now stands as Japan’s fourth-busiest container port.

Today, Kobe is renowned for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, diverse cultural heritage, and culinary delights. The city is famous for Kobe beef, a world-renowned delicacy, and boasts attractions such as the historic Kitano district with its preserved Western-style mansions, the scenic Mount Rokko offering panoramic views, and the rejuvenating Arima Onsen hot springs. Kobe’s resilience and commitment to cultural preservation are exemplified by the annual Kobe Luminarie, a light festival held every December to commemorate the victims of the 1995 earthquake, attracting millions of visitors each year.