Travel Guide to Kobe, Japan

Kobe is an ancient port city, an international center of trading and a large industrial region. Nowadays on the territory of this city work several factories operating in such areas as chemical and military industries. In many aspects Kobe is an important city that pays a great rope in overall prosperity of the country. The city was founded in the beginning of the 8th century. At that time it was decorated by numerous ancient buildings and historical sights. Due to a disastrous earthquake in 1995 a large part of these buildings were destroyed. The economy of Kobe suffered major loss at that time. Over 5 thousands of people died in that catastrophe. With the help of the local people the city has been rebuilt simply from ruins and now almost nothing reminds of that tragic event.

Art Museum is one of the main sights of Kobe. The museum holds a collection of ancient pictures as well as works of modern masters. Minotaur Tomb is one of few ancient sights that have managed to survive. This is quite an interesting architectural complex that is worth visiting. The largest garden of Kobe is called Sorakoen. Here you can make a walk on shadowy valleys and enjoy magnificent fountains. Suma Temple is located not far away from the park. This is one of the most important religious sights of Kobe.

Shopping lovers should not forget to visit Yamato street. Here you will find numerous trading pavilions devoted to different themes and traditional Japanese restaurants. You can view the panorama of the city and its coastal line from the observation area of the port tower. Each day three thousands of tourists visit this area to enjoy the magnificent look of the port and city’s quarters. Kobe is home to one more international sight – Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. This is the largest pendant bridge in the world that connects Kobe with Awaji Islands.