Kobe

Kobe is known for its port, its location between the Rokko mountains and Osaka Bay, and its international neighborhoods. The Kitano area has historic Western-style houses built after Kobe opened to foreign trade in the 19th century.

Kobe and Osaka are close neighbors in Japan's Kansai region. By JR train, the trip between central Osaka and Sannomiya in Kobe is commonly around 20 to 30 minutes depending on the service.

Kobe was severely damaged by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake on January 17, 1995. The disaster killed thousands of people and reshaped the city's infrastructure and disaster planning.

First-time visitors often go to Sannomiya, Harborland, Meriken Park, Chinatown called Nankinmachi, and the Kitano district. Mount Rokko and the Arima Onsen area are also common side trips from the city.