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Home  >  Japan • Kobe  >  Kobe Kobe!

Kobe Kobe!

Alex Posted onJune 16, 2014January 8, 2018 Harborland, Japan, Kobe, Kobe Chinatown, Kobe Travel Blog, Nankinmachi Leave a Comment

After the wonderful visit to Himeji Castle, we are on our way to meet Kobe. Hello Bryant!!

Huh…not the NBA Superstar? Haha…this blogpost is of course talking about the Japanese city well known for its legendary Kobe Beef, but a Google search on Kobe will fetch you results of both the hoop star and the harbour city anyhow.

Kobe (神戸市) is commonly known to be among the few pioneer Japanese ports to open up its door to foreigners. The foreign ships that berth not only trade commodities but a great cultural exchange also took place, shaping Kobe in becoming a cosmopolitan port city with an international flavour.

And so, the first place we visited in Kobe is its charming HarborLand.

Welcome

Inside

Posted Contents

  • Harborland in Kobe
  • Kobe Brand in Mosaic Mall
  • Chinatown in Kobe

Harborland in Kobe

Harborland is a shopping and entertainment district which boosts a nice promenade overlooking the port. The most notable and iconic symbol of Kobe is of course the bright red Kobe Port Tower. But…but the tower was covered by scaffold and undergoing some maintenance while we were there…sigh…why like that.

Port Area

Ship at Port

Else I would make it a point to stay around the promenade until it lights up brilliantly in the darker sky. Better luck next time I guess…so we went back to check out Mosaic mall.

Kobe Brand in Mosaic Mall

The two nearby shopping malls are Canal Garden and Mosaic but we only visited the later. Mosaic is one pleasant looking shopping mall with wide selections of fashion boutiques, cafes and restaurants. There is also a Ferris wheel at the end of the mall.

Canal Mall

Mosaic Mall

Mosaic Mall

But the majority time was spent in this Kobe Brand shop where we browsed through the different variety of Kobe related products and souvenirs.

Kobe Brand Shop

WARNING!! You may end up splurging like us. Like all well packaged Japanese gifts and souvenirs – they make people empty their pockets willingly…

Chocolates

Products 2

Products

Products

There’s one thing in the shop you gotta try, and that’s Kobe Pudding.

Really really good!!!

Delicious Pudding

Pudding

Chinatown in Kobe

We wanted to soak in the festive mood of Chinese New Year while away from home, so we make our way to the bustling and fully themed Chinatown, located within walking distance from Motomachi station.

Heading to Chinatown

Motomachi Sign

Also known as Nankinmachi, the whole Chinatown area was filled with festive crowd during our visit. It was so darn crowded until walking became a chore.

Chinatown Main Gate

Chinatown Crowds

Crowds at Chinatown

Super Crowded Chinatown

The streets are home to Chinese restaurants, food stalls, shops selling anything from handicrafts, clothing to novelty items. The food stalls are selling takeaways like steamed buns, fried chicken, noodles and many more.

Chinatown Steamed Buns

Squid Bun at Chinatown

Steamed Bun at Chinatown

There was some scheduled lion dance performance near the pavilion with stone carvings but it was mission impossible to get near it. Not a deal breaker since we got to experience the wonderful festive atmosphere in Kobe Chinatown while having a great time.

Chinatown Pavilion

P1020668

What are your thoughts about Kobe? Leave a comment and share it with me.

Previous Article The Beautiful White Himeji Castle
Next Article Japan’s Kobe Beef: The Special Cut

About Author

Alex

A Singapore Travel Blog about one guy, his camera and an irresistible impulse to travel. Join his adventures to find travel reviews and tips @ WanderLex.com. Read more

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