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Introduction
Imagine a place where majestic mountains meet refreshing sea breezes—welcome to Kobe, a stunning port city in western Japan where you can savor the famous sweet Kobe beef, sip on soothing botan flower tea, and unwind in Japan's oldest esteemed onsens.
Kobe—where every corner offers something spectacular!
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With its backdrop of the Rokko mountains and a prime position along the coast, Kobe stands out as the capital of Hyogo Prefecture and one of Japan’s most beautiful cities.
Famous for its exquisitely marbled beef and picturesque views where mountains meet the harbor, this vibrant port city has been a bustling hub of international trade since the 19th century.
The city is a treasure trove of unique experiences waiting to be discovered—from top-notch, unique foods and drinks showcasing local specialties to trendy fashion and beauty products.
Not to mention, Kobe offers beautifully crafted furniture and home decor, plus innovative electronics that uphold Japan’s reputation for high-tech excellence—it’s a place where tradition and innovation converge in the most delightful ways!
Explore the hidden gems of Kobe’s cuisine
Tajima beef side dish set featured on ZenPlus
Kobe is a foodie's dream come true, offering a selection of unique finds not available in any other city. Enjoy the sweet and aromatic premium honey black tea, delve into a hearty fruit onion soup, and awaken your senses with rich coffee beans. Indulge in decadent beef side dishes, savor traditional kombu, and experiment with black beans simmered in espresso.
As you wind down from the diverse tastes of Kobe, treat yourself to a rejuvenating cup of botan flower tea. Botan, or peonies, known as the "king of flowers," bloom with vibrant, large flowers that have been adored since ancient times. Their regal presence and rich history make this tea not just a drink but an experience, echoing centuries of admiration.
A day at ancient springs in Kobe
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When visiting Kobe, don't miss the chance to unwind at Arima Onsen. Nestled on the other side of Mount Rokko, this famous hot spring town offers a peaceful mountain retreat, yet remains conveniently accessible for a day trip or a relaxing weekend escape for both Kobe and Osaka residents.
With a history spanning over a thousand years, Arima Onsen is celebrated as one of Japan’s oldest and most esteemed hot spring resorts, consistently topping the onsen rankings in Western Japan.
Kobe’s “Ten Million Dollar View”
Image source: Japan Travel
Kobe is also home to the "Ten Million Dollar Night View," one of Japan’s most stunning visual experiences, best seen from the summits of Rokkosan (Mt. Rokko) and Mayasan (Mt. Maya).
Just an hour from downtown Kobe by train, bus, ropeway, or cable car, the observatories on these mountains offer a dynamic panorama of Kobe's lights, with distant twinkles from Osaka, Kyoto, and Wakayama adding to the unforgettable magic.
Dreaming of Kobe but stuck at home?
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If a trip to Kobe isn’t possible right now, Kobe can come to you!
Over 3,000 local retailers from across Japan have teamed up with the online marketplace ZenPlus, bringing you a stunning array of over 5 million Japanese products.
Now, you can explore and purchase Kobe’s unique offerings and other Japanese specialties from the comfort of your home. Just shop, place your order, and relax while the expert ZenPlus team carefully packages your items for a quick delivery right to your doorstep!
