Kobe

I made a trip out to Kobe over the weekend and was intrigued with how each prefecture has certain qualities that make it so unique. Before leaving I asked my Kansai Gaidai friends places they would recommend around Kobe. Nankinmachi, also known as Kobe’s Chinatown was one that came up several times. This was followed by Kobe’s port area and Sannomiya for shopping. All of them agreed with the idea that Kobe is very fashionable and modern. When I asked them about their thoughts on Osaka, takoyaki and Osaka-ben where repeatedly mentioned. It was interesting to compare what my Kansai Gaidai friends thought of Kobe and Osaka, because although these two areas are just a 2 hour train ride away, they have such different and unique qualities.

[Kobe Tower]

I continued my Kobe research online and found that it’s actually the capital of Hyogo Prefecture, as well as one of Japan’s ten largest cities.  I would not have assumed this because many of my friends that came back from Kobe told me how they thought the city is quite small.  Kobe is also a very important port city as it was among the first to be opened to foreign trade in the 19^th century. I realized its importance when I was walking to the port and came across this memorial.

Something I didn’t realize was that I was standing in front of Kobe’s City Museum, one of Kobe’s main attractions.

Nankinmachi is very unique and upon further research I realized it became what it is today only because the area was developed by Chinese merchants who settled near Kobe Port after it opened to foreign trade. 

[Nankinmachi] 

The port was beautiful, and it’s popularity was evident when I witnessed over 5 weddings that day, with the last one taking place on a yacht that sailed around the harbor.  I found the area to be designed in very modernized way that made it very appealing [when compared to Osaka].

[Mosaic Shopping Mall]

Although I only got a glimpse of Kobe, I m intrigued to find more.  I definitively plan on revisiting this large city before I return home to Canada.

Reference:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2159.html

Travel Kobe:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g298562-Kobe_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki-Vacations.html

Osakajo

As a current exchange student in Osaka, sightseeing has become second nature to my everyday life. I love learning about Japanese history, which naturally drew me to the numerous shrines, temples and castles. I recently made a trip to Osakajo and was blown away by the entire experience. 

Even before entering the castle we had to cross a bridge over a moat and stone barriers.  The stone barriers made a huge impression on me. There was a staircase leading to the top of the barriers, where you could get a breathtaking view of the Osakajo Park area.
Upon entering the park I was surprised to find not only beautiful Japanese gardens, but a Shrine [Hokoku Shrine] as well.  Upon talking to some visiting Japanese residences, I learned that the area is quiet famous for their cherry blossom trees that spout early April.  The shrine itself is guarded by a giant status of Toyotoi Hideyoshi. After paying my respect to the shrine I finally headed towards Osakajo.

[Japanese Garden]

I unexpectedly arrived on an anniversary date and was able to enter without paying the 600 yen fee. I was shocked by how modernized the castle is;  the inside is fully refurnished with wood.  Elevators took you up to the 5^th floor, where you then had to staircase yourself up to the top.  Every floor was full of history and once I reached the top, I was awarded with this breathtaking view.

[Osakajo]

[Exhibit on every level]

[View from the top]

I definitely recommend Osakajo as a sightseeing spot.  It was an amazing experience, and something anyone can enjoy.

References:
Additional Information on Toyotoi Hideyoshi : 
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2123.html


Other popular travelling spots:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2157.html


Osakajo Guide:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4000.html