Ikuta shrine / This is a magnificent shrine in the city that is visited by everyone who comes to Kobe. It is also the origin of Kobe's name, and is dedicated to the god of marriage, with hundreds of couples getting married here every year. Be sure to try the water fortune-telling service, which can tell your fortune about your relationships.

Moegi no Yakata / Let's take a stroll through Kitano-cho, an area of beautiful Western-style buildings where foreigners lived when the port of Kobe was opened in the 19th century. In particular, the "Moegi no Yakata" is a colonial-style building with distinctive yellow-green walls and lavish interior decoration. This house is located on a hill, so you can also enjoy the beautiful cityscape of Kobe from the skylight on the second floor.

Kazamidori no Yakata / The Kazamidori no Yakata is one of the most iconic buildings in Kobe, along with the Kobe Port Tower and the Kobe Maritime Museum. It was built in the German classical style, and its beautiful brickwork attracts visitors from all over. Inside the museum, there are permanent exhibits that show how people lived in back those days, and is a perfect place to spend a relaxed afternoon.

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens / 10 minutes by ropeway to the top of a 400-meter-high mountain, this is one of the largest herb gardens in Japan, with architecture reminiscent of medieval European castles. More than 75,000 plants, of over 200 different kinds of herbs, are planted here, and visitors can enjoy them in every all year round. You can also try dishes made with these herbs, and take a foot bath with herbal waters.

Chinatown (Nankinmachi) / One of the three major Chinatowns in Japan, along with Yokohama and Nagasaki, Nankinmachi is an area with gorgeous traditional Chinese-style streets. There is a wide variety of Japanese-style Chinese food available, so feel free to enjoy casual Chinese-style dishes. This is also a great place to learn about how Chinese people and culture are integrated into Japanese society today.

Kobe Port Tower / Widely known as the symbol of the Port of Kobe, this bright red tower offers a 360° view of the city of Kobe, from the port all the way to Mount Rokko. The shape of the tower is inspired by traditional Japanese instruments and the shape of Dutch towers, reflecting Kobe's deep-rooted spirit of mixing various cultures to create its own unique culture.

Kobe Maritime Museum / This museum has a unique appearance, reminiscent of waves and sails of a sailing ship. The museum features a permanent exhibition on the history of the port of Kobe as an international port city, and is an essential place if you want to learn more about Kobe. The technology that has supported Japan's maritime industry can be seen up close and is a sight to behold. You can also experience riding a variety of vehicles, as well as a real cockpit experience, at the Kawasaki World.

Meriken Park / This park was created by reclaiming a former wharf, and offers the true atmosphere of a port town. It is a place where you can relax and enjoy the scenery of the ships passing by, contemplate the old city monuments, or simply take a break at a cafe.

Kobe Bay Cruise / Board a cruise ship and enjoy the views of Kobe Harborland and Port Island from the ship. This 45-minute cruise around the harbour is a romantic experience.