Japan Trip Day 3 — Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
Kobe is to Osaka like Yokohama is to Tokyo. Both cities possess a distinct identity from their “bigger brother” and hold great pride in it.
From my observation, the people of Kobe are discontent with being associated or grouped under the same demographic as the people of Osaka, as they see themselves as a cleaner and more civilized city. This is only based on actual observations and not personal emotions gravitating towards a particular city.
Since the city centre of Kobe was adjacent to Ashiya, where I was staying for the week, it only took several minutes by car to arrive at Sannomiya Station.
Upon arrival, I headed straight to the famous Ichiran Ramen (一蘭ラーメン) chain, where I ordered a regular set plus a half-portion refill of noodles. It was perhaps the best ramen that beats any Japanese-imitating restaurant in Canada out of the water.
Afterwards, I went to Kobe Port / Harborland and explored the small street of gift shops and restaurants.
At some point (which I don’t clearly remember at the time of writing), I found a cute little statue of Anpanman, a famous character in a Japanese children’s animation which I used to watch as a boy.
I also had the chance to ride on the Ferris wheel by the sea, where the view was stunning. Plus, each car had air conditioning which was a relief on such a boiling day when my skin was progressively burning and turning red.
From there, I took a local bus (seemingly designed for tourists), where an attendant announced each stop on the intercom. I got off at the Nankinmachi, which was Chinatown but about 100 times cleaner than its Canadian or American counterpart.
As a somewhat overwhelming snack, I ate a pork dumpling, Karaage on a stick, steamed pork wrapped in some sort of a bun, and Chinese-style wonton ramen, all of which were very tasty.
After a short break, we took another ride on an elevated train which resembled the Vancouver SkyTrain and walked for several until arriving at our next destination, which was the BE KOBE monument.
Though it was a famous photo spot for visitors and locals alike, according to one article I referenced for the itinerary of this trip, the place was dead empty when I arrived.
Many, many pictures later, I was tired enough to go back home. Luckily, there was an express bus service from a nearby University campus which took us to Nishinomiya station for the Hankyu Railway train back to Ashiya station.
One impression of the Hankyu Railway system was that the trains and stations were much more retro than the ones found in the JR or other subway lines but were surprisingly clean, as if everything was brand new.
It must have taken extremely thorough maintenance (which North American systems lack) to leave the trains and stations free of any litter or odour despite the system’s and infrastructure’s age.
Anyways, this is where my trip ends for the day, and I’ll be back for another story soon.
See you later! 🍑
