The World Cup stadium in Kobe. (Allsport)

The city of Kobe - home to one of the world's leading international trading ports - is a truly inviting city, noted for its beauty and thriving urban environment superbly enhanced by verdant Mt. Rokko in the background.

Kobe has prospered from times of old as Japan's transportation hub of the sea. In 1868, Kobe opened itself to outside world and began to make its own history as one of Japan's first five major ports that were opened to trade with the West.

The opening of the port and the subsequent construction of settlements around it attracted many from foreign lands who came to reside in Kobe, thus earning the city a reputation for being truly cosmopolitan from early on.

Kobe's downtown area retains districts with the atmosphere of those exotic bygone days.

Prime examples include what is known as the Old Foreign Settlement, Nankin-machi (Chinatown) and Kitano, famous for its old western-style houses of the early foreign residents known as "Ijin-kan".

The town of Nada is famous nationwide for sake brewing, while Mt. Rokko and Arima Hot Spring are popular resort areas easily accessible from the city centre.

Accommodation

From economical western-style hotels to luxury hotels with superb service, there are a large number of accommodation options in the big city of Kobe. As Arima-onsen Hot Springs, one of the famous hot springs in Japan, and Takarazuka are located near-by, it is a good idea to enjoy traditional Japanese culture by staying at a ryokan or Japanese-style inn there.

Places of Interest:

Kobe Port/Meriken Park: Kobe Port, opened in 1868, is still one of the most important international ports where large vessels come and go. Located to the west, Meriken Park is well prepared as a beautiful public garden with spots to enjoy the history of the port and its views. The facilities below are located in the park.

Kobe Port Tower: A symbol of Kobe Port, the top floor of the 108m tower is a glassed-in observation coffee shop where the panorama of Kobe City streets and Awaji Island can be fully enjoyed. Night views are also beautiful.

Kobe Earthquake Disaster Memorial Park: In order to tell future generations about the dreadfulness and lessons of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that struck Kobe on January 17, 1995, parts of Meriken Harbor, such as damaged quay walls, have been preserved.

Kobe Maritime Museum: Themes of "the sea, ships and port" are presented with realistic images and abundant data. How lively Kobe was when the port was opened, how the international city of Kobe is at present, and how it will be in the 21st century are vividly illustrated.

Kobe Harbourland: A new landmark by the sea with a concentration of shopping, gourmet, amusement and hotel facilities, it is connected with Meriken Park by a promenade, offering spots to enjoy only available in the reborn Kobe, such as an amusement park with excellent views, Mosaic Garden, and a romantic drawbridge.

Himeji: Himeji city has a national treasure, "Himeji Castle," which is the most beautiful and largest castle in Japan. It has been nominated as a World Cultural Heritage. It is about 40 minutes' ride by JR Line from Sannomiya to Himeji.

Local Delicacies:

Kobe Beef: It is usually taken from black-haired Japanese cows born and bred in Tajima, Hyogo prefecture. However, only Tajima cows that have passed strict standards can be called Kobe beef. This beef is superbly marbled with finely streaked veins of fat.

Japanese Sake: Nada Gogo (Nada Five Districts) is known for the production of "Pure Nada Sake." Japanese sake produced here accounts for 30% of Japan's total production. The reasons Nada Gogo has become the most famous place for sake production in Japan are: pure underground water called "Miyamizu," the best sake-brewing rice "Yamada-nishiki" yielded in the Banshu Plain, "Tanba Toji (sake-brewing artisans from Tanba district)" with excellent skill, and the natural climate.

Kobe Wine: "Kobe Wine" is made from grapes used exclusively for wine production, which are harvested in Kobe. This wine has been the main item of Kobe Brand products for about 20 years since the beginning of its production in 1983.

Where To Eat:

Chinatown is a popular place to eat but Kobe is full of diverse restaurants ranging from the traditional local fayre to european menus.

To the World Cup stadium :

Two stations provide access to the stadium. Travel from JR Sannomiya Station to Misaki-koen Station or JR Hyogo Station. It is then a 5 minutes walk from Misaki-koen Station or 20 minutes walk from JR Hyogo Station,