Kobe has been one of important trade ports in Japan.
During the Edo Period, the regime in those days closed the country to foreign commerce.
When the government emerged from its period of isolation, Kobe was opened as a port to trade.
And then, so many people came to Kobe from across the globe.
Some of them settled in Kobe.
In "Kobe kyu-kyoryuchi" and "Kitano ijinkan-gai", you will see old buildings where Western settlers lived.
Also, you will see the Chinatown"Nankinmachi".
Around 1940, Nazi persecuted the Jews in Europe.
Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara in Lithuania issued entry visas to the Jews.
Many Jews made voyage to Kobe and went to such safe countries for them as U.S.A.
On 17th of January in 1995, Kobe had a disastrous earthquake.
Now, Kobe almost recovers from the damage received by earthquake.
Hot spots are Sannomiya, Motomachi, Meriken-park,Kobe Harborland and Nankinmachi and so on.
In Sannomiya and Motomachi, you will enjoy eating and shopping.
In Meriken-park, there is the KOBE MARITIME MUSEUM.
You will see its seascape and exhibited objects of Kobe port.
In Kobe Harborland, there is "umie",which is a shopping center.
You will enjoy eating, shopping and watching movies there.
In Nankinmachi, you will taste Chinese dishes.
These hot spots are in the neighborhood.
You will go round spots just for a few hours.