Friday being Shinran‘s birthday, I had the day off school and as it happens Mewby was free too. “Let’s go to Kobe!” she said. What a good idea! Now, one of the most popular spots for tourists in Kobe is the Ijinkan area, (lots of early 20th century pretty foreign residences), but we’ve both seen that a few times now. However, there’s lots to do and see in Kobe besides that -  we had a lovely time.
First off we took a stroll through China Town and had ourselves a little snack to tide us over from one of those street stalls… and then we strolled on through the city towards the sea and Meriken Park. I thought it might be nice to go up to the top of the Port Tower there… and I was right.

On one floor there’s a revolving bar you can sit at and watch the city turn about you. They sell a special “Meriken Beer” there – it’s actually very good.

I was pretty happy with my Meriken beer.

And once night has fallen the view from the top floor is lovely.

And here’s the view from the outside.

By the this time we were hungry so we headed over to the nearby Mosaic building. It’s full of restaurants but we had one in particular in mind.

The last time we came to Kobe, a year ago, we came here and really liked their pizzas. I was also pretty happy at the giant bottles of Moretti beer they had. Unfortunately, they’ve downsized the beers since then but the food did not disappoint.

Maguro Salad

Pumpkin bread - recommended!

A potato frite sardine salad type-o-thing - tasty!

Pizza Al Convent - sweet baby tomatoes, anchovies and lots o' greens!

We like Buco di Muro!

After a wee (fun!) detour through the game centre downstairs we were walking back towards the Sannomiya station area when I spotted this place.

I’d seen Pub James – Blues Land in my guidebook but wasn’t at all sure where it was exactly, so finding it was a real stroke of luck. On entering I immediately felt right at home – as did Mewby.

This place is great, soft lighting, comfy chairs, lots of space and great music!

They were playing some music by a gravel voiced local bluesman named Kougen. Really nice! The owner said he was a friend of his, and seemed delighted that I liked it. I think I might have to invest in an album… You can check out a video of him in performance here. I wonder if he ever plays in Kyoto… Anyway, we both agreed that we were definitely coming back to this bar next time we are in Kobe!

Back in the Sannomiya, the streets were rolling with people out on the town. It’s incredible round that area on a Friday night; like one big street party – Kyoto’s Kiyamachi really doesn’t compare. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many happy/drunken party people in one place! We were tired though so we retreated to a cheap hotel and got ourselves a good night’s kip.

Next day, we visited Ikuta Shrine – and on the Ikuta road I spotted this statue of a lady who appears to be studying a turd. Odd.

The shrine itself, is really old, among the oldest in Japan in fact. There is a record of it in the Nihongi as having been founded by the Empress Jingu after she came back from raiding Korea in the 3rd century AD. It’s a pretty spot and a welcome break from concrete and neon.

From there we headed to Rokko and took a cablecar up into the mountains. The cablecar itself is gorgeous.

But the ride itself was certainly enhanced by the presence of an onboard jazz band!

From the top we went to Rokko Garden Terrace, they have a tower there which affords some stunning views of the city (if the weather is clear enough).

After that, lunch; pork for Mewby and sea bass for me.


And then succumbing to weariness (and perhaps also to the wine we had with our lunch) we wound our way back home. Kobe’s a great place to visit – but it’s nice to be back in dear old Kyoto too!