Kobe : The Gate of the Gods
There's more to Kobe than just its beef, famously massaged and beer-fed. This exotic and charming port city has managed to be reborn from its ashes time and time again.
The history of the city of Kobe, whose name literally translates to Gate of the Gods, is roughly similar to that of Yokohama and Nagasaki . Originally a humble fishing port, Kobe developed rapidly due to its trade with foreign countries and has seen many good times.
In 1180, the military commander Taira no Kiyomori chose to establish the capital of Japan in Kobe, although this elite status was short-lived, as this only lasted for six months.
Later, with the reopening of the country to foreigners in 1854, Kobe had many advantages and became one of the largest port cities of the archipelago.
Local and International Colors
Like its port city cousins Yokohama and Nagasaki, many foreign communities composed of sailors and merchants settled in Kobe after the isolation period (1641-1853).
Fear and Trembling
In the aftermath of the Second World War, Kobe partially destroyed by bombing, was reborn more prosperous and more modern than ever.
Suddenly, however, on January 17, 1995, at 5:46, everything collapsed again. The Hanshin Earthquake destroyed the city, leaving over 5000 dead.
It only took about two years to rebuild the city. Today there is memorial park of the earthquake and a preserved part of the destroyed wharf left unchanged; these two places are the only remains of this devastating earthquake.
Wedged between the Seto Inland Sea and Mount Rokko, Kobe is adjacent to incredible natural scenery. Suma Beach (near the cosmopolitan Suma Rikyu Park and Park aquatic life ), and the Nunobiki waterfall provides its visitors with some exceptional views.
Additionally, with the Shin-Kobe cable car, visitors can enjoy a view of all the treasures of the Kobe!