A Brief Introduction of Kobe
Kobe (神戸) is the 6th largest city in Japan and is the capital city of Hyogo prefecture on the southern side of the main island of Honshu, approximately 500 km west of Tokyo.
Kobe was one of the first cities to open for trade with the West, following the end of seclusion policy and has since become known as a cosmopolitan port city.
Kobe is the 4th busiest container port. Companies headquartered in Kobe include ASICS, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Kobe steel and well as over 100 international corporations with Asia or Japan headquarters in the city such as Procter & Gamble, Boehringer-Lngelhiem and Nestle.
The city is the origin and namesake of Kobe Beef, as well as the site of one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts, Arima Onsen.
Culture
Kobe is most famous for its Kobe beef and Arima Onsen (Hot Spring). Notable buildings include Ikuta Shrine and Kobe Port Tower.
Kobe is well known for its incredible night views, in particular from mountains such as Mount Rokko and Mount Maya.
Kobe is also known as a Fashion city. There is a phrase in Japanese, "If you can't go to Paris, go to Kobe". The biannual fashion event Kobe Fashion Week, centered around the Kobe Collection, is held in Kobe. The jazz festival "Kobe Jazz Street" has been held every October at jazz clubs and hotels since 1981.