Kobe History & Photo Tour to Capture the Scenery and Cityscape

Starbucks Coffee Kobe Kitano Ijinkan: This Starbucks outlet is located in Kitano Ijinkan-gai, a district lined with much fashionable retro architecture. Its buildin g has gained a reputation for its sophisticated design that makes the most of its historical background, making it one of Kobe's most popular tourist attractions.

Weathercock House: Weathercock House is one of the symbolic buildings of Kobe, along with Kobe Port Tower and Kobe Maritime Museum. The building, built in the classical German style, attracts the gaze of people with its beautiful brickwork. Inside the museum, there are exhibits that give visitors a sense of how life was in those days, and one can spend a relaxing time here.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine: Built more than over 800 years ago in 1180 by Taira no Kiyomori, one of the military leaders in Japan at that time, the shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, widely revered as a god of learning. However, what most poeple do not know is the shrine is also a great viewing spot! After climbing the steep stairs in the precincts of the shrine, you can see the city center and the Port of Kobe. It is a perfect place to take commemorative photos with such a spectacular view as your backdrop.

Kobe Foreign Settlement： This area is a place where you can feel the history of Kobe's development through trade and the influx of foreign culture. The building in this area is often used for wedding photos and fashion magazine shoots because of its massive and gorgeous architecture. This place is amazing for those who want to take pictures with a sophisticated atmosphere.

Otsunaka Street： This area is lined with old-fashioned buildings along the 800-meter east-west street. The buildings have been renovated and now house apparel stores, general merchandise stores, and cafes. The area is full of stores that offer a taste of Kobe's trends, and the scenery is different from that of Ijinkan-gai and the port.

Meriken Park： Meriken Park is a park where you can take artistic photos with the BE KOBE monument and other unique objects placed throughout the park.

Kobe Harborland： A facility locates on the west side of Kobe Port. Have lunch at a restaurant where you can enjoy a unique Kobe meal. The view from the facility is also a must-see, with its vermilion Port Tower, whistling cruise ships, and brick warehouses that remind us of the prosperity of the past.

Kobe Brick Warehouses: This commercial facility consists of renovated warehouses that were in use during the period when trade flourished at the Port of Kobe. The distinctive red-brick buildings are popular as photo spots.