Best Foreign Restaurants in Kobe

May 22, 2019 By Justin Hanus

Kobe has plenty to offer foodies who like nothing more than a spot of sampling the culinary delights in a city's best restaurants. As well as having a wide variety of local Japanese eateries, Kobe also has plenty of foreign and international restaurants and cafes for those who want a...[ Click to read more ]

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Kobe Matsuri: Where East Meets West for a Weekend in May

Apr 17, 2019 By Justin Hanus

The annual Kobe Festival (Matsuri) is unlike any celebration you are likely to run into in the Kansai region during the year. There are plenty of colorful street festivals in Japan and most are tied to an ancient shrine. The Kobe Matsuri is tethered to the past as well, but...[ Click to read more ]

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How to Spend Easter in Kobe

Apr 15, 2019 By Justin Hanus

Easter is not generally celebrated in Japan, but the growing community of western expats in the country means that provisions for the festival have increased in recent years. If you're keen to get into the festive spirit in Kobe, here are a few suggestions on where to go and what...[ Click to read more ]

Best Traditional Japanese Restaurants in Kansai

By Justin Hanus

Japan takes its food very seriously and Japanese cuisine is diverse as well as being among the healthiest in the world. For those in the Kansai region looking to indulge in some traditional Japanese cooking, there is no shortage of options – from sushi to teppanyaki to haute cuisine to...[ Click to read more ]

Good Places to Meet Expats in Kobe

Mar 22, 2019 By Justin Hanus

With around 44,000 foreign nationals living in the city, Kobe has a sizeable expat community that includes many Americans and other English-speaking residents. The city has many international bars, nightspots, and venues where you can go and meet other expats as well as a few clubs, organizations and facilities geared...[ Click to read more ]

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Interesting Facts About Kansai

By Justin Hanus

The second most populous region of Japan after Kanto, Kansai has been a historically important part of the country with a rich history and many lasting traditions. The busy cities of Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe have all played a part in shaping Kansai's distinct character, which charms residents and visitors...[ Click to read more ]

Great Bars in Kobe

By Justin Hanus

Kobe has a vibrant nightlife and bar scene that while perhaps not being as busy or diverse as nearby Osaka, keeps locals and visitors entertained. Within the city you can find everything from chilled pubs to late night jazz bars and local joints to international themed bars. So whether you're...[ Click to read more ]

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Arima Onsen: Come On In, the Water’s Fine

Feb 25, 2019 By Justin Hanus

The mapmakers say Arima Onsen is a part of Kobe but it is way on the other side of Mount Rokko and is thus a world unto itself. And people have been making their way to this unique world for almost 1400 years, drawn to the magical powers of its...[ Click to read more ]

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Dance Classes in Kobe

Jan 22, 2019 By Justin Hanus

Whether you fancy a bit of a tango, some contemporary street dance or just want to keep in shape with a bit of structured movement, you can find an assortment of dance classes in and around Kobe to suit all ability levels. Here is a guide to some of what...[ Click to read more ]

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Celebrating New Years in Kobe’s Chinatown 2019

Jan 21, 2019 By Justin Hanus

Despite its proximity to China, there are only a few Chinatowns in the whole of Japan. One of the largest and most popular is the one in Kobe, called Nankin-machi. This Chinatown is located between three gates: Chang’an Gate to East, Xi’an Gate to West, and Nanluo Gate to South....[ Click to read more ]