Kobe | The Beauty of Kansai Blending Modern and Classical
A seasoned urban wanderer, after days of being unable to travel far, seems to want to use the act of "being on the road" to prove that their curiosity is still alive. With the easing of multiple-entry visas for Japan and the launch of the e-visa, a trip to Japan can now be a spontaneous affair. For someone like me, who is obsessed with experiencing all kinds of Japanese vibes, this is truly exhilarating news.
Many people who have visited Japan multiple times share the same feeling: this country embraces diverse travel possibilities. From the dazzling neon lights of the city to the rustic, transparent life of桃源 (paradise) in the countryside—compare the towering art museums in Tokyo's Minato Ward with the winding, curved wooden-tile houses in the valleys of Nara Prefecture—it's clear that to deeply experience Japan, your steps cannot be confined to a small area.
Within a month, I traveled back and forth multiple times, from Tokyo and Nara to Osaka, and now to Kobe, which I had long admired. The full picture of Japanese life is gradually unfolding before my eyes.
From a modern metropolis to a floral dream world straight out of a manga, it only takes one cable car ride. It's hard to imagine that such a chill, hidden paradise exists within such an urban area.
The cable car ride up the mountain takes about ten minutes, offering views of the entire cityscape of Kobe and the port, as well as sights like [Nunobiki Falls] and [Gohonmatsu Dam].
Arriving at the Nunobiki Herb Garden feels like discovering a hidden gem, like a paradise straight out of a fairy tale picture book. The twelve themed gardens each boast vibrant beauty, and places like the café, restaurant, and perfume museum are of high quality, perfect for leisure and shopping.
Summer is supposed to be the season for hydrangeas and lavender, but the chamomile was also in full bloom. The mountain is covered with aromatic herbs, and the greenhouse cultivates a huge variety of geraniums. The olfactory feast is intense; after walking around, I felt completely infused with the scents.
As I strolled down from the summit, I noticed the park has many rest spots, making the experience very comfortable. Japanese thoughtfulness is truly considerate without being annoying.
The Perfume Museum is a must-visit spot worth savoring. Learning which plants blend together to create a scent that hits your nose, and the production process, was fascinating. Making your own personalized aromatherapy also adds a sense of ceremony to the visit. Indeed, a "unique" DIY project makes every girl lose her resistance.
Hidden in the mountains is a mini footbath spring that you must not miss. Soaking your feet eases the fatigue from the slow walk, accompanied by the mountain breeze and distant mountain views, making time feel slower. Once again, I marvel at the human-centered design of Japanese architects.
I never thought I'd experience the leisurely, carefree life of a hermit here. The herb garden area on Mt. Rokko is not large; you can walk from one end to the other in no time. There are deck chairs and hammocks set among the trees. I happened to catch a day with mild sun, so I was lucky enough to laze around, watching the cable cars go back and forth—a stark contrast between hustle and leisure.
On the way down, don't forget to stop by a cold drink shop for a lavender ice cream, because the weather was just too hot!
I saw many netizens say the herb flavor was a disappointment, but the lavender flavor actually tasted good.
Strolling into the souvenir shop downstairs, I found they were selling Kobe beef everywhere, which made me want some too!
Japan indeed seems to love romantic Ferris wheels with a ceremonial feel. Almost every prominent city has one of these giant structures turning day and night. Perhaps it symbolizes the cycle of time, fitting the pessimistic sentiment of Japanese mono no aware.
Echoing the red of Kobe Port Tower, the Mosaic Ferris wheel is equally vibrant in color, blending with the azure of the sea and sky, making it a landmark along Kobe Port.
When the Ferris wheel reaches its highest point, the city panorama isn't fully visible. And perhaps because this wheel was inherited from the Mosaic amusement park that closed in 2013, the equipment is a bit dated. Riding it in midsummer can be stuffy and hot. I'd personally recommend experiencing it in spring or autumn when the weather is more pleasant.
After the Ferris wheel, right next to it is the largest commercial plaza near Kobe Port—Mosaic Square. This is also where Kobe's modern urban vibe is most prominent. There's everything for food, clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. It's a good place to buy some fun little gifts for friends and family.
Aside from being world-famous for its wagyu beef, Kobe also stands out in the dessert scene. The chocolate-covered whole strawberry was first launched by Frantz, a local Kobe brand. It has been the No.1 chocolate seller on Japan's Rakuten website for 367 consecutive weeks, holding the top spot for seven years in a row! That shows its popularity. If you visit Kobe, it's worth stopping by to check it out and take some bags home.
For dessert lovers, I recommend Kannon House for their cheesecake. Many locals say it's a must-eat dessert in Kobe. It has an authentic Danish cheese flavor, with long, stretchy strings, and a crispy cake base. No wonder Kobe is called the "Little Europe of Kansai."
July in Japan is scorching. Although the sun wasn't strong, the temperature was relentless. After a whole day of outdoor hiking, I actually got a bit of heatstroke, feeling dizzy and lightheaded. I had to give up the sizzling Kobe beef and settled for some fried chicken to fill my stomach, then hurried back to Osaka.
On the way back, I passed by Daikoku Drug in Shinsaibashi. The discount signs everywhere were hard to resist, and since I wasn't feeling well, I did need to buy some medicine.
At the medicine counter, my eyes were immediately drawn to a whole shelf of Taisho Pharmaceutical products. This brand's reputation, both in Japan and abroad, needs no introduction. With a century of pharmaceutical history, Taisho's medicines and health products command a huge market share in Japan, and they are a must-buy for me when traveling. Their product range is very comprehensive, including many effective health supplements.
Taisho's adult cold medicine is a household staple in Japan. I also stock up on it regularly. Whether it's a common cold from getting chilled or a wind-heat cold, as long as you have symptoms like stuffy nose, runny nose, headache, etc., you can take it for relief. It's a comprehensive cold granule. It works quite quickly, especially in the first two days of discomfort.
Lipovitan DX was another key purchase this time. Because this trip required me to stay in Japan for many days, and my job also requires me to travel all over the place, lack of energy and fatigue are common. Products for fatigue prevention and energy replenishment are essentials in my suitcase.
Lipovitan's ingredient list is rich in taurine, which promotes energy circulation, as well as nine effective ingredients including vitamins B1, B2, and B6. I find it helpful for improving sleep and relieving muscle fatigue throughout the body. It can also be used for daily nutritional supplementation.
There was also a Pikachu-packaged children's growth drink, super cute, designed as a nutritious snack for kids. It's rich in vitamins. My daughter Tangyuan just turned one, so I bought some for her.
Ever since having a baby, I've been carrying her around and developed strong arms, but sometimes when holding her for too long or with improper posture, I get back and shoulder pain. Taisho Tokuhon analgesic anti-inflammatory cream is quite effective for pain relief. It's a topical cream with a cool, refreshing feeling, and one bottle lasts a long time.
I got carried away with shopping and bought so much.
Besides the essentials for myself, this new Biotizer S tablets are also a "hit product" from Taisho Pharmaceutical. They are rich in lactic acid bacteria with good colonization ability, ensuring that these probiotics maintain good activity when they reach the intestines. They are effective for regulating intestinal health and relieving constipation. If you have such issues, give them a try.
The tax-free signs all over the store really stimulate the urge to buy.
When you're away from home, you really have to learn to take care of yourself. I took medicine as soon as I felt unwell, and the next day I was fully recovered. Back in Shinsaibashi, I continued to stroll and discovered a hidden photo spot: on the third floor of the Daikoku Drug store in Dotonbori.
Go up the stairs, and the balcony directly faces Osaka's highly popular Glico running man sign. I heard this sign has been here for over eighty years.
Such a perfect spot—how could I not snap a photo?
Since I was already there, my feet uncontrollably led me into the drugstore downstairs again.
I realized I hadn't bought anything for my elders at home. This Taisho Livita Premium Care green tea powder seemed very suitable. It's a popular national beverage in Japan. Although it's a drink, it has functional benefits. It's especially suitable for those concerned about high blood pressure, post-meal high blood sugar, post-meal rise in neutral fats, or poor gastrointestinal condition. It's a comprehensive "functional food" green tea powder in individual packets that can be mixed with cold or hot water. Perfect as a gift for elders.
Because of my health issues, I missed the chance to taste Kobe beef this time. A single delicious meal can linger in your memory. I asked a Japanese friend for a recommendation, and they pointed me here, supposedly a place for top-grade wagyu!
The decor was simple but refined, full of style, with many small details that were carefully crafted.
I ordered a set meal for one, which included beef tongue and Chateaubriand beef. Chateaubriand is the "ultimate sashimi" of wagyu—extremely tender and pure. It's a super rare cut, only about 600 grams per cow. If you can afford it, I recommend trying it.
The beef tongue was roasted until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, very chewy.
Chateaubriand's tenderness and juiciness require precise heat control and cutting technique. To preserve the meat's texture, the chef used a fork to separate it into small pieces.
After simple cooking, the aroma of the meat was intoxicating. One bite melted in my mouth, and the texture was truly worth it. No wonder it's top-grade wagyu.
Not only did I enjoy the feast of wagyu, but the udon noodles at the restaurant were also light and fragrant, with the noodles themselves being wonderfully chewy.
Hoshino Resorts' OMO series of urban hotels are recommended for visitors at all their locations across Japan. The overall service experience is excellent. This time I chose OMO7 Osaka by Hoshino Resorts, located in a fairly central area of Osaka Castle. The transportation is very convenient; a bus stop is less than a five-minute walk from the hotel.
Opening the window, I could directly see Tsutenkaku from my room. The location is a bit away from the bustling center, but the outdoor area features a garden suitable for relaxation. Peaceful in the midst of noise—isn't that the best accommodation environment?
There was a map of Osaka's food and entertainment in the room. The map speaks for itself, regardless of nationality—thoughtful and unique.
Hoshino has always done well with guest benefits. At OMO7, you can enjoy free access to the hot springs. After a day of activities, soaking in the hot springs is soothing and healing.
A little bonus: don't miss the free ice cream at the hot spring.
The hotel's biggest feature is the numerous guest activity benefits every day. The OMO rangers take guests around the nearby Shinsekai market, tour Tsutenkaku, and there are nightly lectures on "How to Enjoy Universal Studios Japan," plus various interesting craft classes. The overall service arrangement is very friendly for first-time visitors to Japan.
When I wanted to go out for a stroll in the evening, I could enjoy free beer and takoyaki. The culture of drinking and eating late-night snacks is really popular here.
Longing for the romantic fireworks of Osaka in Japanese anime? It can be realized here too.
After visiting many places, I've learned to accept that not all trips go smoothly. There are beautiful moments and unexpected incidents. Maintaining a self-loving attitude and finding the nearest, most direct solution when encountering special situations is key. If you get sick or feel unwell, besides packing essentials, you can also find suitable products at the drugstores that are almost every few meters in Japan.
My long journey hasn't ended yet. This exploratory trip has deepened my understanding of this land. Kobe is an urban port city that seems out of place with Kansai's traditional charm, with a San Francisco-like style, blending many different influences, and welcoming travelers and long-term residents from all over the world.
If you decide to travel far, be prepared to face all kinds of uncertainties. After all, one of travel's charms is the unknown—good and bad, surprising and mundane—the complex next moment composes our rich and colorful life. See you at the next stop.
Travel Diary Index: 1. Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden: A Ghibli-like Dream World 2. Kansai's "Little Europe": Mosaic Ferris Wheel 3. Mosaic Square 4. Shopping Share: Daikoku Drug 5. Day 2: Recharge and Set Off Again 6. Osaka Food Recommendation: A5 Beef 18th Store 7. Osaka Accommodation Recommendation: OMO7 Hoshino Resorts
