Lost and Found in Kobe!

Streets of downtown Kobe JAPAN

Streets of Kobe. I find Kobe a memorable experience. Streets are busy and the city is between mountains and the oceans. You will see in the pictures, the mountains looks close to the city. I also posted the streets to give you a picture on how downtown Kobe looks like. Come along with me. Let's take a walk.

Oh yes, I had fun wandering around the streets of Kobe, especially the shopping and the entertainment areas. It was nice to see a different view - something new! I had to go up and down the steps of too many overpasses. I did a lot of walking. My family were tired as the streets are going uphill so I did it on my own. I left them in one place sitting and moved my feet with a camera on one hand.

Statue on the street of Kobe JAPAN

To ease my curiosity, I headed to a narrow street and out with a different one taking photos of what I thought looks interesting. After, maybe, half an hour, I thought of going back where I left them. When I turned my back, I saw a different picture. It looked different than what I had seen few moments ago.  But then, I walked anyway, trying to find my way. I tried hard but couldn't find the landmark that I had to remember. It's been almost an hour that I was away. I know they were worrying because I told them I would be back in few minutes, and it did not happen. Then I saw an overpass so I went back up and tried if I could find them from above, there was really no trace.

So, what else can I do, go down the stairs and start walking again?

Statue on the street of Kobe JAPAN

Finally,  I found them....(or they found me?)......not on the bench where they were sitting but on the street, walking to try find me, hehe.

It was tiring but I enjoyed my adventure. An experience that I could never forget. My stay in Kobe ~ though it was brief ~ gave me the idea that it was a busy city. 

But wait, notice that no people around the statue I see standing alone on the sidestreet. I have seen quite a number of statues along the street.  They are nice but not sure about the secret behind it. It does not say anything, anywhere. It's just there!

Neverthesless, I will give you a hint on how the city looks like. You will wonder how I lost myself in this city. Spend little time checking information and tips I have here. Come along, it will take few minutes.

Sannomiya Train Station in Kobe JAPAN

Get Off at Sannomiya Train Station. If you are visiting Kobe, I recommend you take the JR Subway train. Subway systems in Japan and Kobe in particular are very convenient. If you are coming from either Osaka or Himeji, you have to get off at Sannomiya Station. This is the commuter hub in Kobe serving as the transfer point for the three major intercity rail lines, the JR Kobe Line, the Hankyu Kobe Line, and the Hanshin Main Line.

Sannomiya is a district of Kobe, Japan and the biggest downtown in the city. You will enjoy shopping at the department stores just right in front of the Sannomiya Railway Station.
 

A Unique Statue in the centre of Kobe JAPAN

Tokyu Hands: Shop Until you Drop. You will see the Ikuta Road leading to the Tokyu Hands Store. It is a local department store with many branches all over Japan. This store is in Sannomiya situated near the Sannomiya Train Station. It caters to almost anything from household goods, bags, toys, games, gift cards, novelties and do-it-yourself kits.

Come along and have a look.It is approximately 7 to 10 minutes on foot.

A Unique Statue. Have you seen this statue in a strategic location in the centre of Kobe? It is one of those statues I have mentioned earlier. You will find it in a small park-like circle in Sannomiya district leading to a shopping street in the downtown core. Take a close look. Have you figured out what represent this statue?  Bodies on top of one another! I am sure there is a reason why it is there. I just did not have a chance to check if there is a marker explaining the relevance of its uniqueness. Do me a favour, check this out when you are in Kobe.

The Kobe Shrine in Kobe JAPAN

The Kobe Shrine. Notice the entrance of a shrine in Kobe. You will notice the art which is a homegrown attraction which resembles Japan tradition. Kobe is cosmopolitan and with the shrine in the centre of the city is surely an attraction not to be missed. 

Entering the Higashimon Street. If you are trying to find bars and restaurant, go to Higashimon Street. You will experience almost every dish and drinks you are craving for especially the local ones. See the entrance to this street. It is walking distance from the Sannomiya Station. You won't miss it. But mind you, it is a narrow road and notice a bunch of trucks and all kinds of vehicles blocking the entrance.  But....does it matter? Go ahead, take a look. But, be cautious!

Higashimon Street in Kobe JAPAN

Tokyu Hands Shopping Centre at Ikuta Road in Kobe JAPAN