What's fun in Kobe? Isn't it just Qingdao…"

What's fun in Kobe? Isn't it just Qingdao… “What's fun in Kobe? Isn't it just Qingdao?” It's Qingdao, it's Dalian, it's Hong Kong, but it just can't be Kobe… For adults, not being a killjoy is basic courtesy. The meaning of travel has increasingly become a matter of personal taste and niche hobbies. 🇯🇵If you've done even simple research, you'll know that Kobe is a coastal city with Suma Beach🏝️, the million-dollar night view of Mount Rokko and Mount Maya🌃, Kobe beef, and Arima Onsen. But if you dig a little deeper, you'll discover that Kobe is an old industrial city where most shopkeepers don't speak English, and drugstores have "Help Wanted" signs seeking bilingual staff. You have to go up Mount Maya and Mount Rokko early and come down early, or you'll miss the last train and have to walk down a dark mountain path. At the port, you can even see remnants of 1990s corporations— like the city itself, old but respectable, allowing you to imagine the prosperity and boom here during the economic heyday. Just ticking off tourist spots will only leave you thinking, "Oh, that's it?" But if you stay overnight, you might just unveil Kobe's hidden curtain. It's the glowing sea at Maiko Marine Promenade🌊, the tourist boats waiting at the port🚢, the Suma sunset reflecting on your face🌇, the aroma of fried croquettes wafting from the station kiosk🍘, the slow arrival of the train🚈, crows scattering and shaking the overhead wires, and elderly Japanese men and women nodding to you on the downhill path👵. ♨️At night, slide open the wooden door, and the hot spring well cover in the courtyard steams, the medicinal waters washing away the day's fatigue. As you gaze out the window at the darkening streets, you've truly arrived in Kobe. There's no set itinerary for Kobe. If you only have one day, go to the beach if you like the sea, or stroll up the mountain if you like night views. 🌌"Speed is the form of ecstasy, and slowness is linked to memory" - Milan Kundera Tips:🌟From Osaka Station, take the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Main Line (Special Rapid Service, Okayama/Himeji direction) for about 35-40 minutes directly to Suma Station. Suma Seaside Park: A 5-minute walk, offering sea views and beaches, ideal for photos. Sumadera Temple (15-minute walk) has cherry blossoms in spring. Recommended one-way route: From Suma Station, walk or cycle eastward along the coast, passing the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge observation point, gradually moving towards Nada Station. ⚠️Transfer: Suma Station → Nada Station JR Train: From Suma Station, take the JR Sanyo Line (Osaka direction) to Nada Station, about a 10-minute ride (Special Rapid Service), frequent departures. 🚇Return: Nada Station → Osaka Station Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art: About a 10-minute walk from Nada Station, an architectural marvel designed by Tadao Ando, with a highlight being the ocean-view terrace (Open: 10:00-18:00, closed Mondays). 🚃: Suica card can be used throughout. 🗺️Google Maps