Calendar of Events

11 ...... Founding of Japan Day BEGINNING TO MID-APRIL

january 17 ...... Ritual archery at Kyoto Gosho 1...... New Year’s Holiday Ohgo Hachiman Shrine, Miki Special open house at Sunrise viewing on Mt. Rokko Emperor’s home MID-JAN. TO FIRST OF FEB. 1-3 ...... Hatsumode 29 ...... Greenery Day Families visit shrines and temples Chinese New Year Festival in Nankinmachi (Chinatown) MID APRIL TO FIRST OF MAY Lion and dragon dances 2 ...... Blessing of the Waters Infiorata Festival at Arima Onsen Originating in Italy; covering 25 ...... Ume no Hana streets with pictures made from Festival at Kitano Tenmangu, 3 ...... Karuta Hajime ÁRZHUSHWDOV Japanese picture card Kyoto competition at Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto FEB. THROUGH MARCH may Plum viewing at 2-3 ...... Grand Tea Ceremony 3-7 . . . . . Demon dance at Myo- Sumaura-Sanjo Yuen, at Suma-dera hoji in Suma, Myohoji in Tarumi, Suma Rikyu Park and and elsewhere other areas 3-4 ...... Danjiri Matsuri +LJDVKLQDGD6KULQHÁRDWSDUDGHDW . . . . Ebisu (the God of Busi- 9-11 Hanshin Mikage ness) festivals at all Ebisu Shrines march (Yagihara, Nishinomiya, Osaka) 3 ...... Constitution Day 3 ...... Hina Matsuri SECOND MONDAY IN JANUARY (Girl’s Day) Elaborate displays of dolls 4 ...... Civic Holiday Coming of Age Day in homes, famous festival in Celebration for those turning 20, Wakayama 5 ...... Children’s Day legal adult age in Japan ...... 21 ...... Vernal Equinox Day 15 Aoi Matsuri One of the three most famous fes- 18-19 . . Ritual archery at Rokko Last week of March, beginning of tivals of Kyoto, parade of antique Hachiman Shrine and Taihata April is usually cherry blossom costumes, carriages, horses etc. Hachiman, Tarumi viewing time.

17 ...... Danjiri Matsuri february april 1DGD6KULQHÁRDWSDUDGH 3 ...... Setsubun (traditional 1-12 . . . . . Cherry blossom THIRD SUNDAY end of winter/start of spring) festivals in Kobe Demon dance at Nagata Shrine. Kobe Matsuri Bean throwing ceremony at Ikuta 3DUDGHRIEDQGVÁRDWVcostumed and Minatogawa Shrines international groups etc.

138 LIVING IN KOBE - WWW.CHICKOBE.COM For more information, visit www. chickobe.com

16 ...... Daimonji Gozan Kyoto; procession of costumes from june Okuri-bi (Bonfire of 5 Mountains) ancient Heian to modern Meiji era Buddhist ceremony to guide spirits MID-JUNE back to their homes Iris Festival, Suma Rikyu Park november Free green tea on weekends 2-3 ...... Grand Tea Ceremony september in Arima EARLY SEPT july 3 ...... Culture Day Rokko Island Summer Festival THIRD MONDAY 3 ...... Kyokusui no En Marine Day THIRD MONDAY Ceremony to create a “waka”, short Respect for the Aged Day SRHPZKLOHDFXSRIVDNHÁRDWVRQ MID-JULY TO EARLY AUGUST water from one person to the next Kobe Fireworks Festival at Kobe MID SEPT. TO FIRST OF OCT. MID-MONTH Port, Saturday evening Nankinmachi )RURWKHUÀUHZRUNVVKRZVFKHFN (Chinatown) festival Shichi-go-san ceremony your English newspaper, CHIC Visit to shrine by kimono-clad website, and Kansai Scene. Kyoto Imperial Palace 7-year-old girls, 5-year-old boys Open House and all 3-year-olds. SOMETIME DURING JULY Gion Matsuri 23 ...... Autumn Equinox Day 23 ...... Labor Thanksgiving Day The biggest festival in Japan, started 1,700 years ago to drive away diseases, famous giant october december floats pulled by Japanese men MID OCTOBER 11-25 . . . Luminarie Display of lights in downtown Kobe Jazz Street Kobe (the two weeks before Good music at various venues august Christmas) 8...... Summer Festival at SECOND MONDAY Maya Tenjo Temple (Mt. Rokko) 23 ...... Emperor’s Birthday Sports and Health Day

13-16 . . . Obon 31 ...... New Year’s Eve (Festival of Lanterns) SECOND SUNDAY Time for departed ancestors to Rokujyo Hachimangu 31 ...... Joya no Kane Ringing of the bell at all temples visit relatives; typical Bon Odori Yabusame (archery) (dances), neighborhood dressed to drive away 108 sins of mankind up in yukata (cotton summer ki- and have a bright new future. 22 ...... Jidai Matsuri, Kyoto mono) dancing to taiko (drums) To commemorate the anniversary of the transfer of the capital of Japan to

WWW.CHICKOBE.COM - LIVING IN KOBE 139 NOTES

140 LIVING IN KOBE - WWW.CHICKOBE.COM Recreation & 9 Entertainment Seasonal Events Museums & Galleries Animals & Zoos Sports & Fitness Athletics & Adventure Sporting Events Playgrounds Entertainment Botanical Gardens Brewery & Winery Tours

Maiko odori, Gion, Kyoto

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There is so much to see and do right here in Chinatown or Nankin-machi, is an your neighborhood! interesting area to stroll around and a great place to sample all sorts of Chinese food, Kobe is a treasure chest awaiting your since many restaurants and shops set-up day discovery, limited only by the time you have stalls on the streets. This is one place where available. Much of what is mentioned here eating in public is not frowned upon. There can be done in a day or less. are dozens of shops here as well, including Mt. Rokko, the mountain that forms JURFHU\VWDOOVZLWKKDUGWRÀQGIUHVKKHUEV-5 the backdrop of Kobe, is a family get-away Motomachi is the closest station. paradise particularly in the hot summer Harborland and Meriken Park, months when it is often ten degrees cooler southwest of Sannomiya, make for a nice on the mountain. There are a number of day out. Harborland has many shopping and ways to get up to Mt. Rokko: car; train from dining choices, a small amusement park and Sannomiya; bus from Sannomiya or Ashiya; piers from where the harbor cruises leave. cable car from Rokko, or even on foot. Mt. Hankyu ÀUVW JROI FRXUVH WKH .REH *ROI &OXE EXLOW Sannomiya, JR Shin-Kobe, and other stations. by a former foreign resident). There is also a model farm, family attractions, a number of hotels, a ski slope in winter and spectacular Seasonal Events night-time views. New Year Holidays (Oshogatsu) On the other side of Mt. Rokko lies one of Dec. 31-Jan. 3 the country’s oldest spas, Arima Onsen. The A typical Japanese-style New Year’s Eve ambience is one of a by-gone era and there is a quiet, at-home family affair. The major is much charm here, particularly in some of entertainment event is the Kohaku Utagassen the older Japanese inns (ryokan). If you are TV show, a singing contest among the looking for a Japanese inn experience, but do nation’s most popular singers. The show not want to wander too far from home then ends conveniently before midnight, as Arima is the place for you. the TV footage automatically changes to In Kobe proper, plan on spending at breathtaking scenes from temples around the least one afternoon wandering around nation and the tolling of the temple bells (108 the winding alleys of Kitano, soaking times, cleansing mankind of its 108 sins). up the historic atmosphere (see Map A). At midnight, everyone says “Akemashite The Ijinkan area is home to many former Omedeto Gozaimasu!” (Happy New Year!). residences built by foreigners after the Many Japanese families then eat a bowl of Port of Kobe was opened to foreign trade New Year’s buckwheat noodles (soba) to in 1868. Many are now museums open to ensure a long life from the long noodles. the public, but the area is also home to The next morning the family gathers for a art museums and souvenir shops. Kitano special New Year ceremony, consisting of a is also famous for its numerous bars and greeting from the head of the family, a toast restaurants, stylish cafés, live Jazz venues of sake, a meal of special New Year dishes and attractive boutiques. (osechi ryori) and soup (ozoni) with sticky

142 LIVING IN KOBE - WWW.CHICKOBE.COM rice-cake dumplings (mochi) and the giving You’ll visit various temples in the vast, of a gift of money (otoshi dama) to children. ancient shrine complex, whilst also enjoying 'XULQJ WKH ÀUVW GD\V RI WKH \HDU LW LV VDNHDQGWKHVLJKWV(YHQWXDOO\\RXZLOOÀQG customary to visit a temple or shrine (a yourself – along with hundreds of thousands practice known as hatsumode) to offer of other people – awaiting the sunrise on a prayers for the New Year. Huge crowds beach near the famous “married rock”, two can be found at Ikuta Shrine (Sannomiya), rocks in the water linked by a large rice-straw Yasaka Shrine (Maruyama Park, Kyoto), URSH :KHQ WKH VXQ ÀQDOO\ ULVHV RYHU WKH Sumiyoshi Shrine (Sumiyoshi, Osaka), or horizon the crowd shouts, “Banzai!” Ebisu Shrine (Namba, Osaka). These days, however, it is also common For a bit of New Year excitement for raucous activities to be held in city centers Japanese-style, you could join the thousands in celebration of the coming year, much as is who descend on Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture. done in other parts of the world. In the early evening of Dec. 31, go to the Kintetsu Line’s Namba Station (Osaka) and Sumo board a train for Iseshi Station, about two There are six Grand Sumo tournaments hours away. Upon arrival, buy your all-night each year in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and bus ticket and then just follow the crowd. Fukuoka, each begins on a Sunday and

Sumo, Osaka Grand Tournament

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runs for 15 days. Every March, the spring Useful Japanese Vocabulary: sumo tournament is held in Osaka at the Recreation & Entertainment Osaka Prefectural Gym (see Directory- Sports). Experiencing at least one sumo tournament during your stay in Japan is a must! It is a great day out, enjoyed by young and old alike.

Tickets are hard to come by, so check if CHIC has an excursion planned to see Japan’s XQRIÀFLDOQDWLRQDOVSRUW

Cherry blossom viewing (Ohanami) Truly, there is no more beautiful time to be in Japan. Some of the best places in Kobe to view cherry blossoms are listed below. Bring a picnic blanket and a hamper of food and drink. However, be aware that there will be huge crowds at these sites, which means lots of crowded trains, on-the-spot karaoke, food vendors galore and the occasional partier who’s had too much to drink. It’s worth it and part of the fun. The cherry blossom season lasts only a week or two, from the end of March through to mid-April. Don’t wait for a weekend – rain can play havoc with Cherry blossom viewing your plans. Get out as soon as you can!

144 LIVING IN KOBE - WWW.CHICKOBE.COM % Ashiyagawa River name a few. Ikuta Shrine in Sannomiya offers Hankyu Ashiyagawa Station, Hanshin non-Japanese children the chance to participate Ashiyagawa Station in shichi-go-san every October/November. The % Ikutagawa River children are dressed in kimono to attend the South of Shin-Kobe Station ceremony. If your child will be the right age ask at CHIC for more details on how to participate. % Shukugawa River Hankyu Shukugawa Station, Hanshin .ĿURHQ6WDWLRQ-56DNXUD6KXNXJDZD Fireworks (Hanabi) Fireworks displays are often offered % Sumaura Park in connection with the Obon Festival JR Suma Station, Sanyo/Hanshin Suma (Festival of Lanterns, so named because Station of the decorative paper lanterns displayed in homes to guide the spirits of departed )DUWKHUDÀHOG\RXFDQVHHFKHUU\EORVVRPV ancestors home). Check the July and at Himeji Castle (just north of JR Himeji August issues of Kansai Scene, Kobe City Station); Akashi Castle (north of JR Akashi Information Center (Tel: 078-322-0220) or Station); Kabutoyama in Nishinomiya; Hanabi Walker (in Japanese, http://hanabi. Minoh Park in Osaka; Osaka Castle Park; as walkerplus.com) for times and dates at well as Arashiyama, Maruyama park, and the popular locations such as Akashi beach, Philosopher’s Walk, all in Kyoto. During the Ashiyahama, Meriken Park/Harborland and peak of cherry blossom season some temples Yodogawa and Inagawa in Osaka. in Kyoto have an evening light-up event. Kobe Oji Zoo also stays open late for an Autumn leaves (Momiji gari) evening light-up over three days. In Japan, nature and the seasons are Another round of cherry blossoms bloom appreciated to the fullest. In the fall, admiring in late April. These are yai-zakura, or eight- nature’s palette is popular along the ropeway petaled blossoms. The best place to enjoy to the Nunobiki Herb Park (near Shin-Kobe these lush blossoms is the garden of the Osaka Station), the Maya cable car, the ropeway Mint Bureau, at Tenmabashi, Osaka (free to Arima Onsen, Minoh Park (Osaka) and entry, check www.mint.go.jp/eng/index.html many places in and around Kyoto (notably for details of opening times). Arashiyama, Kiyomizu Temple, the Philosopher’s Walk, Sagano and Kiyotaki). Neighborhood festivals (Matsuri) Spring and fall festivals often revolve around Animals & Zoos KRSHV IRU D JRRG VHDVRQ RI ÀVKLQJ DQG Himeji Central Park harvesting. There is usually a parade of children An amusement park and drive-through carrying a portable shrine (mikoshi) around animal safari park. The amusement park the neighborhood. Other family-type activities has a good variety of rides from tame to are held at the local shrine: the blessing of a terrifying and swimming pools with chutes newborn child (omiyamairi), the warding off of and slides. The safari park has a drive- evil spirits (oharai) and the blessing of children through route to see lions and other large DJHG VHYHQ ÀYH RU WKUHH shichi-go-san), to animals, as well as walk-through animal

WWW.CHICKOBE.COM - LIVING IN KOBE 145 9 Recreation & Entertainment enclosures. By car: take the Dai-Ni- 17:00 (16:00 Winter); amusement park Shinmei Expressway to the Himeji Bypass open 10:00-17:30 (16:30 winter). Closed Higashi exit. By public transport: take Bus Wednesday, except National Holidays and No. 4 from JR Himeji Station (25 minutes Spring, Summer and Winter holidays. Tel: to Central Park). Safari park open 10:00- 0792-64-1611.

Osaka Aquarium Itami City Museum of Insects Located in the grounds of Koyaike Park the highlight of the Insect Museum is the tropical JUHHQKRXVHKRPHWRPDQ\W\SHVRIEXWWHUÁLHV (in a large, walk-through enclosure) and also IXOO RI ÁRZHUV 7KLV LV D JRRG FKRLFH IRU D Winter outing as the greenhouse is kept at tropical temperatures all year. Closest stations are JR Itami and Hankyu Itami. Fifteen minutes by bus from No. 4 bus stop. Open 9:30-16:30. Closed Tuesday, following day if a National Holiday. Tel: 0727-85-3582. www.itakon.com/html/english.html

Kobe Flowers & Birds Garden (Kobe Kachoen) Located on Port Island, this all-weather attraction houses a large number of birds (penguins, toucans, parrots and owls, amongst others) that visitors are able to touch and feed. The greenhouses DOVR KRXVH VWXQQLQJ ÁRUDO GLVSOD\V particularly begonias, fuchsias and water lilies. A popular outing with children and adults alike. Closest station is Port Island Minami (Kachoen Mae) Station on the Port Liner from Sannomiya. Open daily, 9:30-17:30. Tel: 078-302-8899. www.kamoltd.co.jp/kobe/english

Kobe Oji Zoo A small, well-kept zoo famous for its pandas, but it also has many of the traditional animals as well as numerous aquatic animals and birds and a children’s petting area. This is an easy weekend activity for families. Kobe Oji Zoo

146 LIVING IN KOBE - WWW.CHICKOBE.COM After seeing the zoo, stop by the wheel, as well as the Suntory Art Museum and amusement park – admission is included the 3D IMAX theater. Open 10:00-20:00. Tel: in the zoo ticket price. Free for children 06-6576-5555. www.kaiyukan.com under 12. Rides, charged separately, are suitable for small children. Parking Rokko Pasture available, also easy access by train (Hankyu (Rokko-san Bokujo) Oji Koen Station) and by bus No. 91 or Enjoy visiting a working farm with cows, 92 from Sannomiya. Open March-October sheep, goats and ducks. Pony rides available 9:00-17:00; November-February 9:00- at the small playground and horseback 16:30. Closed Wednesday, except National riding can be arranged at the stables, just Holidays. Tel: 078-861-5624. DÀYHPLQXWHZDONDORQJWKHURDG$FFHVV is by bus from Maya Sanjo Station (top Miki Horse Land Park ropeway station). By car: take Omote- Miki Horse Land Park offers a cross- Rokko Driveway, turn left and go another country, horse-riding course - hence ten-minutes or drive up Futabi Driveway, the park’s name but there are plenty of turn right at the top and go 15 minutes. attractions even for those who do not ride Open 9:00-17:00, March to November. horses. Depending on the day, visitors can Closed Tuesday. Tel: 078-891-0280. test-ride horse-drawn carriages and ponies. There are also other events such as “carrot Suma Aqualife Park time” where visitors can feed carrots to the An excellent aquarium featuring hundreds horses. Horse-riding lessons for beginners of marine creatures, large and small. The and trekking courses are also available. live dolphin shows are the real highlight Facilities available include ample greenery of a trip here and occur throughout the and open areas, a campground, horse-drawn day. There is also a small amusement park. carriages and a number of eateries. There Limited parking so go early if driving on is free parking for 500 vehicles. Entrance weekends. Convenient access from JR to the park is also free, though there are Suma Station and Hanshin Suma Station. various charges for riding the horses. Open Also via bus No.85 from JR Kobe Station. daily 9:00-17:00. Tel: 0120-816-892. www. Open 9:00-17:00. Closed Wednesday. Tel: miki-hlp.or.jp (Japanese only). 078-731-7301. Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan) A spectacular aquarium celebrating aquatic Tennoji Zoo This is a pleasant zoo with over 1,500 OLIH LQ DQG DURXQG WKH 3DFLÀF 2FHDQ 7KH animals (300 different species) and includes PXOWLVWRUH\ 3DFLÀF 2FHDQ WDQN KRXVHV WKH a hippopotamus house, a reptile house and largest denizens including a whale shark, D KXJH DYLDU\ /RFDWHG LQ 7HQQĿML 3DUN LQ WKHZRUOG·VODUJHVWÀVK%\FDUWDNH5RXWH VRXWKHUQ2VDNDQHDU-57HQQĿML6WDWLRQDQG and exit at Tempozan then follow the signs to 'ĿEXWVXHQ0DH 6WDWLRQ RQ WKH 0LGRVXML .DL\XNDQ%\WUDLQÀYHPLQXWHVRQIRRWIURP subway line. Open 9:30-17:00 (18:00 on Osakako Station on the Chuo subway line. weekends). Closed Monday, following day if Next door is Market Place, a huge shopping a National Holiday. Tel: 06-6771-8401. and dining mall and Osaka’s largest Ferris

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its popularity bookings should be made in Athletics & Adventure advance. Tel: 0570-06-4343 (reservations). Playgrounds www.kidzania.jp/koshien/about/e_index.html Greenpia Miki A huge recreation park, it offers year-round Maruyama Park Near the Kobe Union Church in Nada, this fun: in the Summer, outdoor pools with ODUJHRSHQÀHOGIRUPHUO\IRUWKH.REH6WHHO slides, chutes and a wave pool; in Winter, baseball club, has a nice children’s playground ice skating rinks. There’s an adventure with big slides and plenty of space for kids to playground, athletic assault course, cycling run around. course, maze and more. By car: take Shin- Kobe Tunnel to just before Miki and follow the signs. By train: take Kobe Dentetsu Ao Mosaic Garden This small amusement park, next to Line to Midorigaoka Station and transfer to the Mosaic shopping and restaurant bus (15 minutes to park). Activities have complex in Harborland, has one of separate fees. Tel: 0794-83-5211. the largest Ferris wheels in Japan. Suited to younger children. Follow the KidZania Koshien crowds from JR Kobe Station to the Located inside the Lalaport Koshien water or take the Kobe subway Kaigan shopping centre, KidZania is a child-sized Line to Harborland. You can’t miss it. replica of a real city, including buildings, www.kobe-mosaic.co.jp/en/information.html shops and theaters, as well as vehicles and pedestrians moving along its streets. In this city, children aged 2-14 learn about the adult Oji Koen There are two very good adventure world, and the value of money and work, by playgrounds near Oji Zoo, one for smaller experiencing up to 70 different professions. children and the other for older children. Best suited to children under 10 years, must be accompanied by an adult. Due to

Mosaic, Kobe Harborland

148 LIVING IN KOBE - WWW.CHICKOBE.COM Rokko Country House

Rokko Country House This mountaintop facility has many attractions, including mini-golf, grass skiing (Summer), snow skiing (Winter), pond boats, children’s rides and large, open grounds. Two-minute walk from Rokko Sancho Country Ropeway Station. Tel: 078- 891-0366.

Rokko Field Athletics Course An obstacle course containing 40 different challenges that winds through the trees and ÀQLVKHV EDFN DW WKH VWDUWLQJ SODFH (DFK WKHWXQQHO WXUQULJKWDWWKHWUDIÀFOLJKW obstacle can be bypassed if necessary. Five above the tunnel). By train: Sanyo Line to minutes’ walk from Rokko Country House. Tsukimiyama Station, then an eight-minute Open 10:00-17:00. Closed Thursdays. ¥900 walk to the park entrance. Closed Thursday, for adults, ¥500 kids. Tel: 078-891-0366. following day if a National Holiday, and New Year Holidays. Tel: 078-732-6688. Shiawase-no-mura This giant picnic, sports, recreation and Takarazuka Garden Fields rehabilitation complex is operated by the Formerly Takarazuka Family Land, an city and features a pool, tennis courts, amusement park which was closed in 2003, archery, lawn bowling, pony rides, hot and re-opened as a city park on the original spring facilities, a large Japanese garden and site of the Takarazuka Revue. The Garden a huge adventure park for younger children. Fields currently consists of English gardens, Located in northern Kobe. Paid parking a garden and coffee shop, a dog park, a available. Bus service from Sannomiya pet shop, and a restaurant. Pets welcome. (No. 66, near Phoenix Hall on Flower Road, Located 10 minutes walk southeast from across from Sogo). Open daily, 9:00-18:00 Hankyu or JR Takarazuka stations. Tel: (19:00 April to August). Tel: 078-743- 0797-85-6210. 8000. www.shiawasenomura.org/english/ www.gardenfields.jp (Japanese only) village_of_appiness_kobe.html Hyogo Animal Circle Park Suma Rikyu Park Bring your dog and enjoy a day out with A park with European-style fountains, the whole family in the foothills. No lead waterfalls and gardens. It also has an necessary. Eat in the dog café or barbeque athletics/obstacle course with some stations area. Visitors can also adopt a new dog or suitable for young children. All obstacles cat from the shelter on site. Open 10:00- can be bypassed. By car: take Hanshin 16:00, entrance ¥1500 adults, ¥800 middle ([SUHVVZD\WR7VXNLPL\DPDH[LW ÀUVWH[LW school students, ¥500 elementary students. after Suma), follow the signs to Kobe Sports Tel: 078-986-0819. Park (stay in the left lane, don’t go through http://eonet.jp/travel/data/3025319_1386.html

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Sannomiya or take bus No. 25. Open 9:00- Botanical Gardens 17:00. Closed Wednesday, following day if Hattori Ryokuchi Koen a National Holiday, and New Year period. Formed out of the Osaka Flower Exhibition Tel: 078-591-0253. 1990, the arboretum features exhibitions RI VHDVRQDO ÁRZHUV QRWDEO\ FDPHOOLD Kobe Municipal Fruit & Flower Park hydrangeas and tulips). However the park This park has something for everyone: itself features bamboo and pine forests, a small amusement park, seasonal fruit as well as numerous cultural and sporting picking, hot spring and hotel, barbeque IDFLOLWLHV WHQQLV FRXUWV VRFFHU ÀHOGV DQG facilities and restaurants. In the summer LQ6XPPHUZDWHUVOLGHVDÁRZLQJFXUUHQW there is a swimming pool and in the winter pool and a family pool). The Open-Air it is converted to an ice skating rink. On Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses the Rokko-Kita Toll Road, exit Ozo IC, or displays some old Japanese-style thatched 20 minutes by city bus No. 69 or by Shinki roof houses relocated from their original bus from the Okaba Station (on the Kobe location. Take the Midosuji subway to Dentetsu Line, from Minatogawa). Tel: Ryokuchi Koen Station. Tel: 06-6862-4945, 078-954-1000. arboretum 06-6866-3621. Mino Park Kabutoyama Forest Park 'HVLJQDWHG DV -DSDQ·V ÀUVW SXEOLF SDUN LQ Kabutoyama is the large cinder cone visible 1871 Mino Park is beautiful in all seasons, but at the east end of Mt. Rokko, just north of spectacular (and crowded) in the fall when the Nishinomiya. At the foot is a reservoir and park maple (momiji) leaves change color. There are with a picnic area and hiking trails. Hundreds of waterfalls, hiking trails, an insect museum and cherry trees make it a popular picnic spot in the EXWWHUÁ\KRXVH%HFDXWLRXVRIWKHPRQNH\V spring. Access by Hanshin bus (Kabutoyama who are accustomed to the human invasion of Shirin Koen-mae) or Hankyu bus (Koyoen their territory and knowledgeable about foods Station). Tel: 0798-73-4600. being carried, especially by small children walking and snacking. Avoid driving during Kobe Municipal Arboretum WKH IDOO ² 0LQR WUDIÀF MDPV DUH OHJHQGDU\ (Kobe Shiritsu Shinrin Shokubutsuen) By train: take the Hankyu Takarazuka line to The perfect place for active kids and Minoh Station. city dwellers aching for the countryside. This vast area of forests and meadows Nunobiki Herb Park features hiking trails, a small pond, animal A lovely garden featuring 150 plant enclosures and an exhibit hall/handicraft varieties (75,000 plants in all) located on center. Among the attractions are trees from the slopes just above Shin-Kobe Station. It forests in Australia, Siberia, Europe and also includes a greenhouse, spice workshop the U.S; as well as azaleas, hydrangeas and and restaurant/observation deck, with rhododendrons. It also has a large athletic superb views over Kobe. Access: ropeway ÀHOG ZLWK YDULRXV H[HUFLVH VWUXFWXUHV from Shin-Kobe station. Closed second and for kids. English pamphlet available. fourth Monday, New Year holidays. Tel: Approximately 20 minutes by car from 078-271-1131.

150 LIVING IN KOBE - WWW.CHICKOBE.COM Sake brewing demonstration

Beer Sorakuen Garden Beer has long been a favorite beverage of A formal Japanese garden and pond created Kobe’s citizens, especially in Summer. by a former mayor of Kobe, just north of the During the hot, sultry summer beer gardens +\RJR 3UHIHFWXUDO RIÀFHV LQ 6DQQRPL\D ÁRXULVKVRPHGHSDUWPHQWVWRUHVKDYHRSHQ This is a great place to visit during azalea air roof areas converted to serve an endless season in May and chrysanthemum season river of beer, food, Summer skies and in November. Open 9:00-17:00. Closed warm breezes. Keep an eye out for posters Thursday, following day if a National in trains as summer approaches or check Holiday, and New Year holidays. Tel: 078- out http://hyogo.beer-garden.info for the 351-5155. RIÀFLDO OLVWLQJV D EDVLF XQGHUVWDQGLQJ RI Japanese required). Brewery & Winery Tours To learn more about the brew, here are a few Please remember that Japan has the strictest local favorites that offer guided tours (English drink-driving laws in the world, with zero- occasionally available) and/or tastings. tolerance for drivers. Even passengers in cars whose driver has been drinking can, and Asahi Brewery will, be charged. If you plan to visit any of The Nishinomiya facility of this major the following establishments and imbibe, take brewer offers regular 90-minute tours public transport and leave the car at home. with free beer tasting at the end. By train: 2 minute walk from Hankyu Hanshin- kokudo Station or 15 minute walk from JR

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Nishinomiya Station. By car: 10 minute museums in the area; available from its drive from Nishinomiya interchange on the RIÀFHDQGPDMRUWUDLQVWDWLRQV Meishin Expressway. Tel: 0798-36-9595. www.asahibeer.co.jp/brewery Hakushika Memorial Museum of Sake Kirin Beer Park Kobe This museum has two parts: one area This brewery in Sanda offers regular tours showing the sake brewing process and a and tastings from one of Japan’s biggest second area showcasing materials used in names in beer. Brewery tours start at 9:30, the production and consumption of sake. 10:30, 11:30, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 and English pamphlet available. Open 10:00- 16:00 and last approximately 40 minutes. 17:00. Closed Tuesday. Fifteen-minute walk The beer park is a 15-minute ride by south from the Ebisu entrance at Hanshin taxi or bus from Sanda Station of JR or Nishinomiya Station. Tel: 0798-33-0088. Kobe Dentetsu. The “Kirin Lager Bus”, www.hakushika.co.jp/en a beer can-shaped shuttle bus (capacity 60 persons), leaves Sanda JR & Kobe Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum Dentetsu stations at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, A good step-by-step tour through the sake 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, and 15:30 every day process; videos in English available, plus a except Monday (available Monday if a tasting room. Just a short walk from Hanshin national holiday). Tel: 078-986-8001. Sumiyoshi or Hanshin Mikage Station. Open 9:00-16:30. Closed Monday, following day Sake if Monday is a National Holiday and New Due to the quality of the locally grown Year and Obon holidays. Tel: 078-822-8907. Japanese rice, the purity of the mineral www.hakutsuru-sake.com/content/08.html water (miyamizu) that wells up in Nada KDYLQJ ÁRZHG XQGHUJURXQG IURP WKH 0W Rokko Mountain range), and of course Kobe Shu-shin-kan Brewery the proximity of the Port of Kobe, some (Fukuju Shushin Museum) Unlike the other breweries, Shu-shin-kan of the biggest (and a few of the smallest) permits visitors to tour the actual brew names in sake are located in the Nada and house from October to March (traditionally Higashinada wards of Kobe. In fact Nada sake is only brewed in winter, although is the top sake producing region worldwide some other companies now produce year- and accounts of almost 30 percent of all round). Free tastings of sake from the Japanese production. Many of the traditional various stages of production are offered wooden brewery buildings were destroyed in and many snacks to accompany sake the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, are available for purchase. The brewery but whilst they have been rebuilt they have also features a restaurant open for lunch not compromised on the traditional methods and dinner. Eight-minute walk from of sake production. Most sake brewers Hanshin Ishiyagawa Station. Open daily offer tours (English occasionally available), 10:00-18:00. Closed New Year holidays. tastings and special events throughout the Recommended to make a reservation for year. The Kobe City Information Center the tour the day prior to your planned has published a map of sake breweries and

152 LIVING IN KOBE - WWW.CHICKOBE.COM visit, tours take place at 14:00pm. prior to closing. English translation is Tel: 078-841-1121. sometimes available. www.enjoyfukuju.com/english/our_brewery/ index.html Earthquake Museum ,WV RIÀFLDO QDPH LV WKH 'LVDVWHU 5HGXFWLRQ Sawanotsuru Museum and Human Renovation Institution (DRI), but This museum displays the traditional sake everyone calls it the Earthquake Museum. This brewing methods and shows a video of beautiful museum is a memorial to the 1995 the sake making process before the tour. Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that killed A ten-minute walk south from Hanshin more than 6,000 people in Kobe. It features Oishi Station along the Toga River. IRXUÁRRUVRIYLVXDOLPDJHVDFWXDOHDUWKTXDNH Closed Wednesday. Tel: 078-882-7788. damaged materials, a compelling movie and www.sawanotsuru.net/index.htm a virtual earthquake experience. Guides, including earthquake victims, are on hand to relate their experiences and answer questions. Wine Some speak English or other languages. It’s in Japan’s enthusiasm for wine nearly matches HAT Kobe, an eight-minute walk south from that for beer and sake but the capricious JR Nada Station or Hanshin Iwaya Station. climate and high cost of land and labor have Open 9:30-17:30 (18:00 from July-September resulted in few domestic wineries. Luckily for and 19:00 Saturday and Sunday). Closed Kobe residents one is located within reach of Monday, following day if a National Holiday, the city subway. and New Year holidays. Tel: 078-262-5050. www.dri.ne.jp/english/index.html Kobe Winery This is a working winery with a museum, restaurant and amusement park. Take the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art subway to Seishin Chuo then walk ten- The largest art museum in Kobe features minutes or take the bus to the winery. Tel: a permanent collection and frequent guest 078-991-3911. collections. Located at HAT Kobe, south of JR Nada Station or Hanshin Iwaya Museums & Galleries Station. Open 10:00-18:00. Closed Monday, Kansai is home to a vast collection of following day if a National Holiday and museums. There are too many to list here, New Year holidays. Tel: 078-262-0901. but quite a few of them can be found in most www.artm.pref.hyogo.jp/eng/home.html tourist guides. Listed below are those not likely to be Hyogo Prefectural included in a travel guide, but are still more Museum of History than worthy of a special trip. (Hyogo Kenritsu Rekishi As a rule museums are closed at least one Hakubutsu-kan) day a week, usually Monday. Some may also Numerous exhibits of interest to children of all close for New Year holidays (Dec. 31 through ages. Many are hands-on, including a try-it- Jan. 3-4). Hours are generally 10:00-17:00, on kimono/samurai armor corner and a play- with last admission generally 30-minutes

WWW.CHICKOBE.COM - LIVING IN KOBE 153 9 Recreation & Entertainment and-read spot with old-style Japanese toys. Older kids will enjoy the model section with Kobe Fashion Museum replicas of Japanese castles. Most exhibits The history of fashion, special fashion- have explanations in English. Directly behind related seasonal exhibitions and a well- Himeji Castle. From Himeji JR Station, walk stocked library are the attractions at this about 20 minutes, or take the Shinki Bus (No. Rokko Island facility. Open 10:00-18:00. 3-5, No. 61-64, No. 81-86) to Hakubutsukan- Closed Wednesday, following day if a mae. Open 10:00-17:00. Closed Monday, National Holiday. Tel: 078-858-0050. following day if a National Holiday, and www.fashionmuseum.or.jp/english/index.html New Year holidays. Tel: 0792-88-9011. www.hyogo-c.ed.jp/~rekihaku-bo/english/ Kobe Maritime Museum about.html (Kobe Kaikyo Hakubutsu-kan) & Kawasaki Good Times World Japan Folk Art Museum Fun for children and adults, this museum Here you will find Japanese ceramics, features a history of the Port of Kobe and textiles, woodworks and a special display models of ships through the ages. Opposite of Osaka’s traditional handicrafts. Closed Kobe Tower in the middle of Meriken Park. Monday and the second Tuesday of the Ticket includes entrance to Kawasaki Good month. Take the Midosuji subway line Times World, in which children can experience to Namba Station and take Exit 5. Open take-off and landing at Kobe airport through 10:00-17:00. Closed Monday. Tel: 06- D ÁLJKW VLPXODWRU JHW EHKLQG WKH FRQWUROV RI 6641-6309. a Shinkansen, view the performing robots or sit on vintage motorbikes amongst other Kobe City Koiso Memorial attractions. A ten-minute walk south from JR Museum of Art Motomachi Station. Open 10:00-17:00. Closed This small museum on Rokko Island was Monday, following day if a National Holiday. established to commemorate the works of Tel: 078-327-8983. Tel: 078-327-5402. www. Kobe botanical artist Ryohei Koiso. The khi.co.jp/kawasakiworld/english/index.html museum features a replica of his art studio, an art library and three exhibition rooms. Open Kobe Science Museum 10:00-17:00. Closed Monday, following day if a National Holiday. Tel: 078-857-5880. (Kobe Shiritsu Seishonen Kagaku-kan) A multi-storey complex, this Port Island museum features exhibits on science and technology and Kobe City Museum has a planetarium and observatory. Includes Constructed in 1935, this former bank building many hands-on exhibits and areas for children. houses excellent historical, cultural and art Near Minami Koen Station on the Port Liner exhibitions. Special exhibitions are often from Sannomiya. Open Monday-Friday held. Open 10:00-17:00. Closed Monday, 9:30-16:30; Saturday, Sunday and National any day following a National Holiday and Holidays 9:30-19:00. Closed Wednesday, New Year holidays. Tel: 078-391-0035. following day if a National Holiday, and www.city.kobe.lg.jp/culture/culture/institution/ New Year holiday. Tel: 078-302-5177. museum/pdf/kcm_e_guide.pdf www.kobe-kagakukan.jp/english/index.html

154 LIVING IN KOBE - WWW.CHICKOBE.COM Modern Transportation Museum Osaka International Peace Center Sure to delight the “Thomas the Tank Engine” Also known as Peace Osaka, this three- fan in your household and also guaranteed storey building consists of unbiased exhibits to give the older kids and parents plenty about the destructive nature of war, focusing to see and do, this Osaka museum houses a on atrocities committed by both sides large collection of things associated with GXULQJ ::,, 7KH ÀQDO H[KLELWLRQ URRP transportation, particularly trains. Next to highlights the desire for permanent global Bentencho Station on the JR Loop Line. peace and the threats faced in achieving this Open 10:00-17:30. Closed Monday, except goal. Located inside the Osaka Castle Park. National Holidays. Tel: 06-6581-5771. English pamphlet available. Closest station www.mtm.or.jp/eng/index.html is Morinomiya Station on the JR Loop Line. Open 9:30-17:00. Closed Monday, National Museum of Ethnology following day if a National Holiday, New (Kokuritsu Minzokugaku Year holidays and last day of each month. Tel: 06-6947-7208. Hakubutsu-kan) www.peace-osaka.or.jp/pdf/pamphlet_en.pdf

Osaka Human Rights Museum Osaka Science Museum Also known as Liberty Osaka, this is the only (Osaka Shiritsu Kagaku-kan) museum of its kind in the country. It focuses on Science, space and energy are the main themes human rights abuses, in particular the different of this museum. It features an Omnimax theater problems faced in Japan by women, Koreans, plus a three-storey planetarium (one of the Okinawans and others. Through holographic largest in the world). Located on Nakanoshima, images and displays with English narrations, just east of the Royal Hotel. It’s an eight-minute you’ll get a fascinating glimpse into the social walk from the Higobashi Station (exit 3) on problems of Japan. An eight-minute walk from the Yotsubashi subway line and a ten-minute Ashiharabashi Station on the JR Loop Line. walk from Fukushima Station on the JR Loop Open 10:00-17:00. Closed Monday, following Line. Paid parking available. Open 9:30-17:00. day if a National Holiday and New Year Closed Monday or the day after if a National Holidays. Tel: 06-6561-5891. www.liberty. Holiday and New Year holiday. Tel: 06-6444- or.jp/topfile/human-top.htm 5656. www.sci-museum.jp (Japanese)

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most bowling alleys – games, massage, Panasonic Square karaoke, sports, roller skating, pocket This is a high-tech amusement center with lots bikes, billiards, food courts – and is a of interactive and hands-on exhibits produced by great place for birthday parties. Prices 0DWVXVKLWD (OHFWULF RQ WKH VHFRQG ÁRRU RI WKH vary depending on age and the day/time Twin 21 National Building in the Osaka Business of your visit. Open from 10:00, 24 hours Park, near Osaka Castle. By train: three-minute on Friday and Saturday. Free parking. Tel: walk from Osaka Business Park Station on the 072-222-0120. Nagohori Tsurumi-Royokuchi subway line or a ÀYHPLQXWHZDONIURP-5.\REDVKL6WDWLRQ7HO 06-6949-2122. Cycling Only a few roads, such as Route 2, have designated bike lanes and those are Sports & Fitness generally high-traffic routes. However, there are still a few cycling options for Bowling casual and family cyclists who wish Bowling fans and parents looking for inexpensive to avoid traffic. Your best bet is to find IDPLO\HQWHUWDLQPHQWFDQÀQGVHYHUDOH[FHOOHQW a greenbelt, usually near the ocean. alleys in Kobe, including the Kobe Bowling For more information about biking in Club (east of JR Sannomiya Station) and Japan, see Directory-Sports-Cycling. For Rokko Bowl (south of JR Rokkomichi Station). information about purchasing, registering Many have mini-amusement zones with video and riding a bike in Japan, see Chapter 4. games, a restaurant and perhaps a bar. Shoes Two excellent sources of biking can be rented, but smaller children (the smallest information in Kansai and throughout available size is 15cm) and big-footed adults Japan are www.kancycling.com and www. (the largest available size is usually 28cm) japancycling.org. should bring their own non-black-soled shoes, just in case. Ashiya/Shukugawa Greenbelt/ Round One Stadium located near Sakai Seawall station in Osaka offers much more than 7KLV ORQJ ÁDW URXWH VWDUWV EHORZ 5RXWH 43 on the Ashiya River, curves east along the seawall, winds through a beautiful park, follows the seawall again for several kilometers and ultimately goes upstream along the banks of the Shukugawa River.

Mt. Futatabi 7KLV URXWH LV D QDUURZ ZLQGLQJ KLJKWUDIÀF SXEOLF URDG 9HU\ OLWWOH RI LW LV ÁDW 7KH mountain greenery and scenic vistas of the city are spectacular. It starts in the western part of Kitano, near the Kobe Club and goes up to Futatabi Park. Hard-core cyclists can continue Rokko Bowl

156 LIVING IN KOBE - WWW.CHICKOBE.COM up the mountain as far as their conditioning will take them. Futsal If you wish to play Futsal (indoor football) Himeji-Akashi Cycling Road there are numerous courts all over the This bike path, being 35 kilometers in area: Rokko Island, Port Island, Ashiya, length, would suit the more serious rider. Harborland, Sannomiya, HAT Kobe and From Himeji Castle, ride along Route 2 many more. about two kilometers east and across the Ichikawa River. On the east bank you will Golf ÀQGWKHELNHSDWK7KHF\FOLQJURDGIROORZV Kobe is the birthplace of golf in Japan and Route 2 and the seaside industrial zone has many beautiful courses in the mountains and after entering Akashi City becomes an of Rokko and the surrounding areas. Some enjoyable seaside path. The path ends near prestigious tournaments with some of the the center of Akashi City, the location of world’s best players can be viewed at the Japan Standard Time. ORFDO FRXUVHV *ROÀQJ LQ -DSDQ WDNHV WZR forms: the driving range and the golf course. Kande-yamada Cycling Road Driving ranges are plentiful and relatively $SDYHGÁDWNLORPHWHUVF\FOLQJSDWK inexpensive. Golf courses can be quite this runs partly along a lake and a river in expensive, exclusive, members-only clubs. northern Kobe. The Tsukuhara Cycling (See Directory-Sports-Golf). Terminal at the Kande end of the path rents Within an hour of central Kobe there are bicycles for adults and children and also more than 70 golf courses, though only a rents tandem cycles. Thirty minutes from few are within 20 minutes. Most places give Sannomiya by car; city bus service also you a locker, a running tab for your food and available (No. 64, transfer at Minotani). drink, access to the sauna and bath; all for one price. The most elite membership in Kobe is Kansai Cycle Sports Center DWWKH+LURQR*ROI&OXERQHRIWKHÀQHVWDQG A different kind of cycling experience, with toughest, golf courses in Japan. The oldest a variety of unusual bicycles, some without golf course in Kobe is the Kobe Golf Club, pedals. This is fun even for smaller children built in 1903. Check out www.golf-in-japan. because they can ride with a parent. From comWRÀQGRXWPRUH Namba, Osaka, take the Nankai-Koyo line to Kawachi Nagano Station. At the station take the bus to the end of the line, about 20 Hiking Mt. Rokko is crisscrossed with hiking minutes. Tel: 0721-54-3101. trails, most of them easy enough for casual Rokko Island Greenbelt hikers and families. But if you need help getting started, or simply want a few hiking This partially paved path offers cyclists, partners, check out one of the international MRJJHUV VNDWHUV DQG ZDONHUV D ÁDW ZLGH hiking groups such as International Outdoor ÀYHNLORPHWHU SDWK RI JUHHQHU\ DURXQG Club (www.iockansai.com) and Outdoor Rokko Island. Club Japan (http://outdoorclubjapan. com). They regularly offer organized hikes

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RIYDU\LQJGLIÀFXOW\OHYHOVDURXQG.DQVDL Maps of these trails are available at Hiking maps are also available at the Kobe CHIC, but there are usually enough people City Information Center. on the trails, especially on weekends and Good trails to try include the Ashiya holidays, for you to be able to simply follow Rock Garden Trail, which starts above the crowd. Hankyu Ashiyagawa Station and the well- Note: the hills are full of animals, from traveled trail behind Shin-Kobe Station that wild boar (inoshishi) to abandoned pets. leads past the Nunobiki waterfall to the You may also come across snakes and river above. centipedes. In all cases, treat the wildlife Another nice hike is along the abandoned with caution and respect. Don’t try to touch tracks of the JR Fukuchiyama Line in or feed any animals. Takarazuka and Nishinomiya. The trek For more hiking information see these is about two and a half hours and almost books at the Rokko Island City Library, down FRPSOHWHO\ÁDWPDNLQJLWVXLWDEOHHYHQIRU the hall from CHIC: beginning hikers and kids. There is a bit of % Hiker’s Guide to Japan rough and rocky terrain, so make sure to % Hiking in Japan – Adventurer’s Guide to wear proper shoes. The other essential is Mountain Trails D JRRG ÁDVKOLJKW 7KH SDWK ZLOO WDNH \RX through a total of six train tunnels of varying % Lonely Planet Hiking in Japan lengths, all of them unlit and pitch black. These websites are also worth consulting: When you reach Takedao on the other end, % www.outdoorjapan.com it’s worth a stop at Takedao Hot Springs, % www.skijapanguide.com which has a free footbath for hikers!

Jets Jr ice hockey team

158 LIVING IN KOBE - WWW.CHICKOBE.COM For information on climbing Mt. Fuji, see The greenbelt circling Rokko Island is “Getting Away.” a favorite of many. Amenities include dirt paths and tiled pathways with seating areas Ice skating & ice hockey along the south rim near the ocean, two water There are no year-round rinks in Kobe, but fountains, public toilets and a Wildlife Bird several swimming centers convert their Refuge that can be viewed from in-between pools to rinks during winter. Other cities, wooden slats alongside the path. such as Kyoto, Himeji and Takarazuka, do Other popular spots include Oji Koen, near have year-round rinks. During winter, the the Hankyu station and along the banks of the Port Island Sports Center is the closest ice Shukugawa River. A nice location slightly skating rink and offers skating lessons and IDUWKHU DÀHOG LV 2VDND &DVWOH 3DUN HDVLO\ sponsors ice hockey teams for children. reached from Osaka-Jo Station on the JR Rental skates are available. The skate rink Loop Line. opens November to mid-April. Ice skating If you prefer to jog in company there and hockey lessons for children and adults. are numerous branches of the Hash House Closed Wednesdays. Harriers in Kansai. www.hashkobe.com The Kobe Port Island Jets Jr. Ice Hockey Club operating out of Port Island Sports Skiing Center Ice rink is open to ages 4 to 15. No Although most skiers in Japan head for the skating/hockey experience required; free Japan Alps or for Hokkaido, Kobe does have equipment available for beginners. For more a man-made slope on Mt. Rokko suitable for information, contact [email protected] a day’s outing. It is a great place for children or visit http://kobe.cool.ne.jp/kobejets/ and beginners. Open from mid-December to contact_e.shtml mid-March from 9:00-23:00 (snowboarding The Amagasaki Sports Forest rink opens allowed only after 16:00). Entrance and October to Mid-April. They offer skating lift fees apply. Sledding is also available for lessons from children to adults, as well children, open daily 9:00-19:00. as ice hockey lessons. Lessons are on a Ski and snowboarding lessons are also offered monthly basis and sign-up must be made for an additional fee; includes rental skiwear if LQSHUVRQEHIRUHWKHÀUVWOHVVRQGDWH7KH needed. Ski lessons are generally from 11:00- lesson fee includes rental skates and the 16:00; snowboarding lessons are 17:00-21:00. option for the family to skate free after Each lesson includes a one-hour break. the lesson (rental skates extra). Admission There are also group or family lessons is ¥1200 adults, ¥600 children under 12; offered, plus one for younger kids. For more skate rental ¥400. For those with children information, call 078-891-0366. It is advisable to small to skate an indoor pool and a ball to have a Japanese speaker call because the pit/maze is conveniently located next door. enquiry desk at Rokko has very few English- speaking staff. Jogging For more serious skiers and snowboarders There are many parks to be enjoyed in or those looking for a wintry getaway, there neighborhoods and along the various rivers in are several more slopes just a few hours away the Kobe area, simply pull on your shoes and in Hyogo Prefecture and Shiga Prefecture. get going! See Chapter 10 for more information.

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younger. Discounted rates after 5pm. Shuttle Swimming bus available from Hanshin Koshien. Tel: Swimming is very popular and choices 0798-42-2161. abound, from standard lap pools (divided into www.reso.jp (Japanese only) lanes for swimming laps) to aqua-play centers with slides, hot-spring baths and even beaches Amagasaki Sports Forest and rivers. Caps are required for most lap This water park is similar to Dekapathos but pools but not for aqua-play pools. on a smaller scale . Open July to September. 0RVW KHDOWK DQG ÀWQHVV FOXEV KDYH The indoor swimming pool is open year swimming pools and most offer lessons. round and well-maintained. Entrance Many of the large parks and amusement is ¥1200 for adults, ¥800 for middle school complexes also have pools, often a wide children and ¥600 for elementary students. variety of swimming and aqua-play pools A cool net climbing apparatus/ball pit is and water slides. Municipal swimming pools located in the waiting area for younger kids. can be found in many neighborhoods. Ask Free shuttle buses from Hanshin Koshien, DURXQGRUFDOO\RXUORFDOPXQLFLSDORIÀFH Mukogawa and Amagasaki Center Pool or CHIC. See the Directory-Swimming for Mae stations; also JR Tachibana station. a listing of pools. www.a-spo.com/ama

Dekapathos Nadahama Garden Baden Large waterpark with pools for all ages. An indoor heated pool area with spa Two large water slides (height and facilities, aqua exercise workouts and weight restrictions apply) and a fun water sauna. Open 10:00-21:30, close every third playground with a huge bucket that dumps Wednesday. Adults ¥1200, children ¥500. water on swimmers every few minutes. South of Hanshin Shinzaike station and the Open only during summer. Recommended Southern Mall. in July, before it becomes jam-packed www.kobelco.co.jp/nadahama/garden during the Japanese school holidays. Located next to Marine Park station on the Shioya Country Club Rokko Liner. Tel: 078-857-1170. Although not open to everyone, if you www.dekapathos.com (Japanese only) are lucky enough to have an acquaintance who will sign a nominee slip for you this Reso Waterpark place is a treasure. Offering a summer Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, onsen membership from June to September, it and restaurants and shops. The outdoor is like a private oasis. No crowds, cheap pools are open only during summer but pool side fare and very friendly staff. If close much later than regular pools. The you have the opportunity it is well worth outdoor onsen “hot bath” is open year it and works out to be a very reasonable round as is a hot water slide. Swimwear family expenditure over the summer. goods are available for purchase. Located Call the club for prices and membership in Nishinomiya hama. Open 10am to requirements. Located in Shioya, west of 10pm, closed Wednesdays. Adults ¥1,700, Kobe. Tel: 751-3211. discounts for middle school students and

160 LIVING IN KOBE - WWW.CHICKOBE.COM The Boon Water Wonderland Death Loop). Smaller children have their own play section. Open all year round but Part of Hiraka Amusement Park, this pool closes occasionally for maintenance so has four family slides, waterfall, tumbler, check before heading out. Located very pools and many more attractions. Open close to Tennoji Zoo so if you are a high- 10:00-17:00 mid-July to September. energy family you could combine the two Entrance for pool only is adults ¥900 and for a great day. Located a short walk from children ¥500. Located at Hirakata Koen Shin-Imamiya station or Doubutsuen-mae station; take JR to Kyobashi station and subway station in Osaka; paid parking switch to the Keihan line. available. Tel: 06-6631-0001. Spa World www.spaworld.co.jp See Chapter 6 for details on children’s This facility has spa baths, esthetic salon, swimming lessons. gym, amusement arcade and restaurants. As ZHOO DV D JRRGVL]HG OD]\ SRRO WKDW ÁRZV Azure Maiko Beach through a tunnel there are three unusual Great in spring and summer for barbeques waterslides, one with the name Death Loop. or swimming in summer. In the evenings, Slide charge is extra but a ¥1000 free pass is enjoy the sunset by Akashi Bridge and available for two of the slides (not including watch the romantic light-up. Open July to

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August; two showers and toilets available VKRZHUV HWF 2IÀFLDOO\ RSHQV RQ -XO\  for use. Five minutes walk from JR Maiko Swimming areas are roped off to keep out station; paid parking available. jet-skiers. Located close to JR Suma Station. Parking is limited. West Maiko Beach Between Azure Maiko and Akashi Okura Other public beaches Beach, this is spot is untouched by the Just a few hours north of Kobe is the Japan commercialism of other beaches. There is Sea, with clean water and a string of wonderful a sushi restaurant nearby and a super-sento beaches and picturesque coves. (bath house) along Route 2 towards Akashi. )DUWKHUDÀHOGDUHWKHVDOWZDWHUEHDFKHVDW No facilities here but you can barbeque and Awaji Island, Wakayama Prefecture and the EULQJÀUHZRUNV$SSUR[LPDWHO\DNLORPHWHU Japan Sea and the freshwater beaches on Lake west of JR Maiko. Biwa. Virtually all ocean beaches close at the HQGRI$XJXVWWRDYRLGWKHVWLQJLQJMHOO\ÀVK Akashi Okura Beach (kurage) that arrive punctually after Obon. It A new beach spot under the Akashi Bridge, is possible to go swimming after the beaches open from July to August, 8:30-17:30. RIÀFLDOO\ FORVH DQG ZKLOH WKH EHDFKHV DQG A toilet and shower on site; pay parking ZDWHUVORRNLQYLWLQJO\XQFURZGHGDMHOO\ÀVK available. Two minutes walk south of JR sting is extremely painful. Even the sand Asagiri. below the high tide mark can hide washed XSMHOO\ÀVKWKDWGHDGRUDOLYHFDQGHOLYHUD Akashi Matsue Beach painful sting to bare feet. Accessible from Hayshizake Matsue Some beaches are easily accessible by .DLJDQVWDWLRQRQWKH6DQ\ROLQHDERXWÀYH train, others only by car, but taking a car minutes walk. Toilets, shower and locker ULVNV JHWWLQJ FDXJKW LQ DIWHUQRRQ WUDIÀF rooms available. Pay parking on-site. jams. Plan your return carefully. During the summer buses make special trips from Himeji Matogata Beach the Osaka and Kyoto train stations. Local From April to June, beachgoers can join buses also make special beach runs from the clam-digging; open for swimming July to nearest train station. August. Beach use is ¥700 per adult, ¥500 per child (includes use of shower and Fitness Clubs changing rooms); clam-digging costs ¥1200 )URPSXEOLFJ\PVWRKLJKWHFKÀWQHVVFOXEV for adults and ¥1000 for kids. Free shuttle facilities can be found in virtually every bus from Sanyo Oshio station. neighborhood. Public gymnasiums offer a wide range of activities, including badminton, Suma Beach tennis, squash, volleyball, ping-pong, Just 20 minutes from downtown. It’s not basketball, aerobics, dancing and swimming. WKH QLFHVW ORRNLQJ EHDFK \RX·OO ÀQG EXW LI Some provide all the necessary equipment, you’re hungry for some sun and water then sometimes for a small rental fee; many offer this is a convenient location. During Summer, new equipment for sale. All provide changing the beach is lined with temporary structures rooms with showers and lockers, but you may that house restaurants, bars, changing rooms, have to bring your own towel and toiletries.

162 LIVING IN KOBE - WWW.CHICKOBE.COM The best known and easiest place to start is probably the Kobe Regatta & Athletic Sports rehabilitation facilities Club (KR&AC), a foreigner-aimed Club that 7\SLFDO KHDOWK DQG ÀWQHVV FOXEV GR QRW has teams for many sports: soccer, rugby, have medical staff. If your doctor has FULFNHWVRIWEDOOÀHOGKRFNH\EDGPLQWRQDQG developed a rehab program for you, the tennis, to name but a few. Tel: 078-231-2271. club staff should be able to show you how www.krac.org/Home.html to properly use the equipment for your type The most common chains include of injury. While there seem to be many Konami Sports Club (located at Hankyu rehabilitation services around, most serve Nishinomiya Kitaguchi; in Sannomiya the physical therapy needs of the elderly. and upstairs in the Canal Garden mall, Two sports rehabilitation centers in Kobe: Harborland), Tokyu Sports Oasis (branches Shiawase-no-mura (Tel: 078-743-8000) near JR Sumiyoshi and on Sannomiya’s and Hyogo Prefectural Rehabilitation Tor Road) and Golds Gym (Motomachi Center (Tel: 078-927-2727). opposite Daimaru and in the Art Center, QHDU 6KLQ.REH 6WDWLRQ  7KH ZDUG RIÀFH even with parental supervision, or LV D JRRG SODFH WR ÀQG LQIRUPDWLRQ DERXW restrict their access. Sunday is often the public facilities in your neighborhood. A designated family day. Check with the large club is sure to be located near you. facility before getting your kids excited Some public facilities may not require about going swimming on a given day. an annual or monthly membership fee, Just about every facility with a pool offers only a usage fee. If you go often, a monthly swimming classes for children and adults. pass, available at some clubs, can provide a Many also offer aerobics and gymnastics substantial discount. Note that some local classes for children. government-operated facilities may restrict A number of facilities prohibit expectant access to residents of their city. It is always mothers, even those in the earliest stages a good idea to check before showing up at of pregnancy, from exercising. Check with the reception counter with tennis racket or the facility before paying the usually non- swimsuit in hand. refundable annual and entrance fees. CHIC Private operations generally offer better PDLQWDLQV ÀOHV RI LQIRUPDWLRQ UHODWLQJ WR facilities and equipment and are a bit more ÀWQHVV DFWLYLWLHV VSRUWV DQG KHDOWK 6HH expensive. Many facilities regularly hold Directory-Fitness Clubs. discount sales campaigns to attract new Note: few neighborhood clubs provide customers. Look for advertising campaigns in services in English or other languages, your mailbox. although, like many places in Japan, Some facilities have strict dress codes; someone on the staff may be able to speak white clothing on tennis courts, for example. a bit of English. Questions or problems are Swimming pools generally insist on caps, but generally best handled in Japanese so if a will graciously lend you one if you forget to situation arises, ask a friend or colleague bring yours. Many facilities sell their own line to help you. As with many situations in RI´RIÀFLDOµZHDU Japan, asking neighbors and colleagues Many gyms and pools do not allow for advice on activities and events is a pre-teen children to use their facilities, good idea.

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led to the formation of the Orix Buffaloes. As Sporting Events per their roots, they share their home games Kobe is blessed with something for almost between Skymark Stadium in Kobe (Sogo everyone in the sports-spectating department! Undo Koen on the Kobe Subway line) and There’s soccer, baseball and rugby as the Kyocera Dome in Osaka (Hanshin Dome- “big boys”, as well as ice hockey, American Mae Station). football and much more. Another huge attraction for Japanese Tickets for most sporting events can be baseball fans all over the country is the purchased at your local convenience store Koshien High School Tournament, held in (Lawson, Family Mart, 7-11 etc). The ATM- spring and summer. A chance to see future like machine in the corner of most of these up-and-coming stars, and always a sell-out!! stores dispenses tickets for sports, concerts, travel and more. Ask for assistance from the staff, or take a Japanese friend along. Rugby Union 5XJE\LQ.REHLVRIÀFLDOO\DPDWHXUVWDWXV but the number of ex-All Blacks and other Futsal ex- or current national team players of Futsal (indoor football), is a growing sport. various nationalities to be seen in the bars Worldwide it attracts huge followings and and restaurants of the town (and, indeed, Kobe has its own Futsal team in Deução Kobe all over Japan where there is a Top League who have their own Futsal Park on Port Island rugby team) attests to the fact that the where you can watch, or play! www.deucao. game is taken seriously. Kobelco Steelers, com (in Japanese) formerly, or more familiarly known as Kobe Steel, owned by the company giving Baseball them their name - Kobe Steel - play home Kobe has probably Japan’s most fanatical games at Home’s Stadium (formerly baseball fans in the Torakichi (Tiger- Wing Stadium) and can be seen training Crazy)! The Hanshin Tigers (http:// at Nadahama - just off Rokko Island, hanshintigers.jp - Japanese only) play most days of the week for a close-up at Koshien Stadium (a few minutes’ walk look at the action! They have adopted the from Hanshin Koshien Station) and a Tigers catchphrase Bodies of Steel, Hearts of Gold. home game is something to be experienced (www.kobelcosteelers.com, in Japanese) at least once in your time in Kobe. But be 7KH\ ZHUH WKH ÀUVW HYHU 7RS /HDJXH warned, many a casual visitor becomes Champions in 2004, when the league began addicted to the atmosphere and can’t wait and are loved by Kobe and non-Kobe fans for another chance to soak it all up. Be alike after a winning the pre-Top League prepared to sing along, jump around, wave National Championship nine times between banners, drink copious amounts of beer, 1999 and 2010. th and blow up multi-colored balloons (the 7 The 2019 Rugby World Cup will be hosted inning ritual is something to be seen). by Japan, so watch out for improved grounds, Kobe dwellers also have the Orix Buffaloes leagues and performances in the coming years (www.buffaloes.co.jp, in Japanese) to as the tournament approaches! support. A recent (2005) merger of Orix Blue More details on rugby in Japan in English Wave (Kobe) and Kintetsu Buffaloes (Osaka) FDQ EH IRXQG DW WKH RIÀFLDO -DSDQ 5XJE\

164 LIVING IN KOBE - WWW.CHICKOBE.COM Football Union website: http://jrfu.org from JR Osaka or Shin-Osaka) and direct bus service is available from the Sheraton Hotel Soccer on Rokko Island and the Portopia Hotel on In soccer, Kobe is represented by J.League Port Island. Tel: 06-6465-3000. Check www. team Vissel Kobe (www.vissel-kobe. usj.co.jp/e_top.html for access information, co.jp - Japanese only). Founded in 1995, operating hours, special attractions, etc. “Vissel” is a combination of the words “victory” and “vessel”, a pun on Kobe’s history as a port city. They play at Home’s Been There, Done That… Stadium (formerly Wing Stadium), easily Still stuck for something to do? Try one of accessible from Misaki Koen Station on the following: the Kobe City Kaigan Subway line. In the summer they play a couple of home games Fruit & vegetable picking at Universiade Memorial Stadium in Kobe On the other side of Mt. Rokko are a variety of Sports Park (Sogo Undo Koen Station on fruit and vegetable farms that, for a fee, let you the Kobe Subway line), so be careful of SLFN\RXUÀOORIVWUDZEHUULHVVZHHWSRWDWRHV WKHYHQXHLI\RX·UHDÀUVWWLPHYLVLWRU)RU mushrooms, grapes and other produce. Check those who prefer a little variety, or even &+,&ÀOHVIRUDOLVWRILQVHDVRQIDUPV a different team, Osaka has two J.League teams to choose from in Gamba Osaka (www. gamba-osaka.net/en/index.html; JR Ibaraki Karaoke This Japanese word is now part of the world’s Station) and Cerezo Osaka (www.cerezo. vocabulary. It means empty (kara) orchestra co.jp/english_top.asp; Nagai Station on the (oke, short for okestura). There are dedicated Midosuji Line of the Osaka Subway), whilst karaoke venues that specialize in this popular Kyoto is represented by Kyoto Sanga F.C. pastime where you can rent party rooms on an (www.sanga-fc.jp - Japanese only; Hanshin hourly basis. Today’s songbooks have a good Nishikyogoku Station). selection of English songs. Food and drinks For information on local soccer - watching, will be available on the premises. playing or getting involved, check out the RIÀFLDO - OHDJXH ZHEVLWH LQ (QJOLVK www.j- league.or.jp/eng or local magazine www. Kobe Harbor Cruises jsoccer.com. The following companies offer different cruises around the port of Kobe, from short rides to sunset dinner cruises. All leave from Theme Parks the dock next to Port Tower or from nearby Harborland. Universal Studios Japan (Osaka) 7KH ÀUVW 8QLYHUVDO 6WXGLRV WKHPH SDUN % Concerto Cruise Tel: 078-360-5600. built outside the U.S. opened in 2001 in www.kobeconcerto.com Osaka. The park offers movie-themed rides, % Kobe Sea Bus Fantasy Tel: 078-360-0731 entertainment, recreation areas, restaurants, % Luminous Kobe Tel: 078-333-8414. gift shops and other attractions. Paid parking www.luminouskobe.co.jp/english/ is available. There is also a train stop at the index.html park (Universal City Station on the JR line

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% Royal Princess Tel: 078-360-0039 % Ocean Prince Temple/shrine sales % Vilaggio Italia Tel: 078-367-2651. On regularly scheduled days these places www.resort-line.jp burst with people browsing the bazaars for a great buy, undiscovered antiques at bargain prices, used and antique kimono, cultural Pachinko With the bright, multi-colored neon lights, surprises and insights. See Chapter 5 for SRXQGLQJPXVLFDQGVPRNHÀOOHGLQWHULRUV further information or check out the Flea of pachinko halls, it’s hard to believe that Market listing in Kansai Scene each month this upright pinball game is the modern for more information. Japanese way to relieve stress. The economic impact is also hard to believe; Entertainment For art, cinema, theater, club, event twice as much money is made in the and concert listings in English, check nation’s pachinko parlors than by the entire Kansai Scene magazine, The Japan Times auto industry. Intrigued? Check it out. You Online and the other English-language must be 18 or over, however. newspapers, especially just before the weekends. The most complete listings Pottery lessons can be found in Japanese entertainment Tachikui is a village just over an hour’s drive magazines such as L Magazine and from Kobe. Not only is this a great place Kansai Walker, available at bookshops, to purchase pottery, but numerous studios supermarkets and convenience stores, but let you try your hand at making something this information is of course in Japanese. (you buy the clay). For a nominal fee, your www.kansaiscene.com/current/html/ ZRUN ZLOO EH JOD]HG ÀUHG DQG VHQW WR \RXU home.shtml home. Instruction available. Kumamoto www.japantimes.co.jp/art_exhibitions- Studio (Tel: 0795-97-2176) and Tachikui oskoky/listing.html Sue-no-Sato. Reservations requested. Tel: 0795-97-2034. www.tanbayaki.com/en.htm Concerts & shows Kobe offers numerous venues for live music, Splash Kobe from bars and jazz houses to rock n’ roll joints Step aboard the duck and take an amphibious and concert halls. Big-name productions, boat tour of downtown Kobe. Starting from such as Broadway shows, circuses, ice Port Tower and taking in Chinatown, the skating shows and other events sometimes old foreign settlement and Kitano area stop in Kobe, but they are more likely to play explore the sights on the streets of Kobe in Osaka at Festival Hall, Symphony Hall, before splashing into the sea! Bookings can Koseinenkin Hall, Izumi Hall or Osaka Castle be made online at www.splash-kobe.jp or Hall. Many have Japanese casts and are staged via [email protected] or 078-335-2539 in Japanese, but shows like the circus and the (Japanese only). ice shows have universal appeal. Kansai Scene and The Japan Times Online provide listings of upcoming concerts, festivals and stage performances.

166 LIVING IN KOBE - WWW.CHICKOBE.COM Kansai Window also provides a full Japanese theater listing of traditional Japanese performing arts There are a wide range of Japanese entertainment venues. www.kippo.or.jp/e/culture/geinou/ choices, from traditional Kabuki, Noh and theater/index.html Bunraku plays to more modern stage plays, Kobe is home to a number of small theaters: ballets and operas. Osaka is home to the National Kokusai Hall, Shin-Kobe Oriental Theatre, Bunraku Puppet Theater, while Kyoto offers Theater Pochette – all offer productions of weekly Noh, Kabuki, maiko/geisha dancing and modern Japanese and Western plays and other traditional Japanese performances. dance performances. Virtually all are staged Details of upcoming performances and in Japanese, but many can still be quite ticket information can be found in English at: interesting and entertaining, particularly if you are familiar with their Western versions. % Geisha dances A Kansai classic, the Takarazuka Revue is www.gojapan.about.com/od/geisha/tp/ an all-women repertory troupe that performs bestgeishashow.htm original and Broadway musicals, as well % Japanese Traditional Performing Arts as original Japanese dramas. The theater is Live! (Kansai only) located in Takarazuka, about 30 minutes from www.arc.ritsumei.ac.jp/lib/english/ Kobe by train. Tickets are available at Hankyu dentogeino 3OD\JXLGH RU DW WKH WKHDWHU ER[ RIÀFH EXW performances often sell out so it’s best to buy % .DEXNLRIÀFLDOZHEVLWH tickets well in advance. Closed Wednesday. www.kabuki-bito.jp/eng/top.html Tel: 0570-00-5100 (Japanese only). % National Theatre of Japan www.kageki.hankyu.co.jp/english/index.html http://www.ntj.jac.go.jp/english/index.html The Hyogo Performing Arts Center

Luminarie

WWW.CHICKOBE.COM - LIVING IN KOBE 167 9 Recreation & Entertainment in Nishinomiya was opened in 2005 to to anyone willing to stand. This means that commemorate the ten-year anniversary of SRSXODUÀUVWUXQPRYLHVPD\KDYHKXQGUHGV the Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. It is on the of people sitting in the aisles or standing along south-west side of Hankyu Nishinomiya the sides and at the back. If you want a seat, Kitaguchi station. Open 10:00-17:00. get to the theater early or go during the week. Closed Monday, following day if a National Always ask at the ticket booth if seating is still Holiday. Tel: 0798-68-0255. available (suware masu ka). www.gcenter-hyogo.jp Rental videos/DVDs Movies Rental movie shops abound in Kobe and are Movie theaters in Harborland, Rokko Island, a bargain. There is usually a large selection of HAT Kobe, Nishinomiya and Sannomiya IRUHLJQWLWOHVSUHGRPLQDQWO\$PHULFDQÀOPV offer spacious, comfortable, guaranteed Videos are generally in their original language seating, bright screens and excellent with Japanese subtitles, but quite a number sound. Still, the experience has its price: have Japanese dubbing. Check the spine on XSWR–IRUDQDGXOWWLFNHWIRUÀUVWUXQ the case, which will usually have a “Japanese movies. But even the best movie theaters language” label if it is a Japanese version. RIIHUVSHFLDOGLVFRXQWGD\VVXFKDVWKHÀUVW With DVDs, going to the menu almost day of the month, Ladies’ Day (Wednesday), always allows a choice of language (usually late night discounts (after 21:00) and senior Japanese or English), choice of subtitles, the citizen rates (for those over 60). You can option to turn off subtitles and spot viewing of also save money by buying your tickets at selected scenes. Note: DVDs have regions and the movie theater before the feature arrives DUH SURJUDPPHG IRU VSHFLÀF YLHZLQJ DUHDV in town or by purchasing them in advance at Only a multi-region DVD player (available at a discount ticket agency such as Ticketpia, Foreign Buyers’ Club or Costco) will allow you Saison, Playguide or at a discount shop. to watch other regions’ DVDs. Second-run theaters are quite a bit cheaper % Region 0: Worldwide and often offer a double bill. 9LUWXDOO\ DOO IRUHLJQ ÀOPV DUH VKRZQ % Region 1: U.S. and Canada in their original language with Japanese % Region 2: Japan, Europe (including the subtitles; the only exceptions are animated United Kingdom), South Africa and the ÀOPV

168 LIVING IN KOBE - WWW.CHICKOBE.COM Blu-ray discs also have their own region by location and searchable by cuisine, this site code, which differs from the DVD listing above: offers reviews and neighborhood restaurant maps. Also covers the Kyoto and Tokyo areas. % Region A/1: North, Central and South www.bento.com/kansai/index.html Americas, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia Gourmet Navigator Searchable by region, cuisine and price, % Region B/2: Europe, Middle East, Africa, Gourmet Navi is more focused on Tokyo but Australia and New Zealand has a reasonable range of listings in Kansai, % Region C/3: India, Nepal, Mainland conveniently grouped by the nearest major China, Russia, Central and South Asia station. www.gnavi.co.jp/en/kansai

Most movie rental stores operate on a English Menu membership basis. To join, show a valid Japanese An ever-expanding English listing of ID (driver’s license, alien registration card, etc.). restaurants in Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo. There is usually a small annual membership fee Searchable by cuisine, area, price or type of and possibly a small initial fee. restaurant (e.g. family-friendly, vegetarian etc). Also includes information on different Useful Japanese Vocabulary: Japanese food styles (e.g. yakitori, teppanyaki, sushi, fugu etc). www.engmenu.com Types of Video Sound Tracks Also worth a look for ideas are the many local restaurant guides and magazines on offer at convenience stores and book shops, which, although produced only in Japanese, helpfully provide maps and simple information decipherable by almost anyone. Popular Japanese restaurant sites such as Gourmet Walker Plus (http://gourmet.walkerplus.com/ Eating Out kobe) and Tabelog (http://r.tabelog.com/ It doesn’t take long to realize that in Japan, and hyogo) also provide the ability to search via in particular the Kobe and Kansai areas, eating interactive maps and offer discount coupons that out is serious business and there are thousands can be sent to your mobile phone. of restaurants hungry for your patronage. Planning something special? Michelin guides While books can – and have – been written on are available for Tokyo-Yokohama-Kamakura restaurants in the area (check out CHIC’s own and Kyoto-Osaka areas and include ryokans as guide to foreigner-friendly restaurants), there well as restaurants and hotels. What’s What in are a number of English websites that offer Japanese Restaurants: A Guide to Ordering, reviews and recommendations. Eating and Enjoying by Robb Satterwhite is also a handy reference guide for eating out in Japan (available from Amazon Japan). Bento.com With more than 400 restaurant listings in English

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Libraries Kansai Scene There is a community library with English Articles, event, exhibition, movie, and festival ERRNV RQ WKH WKLUG ÁRRU RI WKH 5,& &HQWUDO listings etc., from this informative monthly Tower Building (opposite FBC and close to magazine. www.kansaiscene.com WKH &+,& RIÀFH  ,W PDLQWDLQV D IUHH VZDS library near the entrance. Another swap Kansai Window library is also located at Shioya Country Club. Another English site dedicated to the Kansai Canadian Academy’s library is open to the area. Interesting articles on history and culture foreign community for consultation. as well as event listings. KICC and HIA have multi-lingual libraries. www.kansai.gr.jp/e/index.html See the Directory-Libraries and Directory- Shopping-Bookstores for contact information. Osaka-Info Tourist Guide Comprehensive information on sights, museums, festivals and events, shopping and For More Information restaurants, this website also provides detailed Feel Kobe PDSVWRKHOS\RXÀQG\RXUGHVWLQDWLRQ 7KHRIÀFLDO.REHWRXULVPZHEVLWHWKLVRIIHUV www.osaka-info.jp/en/ model sightseeing courses and additional suggestions for things to do by area. Visit Kansai http://feel-kobe.jp/_en 3URÀOHV WKH PDMRU WRXULVW GHVWLQDWLRQV LQ Kansai and provides other useful information, Goodwill Guides including maps, ticket information and a form A volunteer organization of retired persons, to book a volunteer guide if required. housewives and students who give their www.visitkansai.com/attractions time to accompany you and serve as a guide Hyogo International Association also and translator. Service is free, though you offers Hyogo Quick Info, a regular e-newsletter pay expenses for the guide (train fares, providing information on upcoming events in admission fees, etc). Hyogo. To subscribe, email kokusaikoryu@ www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/essential/ pref.hyogo.lg.jp. http://heart-of-japan.com list_volunteerGuides_a-n.html And remember… Hyogo Tourism Guide 7KH&+,&RIÀFHLVDJRRGSODFHWRYLVLWIRUWKH Encompassing the regional areas to the latest information, plus the volunteers at the north and west of Kobe, this useful website desks can offer their own ideas and experiences. helpfully lists the major festivals taking Tel: 078-857-6540. [email protected] place around the prefecture. The monthly www.chickobe.com ‘Hyogo fan club’ newsletter often contains interesting events not seen on other sites. www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english

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