Kobe and Himeji, Japan

The city of Kobe was one of the first settlements of foreigners in Japan. Still today, some British, French and American houses can be visited: an ideal spot for Japanese weddings and parties. In 1995, a huge earthquake destroyed many buildings but today you wouldn't think of that: a vibrating city with nightlife and chic shopping centres.

Ikuta Jinja shrine

Ropeway to hilltop overlooking Kobe port

waterfall on the way back to Kobe city

just 40 min away by train is the Himeji castle

The Himeji castle is based on a wood construction. It was first built in 1333 by Norimura Akamatsu, later increased to its current size by Hideyoshi Toyotomi and Ieyasu Tokugawa.

Himeji in its full size	mediaval weapons from Portugal

rooftop view	Martin in front of Himeji castle

Links

City of Himeji

Himeji castle architecture

back to Kyoto

Kyushu