Kobe

Kobe is an important port city and the capital of Hyogo prefecture.

The city was hit by the Southern Hyogo Earthquake (Great Hanshin Earthquake) in January 1995. Thousands of people died, and large parts of the city were destroyed.

Just over 3 hours from Tokyo by bullet train and half an hour from Kansai International Airport, Kobe is one of the major Japanese ports and home to the J League's Vissel Kobe. 

 Kobe has three main regions: a port and industrialized zone along the coast, residential areas on the hillsides, and mixed residential and commercial areas in the intermediate zone between the mountains and the sea.
The major entertainment and shopping areas are Kitten, between Sannomiya and Motomachi stations, and Port Island (accessible by train from Sannomiya). In addition, there is Kobe Fashion Mart and Museum on Rokko Island, Kobe Aqualife Park, and Kobe Maritme Museum. There are also hot springs and sake breweries within easy reach of the city. The main cultural facilities, art galleries, museums etc., can be found to the north of Kobe Station

Kobe Misaki ‘Wing’ Stadium more stadium info