Located on a hillside by the sea, Kobe is one of the most attractive and cosmopolitan cities in Japan. It has been a trading port since the early days of trade with China and was also home to the first foreign communities after Japan opened up to the world in the mid-19th century.
After the great earthquake of Hanshin, or Hanshin Awaji daishinsai, in 1995, being one of the most affected cities and with the lowest number of human lives, Kobe changed its attitude. Kobe locals began to enjoy everyday life more and became closer to each other. This change is felt in the welcome that a tourist receives in this magnificent city.
There's more to Kobe than feasting on famous Kobe beef. Kobe's relatively small size invites you to wander around the city in the sea breeze, occasionally stopping at its high-quality cafes and restaurants where you can taste the famous wagyu beef.
The nicest neighbourhoods to explore are Kitano-chô, Nankinmachi Chinatown and, at night, the famous Sannomiya eki district.
The capital Tokyo, the most densely populated metropolitan area in the world, is located in the Kanto region. It has about 30% of Japan's population.
In the Kansai region, as it is where the first capitals were established, it is where great attractions are located, such as Nara and Kyoto. Each with its own history and culture, which makes them mandatory places on a first trip to Japan.
In the Chubo region, Nagoya is the largest city in Chubo and the gateway to the Chubo Mountains. Or set up base to explore Gifu and Aichi prefectures.
In the Kanto region is Japan's second largest city, Yokohama. Yokohama is a port city practically adjacent to Tokyo. A bit like Lisbon and Amadora, but on a grand scale.
The third largest city in Japan, it is also known for Japanese cuisine, which has always been the supplier of fish to the capital of Kyoto. Today it has gained status and fame as the best place to eat in Japan. Japan's greatest comedians also originate from here. Will it be the food?
Hiroshima is the largest city in the Chugoku region and the best known, for the worst reason, in Japan's history. Despite its past, today it is a city that has managed to reinvent itself and is a place with many attractions, whether monuments, museums or even culinary attractions.