Kobe (神戸) is one Japan’s largest cities and the capital of Hyogo Prefecture. It is located on the southern side of the main island of Honshu about 30 kilometers from Osaka.
Long considered one of Japan’s most attractive cities, Kobe has played an important role in the country’s history and development. It was one of the ports along with Yokohama and Nagasaki which allowed trade with the outside world following the ending of Japan’s period of “closed country” policy, and Kobe’s cosmopolitan feel is part of this legacy.
