I recently visited Glicopia, a factory in Kobe that makes Pocky and Pretz. I think Pocky was the first chocolate I ever knew was specifically Japanese, and I think it is definitely an iconic snack well-recognized around the world. It was fun to get a closer look at its production! The guided tours show the history of the company, from its early 20th century origins to the postwar expansion of products, with old commercials, toys that came included with snacks through the years, and a fun "digital cooking" game where you design and decorate your own sweets. The assembly line itself is very advanced, and you can see pocky being made in great quantities. This time they were making a flavor that has yet to hit shelves, which made it even more interesting. The air near the production area has a warm, delicious scent, which is a bonus. If you liked pocky a lot yourself growing up, or are travelling with kids, I think it is a great place to visit! Reservations are necessary, and I believe most of it is Japanese-language only, but looking at a chocolate factory is pretty universal regardless of language.

The Kitano area of Kobe is well up the slope of the city, away from the port and Sannomiya station. The long trek uphill can be daunting, but some of Kobe's most vibrant cityscape means you at least can enjoy looking around on your way from the heart of the city. Once you get up to Kitano, though, you are rewarded with a neighborhood with a meaningful international character. Whether it be the local Mosque (one of the oldest and largest in Japan), or the prestigious British international school nearby, there are plenty of signs that the cosmopolitan aspect of Kitano is more than a shallow veneer of foreign cuisine restaurants. To be sure, those are there as well, and they are delicious! From memory, besides the ubiquitous Indian, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine, German, Russian and Egyptian dining formed some of the more eclectic additions, as well as Mexican food, a sure treat for any visitors from North America missing a classic mainstay. But the most lasting and striking stamp that the wider world has left on Kitano are the Kitano "Ijinkan", the former western residences from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The stateliness of this old-world refinement are well complemented by the dazzling modern city visible below the hills. Even a global chain Starbucks gets in on the fun, with a famous repurposed building that is considerably fancier than your typical starbucks cafe. Whether for appreciating Meiji history, western architecture, foreign cuisine, the vibrant and diverse culture of the neighborhood, or just getting some good exercise in and enjoying the view from the hills of Kobe, the trip from Sannomiya up to Kitano is well worth the effort!

On November 30, 2025, many monks gathered at Sumadera Temple in Suma, Kobe, and were singing in chorus.

On November 30, 2025, at Suma-dera in Suma, Kobe. The fall foliage and the red beneath the eaves were gorgeous.

Squid eaten on the veranda in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture is the best. This is summer in Japan

Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture Ikuta Shrine

The sacred tree that protects Kobe This photo was taken at Ikuta Shrine in the city of Kobe. Tucked away in the hustle and bustle of the city, this place was like a different world, and the sacred tree that hung there gave me a sense of mysterious power.

KAWASAKI WORLD Hyogo, Kobe, Chuo-ku, Hatoba-cho 2-2 Kawasaki World attached to the Kobe Maritime Museums. You can clearly understand the role that Kawasaki Heavy Industries played in Japan's modern industry, especially in transportation such as motorcycles, railways, and airplanes, and it is full of the charm of mechanics. Beautiful! I think not only children but also Adults will be hooked.

On the way to TOTTEI park with a photo buddy Representing Kobe, which suddenly caught my eye Tower🗼 If you look at it from a different perspective than usual Draws you in I felt a different goodness!

Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture You can experience various villages and various experiences while feeling like a Satoyama while in the city Aina Satoyama Park

Kitano Ijinkan Street Kitano Towns, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo There are There are many foreign buildings designated as National Important Cultural Properties and traditional buildings of Kobe City. They are all old and valuable Western-style buildings built in the Meiji and Taisho eras. Many Open to the public halls charge a fee. There are also free alien houses, such as the House of the Rhine.

Autumn leaves in Sorakuen Gardens

Ikuta Shrine. I found autumn.

At the Nunobiki Herb Garden. A mix of Japanese and Western styles unique to Kobe.

The port of Kobe and sailing ships. Blue sky and big clouds, blue sea and white sailing ship. It is a summer view of Kobe Port.

Hot summer day. Rainbow in the mist. The view of Kobe Port Island South Park, a summer time when the fountain turned into mist and a rainbow could be seen.

In search of coolness. A fountain in the shape of a screw on Kobe Port Island. A hot summer time in the shade and idly watching the fountain dance.

Memories of summer in 😋 Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture

Memories 😋 of summer on the veranda of Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture

The tile roof of the temple and the devil's face. I think the purpose and design of the devil's face are unique to Japan. In particular, the devil's face is very COOL and cute. Kobe Mikage, tile roof and devil's face of Jojunji Temple.

Kobe Maiko's Transfiguration Pavilion and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. There are two types of history: the history that our predecessors have preserved, and the history that we will pass on and protect to the future.

It's been 30 years since that day. We will continue to convey the requiem and hope that we will never forget. Luminarie Kobe, I think this is also a place to tell the history of Japan #History #Photo Contest

Cherry blossom trees near my home in Kobe City, Hyogo PrefectureThis is a road that I always pass, but it is always beautiful, and when I look at it from a distance, it feels like 1.2.3, and the size is slightly different, and the cherry blossom trees are interesting, and the weather was cloudy after the rain, so it was a little tricky, but I went for a walk

I went to see the Ume Plum in Tsunashiki Tenmangu Shrine I 🌼 visited for the first time this year, and it was very beautiful with a lot of rain blooming! I was able 📷 to shoot for several hours aiming for Ume Plum Jiro

Hyogo Prefecture Sukugawa Park You can see cherry blossoms in spring in various places all over Japan, but the Sukugawa River is quite long and I was healed just by taking a walk.

Hyogo Prefecture Sukugawa Park You can see cherry blossoms in spring in various places all over Japan, but the Sukugawa River is quite long and I was healed just by taking a walk.

Sukugawa Park, Hyogo You can see cherry blossoms in spring in various places all over Japan, but the Sukugawa River is quite long and I was healed just by taking a walk.

Rows of cherry blossom trees in Sukugawa Park, Hyogo Prefecture There were relatively many people here, and when I happened to take a picture of the cherry blossoms of people passing by on the bridge from the river, a tremendous wind blew and the cherry blossoms scattered at the perfect timing, and it was like snow and it was 😯 very beautiful

2024 Kobe Luminarie A light shining for the future There was a paid admission depending on the time of day, and many people came even on weekdays Advance sales are recommended.

2024 Kobe Luminarie A light shining for the future From Kobe to the ⛴️ world yes, yes, I think it's good. See statue It's a trading town.