Sannomiya and Motomachi
Kobe Lamp Museum
This museum exhibits the history of the Lamp, from the old oil lamp to the electrical lamp. There is a "Walk of Light," a walk-through exhibit simulating a street in the Old Foreign Settlement, as well as a Reference Room with books and an electronic database.
Kobe City Museum
The Kobe city museum was build in 1935, the with Greek-style stone structure building. In 1982 the Kobe City museum open for public before it this it where 2 different museums, that were Municipal Archaeological Art Museum and Municipal Namban Art Museum. The 2 museums are now part of the Kobe city museums.
The museum is devoted to the basic themes of "International Cultural Exchange" and "Contact Between and Changes in Eastern and Western Cultures.
You can see the of Portrait of St. Francis Xavier the Jesuit who first brought Christianity to Japan in 1549, a portrait of Nobunaga Oda (1534-1581), one of the great military commanders who helped unite Japan, also was an avid collector of Namban (southern European) products.
There are many other things that you can see, from Japanese glass from the Edo period to western style chairs.
Sorakuen garden
A beautiful Japanese garden that was created in the beginning of the Taisho period. 400 azalea plants are fully blooming for 1 month in the beginning of April. And it is famous for the chrysanthemum exhibition held in November. A great place to spend a few hours have a picnick or just relax. Beside the garden, you can also see a couple of old houses.
Kyukyoryuchi (Old settlements )
With the coming of foreigners to Kobe with the opening of portKyukyoryuchi Kobe, they built Western style office buildings in the area. Some of that buildings still remain. Enjoy also the window shopping , and normal shopping in the nice area.
Nankin-machi
Kobe’s China town, is the only china town in kansai area, Nankin machi and 1 of the third in Japan. Nankin-machi dates back to 1868 when trade between Japan and China was booming.
With many shops, and restaurants from all parts of Asia, and lots of festivals like the Chinese New year Festival: Shunsetsu-sai , you will feel like you are in another country
Ikuta Shrine
The Shrine in the middle of Sannomiya is an historical one, according to Nihon Shoki, it was founded by the Empress Jingu at the beginning of the 3rd century CE to enshrine the kami Wakahirume, and was used as the base for a festival welcoming warriors back from the latest attempt to invade Korea.
During the Genpei War, parts of the Battle of Ichi-no-Tani took place in and around this shrine, and are commemorated by markers in the Ikuta forest behind the shrine.
The shire was destroyed in the Great Hanshin-awaji earthquake, but has been fully restored.
Kobe Kakyo Historical Museum
Exhibition on history of Chinese merchants living in Kobe, it exhibits photography, calligraphic, paintings and antique.
Daimaru Museum Kobe
Daimaru Museum present the creations of topical and advanced artists as well as well-known works covering a wide field.
Kobe Water Science Museum
Originally built as a treatment facility for the famous Rokko Mountain water, today it houses a science museum dedicated to the importance of water in our daily lives.
Experience the importance and wonder of water through play and study.
Kobe lampwork glass museum
Glass craftworks from ancient times to modern times.
Kobe Doll Museum
This museum displays a collection of dolls from all over the world, and you can also find a Teddy bear shop on the second floor.
Kanteibyo (chinese Temple)
Historical Chinese temple in Kobe, and venerates the Chinese general, Guan Yu.