West Kobe
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, also known as the Pearl bridge, is the longest suspension bridge in the world (3,911meters long). The bridge connect the mainland (Honshu) to awaji-island . At night time you can see the bridge at 7 different colours, and they change every 15minutes until 12 O'clock.
The bridge opened on the 5th of April 1998 after 10 years of construction At the opening ceremony of the bridge there was a parade of 1500 invited guests, including the author of the bridge, and the crown prince and princes.
To compare: the bridge is 710 meters longer than the golden gate bridge in San Francisco, that was build in 1937, and 366 meters longer than the previous record holder (also build in 1998) , The StoreBaelt in Denmark.
Agricultural Park / Wine castle
At the Agricultural park in Kobe, people can enjoy the nature of the area. There are restaurants, a hotel, various kind of amusement facilities, and the main attractions: “The Wine castle” that is on a hill covered with a vineyard, here you can see the production process of the wine making.
There is a wine museum for people who want to learn things, and for people who don’t want to do anything, they can just enjoy the beautiful area, sit down with some friends, and do some barbecue.
Maiko Marine Promenade
The Maiko Marine Promenade is an extra facility on the Kobe city side of the Akashi Kaikyo bridge. The promenade was opened on April 5 1998 on the same day as the bridge. It about 47 meters above sea level, and has a total length of 317meters.
In the Promenade you get to learn about the construction of the bridge, and on the 8th floor there is a beautiful observation lounge where you can enjoy the look out over the whole bridge via a video camera. Also you can try the log bridge that is 47 meter high.
Port Bazaar
Port Bazaar is waterfront place, where you can do shopping, eating, and enjoy the beautiful view of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. The place looks like a nice south European port town.
Suma Aqua life park
This aquarium opened it's doors in 2000, and has become a popular aquarium in the area, enjoy the sea-otters and dolphin live shows.
Suma Beach
It is not the best beach of Japan, but if you are looking for a beach in Kobe than you should go to this place. Especially nice for the people who are looking for a date ;)
Another interesting thing of this beach is that the battle of Genji and Heike was fought here
Sun Wen (sun yat sen) memorial hall
Museum in memory of Sun Yat-Sen. Originally a villa belonging to a Chinese merchant, Wu Jintang. Designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 2001.
Glicopia Kobe
Glico knows communicating with consumers is essential if a new dietary culture is to be achieved. Glicopia Kobe is part of this endeavour, offering opportunities to enjoy learning about confectionery. The spacious 1,400m2 display space features the history and corporate activities of Glico and advanced robot production processes can be observed. In particular, the 3D theater showing animated computer graphics is popular with children as with adults.
Kobe Municipal Fruit & Flower Park
The Kobe municipal fruit & flower park has a variety of complex facilities with a medieval European castle style. The park has a hotel, a bathhouse, and many other attractions such as swimming in the summer, and ice skating in the cold winter days. The theme of the park are fruit and flowers.
Kirin Beer Park
Learn about the beer process, and enjoy a free beer afterwards.
Sumaura Sanjo Amusement Park
A mountain-top amusement park, what can be reached by a ropeway, that offers you a scenic view of the city and the Inland Sea