I’ve been to Kobe so many times that I know my way around and the usual sightseeing routes by now, but even so, doing shopping and sightseeing at the same time is no easy task. So I walked around diligently this trip too, but didn’t get as much out of it as I’d hoped. It was cloudy and rainy, so I didn’t get many decent photos either. It was a trip that left me wanting more, but I suppose that’s exactly what makes me look forward to the next one. My next visit will probably be around summer.
None of these photos turned out particularly well, but here’s a collection of shots I took while wandering aimlessly around Kobe.
Flowers
It was cold and it even snowed, but spring should be here soon. The flowers are hurrying to bloom.
Königs-Krone, a cake shop and café
I don’t know if it’s any good, but it certainly looks atmospheric. It fits Kobe’s image perfectly. I had no spare time at all, so it was a shame I couldn’t pop into places like this.
Est Royal, a dessert shop in Nankinmachi (Chinatown)
This is the shop that sells my favourite dessert in the whole world so far, the Marron Gascogne. Maybe because it was the weekend, the popular items were nearly all sold out. Come to think of it, I should have bought some omiyage here, but I was so frazzled this time that I didn’t manage it. Not that I’m too bothered, since there’ll be a next time.
Marron Gascogne
When I talk about desserts, the Marron Gascogne is my benchmark for “now this is worth eating.” The combination of the crispy, thinly baked pastry and the sweet chestnuts, cooked through until they melt in your mouth, leaves you speechless after one bite. There was only one left, so I couldn’t take it home and polished it off on the spot. And it’s only 168 yen. Kobe is paradise. With that, one of the goals of the day’s trip was safely accomplished ^_^
Ferris wheel
It’s nothing to brag about, but I have never once ridden a Ferris wheel in my life. I’ve only ever watched from outside… I think I’ve reached the age where I’m starting to want to ride one. Well, actually I reached that age long ago, but I suppose it’s getting awkward if I don’t act on it soon.
The harbour streets
They’re still running the illuminations. Nice and flashy, I like it.
The Ferris wheel again
I’ve got a real grudge about Ferris wheels…
Decorations at the Hanshin department store
It doesn’t feel like spring yet. Still, it’s colourful and nice to look at.
View of Kobe Port
Kobe Port Tower, the symbol of Kobe, is under renovation. Apparently it’ll stay like this for the next few months. One less reason to enjoy coming to Kobe. So sad.
The Ferris wheel again…
Will this grudge ever be settled…
The Maritime Museum building
With the Port Tower’s lights off and only this one twinkling away, it feels a bit lonely.
A restaurant on a ship
I’ve been to Kobe plenty of times, but I’ve never been to a touristy sort of place like this. I just found it interesting, so I took a picture.
Once night falls, taking photos gets even harder. On top of that it kept drizzling on and off, which had me worrying a lot. Having walked around this much, I’ve done more than enough Kobe sightseeing, so it’s about time to grab dinner and head home.