Kobe: Days 1 and 2

Day 1 (August 23)

I had planned on going to the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum, but it was an hour away by train. Osamu Tezuka was a famous Japanese manga artist on par with Walt Disney. I had read some of his manga, especially the one about the Buddha.

I have to come to terms with myself that I can’t see everything on my travels. Instead, I went hiking at the Nunobiki Waterfall. On the way back I happened to walk by the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens gondola station, so I took the gondola up to see the Herb Gardens. I had a great view of the city from the top and coming down on the gondola.

I wish I had gone to the 24th floor of the Kobe City Hall, where I can get a good panoramic view of the city as well. And I wish I took the train farther west to see the Gigantor Monument. Alas, I was too tired and came back to the hostel.

Hiking up the steps to see the Nunobiki Waterfall

Nunobiki Waterfall

View from a lookout

Another waterfall

Nunobiki Reservoir

Looking back at Kobe as I go up in the gondola

Top of the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens

Interesting markings on the pavement for kids

The Glass House at Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens

At the gondola mid-station

Lavender ice cream

Back down to Kobe

Interesting statue on the walk back to the hostel

Day 2 (August 24)

I didn’t do any more exploring in Kobe. I took the train to Himeji.