Japan: Kobe

 Saturday, June 17, 2023, Kobe, Japan

The ship arrived in Kobe at 5:30 am. We signed up for an 8-hour tour to Kyoto. By 9 a.m. we were on the way.

It took 2 hours to get to Kyoto’s Golden Pavillion, technically called Kinkakuji Temple. The paths through gardens, ponds with ibis, tea houses, lanterns—everything was spectacular and crowded. Charlie rang the huge gong at one of the tea houses. Vendors were selling sake and chocolate containing flecks of gold leaf. We visited the tea house and had matcha tea, served with Japanese crackers outside in the shady garden on another hot day.

Golden Pavillion

Wine with gold flecks

Heron in pond in gardens

Lots of school kids on a field trip to the Golden Pavillion

White & gold ropes are to ring the gong (Charlie did)

Next on the tour itinerary was lunch at a local restaurant, served in bento boxes with authentic Japanese food and beer. We loved it. Not everyone did. There was a pretty good gift shop, and it was here we learned Google Translate can interpret Japanese (and other) characters. We bought some snacks, and Jill bought a hat. 

Bento box luncheon

Our next stop was the Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Is also known as Ninomaru Palace. It was also absolutely gorgeous, with ponds, herons, waterfalls, and huge castle walls. It encompasses a large area with 3 moats. We split off from the group to see the oldest and highest part. We had to hustle back to the bus. It was now time for the 2-hour drive back to Kobe. 

Entry gates to Nijo Castle

Gardens at into Castle

One of 3 sets of moats and walls

Back on the ship we freshened up and went out in search of Kobe’s nearby Chinatown to have dinner. There were gates at each N-S-E-W direction. As it got dark, colorful neon lights came on, and the crowds increased. After many failed attempts to find dinner, we went outside the gates to the perimeter, where steps led down to an Indian food place. The proprietor was colorful to the point of zaniness, but also was very accommodating, and gladly made us food to our specifications. It was delicious and a fun time. 

One of the gates into Kobe’s Chinatown District

Zany owner & chefs at Indian restaurant where we ate

Street scene in Kobe’s Chinatown

It was dark but colorful on the walk back to the ship, with the Ferris wheel and other landmarks in bright neon colors. We got back just in time to see a live geisha performance on the main stage. More than just a show, it was enlightening about the role of the singing, dancing and costumed geishas of all ages (there is no age limit for geisha school).

Walking back to the ship (right—the port building on the left looks like a ship)

Geishas performing on the ship’s stage 

Sunday, June 18, 2023, Kobe, Japan (day 2)

Leaving this afternoon at 3 p.m. we had limited time. No tour scheduled, but we wanted one more meaningful experience in Kobe.  Gardens, museums, temples were all good options. We also really like aquariums. There was a children’s aquarium within bus distance. We walked a ways along the waterfront, then cut into the city toward a transportation terminal. It wasn’t easy, but we got within a few blocks of the aquarium. 

Building reflected on another building, downtown Kobe

Kobe city bus we took to the aquarium

On the bus

There were lots of families with kids at the aquarium. Tickets weren’t expensive. There were colorful and unusual fish, one looked like a stick, one with long spines (look out, other fish!), giant clams, corals, creatures sticking to the glass. One tank had fish that would nibble the loose skin off your hands. We had fun with that. A little eerie, but not unpleasant and it mades your skin feel very smooth afterward. There were a couple of teenage girls who sat at one small tank staring at the small creatures inside the entire time we were there. High, anyone?

Lots of unusual aquarium plants (or is it a fish?)

Shrimp

Shrimp & fish looking at each other

Weird sensation, but fun. 

Koi pond outside the aquarium

Interesting mangrove roots display

There were also a couple of hyper otters with  a series of pretty big tanks connected together with tubes, a big hit with the kids.

Getting back to the ship was tight because of a 2:30 pm departure, but we made it. There was a large drum group across from the ship pounding out an insistent, modulating beat in perfect time as we left. Their garb and the drums themselves were attractive and authentic looking. A nice way to show appreciation for our visit.