Perched on a hillside overlooking the Inland Sea, Kobe is a small cosmopolitan port city best discovered by foot. Take in the sights, meander local neighborhoods and taste the heralded Kobe beef. STAY Gosho Bessho is where you need to reside if you’re seeking an intimate oasis. Get in touch with your inner zen in their naturally fed hot springs, while horseback riding in the mountains or meandering along their stone paths. You’ll leave this rural hideaway invigorated. www.goshobessho.com ADMIRE Start your day with a cable car ride to the highest peak in the Rokko mountain range. Take in the fresh air and panoramic views of Kobe and Osaka from the summit. Mount Rokko INSTAGRAM Once at the top, take some time to explore the oldest botanical garden in Japan. Discover over 1,500 kinds of flora and fauna at 865m above sea level. Plenty of Instagram-worthy photos to be taken here. Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden. SHOP Shop to your heart’s content at Sannomiya Center Street, a large arcade bustling with tourists and locals. With products ranging from fashion to beauty, home decor to books, electronics to gourmet food, we won’t be surprised if you spend hours here. Sannomiya Center Street CHEAP EATS Make a lunch stop at Ramen Taro for a bowl of mouthwatering ramen. Known for their delicious broth, thin noodles and tender, juicy kakuni (Japanese braised pork belly), we guarantee you’ll be ordering seconds. 1-10-10 Nakayamanot-dori, Chuo-ku, Tensei Building, 1/F STROLL Take in the waterfront views as you stroll in Meriken Park. Check out the modern art installations, fountains and iconic contemporary architectures such as the Kobe Port Tower and Kobe Maritime Museum. Meriken Park VIEW Head to Harborland for a second round of shopping. A quick 5 minute walk from Meriken Park, the megacomplex is surrounded by lush greenery, the glistening sea and cool breeze. Harborland DINE Grilled by highly skilled chefs using Kishu Binchotan charcoals, Miyasu’s sweet marbled Kobe beef offers a distinctive flavor incomparable to other meats. A perfect way to end the night after a long day of sightseeing and shopping. Awaji Koutsu Building, 3-2-19, Shimoyamatedori, Chuo-ku