Kobe City is located in the eastern part of Hyogo Prefecture near Osaka and two old capitals, Kyoto and Nara.  It is the capital city of Hyogo Prefecture and a prominent port city in Japan.
  Originally known by the name "Owada-no-tomari" (大輪田泊; Owada Anchorage), earliest written records regarding the region come from the Nihon Shoki (『日本書紀』; the Chronicles of Japan), which describes the founding of the Ikuta-jinjya Shrine (生田神社) by Empress Jingu (神功皇后, AD 170-269) in AD 201.  For most of its history the area was never a single political entity, even during the Tokugawa Period, when the port was controlled directly by the Tokugawa Shogunate.  In the closing days of the Edo Period in the middle of the nineteenth century, the government decided to use this port for international trades.  Kobe did not exist in its current form until its founding in 1889.  Its name comes from "kanbe" (神戸), an archaic title for supporters of the city's Ikuta-jinjya Shrine.  Kobe became one of Japan's designated cities (政令指定都市; a city whose population is more than 500,000 and is designated by government ordinance) in 1956.
  At 5:46:52 a.m. on January 17, 1995, however, the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake (阪神淡路大震災) attacked this prosperous area with a tremor of the 7th degree (maximum) on the seismic scale: 6,434 dead, 3 missing and 43,792 injuries in total.  4,571 died mostly of house collapses and the subsequent fires to be suffocated to death in Kobe City alone.  It was November 2004 when the city regained the population just before the earthquake.  Now it has a population of 1,543,599 (July 1, 2012) and an area of 552.26 sq. km (213.23 sq miles).

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Taira no Kiyomori Drama Museum

Taira no Kiyomori Drama Museum (KOBE de 清盛2012 ドラマ館) was a temporary museum dedicated to NHK Takga Drama Taira-no-Kiyomori (NHK大河ドラマ『平清盛』2012): It opened between Jan. 21, 2012 - Jan. 14, 2013. It was located at the 1st floor of Harborland Center Building, 1-3-3 Higashi-Kawasaki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City (神戸市中央区東川崎町1-3-3),

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(Sunday 18 March) Me with Ken'ichi Matsuyama (松山ケンイチ) acted as young Kiyomori in the NHK drama at Taira no Kiyomori Drama Museum

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(Sunday 18 March) Me with a man acted as Kiyomori at Taira no Kiyomori Drama Museum

Taira no Kiyomori History Museum

Taira no Kiyomori History Museum (KOBE de 清盛2012 歴史館) was a temporary museum dedicated to NHK Takga Drama Taira-no-Kiyomori (NHK大河ドラマ『平清盛』2012): It opened between Jan. 21, 2012 - Jan. 14, 2013. It was located at 2-1-7 Nakanoshima, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City (神戸市兵庫区中之島2丁目1-7),

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(Sunday 18 March) Taira no Kiyomori History Museum, 2-1-7 Nakanoshima, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City

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(Sunday 18 March) Taira no Kiyomori History Museum, 2-1-7 Nakanoshima, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City: A poster for the NHK drama.

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(Sunday 18 March) Taira no Kiyomori History Museum, 2-1-7 Nakanoshima, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City: Performance of the PR Caravan Team Kobe-Kiyomori (PRキャラバン隊「神戸・清盛隊」)

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(Sunday 18 March) Taira no Kiyomori History Museum, 2-1-7 Nakanoshima, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City: Performance of the PR Caravan Team Kobe-Kiyomori (PRキャラバン隊「神戸・清盛隊」)

Owada-no-Tomari

The original site of Owada-no-Tomari (大輪田泊; Owada Anchorage) which was later called Hyogo-no-Tsu (兵庫津; Hyogo Port), Hyogo-ku, Kobe City. It was developed by Kiyomori Taira in the late twelfth century for trading with the Song Dynasty near the capital Kyoto.

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(Sunday 18 March) The original site of Owada-no-Tomari (大輪田泊; Owada Anchorage) which was later called Hyogo-no-Tsu (兵庫津; Hyogo Port), Hyogo-ku, Kobe City.

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(Sunday 18 March) The original site of Owada-no-Tomari (大輪田泊; Owada Anchorage), Hyogo-ku, Kobe City

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(Sunday 18 March) The original site of Owada-no-Tomari (大輪田泊; Owada Anchorage), Funadaiku-cho (船大工町), Hyogo-ku, Kobe City: one of the original "Iwakura" (石椋; stone dikes)

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(Sunday 18 March) Signpost of Owada (大輪田), Hyogo-ku, Kobe City

Former Tsukishima-dera/Kyodo-zan Raiko-ji Temple

Former Tsukishima-dera (築島寺), now officially called Kyodo-zan Raiko-ji Temple (経島山来迎寺), 2-1-3 Shimagami-cho (島上町2-1-3), Hyogo-ku, Kobe City. It belongs to the Jodo-shu sect (浄土宗) of Buddhism. It was built by 78th Emperor Nijo (二条天皇, 1143-1165; r.1158-1165) for the repose of the soul of Matsuo-maru (松王丸) who, at the age of seventeen, dared to apply for human sacrifice to appease the anger of the Sea God and was sunken into the sea with many stones inscribed with the Buddhist Scriptures on July 13, 1161 (応保元年).

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(Sunday 18 March) Former Tsukishima-dera (築島寺), now officially called Kyodo-zan Raiko-ji Temple (経島山来迎寺), 2-1-3 Shimagami-cho (島上町2-1-3), Hyogo-ku, Kobe City

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(Sunday 18 March) Memorial for Matsuo-maru, Tsukishima-dera (築島寺), now officially called Kyodo-zan Raiko-ji Temple (経島山来迎寺), 2-1-3 Shimagami-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City

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(Sunday 18 March) Memorial for Matsuo-maru, Tsukishima-dera (築島寺), now officially called Kyodo-zan Raiko-ji Temple (経島山来迎寺), 2-1-3 Shimagami-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City

Jokoku-san Konko-ji Temple

Jokoku-san Konko-ji Temple (浄国山金光寺) is located at 2-12 Nishinaka-machi, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City (神戸市兵庫区西仲町2-12). it belongs to the Koya-san Shingon-shu (高野山真言宗) sect of Buddhism. It enshrines the image of Bhaiajyaguru (薬師如来) which was reportedly raised from the depth of the sea of Owada-no-Tomari (大輪田泊) following a dream of Kiyomori Taira. Kiyomori believed that the image was that of the guardian of the place and built this temple dedicated to it in the 3rd year of Joan (承安3年) or AD 1173. The temple buildings were totally damaged by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995.

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(Sunday 18 March) Jokoku-san Konko-ji Temple, 2-12 Nishinaka-machi, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City

Hoshaku-zan Nofuku-ji Temple

Hoshaku-zan Nofuku-ji Temple (宝積山 能福寺) is located at 1-39 Kitasakasegawa-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City (神戸市兵庫区北逆瀬川町1-39). it belongs to the Tendai-shu (天台宗) sect of Buddhism. It was built as Nofuku Gokoku-mitsu-ji Temple (能福護国密寺) by Dengyo-daishi Saicho (伝教大師 最澄) in the 24th year of Enryaku (延暦24年) or AD 805. later Kiyomori Taira decided that this became a family temple of the Heike-clan (平家) in the 4th year of Jisho (治承4年) or AD 1180 when he planned to transfer the capital here in Fukuhara from Kyoto (福原京遷都計画).

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(Sunday 18 March) Hoshaku-zan Nofuku-ji Temple, 1-39 Kitasakasegawa-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City: The Mausoleum of Kiyomori Taira.

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(Sunday 18 March) Hoshaku-zan Nofuku-ji Temple, 1-39 Kitasakasegawa-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City: Hyogo Daibustu (兵庫大仏) built in 1891.

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(Sunday 18 March) Hoshaku-zan Nofuku-ji Temple, 1-39 Kitasakasegawa-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City: Hyogo Daibustu (兵庫大仏) built in 1891.

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(Sunday 18 March) Hoshaku-zan Nofuku-ji Temple, 1-39 Kitasakasegawa-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City: the main hall called Tsukinowaei-den (月輪影殿).

The mural paintings of Kobe Yanagihara Substation

The mural paintings of Kobe Yanagihara Substation of the Kansai Electric Power Company, Incorporated (関西電力神戸電力所柳原変電所壁画) were painted by local children who wished to show historical people related to Kobe to the next generations.

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(Sunday 18 March) The mural paintings of Kobe Yanagihara Substation of the Kansai Electric Power Company, Incorporated: Takada-ya Kahei (高田屋嘉兵衛, 1769-1827)

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(Sunday 18 March) The mural paintings of Kobe Yanagihara Substation of the Kansai Electric Power Company, Incorporated: Kiyomori Taira

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(Sunday 18 March) The mural paintings of Kobe Yanagihara Substation of the Kansai Electric Power Company, Incorporated

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(Sunday 18 March) The mural paintings of Kobe Yanagihara Substation of the Kansai Electric Power Company, Incorporated

Saigetsu-san Shinko-ji Temple

Saigetsu-san Shinko-ji Temple (西月山真光寺) is located at 1-1-62 Matsubara-dori, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City (神戸市兵庫区松原通1-1-62). It was built by Hodo (法道) in the 1st year of Taika (大化元年). Kiyomori Taira made this temple one of the seven images of Sarasvati (辨財天; the goddess of fortune) from Itsukushima-jinjya Shrine (厳島神社), Hiroshima. Later the founder of the Jishu (時宗) sect High Priest Ippen (一遍上人) restored this temple and died here at the age of 51 in the 2nd year of Shouo (正応2年) or AD 1289. Thus it belongs to the Jishu sect.

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(Sunday 18 March) Saigetsu-san Shinko-ji Temple, 1-1-62 Matsubara-dori, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City: The well used by Kiyomori Taira for making tea.

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(Sunday 18 March) Saigetsu-san Shinko-ji Temple, 1-1-62 Matsubara-dori, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City: The main hall enshrines Amitabha Tathagta (阿弥陀如来) as the main image.

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(Sunday 18 March) Saigetsu-san Shinko-ji Temple, 1-1-62 Matsubara-dori, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City: The mausoleum of High Priest Ippen.

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(Sunday 18 March) Saigetsu-san Shinko-ji Temple, 1-1-62 Matsubara-dori, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City: The mausoleum of High Priest Ippen.

Iou-zan Yakusen-ji Temple

Iou-zan Yakusen-ji Temple (医王山薬仙寺) is located at 4-1-14 Imadezaike-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City (神戸市兵庫区今出在家町4丁目1-14). This Jishu-sect (時宗) temple was founded as a Tendai-shu (天台宗) temple by High Priest Gyoki (行基) during the era of Tempyo (天平年間; AD 729-748). This is the site of Kaya-no-Gosho (萱の御所; lit. the Cogongrass-roofed Palace) where Kiyomori Taira mured up the retired Emperor Goshirakawa in pious life (後白河法皇). Later High Priest Bungaku (文覚上人) sneaked into the palace to meet the retired emperor who put in the priest's hands a command to subjugate the Heike-clan to Yoritomo Minamoto (源頼朝).

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(Sunday 18 March) Iou-zan Yakusen-ji Temple, 4-1-14 Imadezaike-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City

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(Sunday 18 March) Iou-zan Yakusen-ji Temple, 4-1-14 Imadezaike-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City: The signpost indicating the site of Kaya-no-Gosho (萱の御所; lit. the Cogongrass-roofed Palace) where Kiyomori Taira mured up the retired Emperor Goshirakawa in pious life (後白河法皇). Later High Priest Bungaku (文覚上人) sneaked into the palace to meet the retired emperor who put in the priest's hands a command to subjugate the Heike-clan to Yoritomo Minamoto (源頼朝).

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(Sunday 18 March) Iou-zan Yakusen-ji Temple, 4-1-14 Imadezaike-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City: The famous wonder-working spring (冷霊泉).

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(Sunday 18 March) Iou-zan Yakusen-ji Temple, 4-1-14 Imadezaike-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City: The main hall (本堂) enshrines the image of Yakushi-nyorai (薬師如来; Skt. Bhaisajyaguru; the healing Buddha).

Wada-jinjya Shrine

Wada-jinjya Shrine (和田神社) is located at 3-2-51 Wadamiya-dori, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City (神戸市兵庫区和田宮通3丁目2-51). It enshrines Amenominakanushi-no-kami (天御中主大神), Ichikishima-hime-Omikami (市杵嶋姫大神) and Hiruko-Omikami (蛭子大神). The original place was called "Hiruko-no-Mori (蛭子の森), c. 800 m southernwest from here. In 1173 (承安3年) Kiyomori Taira appealed to Ichikishima-hime-Omikami. In 1658 (万治元年) a portable shrine of Amenominakanushi-no-kami washed ashore near this shrine and various miracles happened. Knowing it, the lord of Amagasaki Castle (尼崎城) built a new shrine building for Amenominakanushi-no-kami. Later this shrine called Wada-no-Myojin (和田の明神). In 1902 (明治34年) the shrine moved to the present site due to the construction of a new dockyard.

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(Sunday 18 March) Wada-jinjya Shrine, 3-2-51 Wadamiya-dori, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City

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(Sunday 18 March) Wada-jinjya Shrine, 3-2-51 Wadamiya-dori, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City

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(Sunday 18 March) Wada-jinjya Shrine, 3-2-51 Wadamiya-dori, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City: the main shrine hall for worshippers.

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(Sunday 18 March) Wada-jinjya Shrine, 3-2-51 Wadamiya-dori, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City

The Monuments of Kiyomori Taira and the Lute

The Monuments of Kiyomori Taira and the Lute (清盛塚と琵琶塚) are located at 1 Kireto-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City (神戸市兵庫区切戸町1). They were built in 1286 (弘安9年) for the repose of the soul of Kiyomori who was reportedly buried near here according to the record of Hoshaku-zan Nofuku-ji Temple (宝積山 能福寺). The statue of Kiyomori was built in 1968 (昭和43年).

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(Sunday 18 March) The Monuments of Kiyomori Taira and the Lute, 1 Kireto-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City

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(Sunday 18 March) The Monuments of Kiyomori Taira and the Lute, 1 Kireto-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City

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(Sunday 18 March) The Monuments of Kiyomori Taira and the Lute, 1 Kireto-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City: The Kiyomori Stone Monument (c. 8.5 m high)

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(Sunday 18 March) The Monuments of Kiyomori Taira and the Lute, 1 Kireto-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City: The statue of Kiyomori Taira (b. 1968) and the monument of the lute.

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(Sunday 18 March) The Monuments of Kiyomori Taira and the Lute, 1 Kireto-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City: The statue of Kiyomori Taira (b. 1968)

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(Sunday 18 March) The Monuments of Kiyomori Taira and the Lute, 1 Kireto-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City: The statue of Kiyomori Taira (b. 1968)

Arata Hachiman-jinjya Shrine

Arata Hachiman-jinjya Shrine (荒田八幡神社) is located at 3-99 Arata-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City (神戸市兵庫区荒田町3-99). Kiyomori Taira's younger brother Yorimori (平頼盛, 1131-1186) built a retreat here. Later It became 81st Emperor Antoku (安徳天皇, 1178-1185; r.1180-1185)'s temporary quarters when Kiyomori decided to transfer the capital here in Fukuhara (福原遷都) in 1180 (治承4年).

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(Sunday 18 March) Arata Hachiman-jinjya Shrine, 3-99 Arata-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City

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(Sunday 18 March) Arata Hachiman-jinjya Shrine, 3-99 Arata-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City

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(Sunday 18 March) Arata Hachiman-jinjya Shrine, 3-99 Arata-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City

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(Sunday 18 March) Arata Hachiman-jinjya Shrine, 3-99 Arata-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City

Site of Yukimi-no-Gosho

Site of Yukimi-no-Gosho (雪見御所旧跡) is located at 2-1 Yukinogosho-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City (神戸市兵庫区雪御所町2-1) or the north western edge of Minatoyama Elementary School (湊山小学校). It was the site of Yukimi-no-Gosho (雪見御所; the Snow-viewing Villa) built by Kiyomori Taira who entered the priesthood in 1168 (仁安3年).

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(Sunday 18 March) Site of Yukimi-no-Gosho, 2-1 Yukinogosho-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe Cit

Kumano-jinjya Shrine

Kumano-jinjya Shrine (熊野神社) is located at 3-1-1 Kumano-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City (神戸市兵庫区熊野町3-1-1). It was built by Kiyomori Taira who appealed to Kumano-Gongen (熊野権現) in Wakayama Prefecture (紀州) in the time of transfer of the capital to Fukuhara (福原遷都) to guard the new capital.

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(Sunday 18 March) Kumano-jinjya Shrine, 3-1-1 Kumano-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City

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(Sunday 18 March) Kumano-jinjya Shrine, 3-1-1 Kumano-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City

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(Sunday 18 March) Kumano-jinjya Shrine, 3-1-1 Kumano-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City

Itsukushima-jinjya Shrine

Itsukushima-jinjya Shrine (厳島神社) is located at 6-5 Hanakuma-cho,Chuo-ku, Kobe City (神戸市中央区花隈町6-5). Kiyomori Taira built this shrine appealing to the gods of Itsukushima-jinjya Shrine, Hiroshima Prefecture (安芸).

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(Sunday 18 March) Itsukushima-jinjya Shrine, 6-5 Hanakuma-cho,Chuo-ku, Kobe City

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(Sunday 18 March) Itsukushima-jinjya Shrine, 6-5 Hanakuma-cho,Chuo-ku, Kobe City

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(Sunday 18 March) Itsukushima-jinjya Shrine, 6-5 Hanakuma-cho,Chuo-ku, Kobe City

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(Sunday 18 March) Itsukushima-jinjya Shrine, 6-5 Hanakuma-cho,Chuo-ku, Kobe City

Sumaura Park

Sumaura Park (須磨浦公園) is located at 5 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City (神戸市須磨区一ノ谷町5丁目). It is the battle field of the Battle of Ichinotani (一ノ谷の戦い) between the Genji-clan and the Heike-clan on March 20, 1184 (寿永3年/治承8年2月7日).

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(Monday 19 March) Signboard of Sumaura Park, 5 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) Sumaura Park, 5 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: The stone monument of the historic Gempei Wars (源平史跡 戦の濱碑)

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(Monday 19 March) Sumaura Park, 5 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: The stone monument of the historic Gempei Wars (源平史跡 戦の濱碑)

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(Monday 19 March) Sumaura Park, 5 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: an eastern view from the cable car

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(Monday 19 March) Sumaura Park, 5 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: a southern view from the cable car

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(Monday 19 March) Sumaura Park, 5 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: the cable car

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(Monday 19 March) Sumaura Park, 5 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: a view from the top of Hachibuse-yama (鉢伏山, 246m)

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(Monday 19 March) Sumaura Park, 5 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: a view from the top of Hachibuse-yama (鉢伏山, 246m)

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(Monday 19 March) Sumaura Park, 5 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: Information Board of "Suma Ichinotani (Drop Down)" which says: Minamoto Yoshitsune's cunning attack, the Ichinotani drop down, took place at the steep slope looking over the sea on the eastern face between Mt. Hachibuse and Mt. Tekkaisan towering to the north of Sumaura Park. In the early morning of the seventh of February 1184, Yoshitsune led a brigade of more than seventy horsemen down a steep slope only traversed by deer, dropping down to attack the Ichinotani camp and securing a one-sided victory for the Genji forces in the Battle of Gempei. It is said that the path from here leading to the ruins of the Emperor Antoku's palace is the path that the horsemen took. There is also a theory that it is in the area of Torigoe (north of Nagata and Hyogo wards). (Supervision: Suma Historical Society)

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(Monday 19 March) Sumaura Park, 5 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: Yoshitsune's route of the Ichinotani drop down

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(Monday 19 March) Sumaura Park, 5 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: Yoshitsune's route of the Ichinotani drop down

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(Monday 19 March) Sumaura Park, 5 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: Yoshitsune's route of the Ichinotani drop down

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(Monday 19 March) Sumaura Park, 5 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: Yoshitsune's route of the Ichinotani drop down

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(Monday 19 March) Sumaura Park, 5 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: "Atsumori-zuka" (敦盛塚; the 3.5 m-high cenotaph to the memory of Atsumori Taira [平敦盛). Taira no Atsumori (平敦盛, 1169-1184) was a samurai famous for his early death in single combat. At the Battle of Ichi-no-Tani (一の谷の戦い), Atsumori engaged Kumagai no Jiro Naozane (熊谷次郎直実), an ally of the Minamoto (源氏), and was killed. Kumagai had a son the same age as Atsumori. Kumagai's great remorse as told in the tale, coupled with his taking of priestly vows, caused this otherwise unremarkable event to become well known for its tragedy. The legend of Atsumori's death, as told in The Tales of the Heike (『平家物語』), goes as follows. The Heike were scattered by Monamoto Yoshitsune (源義経)'s attack from the Ichi-no-Tani cliff. Kumagai no Jiro Naozane, while scanning the beach for fleeing soldiers, spotted the young Atsumori swimming towards the fleeing vessels. Kumagai beckons Atsumori with his fan, taunting Atsumori saying, “I see that you are a Commander-in-Chief. It is dishonorable to show your back to an enemy. Return!” (The Tale of the Heike, translated by Helen Craig McCullough (1994), p. 316). The two grappled on the beach, but Kumagai was too powerful. Kumagai knocks off Atsumori's helmet to deliver the finishing blow, only to be struck by the beauty of the young noble. Atsumori was “sixteen or seventeen years old, with a lightly powdered face and blackened teeth--a boy just the age of Naozane's own son...” (The Tale of the Heike, translated by Helen Craig McCullough (1994), p. 317). Kumagai, wishing to spare the boy, asks for Atsumori's name, but the child refuses. Atsumori simply says that he is famous enough that Kumagai's superiors will recognize his head when it is time to assign rewards. At that moment, other Minamoto warriors arrived at the scene, and Kumagai knows that if he doesn't kill Atsumori, the other warriors surely will. Kumagai reasons that it is better if he is the one to kill Atsumori, because he can offer prayers on his behalf for the afterlife. Crying, Kumagai beheads the boy. Searching the body for something to wrap the head in, he came across a bag containing a flute. He realized that Atsumori must have been one of the soldiers playing music before the battle and thought, “There are tens of thousands of riders in our eastern armies, but I am sure none of them has brought a flute to the battlefield. Those court nobles are refined men!” (The Tale of the Heike, translated by Helen Craig McCullough (1994), p. 317). It is said that the beheading of Atsumori is what led Kumagai to take priestly vows and become a Buddhist monk. The Atsumori narrative became the subject of many spin-offs, including: The Noh play, Atsumori (『敦盛』), which follows Kumagai, now known as the Buddhist priest Rensho (蓮生), as he speaks with and prays for the lost soul of Atsumori. The Bunraku puppet play, later adapted for Kabuki, Ichinotani Futaba Gunki (『一谷嫩軍記』) A Narrative: Atsumori (「敦盛最期」) which expands upon the Tales of the Heike version and includes a section where Kumagai personally returns the body of Atsumori to the Minamoto. Little Atsumori, the tale of the resulting plight of Atsumori's wife and his yet unborn son. The lesser-known Kabuki play Sakigake Gempei Tsutsuji (『源平魁躑躅』) (otherwise called Ogiya Kumagai (『扇屋熊谷』), or Suma no Miyako Genpei Tsutsuji (『須磨都源平躑躅』), where Atsumori hides his identity by dressing up as the girl Kohagi (小萩) and working in a fan shop. (Referred to the site of "Wikipedia")

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(Monday 19 March) Sumaura Park, 5 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: Atsumori-zuka" (敦盛塚; the 3.5 m-high cenotaph to the memory of Atsumori Taira)

Antoku-gu Shrine

Antoku-gu Shrine (安徳宮) is located at 2 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City (神戸市須磨区一ノ谷町2). it is the site of 81st Emperor Antoku's temporary palace at the Battle of Ichinotani in 1184. So it enshrines Emperor Antoku.

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(Monday 19 March) Antoku-gu Shrine, 2 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City; Signpost indicating the site of 81st Emperor Antoku's temporary palace.

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(Monday 19 March) Antoku-gu Shrine, 2 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) Antoku-gu Shrine, 2 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) Antoku-gu Shrine, 2 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) Antoku-gu Shrine, 2 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) Antoku-gu Shrine, 2 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) Antoku-gu Shrine, 2 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: Signpost for the bronze statue of the princess Kazunomiya (皇女和宮, 1846-1877)

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(Monday 19 March) Antoku-gu Shrine, 2 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: The bronze statue of the princess Kazunomiya (皇女和宮, 1846-1877)

Masegaku-san Genko-ji Temple

Masegaku-san Genko-ji Temple (藩架山現光寺), known as Genji-dera (源氏寺), is located at 1-1-6 Sumadera-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City (神戸市須磨区須磨寺町1-1-6). It belongs to the Jodo-Shinshu-Hongwanji-ha (浄土真宗本願寺派) sect of Buddhism. It enshrines the image of Amida-nyorai (阿弥陀如来; Skt. Amitabha Tathagata). It was completely destroyed by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995. It took about eight years to reconstruct the temple.

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(Monday 19 March) Masegaku-san Genko-ji Temple, 1-1-6 Sumadera-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) Masegaku-san Genko-ji Temple, 1-1-6 Sumadera-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) Masegaku-san Genko-ji Temple, 1-1-6 Sumadera-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) The main hall of Masegaku-san Genko-ji Temple, 1-1-6 Sumadera-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City

Sekimori-inari-jinjya Shrine

Sekimori-inari-jinjya Shrine (関守稲荷神社) is located at 1-3 Sekimori-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City (神戸市須磨区関守町1-3). It enshrines Uganomitama-no-kami (稲倉魂神). The shrine name is derived from a tanka poem by Kanemasa Minamoto (源 兼昌) of the Ogura Anthology of One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets (『小倉百人一首』): 淡路島 (Awaji-shima) かよふ千鳥の (Kayou chidori no) 鳴く声に (Naku koe ni) 幾夜寝覚めぬ (Iku yo nezamenu) 須磨の関守 (Suma no sekimori) (Dear the guardian of the Suma Gate, How many nights have you awakened At the crying of the plover Coming from Awaji Island? (trans. Eishiro Ito) *The Gate of Suma is considered to have been here.

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(Monday 19 March) Sekimori-inari-jinjya Shrine, 1-3 Sekimori-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: The signpost indicating the site of Nagata Palace (長田宮)

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(Monday 19 March) Sekimori-inari-jinjya Shrine, 1-3 Sekimori-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) Sekimori-inari-jinjya Shrine, 1-3 Sekimori-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) Sekimori-inari-jinjya Shrine, 1-3 Sekimori-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) Sekimori-inari-jinjya Shrine, 1-3 Sekimori-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City

Joya-san Suma-dera

Joya-san Suma-dera (上野山須磨寺) is located at 4-6-8 Sumaderacho, Suma-ku, Kobe City (神戸市須磨区須磨寺町4-6-8). It was founded by High Priest Monkyo (聞鏡上人) in the 2nd year of Ninna (仁和2年) or AD 886 at the request of 58th Emperor Koko (光孝天皇, 830-887; r. 884-887). It is the head temple of the Shungon-shu-Sumadera-ha (真言宗須磨寺派大本山) sect. This temple is strongly connected to the Gempei Wars.

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(Monday 19 March) Illustrated map of Joya-san Suma-dera, 4-6-8 Sumaderacho, Suma-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) Joya-san Suma-dera, 4-6-8 Sumaderacho, Suma-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) Joya-san Suma-dera, 4-6-8 Sumaderacho, Suma-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) Joya-san Suma-dera, 4-6-8 Sumaderacho, Suma-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) Joya-san Suma-dera, 4-6-8 Sumaderacho, Suma-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) Joya-san Suma-dera, 4-6-8 Sumaderacho, Suma-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) Joya-san Suma-dera, 4-6-8 Sumaderacho, Suma-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) Joya-san Suma-dera, 4-6-8 Sumaderacho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: The main hall (本堂) was built by Hideyori Toyotomi (豊臣秀頼) in 1602 (慶長7年).

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(Monday 19 March) Joya-san Suma-dera, 4-6-8 Sumaderacho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: The main hall (本堂) was built by Hideyori Toyotomi (豊臣秀頼) in 1602 (慶長7年).

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(Monday 19 March) Joya-san Suma-dera, 4-6-8 Sumaderacho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: The main hall (本堂) was built by Hideyori Toyotomi (豊臣秀頼) in 1602 (慶長7年).

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(Monday 19 March) Joya-san Suma-dera, 4-6-8 Sumaderacho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: The Three-Storied Pagoda (三重塔) built in 1983.

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(Monday 19 March) Joya-san Suma-dera, 4-6-8 Sumaderacho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: The Three-Storied Pagoda (三重塔) built in 1983.

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(Monday 19 March) Joya-san Suma-dera, 4-6-8 Sumaderacho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: The Three-Storied Pagoda (三重塔) built in 1983.

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(Monday 19 March) Joya-san Suma-dera, 4-6-8 Sumaderacho, Suma-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) Joya-san Suma-dera, 4-6-8 Sumaderacho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: "Gempei-no-Niwa" (源平の庭; the garden dedicated to the Gempei Wars)

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(Monday 19 March) Joya-san Suma-dera, 4-6-8 Sumaderacho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: "Gempei-no-Niwa" (源平の庭; the garden dedicated to the Gempei Wars): the equestrian statue of Naozane Kumagai (熊谷直実).

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(Monday 19 March) Joya-san Suma-dera, 4-6-8 Sumaderacho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: "Gempei-no-Niwa" (源平の庭; the garden dedicated to the Gempei Wars): the equestrian statue of Atsumori Taira (平敦盛).

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(Monday 19 March) Joya-san Suma-dera, 4-6-8 Sumaderacho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: the Yoshitsune-kyo-koshikake-matsu (義経卿腰掛松; the pine tree on which Lord Yoshitsune sat) and "Atsumori-kyo-kubi-arai-Ike" (敦盛卿首洗池; the pond of washing Lord Atsumori's head). Reportedly Yoshitsune sat on the pine tree to examine Atsumori's head here.

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(Monday 19 March) Joya-san Suma-dera, 4-6-8 Sumaderacho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: the Yoshitsune-kyo-koshikake-matsu (義経卿腰掛松; the pine tree on which Lord Yoshitsune sat) and "Atsumori-kyo-kubi-arai-Ike" (敦盛卿首洗池; the pond of washing Lord Atsumori's head)

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(Monday 19 March) Joya-san Suma-dera, 4-6-8 Sumaderacho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: "Atsumori-kyo-kubi-arai-Ike" (敦盛卿首洗池; the pond of washing Lord Atsumori's head)

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(Monday 19 March) Joya-san Suma-dera, 4-6-8 Sumaderacho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: a memorial shrine for the repose of Atsumori's head/soul (敦盛首塚).

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(Monday 19 March) Joya-san Suma-dera, 4-6-8 Sumaderacho, Suma-ku, Kobe City: a memorial shrine for the repose of Atsumori's head/soul (敦盛首塚).

Site of the Pine Tree Where Shigehira Taira Was Caught

Site of the Pine Tree Where Shigehira Taira Was Caught (平重衡とらわれの松跡) is located at the exit of Sanyo-dentetsu Sumadera Station (山陽電鉄須磨寺駅) or 1 Sumadera-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City (神戸市須磨区須磨寺町1丁目). At the Battle of Ichinotani (一の谷の戦い) Shigehira Taira (平重衡, 1157-1185) was nominated as the adjutant general of the Ikuta Forest (生田の森) and fought very hard with the Genji-clan in vain. Trying to retreat to the sea, he was captured here. Sitting on the pine tree (defunct) he cried in mortification. Village people pitied him deeply and gave him "doburoku" (unclarified sake). Showing his gratitude to them, Shigehira made a following poem: ささほろや (Sasa horo ya) 波ここもとを (Nami koko moto wo) 打ちすぎて (Uchi sugite) すまでのむこの (Suma de nomu kono) 濁酒なれ (Nigorizake nare) (Little drunken The wave stricken Too much here. It is this cloudy sake I swallow in Suma. (trans. Eishiro Ito)

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(Monday 19 March) Site of the Pine Tree Where Shigehira Taira Was Caught, 1 Sumadera-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City

Ikuta-jinjya Shrine

Ikuta-jinjya Shrine (生田神社) is located at 1-2-1Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City (神戸市中央区下山手通1丁目2-1), and is possibly among the oldest shrines in the country. According to Nihon Shoki (『日本書紀』; the Chronicles of Japan), it was founded by the Empress Jingu (神功皇后) at the beginning of the 3rd century to enshrine Wakahirume-no-mikoto (稚日女尊), and was used as the base for a festival welcoming warriors back from the latest attempt to invade Korea. It was one of three shrines established at this time, the others being Hirota-jinjya Shrine (廣田神社), dedicated to Amaterasu-Omikami (天照大神), and Nagata-jinjya Shrine (長田神社), dedicated to Kotoshiro-nushi (言代主神; 事代主神; also known as Ebisu; 恵比須). During the Gempei War, parts of the Battle of Ichi-no-Tani (一の谷の戦い) took place in and around this shrine, and are commemorated by markers in the Ikuta Forest (生田森) behind the shrine. Of course, the shrine's land was much larger back then, before the city of Kobe was built around it. Thus, the precise locations of skirmishes or events can no longer be commemorated on shrine land. Today, two Noh plays, Ebira (『箙』) and Ikuta Atsumori (『生田敦盛』), which retell aspects of the Gempei War, are performed near the Ikuta Shrine on a regular basis. They are performed every year at Ikuta's Autumn Festival (秋祭り; Akimatsuri). (Cited from the site of "Wikipedia")

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(Friday 23 March) Illustrated map of Ikuta-jinjya Shrine, 1-2-1 Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City

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(Friday 23 March) Stone Shrine Gate to Ikuta-jinjya Shrine, 1-2-1 Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City

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(Friday 23 March) Red Shrine Gate to Ikuta-jinjya Shrine, 1-2-1 Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City

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(Friday 23 March) 1-2-1 Ro-mon Gate (楼門), Ikuta-jinjya Shrine, Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City

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(Friday 23 March) Hai-den (拝殿; the Worshippers' Hall), Ikuta-jinjya Shrine, 1-2-1 Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City

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(Friday 23 March) Hai-den (拝殿; the Worshippers' Hall), Ikuta-jinjya Shrine, 1-2-1 Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City

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(Friday 23 March) The Ikuta Pond (生田の池), Ikuta-jinjya Shrine, 1-2-1 Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City

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(Friday 23 March) 1-2-1 The Ikuta Forest, Ikuta-jinjya Shrine, Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City

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(Friday 23 March) The Ikuta Forest, Ikuta-jinjya Shrine, Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City

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(Friday 23 March) The Ikuta Forest, Ikuta-jinjya Shrine, Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City

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(Friday 23 March) The Ikuta Forest, Ikuta-jinjya Shrine, Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City

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(Friday 23 March) The Ikuta Forest, Ikuta-jinjya Shrine, Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City

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(Friday 23 March) The Ikuta Forest, Ikuta-jinjya Shrine, Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City

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(Friday 23 March) The Ikuta Forest, Ikuta-jinjya Shrine, Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City: Ikuta-no-mori-ni-imasu-yashiro (生田森坐社) enshrining Empress Jingu (神功皇后).

San-no-miya Stations

San-no-miya Stations (三宮駅)

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(Tuesday 18 March) JR San-no-miya Stations (JR三宮駅)

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(Tuesday 18 March) Hanshin San-no-miya Stations (阪神三宮駅) is located next to JR San-no-miya Stations (JR三宮駅).

Kitano-cho

Kitano-cho (北野町), Chuo Ward, Kobe City (神戸市中央区北野町). In the last days of the Tokugawa SHogunate, Kobe became an important international port as well as Yokohama near Edo [Tokyo]. Then, Hill of Kitano was full of western-styled houses for European and American inhabitants. Even now many western houses remains with exotic flavors.

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(Tuesday 18 March) Illustrative map of "Ijin-kan" (異人館; residences for foreigners), Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) "Reisekisei? Fudo-myo-o Rei-jo" (霊石生不動明王霊場), Kitano-cho. It enshrines Acalanatha or the God of Fire.

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(Tuesday 18 March) "Reisekisei? Fudo-myo-o Rei-jo" (霊石生不動明王霊場), Kitano-cho. It enshrines Acalanatha or the God of Fire.

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(Tuesday 18 March) Kitano-tenmangu Shrine (北野天満宮), Kitano-cho. It enshrines Michizane Sugawara (菅原道真, 845-903). Reportedly it was founded as a guardian shrine in June in the 4th year of Jisho (治承4年) or AD 1180 when Kiyomori Taira (平 清盛, 1118-1181) moved the capital in Kobe (then called "Fukuwara" [福原]) form Kyoto.

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(Tuesday 18 March) Stone Steps to Kitano-tenmangu Shrine (北野天満宮), Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) "Mai-den" (舞殿; Hall for Sacred Dances), Kitano-tenmangu Shrine (北野天満宮), Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Stone steps to "Hai-den" (拝殿; Worshippers' Hall), Kitano-tenmangu Shrine (北野天満宮), Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) "Hai-den" (拝殿; Worshippers' Hall), Kitano-tenmangu Shrine (北野天満宮), Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Kobe City, viewed from Kitano-tenmangu Shrine (北野天満宮), Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Kobe City, viewed from Kitano-tenmangu Shrine (北野天満宮), Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Kobe City, viewed from Kitano-tenmangu Shrine (北野天満宮), Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) "Eikoku-kan" (英国館; England House), Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Korean tourists in Kitano-cho Plaza (北野町広場)

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(Tuesday 18 March) "Furansu-kan" (仏蘭西館; France House) or Yokan-nagaya (洋館長屋), Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) "Ben no Ie" (ベンの家; Ben's House), Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) "Ben no Ie" (ベンの家; Ben's House), Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Gallery Halcyon (ギャラリー・ハルシオン), 2-9-3 Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) An antique bus, Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Parastin House (パラスティン邸; a cofee house), Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Parastin House (パラスティン邸; a cofee house), Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Parastin House (パラスティン邸; a cofee house), Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Victorian House Reintei (神戸北野異人館レイン邸), Kitano-cho.

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(Tuesday 18 March) Victorian House Reintei (神戸北野異人館レイン邸), Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) "Kazamidori-no-Yakata" (風見鶏の館; Weather Cock House), 3-13-3 Kitano-cho. This house was made in the 42nd year of Meiji (明治42年) or AD 1909 by a German architect George de Lalande for a German businessman Gottfried Thomas. The ineterior is designed in art nouveau. This house was used as the main setting for the NHK television serial drama Kazamidori (『風見鶏』) or Weather Cock House (October 1977-March 1978), which made the house well-known across the country. The house was designated as a national important cutural asset in January 1978. Now it is also a symbol of Kitano-Ijinkan-gai area (北野異人館街).

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(Tuesday 18 March) Moegi House (萌黄の館), also known as the Kobayashi House (小林家住宅), 3-10-11 Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Moegi House (萌黄の館), also known as the Kobayashi House (小林家住宅), 3-10-11 Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) A private house near Kitano-cho Plaza

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(Tuesday 18 March) Kitano-cho Plaza

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(Tuesday 18 March) "Hunter Geihin-kan" (ハンター迎賓館; Hunter Guesthouse), 2-13-1 Kitano-cho. Now it is used as a wedding place.

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(Tuesday 18 March) "Hunter Geihin-kan" (ハンター迎賓館; Hunter Guesthouse), 2-13-1 Kitano-cho. Now it is used as a wedding place.

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(Tuesday 18 March) "Kaori-no-Ie Oranda-kan" (香りの家オランダ館; Holland Aroma House), 2-15-10 Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Wien Austrian House (ウイーン・オーストリアの家), 2-15-18 Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Denmark House (デンマーク館), 2-15-12 Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Wien Austrian House (ウイーン・オーストリアの家), 2-15-18 Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) "Oranda-zaka" (オランダ坂; Dutch Slope), Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Photos of the Original Holland House (本家オランダ館), 2-16-17 Kitano-cho. It was a Dutch trandesman Charlie Erion's: His elder sister Mobel Erion lived her until October 24, 1982.

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(Tuesday 18 March) Original Holland House (本家オランダ館), 2-16-17 Kitano-cho. It was a Dutch trandesman Charlie Erion's: His elder sister Mobel Erion lived her until October 24, 1982.

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(Tuesday 18 March) A demolished western-styled house in the side of the Dutch Slope, Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Platon Decorative Arts Museum (プラトン装飾美術館) or Italy House (イタリア館), 1-6-15 Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Platon Decorative Arts Museum (プラトン装飾美術館) or Italy House (イタリア館), 1-6-15 Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Former Chinese Consulate (旧中国領事館), 2-18-2 Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Kitano Foreigners Association (北野外国人倶楽部), 2-18-2 Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Kitano Foreigners Association (北野外国人倶楽部), 2-18-2 Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Uroko-no-Ie (うろこの家) or Uroko Museum (うろこ美術館), 2-20-2 Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Uroko-no-Ie (うろこの家; lit. "Scale House") or Uroko Museum (うろこ美術館), 2-20-2 Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Uroko-no-Ie (うろこの家; lit. "Scale House") or Uroko Museum (うろこ美術館), 2-20-2 Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Uroko-no-Ie (うろこの家; lit. "Scale House") or Uroko Museum (うろこ美術館), 2-20-2 Kitano-cho

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(Tuesday 18 March) Kitanozaka Avenue (北野坂)

Moto-machi Stations

Moto-machi Stations (元町駅)

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(Tuesday 18 March) Hanshin Moto-machi Station (阪神元町駅) next to JR Moto-machi Station

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(Tuesday 18 March) JR Moto-machi Station (JR元町駅) next to Hanshin Moto-machi Station

Nankin-machi China Town

Nankin-machi China Town (南京町中華街) was founded around 1868 when Kobe Port was open to the world. Nankin-machi, which is not a formal place name but the nickname of the China Town between Moto-machi-dori (元町通) and Sakae-machi-dori (栄町通). It is one of the Three China Towns of Japan as well as Yokohama Chuka-gai (横浜中華街; Yokohama China Town) and Nagasaki-Shinchi Chika-gai (長崎新地中華街; Nagasaki-Shinchi China Town). However, this town is limited in a small block (c. 200 m in east and west; 110 m in south and north) with about 100 shops. However, more than 10,000 "Kakyo" (華僑; Oversea Chinese) people lived in Kobe City while only 6,000 live in Yokohama City. It is probably because the Chinese people has been built better relationships with local Japanese here than Yokohama, so they do not always have to live together in a narrow place. Before World War II, chinatowns in Yokohama and Nagasaki were also named "Nanking-machi" with some contempt and disdain, so they needed to rename it. In the case of Kobe, they still continue to call Nankin-machi because of their continuous good friendship.

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(Tuesday 18 March) "Choan-mon" (長安門; Changan Gate), the east gate to Nankin-machi China Town

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(Tuesday 18 March) Nankin-machi China Town

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(Tuesday 18 March) Nankin-machi China Town

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(Tuesday 18 March) Nankin-machi China Town

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(Tuesday 18 March) Nankin-machi China Town

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(Tuesday 18 March) Nankin-machi China Town

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(Tuesday 18 March) Nankin-machi China Town

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(Tuesday 18 March) Nankin-machi China Town

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(Tuesday 18 March) "Shanghai-hanten" (上海飯店; Restrant Shanghai), Nankin-machi China Town

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(Tuesday 18 March) My dinner with a bottle of samshu (老酒), "Shanghai-hanten" (上海飯店; Restrant Shanghai), Nankin-machi China Town

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(Tuesday 18 March) Shi'an-mon" (西安門; Xi'an Gate), the west gate to Nankin-machi China Town

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(Tuesday 18 March) Shi'an-mon" (西安門; Xi'an Gate), the west gate to Nankin-machi China Town

Meriken Park & Kobe Port

Meriken [=American] Park and Port of Kobe

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(Tuesday 18 March) Kobe Port Tower (神戸ポートタワー) is located at 5-5 Hatoba-cho, Chuo Ward, Kobe City (神戸市中央区波止場町5-5). It was made in 1963. The height is 108 m (354 feet).

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(Tuesday 18 March) Kobe Port Tower, Meriken Park and Port of Kobe

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(Tuesday 18 March) Kobe Port Tower, Meriken Park and Port of Kobe

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(Tuesday 18 March) Kobe Port Tower, Meriken Park and Port of Kobe featuring the Spanish replica (1990) of the Santa Maria which was of course used for the Christopher Columbus expedition.

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(Tuesday 18 March) Kobe Port Tower, Meriken Park and Port of Kobe featuring the Spanish replica (1990) of the Santa Maria which was of course used for the Christopher Columbus expedition.

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(Tuesday 18 March) The Spanish replica (1990) of the Santa Maria which was of course used for the Christopher Columbus expedition. Meriken Park.

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(Tuesday 18 March) The Spanish replica (1990) of the Santa Maria which was of course used for the Christopher Columbus expedition. Meriken Park.

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(Tuesday 18 March) A monument of Meriken Park and Port of Kobe

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(Tuesday 18 March) Meriken Park Oriental Hotel

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(Tuesday 18 March) Port of Kobe

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(Tuesday 18 March) Port of Kobe, viewed from Kobe Port Tower

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(Tuesday 18 March) Meriken Park and Port of Kobe, viewed from Kobe Port Tower

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(Tuesday 18 March) Meriken Park and Port of Kobe, viewed from Kobe Port Tower

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(Tuesday 18 March) Kobe City, viewed from Kobe Port Tower

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(Tuesday 18 March) Port of Kobe, viewed from Kobe Port Tower

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(Tuesday 18 March) Port of Kobe, viewed from Kobe Port Tower

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(Tuesday 18 March) Port of Kobe, viewed from Kobe Port Tower

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(Tuesday 18 March) Port of Kobe, viewed from Kobe Port Tower

The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge

The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge (明石海峡大橋), also known as the Pearl Bridge, has the longest central span of any suspension bridge, at 1,991 metres (6,532 ft). It is located in Japan and was completed in 1998. The bridge links the city of Kobe on the mainland of Honshu to Iwaya on Awaji Island by crossing the busy Akashi Strait. It carries part of the Honshu-Shikoku Highway. The bridge is one of the key links of the Honshu-Shikoku Bridge Project, which created three routes across the Inland Sea. (Cited from the site of "Wikipedia")

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(Monday 19 March) The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, viewed from Maiko Park (舞子公園), Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, viewed from Maiko Park (舞子公園), Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, viewed from Maiko Park (舞子公園), Kobe City

Sun-Yet Sen Memorial Hall

The Sun-Yet Sen Memorial Hall (孫中山記念館), or Ijo-kaku (移情閣), is a facility that commemorates Sun-Yet Sen (孫中山 [孫文], 1866-1925), a revolutionary politician, and father of modern China. It is located at 2051 Higashi-Miko-cho, Tarumi-ku, Kobe City (神戸市垂水区東舞子町2051) or by the west end of the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge.

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(Monday 19 March) The Sun-Yet Sen Memorial Hall, or Ijo-kaku, 2051 Higashi-Miko-cho, Tarumi-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) The Sun-Yet Sen Memorial Hall, or Ijo-kaku, 2051 Higashi-Miko-cho, Tarumi-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) The Sun-Yet Sen Memorial Hall, or Ijo-kaku, 2051 Higashi-Miko-cho, Tarumi-ku, Kobe City

The Full-size Monument of Iron Man #28

The full-size (18 m long; 15.6 m high) model of Iron Man #28 (鉄人28号モニュメント像) is located in Wakamatsu Park, Nagata-ku, Kobe City (神戸市長田区若松公園) near JR Shin-Nagata Station (JR新長田駅). It was created as part of "Kobe Tetsujin Project" (神戸鉄人プロジェクト).It is made of weatherproof steel plate (耐候性鋼板), and weighs c. 50t. It constructed between July 27-September 29, 2009 at the cost of 135 million yen. Tetsujin 28-go (『鉄人28号』; literally "Iron Man #28") is a 1956 manga written and illustrated by Mitsuteru Yokoyama (横山光輝, 1934-2004), who also created Giant Robo. The series centered on the adventures of a young boy named Shotaro Kaneda (金田正太郎), who controlled a giant robot named Tetsujin 28, built by his late father. The manga was later adapted into four anime TV series, the first in 1963. It was the first Japanese anime series to feature a giant robot. The 1963 series was later released in America as The Gigantor. A live action motion picture with heavy use of computer generated graphics was produced in Japan in 2005. (Referred to the site of "Wikipedia")

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(Monday 19 March) A signboard of the full-size model of Iron Man #28 near JR Shin-Nagata Station

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(Monday 19 March) A signboard of the full-size model of Iron Man #28 near JR Shin-Nagata Station

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(Monday 19 March) A signboard of the full-size model of Iron Man #28 near JR Shin-Nagata Station

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(Monday 19 March) The full-size model of Iron Man #28, Wakamatsu Park, Nagata-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) The full-size model of Iron Man #28, Wakamatsu Park, Nagata-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) The full-size model of Iron Man #28, Wakamatsu Park, Nagata-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) The full-size model of Iron Man #28, Wakamatsu Park, Nagata-ku, Kobe City

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(Monday 19 March) The full-size model of Iron Man #28, Wakamatsu Park, Nagata-ku, Kobe City

        

Copyright (c) 2008-2012 Eishiro Ito.  All rights reserved.