The ultimate guide to Setouchi: Kobe

Get a scenic overview of Kobe in ten minutes by riding this aerial lift up the slope of Mt Rokko.

A sprawling showcase of all things herb, set along a winding path that takes you through a dozen different fragrant gardens.

Walk (30 mins)

Bask in the spray of the 43-metre-high Ontaki, the largest of the four cataracts that make up Nunobiki Falls.

Try yudofu, a hotpot-like dish with tofu, veg, pork and conger eel boiled in a light dashi broth, at this century-old eatery overlooking the Ontaki waterfall.

Walk (30 mins)

See captivating displays of myriad woodworking instruments and learn how Japanese carpentry evolved from the Stone Age to the present.

Bus 92 from Nunobiki bus stop, alight at Kamitsutsui 1-chome (10 mins)

Each exhibition here highlights a different aspect of the indomitable artist’s immense oeuvre. The ‘eyeball’ and ‘mirror’ corridors contribute a permanent touch of psychedelia.

Koalas, capybaras, tortoises, goats – it’s cute animals galore at the retro Oji Zoo, located just outside the Yokoo Tadanori museum.

Bus 92 from Kamitsutsui 1-chome bus stop, alight at Nunobiki (10 mins)

Stylish gallery and shop highlighting Japanese and international artists, tucked away inside a nondescript apartment building. Look out for the special exhibitions and events.

Bus 2 from Kumochi 6-chome bus stop, alight at Kanocho 2-chome (6 mins)

Get acquainted with Kobe’s proud tradition of Japanised ‘Western’ food by way of sublime deep-fried shrimp, beef katsu and faucet-poured beer.