Whenever visitors come to the Kansai region of Japan, perhaps their initial thoughts turn to the stunning temples and vibrant history of Kyoto, or the foodie paradise that is Osaka, known globally as Japan’s kitchen.
However, one city that continues to draw more and more visitors each year is the third, and perhaps least known member of the Kansai triumvirate, Kobe.
Kobe has plenty to see and do across its urban sprawl, but one of the undoubted focal points both for tourists and locals is the famous “Harbourland” district. Finely poised alongside the cavernous cruise ships and luxury hotels sits the shopping, food and entertainment venue known as Mosaic.
Mosaic isn’t your typical Japanese shopping mall. You won’t find Aeon, Justco or any of the other chain store brands here. There’s something about Mosaic that gives it a distinctly local flavor.
What’s good?
Handmade goods, local sweets and snacks as well as numerous souvenir shops can be found dotted around the venue’s four floors. Pop culture fans will find entire stores dedicated to popular Japanese characters such as Ultraman, and kids will love the “Anpanman” Museum, showcasing the evolution of one of Japan’s most beloved pre-school cartoon characters.
Whilst Mosaic offers plenty for families to see and do, it really comes into its own in the evenings as one of Kobe’s premier dating venues.
The upper floors of the venue offer an amazing range of choices from Turkish Kebabs to Brazillian Barbecues. Prices are reasonable too.
As an example, a 2-hour all-you-can-eat and drink barbecue at Brazillianos Restaurant, comes in at ¥3,000 per person for the soft drinks option, and ¥4,000 per person for the alcohol option. And after dinner, why not take a ride in the seaside Ferris Wheel or enjoy some nighttime city views from the 360 degree rotating observatory café atop the nearby Kobe Port Tower.
If you wish to stay overnight after a trip to Mosaic and Kobe Harbourland then hotel options are pretty good, too.
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