Today in the afternoon we reached Kobe – huge Japanese port with many skyscrapers in the city.
It is cold and windy. Free shuttle bus took me from the cruise terminal to the elegant Chinatown full of shops. But I do not like shopping. So I turned by foot to the city hall. They offer viewing windows on the 24th floor – it is free self service visit. The view was excellent… But not sensational…
Looking for other attractions I found out that in the mountains surrounding Kobe there are trails. One of them is heading from ShinKobe station to the Mermaid Waterfall. Aha, I like waterfalls… I took a subway to ShinKobe station. Once out of the building turn left at at the end of the house you will see tunnel under the station to the trailhead. The orientation is easy – many signs on the way up. Small cascades on the way. It is serious 40 min hike up. The fall is weak on this season but I liked it. Just see the picture:
I was climbing up to the reservoir (another hour or so) to return after twilight. Great trip. Many surprised Japanese tourists on the trail! Tomorrow we will sail to Nagasaki…
