26 June, 2013

Kobe Harborland: Umie

Big attraction in Kobe has opened last month. Kobe’s top tourist destination Kobe Haborland has added new tourist attractions into the area. New shopping mall Umie and Kobe Anpanman Children’s Museum has opened and become a new family day-out destination. I’d like to introduce a bit of it today, starting off at JR Sannomiya station.
 



Take the JR train to Kobe station. It is a seven-minute journey for 120 JPY.
 

 

 

When you go out of the gate, there will be markets and events. Hokkaido and Okinawa Fair were held.
 





There is a Tourist Information Center down the road. They offer guides, maps and helpful tips in English and other languages. If you need wheelchair, you can rent here for nothing.


Head to the south.

Japanese children’s hero Anpanman!



The Kobe General Children’s Center which is a great place for children. All the activities in the center are free. I used to love this place as a kid.



You’ll find the main building of Umie on your left like this.




Clothing, Furnitures, accessories…everything you need is in one place! There are shops that you won’t find anywhere else in Kansai region.

New movie theatre OS Cinema opened inside.
 

My favorite café Kobe-born Café Morozoff.
 


You can pick up good souvenirs of your journey at Mosaic nearby.

 



International cuisines are available.

 
Nice open-air cafeteria.


 
Kobe Anpanman Museum & Mall featuring Japanese children’s heroes also opened up in the area.

 

Kobe’s waterfront was Japan’s largest importing port and is now a vibrant redevelopment with lots to see and do. Come and enjoy this exotic port town!
 
 

Kobe Harbor Land official website: http://www.harborland.co.jp/en/
Hyogo tourism Guide http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/spot/44_harborland.html

Photo and written by Yu.