Both Nara and Kobe are places convenient from either Kyoto and Osaka. While Nara is famous for its deer, Kobe is famous for its beef. Whereas I could spend a whole day in Nara, I would definitely spend less than half a day in Kobe… besides eating, there really isn’t anything else to do there! Well, except for shopping probably.
Nara
There’s going to be a lot of walking in Nara as the park is pretty big. I had a big luggage with me, since I just checked out of Osaka and planned to go to Nara first before heading to Kyoto for my accommodation at night. It would be ridiculous for me to carry a huge luggage around. Thankfully, there was a Nara City Tourist Information Center next to JR Nara Station where you can leave your luggages there from 9am to 7pm (Tel no. 0742 27-2223).
The streets (I believe above is Sanjodori St.) was so empty! Felt like a ghost town when I first arrived.
Kakinoha sushi – one of Nara’s specialties!
These sushi actually taste really, really good.
A great website explaining the existence of Kakinoha Sushi. Click here.
This is nearby Kintetsu Nara Station.
Tried this restaurant that was tucked in an alleyway. Thought it was going to be good.
But it turned out to be one of the worst meals I’ve had… in JAPAN.
There were lots and lots of deer in Nara.
You can buy some food to feed the deer and all of them will come running after you… walking towards you*.
Chillin’. What I do best.
Cute.
A famous restaurant in Nara called Shizuka. Most of the people queuing were actually from Hong Kong.
Kamameshi. Again it’s those eating methods common in Japan where you’re supposed to eat it in a variety of different ways. I had just ate the terrible meal but I forced myself to eat again since there were so many people waiting in line.
Incredibly delicious? Not really. Felt it wasn’t tasteful and quite bland. I found this blog post that talked more about this restaurant.
Todaiji Temple.
If I remember correctly, this was a gift from India to Japan.
All of them, chillin’.
Coffee in Kohikan. They have many branches around Japan apparently.
Side tip: please remember that going to Nara, there may be trains that are express trains that can travel much faster to Nara as these express trains will skip couple of stations.
Kobe
Kobe is easily accessible by JR train and takes less than an hour to reach there from Osaka. There is a lot of shopping to do, and other out of the way excursions if you decide to do those. I myself just stayed around the Kobe area. I will admit, there are some things I missed out in the Kobe city center, such as the Kobe museum and flower clock. But really, there isn’t much to do or see here except shopping. If you are tight on time, Kobe is a place you can miss out on.
Again Japanese shops… can’t find these brands in Hong Kong.
More shopping.
The restaurant I went to.
Oishi! Of course, it’s kobe beef!
Kobe Harborland – ferris wheel.
Kobe Port Tower. (website)
A cool coffee cafe (Nishimura’s Coffee) in the mall.
Many cool shops and foods in this alleyway.
Like Nara, there are also express trains which can take you to Kobe faster. Also did you know, Kobe Bryant was named Kobe after his father thought Kobe beef was delicious.
*Originally published on Nov. 23, 2015
