VIDEO| Virtual Vacation: Let's go to Kobe!

Welcome to virtual vacation video series where we can explore destinations from the comfort of our homes.

Join us as we take a short virtual journey to Kobe, Japan.

The great thing about this destination is that it is easily accessible via Shinkansen bullet train, highway bus or car. The Shinkansen runs at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour and will get you to Kobe in just around 3 hours from central Tokyo.

Wedged between the coast and the mountains, Kobe is blessed with scenic landscapes, beautiful architecture, an astonishing night view, hidden hot springs, and famed sake breweries. Kobe is also known as one of western Japan’s most popular sightseeing attractions. This port city with its many hills, bridges, interesting side streets, pseudo-European charm and Chinatown is comparable to San Francisco than any other of Japan’s port cities.

Some of the best attractions to visit during your stay in Kobe include:

• Kitano Ijinkan Street— The city is known for its charming European architecture and a stroll through Kitan Ijinkan Street is a walk back in time. The historical district is home to many “ijinkan” or Western-style residences, which were built as early as 1863, when the port was established. Here cobblestone streets and picturesque buildings provide the perfect backdrop for stunning photographs.

• Kobe Port Tower and Kobe Maritime Museum – This lattice tower, standing at 354-feet-tall, is the symbol of the port and the country’s first illuminated building. Get a spectacular view from the observation deck and take the pedestrian overpass to the Kobe Maritime Museum for some history on the 100-plus-year history of the city.

• $10 million nighttime vista at Mounts Rokko and Maya – Kobe is also home to one of Japan’s Three Great Night Views, along with Hakodate and Nagasaki. Mounts Rokko and Maya are especially famed for their 10-million-dollar-night view. Add one or both of these mountains for a leisurely evening climb to catch a glimpse of this expensive view!

While you're there, don't forget to sample the city’s signature prime wagyu Kobe Beef. Enjoy the tender, perfectly marbled texture of this superior cut served simply as steak or in sukiyaki, shabu shabu and more.

I hope you enjoyed a look at enchanting city of Kobe through my travel photos and that it's inspired your next trip. Stay safe and get ready to travel with us in our next video. Thanks for watching!