Finally Kobe, but no Kobe-Gyu

After doing my first trip to Japan in 2010 it took me 7 years to finally visit Kobe for the first time, but not for the beef. Althought the Kobe-Gyu is the most famous Japanese beef abroad it isn't in Japan, because the Matsusaka-Gyu is more famous regarding taste especially when serves as the extremely delicious dish Sukiyaki.

But beside the beef Kobe is known for its harbor and the Kobe Tower. I went there this Fall to check it off on my bucket list and to get a souvenir coin of the Tower just like many other medals offered at various sights like castles or Towers, for example the Osaka Castle, Tokyo Tower, Nagoya Castle or many others.

You can easily get to any of the most interesting spots by walking, starting at the harbor where you can directly find the Kobe Tower. Along the way there are also several shops for every different need.

Shortly before returning to Osaka I also got a new stamp for my Shuincho.

Enjoy the pictures, I hope you like it

Danjiri Matsuri - the end of the vacation

It's been a while since the last entry, I will try to increase the frequency of new posts.

During my last trip to Japan one day before returning back home I visited Kishiwada going to the Castle and the Danjiri Matsuri. It was a little tricky to find the festival grounds, but just because I took the wrong railway, instead of using the JR I used the Nankai Railway ending up quite far from the matsuri. I just visited a shrine nearby the Kishiwada station before starting off to the JR station area passing the castle before arriving at the Danjiri Matsuri.

The castle's structure shares a few similarities with the Osaka castle like the golden ornaments of the frame right under the roof. I already went there in spring at the Hanami high season seeing all the cherry trees blossoming.

In the Danjiri Matsuri wooden carts called Danjiri are pulled around the whole town, it looks very dangerous when they turn, especially the guys on top jump and motivate the audiance like crazy almost falling off.

The atmosphere is really awesome, hearing the taiko drums and flutes, you can actually feel the energy. A few times I have already been able to participate in some of the festivals, but sadly not this time, but there will always be the next festival and so far the next chance to be part of it.

Here are the impressions, enjoy!