There are many Western style houses that are over a hundred years old, some of which have been opened to the public for historical purposes. In total, more than 70,000 of the city's 1.5 million residents are foreigners.

Kobe was hit by a huge earthquake in 1995 that killed more than 6,000 people and left 300,000 people homeless. Large parts of the city were destroyed, including the port facilities and thousands of buildings. Today, the city has been rebuilt and there are few signs of this tragic event. Kobe has developed into a modern city with good shopping and excellent facilities.

The centre can be reached easily by taking a train to Maiko station. Also worth seeing are the observatory hallways under the bridge's main platform.

Disaster Reduction Museum: was built in 2002 as a memorial to the victims of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, and to educate people about earthquakes and similar disasters. There is lots of information available including hi-tech multimedia displays, photographs, various interactive games and a large-screen theatre showing film screenings. English guide books can be purchased at the entrance. The museum is located in newly developed HAT Kobe district, east of the city centre.

Kitano: is the district at the foot of the Rokko mountain range where many foreigners settled in the late 19th century. It is of particular interest to Japanese visitors who come to view the Victorian and Gothic style architecture that can't be seen anywhere else in Japan. The buildings are known locally as ‘ijinkan’, and more than a dozen have been opened to the public.

The area is a pleasant place for a walk and contains many cafes and restaurants.