It took us a while to get out to Kobe from where we are based in Osaka (probably around 2 to 2.5 hours by train… one way) but we were able to spend the afternoon wandering around. We decided to keep it nice and quiet today and only aim to see two things – Ikuta Shrine and the lookout from Mt Maya.
Ikuta Shrine is very easy to find from Sannomiya Train Station as it’s only a short walk away. It was a rather nice shrine to visit, and gave an indication of what New Years would be like as stalls were beginning to be set up in preparation for the people who would be visiting. After our visit to the shrine we started walking to Mt Maya. This was a bit further than I anticipated (about 4km) which wouldn’t have been too bad, except we weren’t 100% sure where we were going. We eventually found the cable car after we got some directions from some friendly locals, and were able to enjoy the view of Kobe city at sunset.
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- Entering Ikuta Shrine, Kobe, Japan
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- Stalls in Preparation for New Years at Ikuta Shrine, Kobe, Japan
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- Lanterns at Ikuta Shrine, Kobe, Japan
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- Statue at Ikuta Shrine, Kobe, Japan
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- Praying at Ikuta Shrine, Kobe, Japan
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- Sake barrels at Ikuta Shrine, Kobe, Japan
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- Architecture of Kobe, Kobe, Japan
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- Beginning the trek to Mt Maya, Kobe, Japan
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- Shrine at Mt Maya, Kobe, Japan
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- View from Mt Maya, Kobe, Japan
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- Beginning to get dark at Mt Maya, Kobe, Japan
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- Heading back down Mt Maya, Kobe, Japan