Shiyakusho – Kobe City Hall

Kobe City Hall has an observation deck on the 24th floor. A panoramic view of Kobe city and the Rokko Mountains can be enjoyed from there.

Some objects received from different foreign guests - these are Korean dolls.

The first “Kobe Luminarie” was held in December 1995 in the memory of the victims of the Great Hanshin earthquake of that year. Then, it was held every December as a symbol of hope for the city and its people.

Kofun - Ancient Tombs Of Japan

I have noticed that the post on 8 July 2012 about kofun - ancient Japanese tombs - is now in the top of the most viewed posts. Since you have an interest in kofun, I am showing you some more photos today. Kofun were built in the 3rd - 7th century, mostly in the south and central part of Japan. You can read some information about it in the post on 8 July, too. Apart from this keyhole shape, there were even round and square ones. There are one or two rooms underground. The walls sometimes are painted in black and red, depicting scenes of daily life.

Sorakuen - Japanese-Style Garden In Kobe

Sorakuen is a typical Japanese-style garden in Kobe. Its construction was started toward the end of the 19th century. It used to be a private residence, and was opened to the public in 1941. A part of the buildings inside the garden were destroyed during the war. The buildings of European influence are picturesque, as well as the stone lanterns and the sago palm shrubberies.

Poppy Flowers in Japan

Apart from red and white, poppy flowers can be also pink, yellow, orange, even blue. Poppy is a symbol of Morpheus, the Greek god of dreams, who was the son of Hypnos – the god of sleep. It is called keshi no hana ケシの花 in Japanese. In Japanese symbolism, red poppy means fun-loving, and the yellow poppy symbolizes success. Poppy flowers used to be my favourite, as a child. They are beautiful in Japan.

Breakfast In Okinawa

That is an amazing black roll, what could it be made of? Salmon is often on the table at breakfast, even regardless of the season. Seaweed mixed in the lettuce salad, cucumbers nicely peeled, pineapple is a must since ubiquitous in Okinawa, and yummy marmelade made of local tropical fruit.