Lexis Australia’s Director, Ian, has been in Kobe for the last three months.  Here are his ‘Kobe Tips’

Name  Ian Pratt

Position Director

At 9am on a Saturday morning, you’ll fine me… At stunning Nadamaruyamakoen, kicking a rugby ball with my kids!  It’s perched right up on top of the mountain, and you can see all the way to Osaka and beyond.

Kobe’s best ‘cheap eats’ restaurant is Not technically a restaurant, but buy a bento from the Daimaru food hall (next to the school).  The price is great and the quality is out of this world.  If you can blow the budget a bit, go to Kanayama….now THAT is world class.

My ideal day trip from Kobe is  A day of steaming yourself in an onsen in Arima.  Himeji is a close second place.

When you’re in Kobe, don’t miss  The view from Mount Rokko, particularly at night.  Just amazing!  I think the sakagura are well worth a visit, too.

I’ll bet you didn’t know…  I first came to Japan 23 years ago and stayed in Imabari, Ehime-ken

Kobe’s best kept secret is  It’s an amazing city to stroll in.  See if you can get lost.  Find the hidden alleyways and paths.  You learn more about this city every time you go out.

My Japanese learning tip is  Use it.  Use it.  Use it.  Don’t be shy.  Start a conversation with strangers and just give it your best shot.  You’ll surprise yourself with how much you can do.

When you’re in Kobe, ask me about  European beer cafes.  Kobe has some amazing beer options.

If I was down to my last ¥1000, I’d spend it..  There are heaps of ¥1000 nomihoudai bars in Kobe. That should make all your problems go away for a bit!

A kotowaza to live by  猿も木から落ちる