The city of Kobe is located in the Western part of Japan in a unique setting between the Rokko Mountains and the Inland Sea.

The city's port has historically played an important role in opening Japan up to international influence and the city retains a cosmopolitan and sophisticated air to this day. In addition to a bustling Chinatown and the more relaxed historical foreign settlement, there are a number of famous hot springs to the north of the city.

Japan's renowned public transport system also means that Kobe is within easy reach of the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, which contain over 1,000 historical temples and shrines.