Museum Tower Top > Kobe Life Style > Living in Japan History of Kobe is old and the culture had been developed around 4th century. The emperor visited Arima Hot Springs in 7th century and shogun, Takauji Ashikaga erected the temple in 14th century. Kobe opened the port to the world in 1868, former foreign settlement area was formed for the people from overseas and various foreign cultures brought by the foreigners such as golfing and jazz were communicated from Kobe to all over Japan. Kobe has been developing as the biggest international port in Asia by exceeding Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore, harmonizing with the world culture and creating the unique culture and tradition. Influence by many people from overseas visited Kobe gave this town is immeasurable and people in Kobe understand it. This town and people live there will give every people visit Kobe kind, warm and splendid time and memory. The foreign community in Kobe began with Europeans, Americans and Chinese with each community establishing its own social and sports clubs including Kobe Club and KRAC (Kobe Regatta & Athletic Club) and Nankin Machi (Chinatown) from early on. Lately, Indians, Vietnamese, and Brazilians were born as well. Today, the foreigner clubs are still very proud of their history, tradition and status. Besides, the events, the communities and supporting centers both Japanese and foreigners exchange their cultures are many and Kobe city and private organizations support. Kobe City has a variety of religious facilities for many of the world's major religions including Christianity (Roman Catholic, Protestantism), Buddhism, Judaism, Islam and Jainism. These facilities are an essential part of the daily lives of those from overseas to Kobe. Kobe has influence of the area values culture and art of Kobe and the influence of refined business and lifestyle brought by the foreigners from 19th century and educational environment and level are high. Kobe produced many world-famous people on the field of Economy and research. Nada Junior and Senior High School in Kobe also produces the greatest number of the successful candidates of Japanese most difficult educational institution, Tokyo University in Kansai area. There are about 2,500 non-Japanese children enrolled and studying in eight international schools including the Canadian Academy, St. Michael's International School, Marist Brothers International School and Kobe Chinese School. 169 medical institutions (as of end-September 2006) within the city offer medical services in foreign languages to take care of illnesses, injury and other health issues. Some institutions provide consultations not only in English but also in Cantonese, Mandarin, French, German, Italian, Korean, Spanish, and so on. (e.g. Kobe University Hospital, Kobe City General Hospital, Kobe Kaisei Hospital ) Kobe is famous as a town of fashion and trend. Clothes, shoes, hats, handbags have been developed with history of port town has strong influence by European culture. In these days, Kobe style fashion through "Kobe Collection" is sent out a message from Kobe. Besides, people from overseas are able to enjoy the imported brands like in former foreign settlement area. Restaurants with the cuisine of countries around the world are available in Kobe. For instance, "Nankin-machi" is a popular tourist spot in Chinatown offers real Chinese food. The story of the superstar of National basketball player in the U.S. and won the Olympic Game in Beijing, Kobe Bryant is named after Kobe Beef his father had in Kobe as the taste was so good for him is famous. Kobe city is also rich in food and ingredients such as bread, confectionery, Soba Noodles, Sake from Nada Breweries and Kobe Wine. Kyoto / Osaka Kyoto is the ancient capital city and one of Japan's most famous sightseeing spots in the world. It takes about 50 minutes from Sannomiya by train. Osaka is Japan's second largest city and a center of business vital to Japanese economy. It takes about 20 minutes from Sannomiya by train. Arima Hot Springs Arima Hot Spring is about 40 minutes by train or 30 minutes by car from Sannomiya. It has over 1000 years of history and one of Japan's top three ancient springs that many famous historical figures such as Hideyoshi Toyotomi have visited. Suma and Maiko Suma and Maiko are famous for the greatest beach resort in Kobe. Additionally, the world's longest suspension bridge, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge linking Kobe and Awaji Island takes you the beautiful beach. Kobe is popular as a residential area as it has both urban functions and beautiful nature such as mountain, river, beach, waterfall, forest and so on. Living cost is cheaper, public peace is better, and traffic jam is better as well compared to another cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. Business 135 foreign-affiliated companies have been located in Kobe (as of 2005) as Kobe has functional transportation system. Air Convenient access to the six biggest cities from Kobe airport can facilitate high-speed business jets. Only 29 minutes to Kansai International Airport by high-speed vessel called "Bay Shuttle" and they provides easy access not only for domestic but international destinations. Expressway Hanshin Expressway, Sanyo Expressway, Chugoku Expressway, and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge form efficient traffic network. Railway All lines of Shinkansen Bullet trains stop at Shin-Kobe Station. Railway systems such as JR, Hankyu, Hanshin, Municipal Subway, and other commuter transport systems enrich your transportation. It is easy to access to Osaka as it takes only 20 minutes from Sannomiya by train. Useful site is here Concierge Service Many information and data the foreigners are able to live comfortably will be provided. English speaking concierges will correspond all of the daily consultations carefully. Also, concierges will refer the interpreters for your business and going out if you would like. All kinds of the Events will be held. Many kinds of orientations and events will be held for understanding Japanese custom and touching Japanese culture. (The picture is the event of flower arrangement with the tenants at Museum Tower). Pick - Up for Schools We will drive the pick up bus to Canadian Academy in Rokko Island.