Kobe (for 2 days). We arrived in the early afternoon, with much fanfare – including a brass band playing as we tied up. Lots of good cheer and smiling faces. (A brass band version of YMCA always wins over the crowd, doesn’t it?) We decided to do our own excursion today – up to the Herb Garden above town. It’s much more than just parsley and sage (although they had both), with seasonal displays and vast gardens, all on a hillside overlooking the city of Kobe with fantastic views. Once again, we had great weather for the day.
Greeted by a water canon display from a fireboat as we entered the port.
A warm welcome from a brass band, with Miss Kobe Port waving to us all (for about 30 minutes - but she smiled the whole time.)
Not the Herb Garden yet, just a street-side display with cute little bunnies.
The view from our ropeway ride up to the top, with few manmade islands in the distance.
Almost the first plant we saw in the garden was this "Vancouver Centennial" geranium.
Can't tell you what these plants are, they just made for some pretty pictures...
This little guy sat among the various displays.
A beautiful waterfall on our ride back down the mountain. It was a very hot day, and that pool of water at the bottom sure looked inviting!
The Kobe waterfront at night. Note the Ferris Wheel on the left. (They got 'em everywhere.)
We were docked next to the bridge with some cool lighting at night.
Kobe (Geisha Show). Back onboard, our theatre production that night was local performers. A group of 3 Geisha dancers and a trio of drummers. Both performances were very good, in particular the drummers. A very memorable end to our first day in Kobe.
