Kobe Harborland, Meriken Park Night View
Kobe Harborland(神戸ハーバーランド, Harbour Land) was conveniently adjacent to Meriken Park, making it great to explore together.
It featured a large shopping mall called Mosaic and a Canal Garden.
Kobe Harborland, Mosaic
At the entrance to Harborland was the Mosaic shopping mall.
It’s a large shopping center with exotic architectural styles.
One of its attractions was the ability to capture the night view of Oriental Hotel in Meriken Park, the Port Tower, and the Maritime Museum.
Meriken Park
I caught sight of Meriken Park passed by a little while ago.
Seeing Kobe Port Tower and the Maritime Museum together created a stunning and beautiful architectural sight.
I imagined the night view would be even more spectacular at sunset.
Mosaic Shopping Mall
The interior of Mosaic was a garden-shaped shopping mall with an open center.
Many people were browsing around the mall.
Interior of Mosaic
As it was the Christmas season, the place was adorned with charming and beautiful decorations due to various stores selling souvenirs and lifestyle products.
Mosaic Shopping Mall
The shops here were slightly different from regular city shops, with many selling souvenirs and everyday items.
White Christmas Tree
A large tree was set up outdoors in preparation for the upcoming Christmas next week.
The white tree looked pristine and radiant.
Mosaic Arcade
Mosaic had a lot of exotic interior decor.
Even the regular restaurants were tastefully decorated in an exotic style.
Mosaic Big Ferris Wheel
There was a big Ferris wheel in front of Mosaic.
Mosaic Little Train
In the Mosaic garden, there was a small Thomas train for children.
Kids seemed to have a great time riding it.
I wanted to try it myself, but being alone, I couldn’t ride it without a child.
Hold hands to illuminate
There were decorative lights in the garden that would illuminate when holding hands.
The display seemed available from 4 PM to 12:30 AM.
It was fun to see the lights illuminate when shaking hands and feeling the electric current.
The sunset was happening gradually.
As it got darker, the shops started to light up.
The atmosphere and beauty were entirely different from the daytime.
Illuminated Christmas Tree
The tree that was bright earlier now glowed even more beautifully with the lights on.
Lighting up in Meriken Park began.
It was exciting to see the lights gradually illuminating the park.
Meriken Park and Oriental Hotel
There weren’t many people around, but it was a quiet and serene space, allowing for a peaceful time.
My favorite, Totoro
Hayao Miyazaki is undoubtedly one of the most popular directors in Japan, and I could see characters from Studio Ghibli.
Gao Nasi Toothpick
There was a toy featuring Gao Nasi picking up Toothpick.
It looked fun, and I wanted to get one for enjoyment.
Tape Cutter
There was a tape cutter shaped like a cat.
Personally, I didn’t have a significant need for it, but it seemed like a nice item for a store display.
Yubaba and Gao Nasi
There was a calendar featuring Yubaba and Gao Nasi from the movie “Spirited Away.”
I wanted to use it as a desk calendar, but the price was quite high.
Sen and Gao Nasi
Sen and Gao Nasi leaving the street.
I debated whether to buy it or not but ultimately decided against it.
Totoro Watch
It was a Watch made to commemorate Totoro’s 20th anniversary, but it was too expensive,
so I just admired it.
The protagonist of “Red Pig” (1992)
The main character from “Porco Rosso,” or rather, “Marco Pagot.”
The Hippo and the Crow
Characters that played crucial roles in “Spirited Away,” the Hippo and the Crow.
The detailing was impressive.
Charcoal Black
Incredibly cute Charcoal Black.
Their eyes seemed alive.
Meriken Park
As I went outside again, the sun had completely set, and it was a dark night.
The park was illuminated, making the buildings gleam brightly.
Kobe Port Tower
The Port Tower shone vividly in red.
From a distance, it resembled an hourglass or a soda bottle.
Kobe Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum, now lit up, transformed into a stunning green architectural structure instead of its usual white steel building.
The lights reflecting on the water were exceptionally beautiful.
Oriental Hotel
The Kobe Oriental Hotel was circular and shaped like a crescent moon.
In the evening, it seemed more like a boat.
The stunning night view at Meriken Park
Purposefully waiting until evening to witness the night view seemed like a great decision.
It left a good feeling, concluding the final leg of my journey through Japan.
Considering a visit to Canal Garden for further exploration was a thought, but it was getting late, and the decision was made to return to Osaka.
Nighttime at Nankinmachi
The sunset at Nankinmachi was different from its daytime appearance.
The lively, illuminated streets and stores presented a variety of colors and patterns.
Daimaru Department Store
On the way back to Sannomiya Station, passed by the streets and buildings seen during the day.
The different appearance of the buildings and streets offered a novel and unique perspective.
Kobe Sannomiya to Osaka Umeda Train
The last leg of the journey always felt regretful.
So, I filmed the train ride from Kobe to Osaka as the train swiftly moved back to the city without any stops.
Standing on the returning train, I pondered and reflected on many thoughts.
Namba Udon
After returning to Osaka from Namba to Umeda, despite the late hour, decided to have a bowl of udon I enjoyed yesterday before heading back to the accommodation.
Namba Udon
I had fond memories of enjoying it yesterday.
Also, it was a quick meal option on the travel path.
Beef Udon
Today, I ordered beef udon.
The clear soup and chewy noodles were incredibly delicious.
After finishing the udon soup, I felt warm and satisfied.
It was time to head back to the accommodation and wrap up the journey in Japan.
Preparing to return to Korea after a year.
Dec. 15. 2009.