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The former foreign settlement area in Kobe is known as Kyukyoryuchi. Kobe opened its port to foreign trade in 1868, in the years after and up until World War 2, many western style buildings were built. Many of these buildings have been preserved, creating a blend of European and Japanese architecture which is distinctly Kobe.

The tree-lined streets are well maintained with upmarket brand shops and trendy cafes running off them. At certain times of the year the side streets are used for markets or other events and are blocked off to traffic.

At the heart of this area is the Kobe Daimaru Department Store. The 10 floor building (plus 2 basement levels) sells your typical department store goods from fashion wear & accessories, cosmetics, gifts, sweets and more. There are around 2 dozen restaurants and cafes including a Beer Garden on the top floor over the summer months.

Daimaru has a great depachika (department floor basement) filled with local food, sweets, bento boxes, fresh fish and veggies. Most department stores across Japan have a similar style depachika and are well worth a visit.

The Kyukyoryuchi area roughly extends form Higashi Yuenchi Park to Nankanmachi. Daimaru can be reached on foot from Sannomiya Station, Motomachi Station or you can be dropped at its front door on the Kobe Subway Kaigan Line, getting off at Kyūkyoryūchi-Daimarumae Station.