Japanese Breakfast
We passed by this small chain restaurant many times but never tried it. Today, after I finished my run around the Osaka Castle, I decided to give it a try. As you can see on the poster at the door, breakfast was very affordable (about 3 USD) and it was simple and yummy.
Kobe Beef
Today our plan was to visit The Geat Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution in Kobe. However, since we're in Kobe, it's hard not to try out the world famous Kobe Beef. We did some research online and decided that the best place to try Kobe Beef as a family was to go to Steakland Kobe. It was a casual teppanyaki restaurant where the chef would prepare and cook the beef right in front of you.
We went there during lunch hours to avoid the crowd and to get a good deal on their lunch special. There were two different qualities of beef to choose from: the regular Kobe beef and the tender Kobe beef. The latter was about 1000 yen more expensive and it was well worth it. We tried both and were amazed by their qualities. If you were travelling with your family, I suggest ordering a mix of these two kinds so you could tell the difference.
The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution
On January 17, 1995 at 5:46 am, the city of Kobe was hit by the Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake. It was a 7.3 magnitude earthquake and transformed the city forever. The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution was established to commemorate the event and to educate the general public about disaster reduction.
Beside the general scientific information about earthquake, the institution was filled with historical facts about this particular event. There were audio records and hand written notes from people with first hand experience of the earthquake. I was especially impressed by their exhibits about rebuilding the city. There were many difficulties around rebuilding the city due to changing landscape and people losing their loved ones. I was inspired by the people's courage and their perseverance.
The exhibits were done with honesty without propaganda. It was one of the best museums I had visited during the entire Asia trip.