This is a view of Kobe Center Street from above. Not too pretty. Typical image of a concrete jungle and what I expected to find in Japan. Thankfully, here in Kobe, there is a lot of nature that is easy to access.
I have been teaching English as a second language for over 20 years in Japan and Canada. What keeps me in Japan is the love of its culture, which constantly surprises me. I am also fascinated with "alternative travel", or "travel off the beaten path". Ferries and trains are my mode of choice... airplane for convenience.