Half day trips
Kobe Sake Brewery with a lace exhibition
Thursday 8 and Friday 9 July
Departure from Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel
Sake, Japanese rice wine, was originally confined primarily to the imperial court and to large temples and shrines. That is why sake is often associated with traditional ceremonies in Japan. The most important ingredient for sake is rice and the second is good quality water. Rokko Mountain produces ideal water for it. Accordingly there are a lot of good breweries in this district.
Unfortunately, we cannot see the sake brewing process in July because it is done in winter, but they will explain how sake is made and let us taste many of their products.
At each side of the entrance gate of the Shushinkan Brewery there are small rooms where we will have an exhibition by two Japanese lacemakers.
* NB On Friday 9 July this trip includes a light meal of tofu and soybean curd which is almost vegetarian with a little meat and fish.
Kobe experience of a traditional craft
Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 July
Departure from Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel
Paint on a Japanese candle to make your original wax candle at Kitano Craft Centre
Kitano Craft Centre is located in the centre of Kobe city near Sannomiya and Motomachi, where there are lots of fancy shops and restaurants. It was opened in 1998 and attracts 750,000 people, tourists and the school children, a year. There are shops that sell handmade things, not only handicrafts but also foods, such as cakes, chocolates, bread etc.
Experience classes for visitors are taught by professionals. The old school building was remodelled and there are 22 experience classes.
For our half-day trip, we will paint on a Japanese wax candle. Japanese Candles are made from the nut oil of the lacquer tree, while western candles are made mainly from paraffin oil and stearin. A Japanese candle emits 60 % less CO2 and 50 % less soot. It has a unique natural scent and the flame gives a soft light with less glare than western candles. We will paint the candle.
Kobe Bay Cruise
Friday 9 July
Departure from Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel
Come and enjoy a tea cruise on the deluxe boat, Concerto! Kobe Bay Cruise leaves at Harbourland, where are lots of shops, restaurants and other entertainment.
A shuttle bus will take you to the harbour from Sheraton Hotel, near the Congress site. Since Harbourland might interest you, we will leave the hotel at 13.00 which gives you a little time to stroll around at Harbourland. At 15.00 we will go on board for an hour and a half cruise.