Geography of Kobe
Kobe, Japan, the capital of Hyogo prefecture. It is on the island of Honshu, fronting on Osaka Bay, an arm of the Inland Sea. Kobe forms part of a large urban complex extending eastward beyond Osaka. Kobe is an industrial city and one of Japan's leading ports, served by expressways, railways, and many marine shipping lines. Industries include shipbuilding and the making of iron and steel, textiles, and electronic equipment. Several universities are in the city. Nearby are Mount Rokko and the scenic Inland Sea National Park.
Kobe was settled before the fourth century A.D. It remained relatively small until opened to foreign trade in 1868. It then grew steadily, especially after the arrival of railway lines. Much of the city was devastated by air raids during World War II. The city was devastated again in 1995 by an earthquake that caused more than 5,000 deaths and widespread destruction.
Population: 1,493,398.