From Anpanman to Airport Bliss: My Unexpected Love Affair with Kobe! 🇯🇵❤️

#summervacay My trip began with pre-filled QR codes, making Nagoya customs a breeze! I accidentally overshot my stop, ending up at Nagoya, but a quick trip up the Marriott's 51st floor offered stunning city and sea views. 🏙️🌊 Arriving late in Matsumoto, the Iroha Grand Hotel was a gem, even offering free ramen and ice cream! 🍜🍦 Matsumoto is small but charming, with lively Friday nights and a serene river. My stroll to Matsumoto Castle at night was surprisingly beautiful, complete with a swan and giant fish! 🦢🏰🐟 An izakaya near my hotel provided an unforgettable "challenge" dish – turns out, what looked like cow's eyes wasn't just clams after all! 👀😂 My main goal was the Anpanman Children's Museum, so I flew into Kobe. Kobe Airport was fantastic! ✈️ No crowds, quick customs, and a super fast train to the city. I wish all Japanese airports were this smooth! 🙏 Kobe's shopping around Sannomiya was concentrated but vast – two days weren't enough! Unlike Osaka, shops were calm, making for a great shopping experience. 🛍️✨ #kobe #japantravel #anpanmanmuseum #kobeairport #matsumoto #izakaya