I'd gotten into Kobe far earlier than the meeting time with my first couchsurf host. Couldn't have my first reference being tainted by dodgy punctuality... I was pretty surprised that without any references, the first person happy to host me was a young local girl, Chisato. She'd given me some pretty decent tips on things to do in Kobe, so the next morning I went and climbed Mount Rokko. I was told by my host and a few locals that once I reached the top, to ask where Arima onsen is. So after being guided down barely touched trails in the mountains and winding paths I found myself in a little town in the mountains, full of spas and a couple temples/waterfalls. I was the only foreigner in town and was getting stared down a fair bit in the onsen! I'd decided on an onsen that had loads of outdoor baths, and they seemed the best ones. Was a decent way to cleanse after Rokko!

I went back to find Chisato had rustled up a hotpot for us and was prepping some warm sake's - host and a half! Later we headed over to the harbour to catch the night view which is supposed to be Japan's 3rd best, though I'm not sure who's ranking. Anyway it didn't disappoint, nor did the first couchsurf experience. On my way out Chisato had told me of a place that serves a serious Kobe beef cut at around 30 quid. I went straight over and got there at around 11 in the morning, but as it was a bank holiday it was already pretty active. I'd heard stories of the beef being so good because the cows are massaged daily and given Asahi. I'm not sure what they get up to but the beef is unbelievable!