A Week by the Sea

There are many reasons to go to Kobe — it has a long and rich history, is one of the more pleasant and eye-catching of Japan’s cities, and is famous for its food. There’s nothing quite like a thick chunk of beer-fed cow to send you to an early grave, but at least you’ll go with a smile on your face, and of course, Kobe beef is famous the world over. Legend has it that (now) bad-boy Kobe Bryant was so called because of his parent’s deep love of the stuff. A trip to Kobe without a taste would be like visiting the Louvre and not bothering to see the Mona Lisa. Likewise, the Nankinmachi area is renowned the length and breadth of Japan for it’s Chinese cuisine.
So, should you find yourself with a week to kill in the Port City, you needn’t be bored. To help you along, Kansai Scene has compiled a handy guide to the best, most varied nightspots throughout the city.

Monday Round up the Troops

Kansai Scene likes to start off slow, so Monday’s pick is fairly Chilled out. Troop Cafe is a short walk away from the hub that is Sannomiya, to the north. It is a pleasant space, bright and airy, and there is ample seating. It is comfortable, and weekdays are usually atmospheric affairs, with the huge speakers that dominate the dance floor being used to pipe out Jazz and House. Troop starts off around 7, with a cafe-style atmosphere. Food is, of course, available, with pasta, risotto, green curry and the like going for about ¥700. Snacks are available for around ¥300. Drinks also cost around ¥700, with an extensive cocktail menu. Troop Cafe is somewhat of a jack of all trades, giving space to gallery events, hosting wedding parties and other events. From the 11th, an illustrator/graphic designer named silsil will be exhibiting here.

Troop Café
3-2-1, Nunobiki Bldg. 1F, Nunobiki-Cho,
Chuo-ku, Kobe
TEL:/Fax: 078-242-2434
www.troopcafe.com

Tuesday Everybody is Irish

Tuesday takes us closer to Sannomiya, into the heart of Kobe bar culture. Directly opposite the station, on the 7th floor above the McDonalds, is Ryan’s. This Irish pub, the only one in Kobe, has been a mainstay of both the foreign and Japanese communities for a good five years. Alan Ryan, publican, knows his business, having opened the bar and managed it since its inception. The crowd is always lively, and no doubt the nightly happy hour, 5-8, helps the mood. Ladies night, on Fridays, extends the courtesy throughout the night — ¥500 drinks all night. Tuesdays are, according to Alan, the busiest of the weeknights. There is live music every week, alternating between Sho Amano’s bluesy sets and Kaja’s blend of rock, folk and reggae. Both musicians are well known throughout Kansai, and always put on a top show, and always for free — there’s never any cover.

RYAN’S PUB
Kondo Bldg. 7F, North of Hankyu/
JR Sannomiya Stn.
TEL: 078-391-6902

Wednesday Lost in Paradise

Garage Paradise is somewhat of a mystery. At first glance, with its oversized billboard entrance, it looks like a cabaret club, and I descended the narrow stairs with a hint of trepidation. Inside, however, it is a striking venue, with dim lighting, provided in part by candles on the tables, with a slightly gothic feel to things —- long, hanging fabrics and mirrors. There is, somewhat innocuously, a pool table in the middle of the floor, but that can only be a good thing, even if it looks slightly out of place. The bar is sizable, and does a good line in cocktails, for around ¥800. Garage Paradise is primarily a restaurant, with an extensive menu. Food is around the ¥1000 mark. As the night progresses, tables are pushed against the walls — there is a live act every night of the week, belting out a bit of R&B and Soul. With the exception of Sundays, the bar is open until 3 every night.

Garage Paradise
Yamashita Bldg, 1-13-7, Nakayamate Dori,
Chuo-ku, Kobe
TEL: 078-391-6640

Thursday Indonesian Flavor

Becak recently celebrated their first year anniversary, and by all accounts, things have been a success. Owner/manager Simon has experience managing in Club Meds throughout Southeast Asia, and the resort feel comes through in this, his latest outing. Although there are a couple of other Indonesian restaurants in Kobe, Becak is the first Indonesian cocktail bar. It has a relaxed, airy feel, and the cocktails mirror Simon's resort experience –- big sizes, served up with a bit of flair by Simon himself, with plenty of bottle-juggling to keep the punters amused. Weekends see DJ events, and Simon is keen to expand this into a midweek slot as well. From June, Thursdays will be given over to regular DJ Ringo, who brings a bit of house and techno to the ones-and-twos. There is no cover charge for the upcoming Thursday events.

Becak
2-15-12 MK Bldg. 4F, Shimoyamate Dori,
Chuo-ku, Kobe
TEL: 078-392-5232

Friday Say Chey's

Chey’s House has been on the go for around four years. It is an interesting place, quite stylish in its interior, and the staff friendly and welcoming. The main bulk of the floor space is taken up by two long tables, meaning that you likely be rubbing elbows with some complete stranger. This, says manager Nagatani, is one of the best things about Chey_s, and why it has kept its reputation as one of the friendliest bars in Kobe. Over a drink or two (Heineken on tap, along with a range of cocktails, all for ¥500), you will find yourself making new friends by the truckload, as the seating arrangement makes it difficult to ignore your tablemates. The weekend sees it filled to capacity — about 40 people. As there is no space for dancing, the main thrust is drinking, whilst listening to some R&B and rock in the background. It is the perfect place to start off your weekend, and no doubt your new best mates will have plenty of suggestions as to where to head off to next.

CHEY’s HOUSE
505 Taishin Sunset Bldg. 2-5-1 Kita Nagasa Dori,
Chuo-ku, Kobe
TEL: 078-391-8639

Saturday Ride, Sally, Ride

Sally’s is arguably the biggest dance club in Kobe, making it an ideal place to get your groove on. It’s been on the go for about two and a half years, and has gone from strength to strength. Saturdays are their biggest nights, drawing a diverse crowd of around 250 people, both foreign and Japanese. Most of the bar staff are Japanese/English bilingual and are amongst the friendliest in Kobe, making the atmosphere relaxed and friendly, even on the busiest nights. Kyle Dorsey, the bar manager, has been largely instrumental in the success the bar has had, and part of the secret, he says, is giving customers what they want. Expect quality drinks made with high-end spirits, and generous measures. The music also fits this quality billing, with a variety of music, from deep house to funk to hip-hop. Cover on Saturdays is ¥1000 plus a drink.

Sallys
2F Inama Bldg, 1-5-8 Nakayamate Dori,
Chuo-ku, Kobe
TEL:/Fax: 078-393-3132
www.sallysbar.com

Sunday Nasca 500

Rounding off the week on an international note, Tierra Nasca is our final destination. Recently refurbished, the bar/restauarant brings a Latin/Southern European feel to the city. Mourad Azzouz, along with his brother Emmanuel, have made Tierra Nasca and its sister restaurant, Vigne, the center of the international community in Kobe. There is a diverse range of clientele, hailing from all corners of the globe. An ideal meeting place for whatever you have in mind, weekends are generally sweaty Latin affairs, and Sunday is reserved for cooling off.
As summer approaches, what better way to relax than with a tropical cocktail, a snip at ¥500.

Bistrot Café de Nasca
B1, 2-13-13 Yamamoto Dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-Shi
TEL: 078-271-8633
http://tierra-nasca.ignis.tv

Text & Photos: Euan Mckirdy