While investigating day trips from Kyoto, I come across the city of Kobe. It’s about a 90 minute train ride away, located along the water. It’s famous for their eponymous beef.

I get off the train with no real agenda. Truthfully, Kobe is larger than I expected and I’m a little overwhelmed. Shouldn’t there be a big sign pointing to the beef?

I start walking towards the water.

I spy this dog WEARING A DIAPER and a full set of clothes. Of course I sneak a photo.

There’s an exhibit of art installations in shipping containers that is part of KOBE Biennale 2013, a celebration of art and culture. I don’t pay to go inside but I snap a few photos from the perimeter.

By now I’m famished and ready for some of that Kobe beef. I head over to Chinatown.

I settle on this place — it’s affordable and I like that I can point to a picture of the meal I want to order.

I’m not sure what I was expecting, but this is fabulous. The meat is tender and slightly seared. It’s served over rice with a side of grilled onions and cracked pepper on top.

Then I stop for ice cream on the way back to the train. (Of course I do.)

While Kobe is by no means a must-visit destination, I had a fun time wandering around the city and partaking in its lauded cuisine.