A full-body eating expertise like no different, full with gorgeous, panoramic views.
As soon as upon a time, it wasn’t so onerous to search out revolving eating places that perched atop the division retailer rooftops and towers of Japan’s skylines. They have been an final mixture of quirky eating and spectacular views. Quick ahead to in the present day, and most have spun out of existence with lower than ten left nonetheless turning. So, when destiny introduced our Japanese-language reporter Okay. Masami close to one among these final spinning bastions of Showa-era appeal, she couldn’t resist rolling in for a chunk. Nonetheless, she wasn’t ready for the additional twist that was thrown her approach on the journey to Cosmos in Kobe.
What began as a typical outing took an attention-grabbing flip when Masami alighted the practice at Sumaurakoen Station. Instantly, she was greeted by a ropeway ticket machine. In a mountainous nation like Japan, ropeways are fairly a typical sight, however it was the point out of one thing far much less extraordinary that actually threw her for a spin: a mysterious contraption recognized solely as a “carlator”.
Intrigued, she picked up a spherical journey ticket for 1,200 yen (US$8) and ventured forth, gliding skyward on the ropeway in the direction of the unknown.
Stepping out of the higher station, Masami’s eyes locked onto a peculiar system: a cross between a ski raise and an escalator, however with a strong ground. The identify “carlator” abruptly made a whole lot of sense: a portmanteau of “automobile” and “escalator”.
Reassured by the ground’s stability—a comforting improve from dangling ski lifts—she climbed aboard, prepared for a clean trip. The operator instructed her to “maintain on tightly” and, earlier than she might course of the recommendation, the carlator jolted into movement with a power higher fitted to launching rockets into orbit. Because it rattled up the slope, her confidence in its stability was shaken, alongside along with her seat and belongings. Clinging on tightly, she might solely hope that nothing was jostled out of the automobile.
After a bumpy however unusually memorable trip, Masami arrived on the three-story constructing that housed Cosmos, the place each ground radiated retro appeal.
The primary ground boasted a classic jukebox (which she now deeply regrets not making an attempt), the second ground featured a small arcade with nostalgic video games, and the third ground was the primary attraction: the revolving restaurant itself.
Unfamiliar with how revolving eating places function, Masami initially anticipated the rotation to pause so diners might hop on and off. Nonetheless, as she watched it steadily spin, she rapidly realized there was no want. At a leisurely tempo of one full rotation each 55 minutes, Cosmos provides you loads of time to sip, snack, and soak within the 360-degree views with out feeling rushed.
▼ The outer ring with the tables and chairs rotates (回る); the counter doesn’t (回らない)
Masami opted for a melon soda float (650 yen) and a sizzling sandwich (600 yen) from the central cashier earlier than settling into her seat to look at the world roll by.
Because the restaurant slowly rotated, providing ever-changing panoramic views, retro music performed softly within the background, wrapping the expertise in a comfortable, luxurious tranquility.
With a scrumptious meal in her abdomen and an virtually full rotation, Masami returned her dishes and ready for descent. Strolling to the ropeway was, after all, an possibility, however the oddly therapeutic, full-body vibration of the carlator had obtained her addicted. With ticket in hand, she hopped aboard as soon as extra, shaking and rattling her approach down the mountain like an enthusiastic human maraca.
Whether or not you’re a fan of quirky eating experiences or simply curious to step again right into a slice of Showa-era nostalgia, Cosmos is a must-visit. Whereas it’s not the one rotating restaurant nonetheless standing, many others have stopped spinning, making this spot a uncommon gem. Though a couple of have lately resumed their rotations, the pattern towards changing metropolis rooftops into inexperienced areas means revolving eating places, in addition to rooftop amusement parks, are unlikely to see a comeback anytime quickly. So, when you’re within the space, don’t miss your likelihood to expertise this one-of-a-kind eating journey.
Cafe info
Kissa Cosmos / 喫茶コスモス
Tackle: Hyogo-ken, Kobe-shi, Suma-ku, Ichinomiya-cho, 5-chome, 3-ban, 2-go
兵庫県神戸市須磨区一ノ谷町5丁目3番2号
Open 10:10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (final order 3:30 p.m.)
Closed Tuesdays
Web site
Photographs ©SoraNews24
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[ Read in Japanese ]
