Kobe: Declared non Smoking City...but...

In the center of Sannomiya and Train station surrounding up to the city Hall and all major shopping street, have been declared "No Smoking Area". Signs on the road as the above and banners as the one below, are just some of the many that one can see in the city...

Every now and then, a smokers area is provided. The sign, if i'm reading right, should say 1,000 yen fine (CHF 12.--) if they catch you. I'm not sure of that, i should enquiry with someone more knowledgeable as it seems quite a small fee...

So far so great! But you might have heard that in Japan, there are many "differences" in the procedures and rules as to what we are accustomed.

In this case, the city is considered off limits for smokers...but usually there are very few non-smokers restaurants (so far, i've found only a couple of them). Actually, smoking is really common in eating places since they are considered a nice island where you can relax after work and forget about your (maybe boring) job.

It's therefore easier for smokers to find a space Inside than outside to smoke...well, let's say is actually the complete opposite as now in Italy and Some parts of switzerland where people can smoke outside but not inside... well...as I said...is a different world down here ;) ....