Kobe, Japan - Travel

History of Kobe

For a very short period, Kobe was Japan’s capital in 1180 AD at the end of the Heian period. It was one of the cities that opened trade with the West in 1868.

The city was founded on April 1, 1889, and became a designated metropolis in 1956.

During World War II, Kobe was heavily bombed on March 17, 1945, killing thousands of residents and destroying much of the city. The occupation of Kobe by US military forces lasted until March 1975. Following the non-nuclear policies on Japanese territory, Kobe’s government issued the Kobe Formula that prohibited any nuclear weapons from entering the port. This contributed to the withdrawal of US naval forces from Kobe.

On January 17, 1995, early in the morning, Kobe was struck by a devastating earthquake of 7.2 magnitude, murdering 6,433 people and ruining 300,000 homes. The port facilities and the Hanshin ExpressWay were affected too.

Kobe commemorates the city's recovery from the Great Hanshin Earthquake by illuminating the city hall in December. This annual event is called Luminaire.

Top Landmarks and Attractions in Kobe

5 Hours in Kobe Itinerary – Travel in Japan

If you have only one day to spend in Kobe, here are the top attractions to check out for the best experience. With favorites like Nunobiki Herb Garden, Meriken Park, and Kobe Harborland, first-time visitors to Kobe can get the most bang of their time if they plan wisely. Considering the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 5 or 6 hours of the day.

San-kita Amore Park

Address: 4-2-1 Kano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi

The Kobe tour begins at the Sannomiya Station, where JR, Hankyu, Hanshin, and Kobe Municipal Subway and other lines converge. San-kita Amore Park, just outside the station, is a popular hangout and meeting spot to start scouting out Kobe.

Tourists can take the Kobe City Loop Bus or walk 6 minutes to the next destination - Ikuta Shrine. The bus stop lies under the elevated tracks south of the square.

Ikuta Shrine

Address: 1 Chrome-2-2 Shimoyamatedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0011

A line of flashy torii gates at Ikuta-jinja in the center of Kobe city, the Shinto temple, leads to the shrine of the goddess of love and matchmaking - Wakahirume-no-Mikoto. During the Spring Festival, the shrine transforms into a sanctuary of joy, featuring dances, music, and carrying a portable palanquin. Ikuta-jinja is over 1,800 years old. A tree garden called Ikuta Forest, a lotus pond, and a bamboo grove make it an ideal setting to have a moment of rest.

Weathercock House

Address: 3 Chome-13-3 Kitanocho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0002

Walking 15 minutes north up Kitanozaka, you will reach the Kitano Ijinkan, a neighborhood with European houses. One is the former house of a German trader, Gottfried Thomas, who built his residence in 1909. It's a beloved symbol of Kitano Ijinkan and a National Cultural Property. The area also provides a nice view of Kobe from a high vantage point.

Rhine House (The Former Drewell House)

Address: 2 Chrome-10-24 Kitanocho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo

As you go up a small valley, you will stumble upon the "Rhine House," a two-story wooden home built in 1915, open to the public for free. Video and exhibits inside the building educate foreigners on the history and origins of the Kitano district, dotted with houses of foreign diplomats who lived in Kobe during the late Meiji and Taisho periods.

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden & Ropeway

Address: 1 Chrome-4-3 Kitanocho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo

Nestled on a hill just a short distance from Kitano Ijinkan, the garden is an exquisite display of seasonal flowers. To get to the garden, take a 10-minute gondola ride and enjoy the bountiful scenery of Nunobiki Reservoir and Waterfall from above. Once in this green oasis, walk up and down and discover a restaurant serving garden-inspired cuisine, a luxurious café lounge, and an open-air terrace where you can enjoy lunch.

Address: 24 Kyomachi, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0034

Set within the former Yokohama Specie Bank Building, this museum contains a permanent exhibition of the city on the first floor. It offers an interesting insight into Kobe's ancient, medieval, and modern history. Visitors will learn how Kobe started as a port and melting pot of foreigners and locals.

Address: 38 Akashimachi, Chuo Ward, Kobe 650-0037, Hyogo Prefecture

The Foreign Settlement of Kobe was established in 1868 following the Ansei Treaties. This old foreign area boasts Western-style buildings and infrastructure of that time. It's a shopping area with banks, trading houses, and domestic and international fashion boutiques.

Address: 1-3-6 Motomachi-Dori, Chuo Ward

The motley crowd, red colors, bright signs, stalls of food, and subtle smells are the right words to describe Chinatown. Japan has three, and Kobe Chinatown is one of them. Walk four minutes from the Former Foreign Settlement and feel the culture with Chinese and Japanese influences. The street food scenery is diverse, so be sure to try some gyoza – Chinese dumplings.

Address: 2 Hatobacho, Chuo Ward, Hyogo 650-0042

Once you’ve had a delicious dinner at Nankinmachi, continue walking south, heading to the sea. You will reach Meriken Park, a waterfront with highlights like the Kobe Port Tower, the Maritime Museum, and a monument dedicated to victims of the Great Hanshin Earthquake. Take a picture at the backdrop of the famous BE Kobe sign, grab a cup of coffee at the nearby Starbucks, and enjoy the sea breeze.

Address: 7-1 Hatoba-cho, Chuo Ward

Going out on the water on one of the Kobe Bay cruises is the best choice to view the beauty of Kobe Bay. Walking 5 minutes west along the coast, you will come to Kamomeria (Nakatotte Central Terminal). On the 45-minute boat tour, you will see the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Meriken Park, Ferris Wheel, and Kobe Airport. Riding a boat at sunset is a romantic way to cruise the bay.

Address: 1-6-1 Higashikawasakicho, Chuo Ward

After the cruise, walk further west along the coast to Kobe Harborlad. Mosaic is a shopping mall with myriads of eateries like steak houses, local delicacies, noodle shops, and Western restaurants. That’s the place to buy souvenirs and gifts. Children will have fun here because of Snoopy Town, Totoro, Sanrio, and other character shops. Also, visit another shopping center connected to Mosaic called Umie.

Things to Do in Kobe in 2-3 Days

There are more things to explore in Kobe for those who have more time to spend in this port city. Learn about sites to enjoy high views, browse shops, and relax in parks or gardens.

Kobe’s landmark for one of the panoramic views is also easy to get to. Located near Meriken Park, Kobe Port Tower is a 10-minute walk south of Motomachi Station. Venture up 108 meters (354 feet) to watch the sunset and then get a drink or bite to eat in the café bar or restaurant.

• Address: 5-5 Hatobacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0042
• Hours: 9 AM – 11 PM
• Admission: 1,200 yen - Observation & Rooftop areas
• URL: kobe-port-tower.com

Right in the middle of Flower Road, a wide boulevard, is Kobe City Hall. The elevator takes guests to the 24th floor. From there, they can peer down into Harbor to the south and the Rokko Mountain Range to the north with a 360-degree aspect of the city. Travelers to Japan can also have dinner at one of the two restaurants in the lobby.

• Address: 6-5-1 Kanocho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-8570
• Hours: 8:45 AM – 5:30 PM
• Admission: Free
• URL: city.kobe.lg.jp

Entertainment and Parks in Kobe

Nestled between the Rokko Mountains and the Seto Inland Sea, Kobe provides diverse habitats for various flora and fauna. Sorakuen Garden, the City Forest Botanical Garden, Mt. Maya, Kobe Animal Kingdom, Nunobiki Falls, and many cherry blossom parks are great options for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.

Located in the center of Kobe, this traditional Japanese garden displays Western influence in the decorated European-style stable. Opened to the public in 1941, Sorakuen Garden was the residence of Kodera Kenkishi, a former mayor of Kobe in the early 20th century. From late April to early May, the park attracts many leisure seekers who enjoy colorful azaleas and attend concerts. And from October to November, Sorakuen celebrates chrysanthemums raised by Kobe residents.

• Address: 5 Chrome-3-1Nakayamatedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo
• Admission: 300-400 yen
• Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM

To visit Suma Rikyu Park is to have a glimpse into the famed French gardens because it was modeled after the Palace of Versailles Park. A riot of irises, roses, camellias, hydrangeas, peonies, and cherry trees is impressive. The site is home to a series of lined maple trees, a Japanese garden, and tea ceremony rooms. Festooned with fountains and packed with 28 athletic stations, the park also has a picnic area, restaurant, and playground.

• Address: 1-1 Higashisuma, Suma Ward, Kobe, Hyogo
• Admission: 400 yen
• Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM

When staying in Kobe, be sure to visit the Kobe Animal Kingdom on Port Island. At this zoo, visitors have the unique opportunity to get close to the animals and even pet some of them. Cuddly capybaras are especially cute. Other favorite animals include prehistoric-looking shoebills, fluffy alpacas, and red pandas.
Kobe Animal Kingdom (formerly Kobe Kachoen) was designed by a Japanese botanist Kamo Mototeru and opened in 2006. The zoo is part of a greenhouse, so don’t be surprised to see lots of vegetation in many areas.

• Address: 7-Chrome-1-9 Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047
• Admission: 2,200 yen
• Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM

Oji Zoo, or simply Kobe Zoo, is another spot for a fun-filled animal action that was opened in 1951. From big cats to rare sights like giant pandas, Amur tigers, golden snub-nosed monkeys, and snow leopards, there's a lot to get excited about.

As well as the zoo’s 150 species, there's an old-fashioned amusement park where children can unleash their wild side.

• Address: 3 Chrome-1 Ojicho, Nada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo
• Admission: 600 yen
• Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM

Unique Things to Do in Kobe

Beyond visiting Kobe Harborland and Meriken Park, having Chinese dumplings at the Kobe Chinatown, or exploring Kobe’s museums and parks, Kobe offers a couple of exclusive options that are must-try in the city. Without these, travel to Japan won’t be complete.

Kobe's Nada district is famous for producing prime-quality sake – Japanese rice wine. During the sake brewery tour, guests can learn about the sake-making process and taste unprocessed beverages at Kikumasamune Sake Museum or Hakutsuru Sake Brewery. Kobe Shushinkan sells different types of sake, making it perfect for grabbing some souvenirs. Kobe Konan Muko no Sato is interesting for its small museum of pickles, two restaurants, and a shop selling foods that pair well with sake.

Kobe is known for its Wagyu marbled beef, a delicacy loved in Japan and other countries. The global Wagyu market reached almost $24 billion in 2023, with the potential to grow in the subsequent years. Being one of three "Big Beefs" in the Land of Rising Sun, Kobe is a place to choose the best cut. It can be done as a steak, sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, teppanyaki, or sashimi. The meat will be served with miso soup, rice, and veggies in whatever style you choose.

The most famous steak restaurants include Meriken Hatoba, Kobe Steak Restaurant Royal Mouria, and Steak Aoyama. Regardless of the restaurant, you will never be bored because each dish comes with a unique flavor and texture.

Opened in 1984 and located at the foot of Mt. Rokko, this hidden gem offers a fascinating insight into Japanese woodworking. You can easily spend half a day there, watching videos about carpenter tools and how they are used, marveling at the teahouse in the basement floor built without a single nail and screw, and engaging in woodwork activities in a small workshop.

• Address: 7 Chrome-5-1 Kumochicho, Chuo Ward, Hyogo 651-0056
• Admission: 700 yen
• Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Situated on the outskirts of Kobe behind Mt Rokko, it is one of the oldest hot spring towns in Japan, spanning over 1,000 years of history. Hideyoshi Toyotomi, a prominent Japanese samurai and warlord from the 16th century, liked to spend time in Arima Onsen. Today, newcomers can spa in the spring waters of the largest public bath, Kin no Yu, containing iron, salt, and other healthy properties.

• Address: Arimacho, Kita Ward, Kobe 651-1401, Hyogo
• Admission: 800 yen
• Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• URL: arimaspa-kingin.jp

Anyone fearing heights may consider Rokko cable car trains to see Kobe from above. The cable line ascends 493.3 meters above sea level at its highest point and takes you from the Rokko Cable Shita Station at the foot of the mountain to the Rokko Sanjo Station. During the fifteen-minute ride, you will observe everything in between. However, the thrilling sights are not the only reason to head up there. The Rokko Forest Sound Museum sits atop the hill, and the Rokko Garden Terrace provides breathtaking views of the Osaka Plain and Akashi Strait, especially at night. In addition, foreigners can get there by the Rokko Sanjo Bus and the Rokko Maya Sky Shuttle Bus.

• Address: 8-2 Aza Nishiyama, Takaha, Nada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo
• Hours: 7:10 AM – 9:30 PM (operates every 20 minutes)
• Admission: 1,100 (round trip)
• URL: rokkosan.com

Top Museums to Visit in Kobe

Some of the best museums in Kobe provide another convincing reason to add this city to your bucket list. It is not just about enjoying nature, wildlife, shopping, and top attractions but also about exploring history to understand Japan through Kobe. Here are some of the ones you won’t want to miss.

Opened in 2006 by the Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) Group, the Kawasaki Good Times Museum, located inside the Kobe Maritime Museum, displays a wide range of Kawasaki products, from motorbikes and jet skis to helicopters and bullet trains. The exhibitions also cover modern Japanese history, focusing on its technological and engineering advancements.

• Address: 2-2 Hatobacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0042
• Admission: 900 yen
• Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM

This is a must-go museum because it is the only coffee museum in Japan. Its history began in 1987 when Tadao Ueshima took up the coffee business, intending to share the wonders of coffee with as many people as possible. Six exhibits reveal interesting facts about the cultivation, classification, roasting, and extraction of coffee. The UCC Coffee Museum also invites guests to a tasting counter to try different types of the beverage. After the tour, sightseers can relax at the in-house café Coffee Road.

• Address: 6-6-2, Minatojima Nakamachi, Chuo Ward, Hyogo, 650-0046
• Admission: 300 yen
• Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM (temporarily closed)

Anpanman is an anime hero for many toddlers worldwide. If your kids are fans of the character, they will be flabbergasted by the many cool features in the museum, including a greeting from Anpanman and a 10-minute live show. Besides, the museum has a very nice restaurant and shopping area.

• Address: 1-6-2, Higashikawasakicho, Chuo Ward, Hyogo, 650-0044
• Admission: 2,500 yen
• Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM

Opened in 2002, it is one of the architectural masterpieces of Tadao Ando, a well-known Japanese architect. He used light, water, and sky to achieve harmony in the museum design. There are many galleries with over 9,000 art artifacts to explore, from sculptures to prints and paintings.

• Address: 1 Chrome-1-1 Wakinohamakaigandori, Chuo Ward, Hyogo 651-0073
• Admission: 400-500 yen
• Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM

Shopping in Kobe

Our list of the shopping centers in Kobe describes the most exciting department stores available in the city. And it isn’t only about shopping; these malls also cater to various food and drinks and things to see and do.

Inspired by the Pasadena Outlet Mall in Los Angeles, the Sanda Premium Outlets is a display of around 200 shops, including big names such as Prada and Gucci. The best thing is that many shops have good discounts and tax-free purchases for foreigners. Although the mall is not in the center of Kobe, it is easy to get to by the direct Shinki Bus from Sannomiya Station. The whole trip takes approximately 50 minutes.

• Address: 7-3 Kozudai, Kita Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-1515
• Hours: 10 AM – 8 PM
• URL: premiumoutlets.co.jp

Just next to the harbor, this multi-level complex boasts a convenient shopping and entertainment experience from plenty of retail outlets of North and South malls and dining options at the adjacent Mosaic Food & Drinks. It’s the place to spend time with friends and family, delighting in the Kobe waterfront and taking advantage of evening cruises.

• Address: 1-7-2 Higashikawasakicho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-044
• Hours: 10 AM – 8 PM
• URL: umie.jp

Great at sunset with spectacular views of Osaka, Osaka Bay, and Kobe, the Rokko Garden Terrace from the Shidare Observatory also has several souvenir shops and four eateries: Granite Café, Food Terrace, a Mongolian-style barbecue restaurant, and a cafeteria called Rokko View Palace.

• Address: Gosukeyama-1877-9 Rokkosancho, Nada Word, Kobe, Hyogo 657-0101
• Hours: 9:30 AM – 9 PM
• URL: rokkosan.com/gt/

The shopping spree in Sannomiya is undoubtful. Almost any Kobe tour starts with this district because it’s the financial, commercial, and entertainment center of Kobe and where all the subway lines come together. Sannomiya Center Gai Shopping Street is filled with shopping arcades and department stores, both local and international.

Separated from Sannomiya by a street, Mottomachi is another popular neighborhood for browsing many shops. Visitors can find antique and souvenir shops with traditional Japanese dolls and lacquerware.

• Address: Sannomiyacho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-00221
  3-13-1 Mottomachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe 650-0022, Hyogo
• Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM
• URL: kobe-motomachi.or.jp

Getting to Kobe

Getting to Kobe is easy, thanks to an extensive network of airplanes, trains, buses, and boats.

Located 8 km south of Sannomiya Station, Kobe Airport (UKB) primarily serves domestic airlines. Skymark Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Jetstar Airways, and Peach Aviation operate flights from Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Okinawa, and other major cities. The one-way fare from Tokyo to Kobe with Skymark or ANA is around 14,500 yen.

To get to Sannomiya Station from Kobe Airport, travelers should take an elevated train. The trip lasts 18 minutes and costs 340 yen.

Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the nearest international airport to Kobe. To get to Kobe from the airport, tourists can avail themselves of the Airport Limousine Bus service (Hankyu Kanko Bus), which will get them to Sannomiya in less than two hours for 2,200 yen. Alternatively, a high-speed ferry bay shuttle connects KIX with Kobe Airport pier. From the pier, passengers should take a bus to Kobe Airport and then to Sannomiya. The bay shuttle ticket costs 1,880 yen, but foreigners can buy a ticket for 500 yen.

Useful links: kansai-airport.or.jp

The best way to travel between Tokyo and Kobe is by bullet train, which arrives at Shin-Kobe Station. The trip on the Nozomi train takes 2 hours and 50 minutes, and 3 hours and 20 minutes on the Hikari train.

Several trains operate between Osaka and Kobe. The Sanyo Shinkansen departs from Shin-Osaka Station and arrives at Shin-Kobe Station. Also, you may consider a JR Special Rapid Train from Osaka Station to Sannomiya Station (410 yen). The Limited Express train on the Hankyu Kobe Line connects Osaka-Umeda Station to Kobe Sannomiya Station (330 yen). Whichever option you choose, the trip will not take longer than 30 minutes.

A journey from Kyoto Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen line to Shin-Kobe Station takes 25 minutes and costs 2,860 yen.

Useful links: japanrailpass.net; jreast.co.jp; westjr.co.jp; kintetsu.co.jp

If you travel to Kobe from Tokyo by bus, the preferred option is the overnight bus, which takes about 8 hours. The Tokyo-Osaka-Kobe line is run by several bus companies that offer different discounts to attract passengers. For example, the standard Willer Express fare is around 5,000 yen, but with a discount, it can be available for 3,000 yen.

Getting Around Kobe

Being a port city, Kobe has a wide selection of public transport that covers everything from subway to ferry. The standard transport options are bullet trains (shinkansen) and railways, Hankyu and Hanshin.

Although many main attractions in Kobe are within easy walking distance, the city operates sightseeing buses that stop at the Kitano district, Meriken Park, Ikuta Shrine, and Harborland. These and other sites are connected to Sannomiya and Shin-Kobe stations. A one-way bus ticket costs 200 yen, but buying a whole-day pass for 700 yen allows vacationers to get on and off at different stops throughout the day.

The Kobe Meguri 1-Day Coupon for 1,000 yen provides unlimited access to subways, buses, and non-JR trains during the day. It also covers entrance fees to some tourist destinations. Adding 650 yen to that coupon allows unlimited rides on Hanshin trains from Osaka. The extended version of this ticket costs 1,800 yen and can be used to travel to Kobe from Kyoto on Hankyu trains.

A one-day pass costs 700 yen, while a two-day pass is available for 1000 yen.

One-Day Pass for Subway and Buses (not including the City Loop Bus).

A 1040-yen ticket is walid for two subway lines and Kobe regular buses on one calendar day.

There are plenty of taxi companies in Kobe, such as MK, Kamome, and Talixo, which can be found in front of the stations and near the main attractions. However, cabs are expensive in Japan, so cost-conscious travelers should stick to the convenient subway or bus network. The initial taxi fare typically starts at 600 yen for 1.146 km and 100 yen for every additional 254 meters.

Adventurers can hike to the top of Mt. Rokko or travel by ropeway or cable car. Riding from the Shin-Kobe Station takes guests to the Nunobiki Herb Garden, boasting beautiful scenic views on the way up.

Best Time to Visit Kobe

The city has exciting things to do and events throughout the year.

Spring and summer: These are great times to walk around Kobe, hike, and watch Sakura.

Fall: This is a great time to travel to hot springs and enjoy foliage and certain flower blossom spots.

Winter: Visiting in winter can be fun as visitors can go skating, skiing, or snowboarding at Rokko Snow Park. The snowy gardens and streets of Kobe are particularly beautiful. A light festival, known as Kobe Luminaire, held every December, is a celebration of brilliant lights in reference to the victims of the Great Hanshin Earthquake.

Where to Stay in Kobe

Kobe has a huge variety of accommodations, from large international hotel chains to traditional Japanese hotels - ryokans.

Several of the most luxurious stays in Kobe are Arima Onsen Taketoritei, Arimasansoh Goshobessho, Oriental Hotel, and Kobe Kitano Hotel.

Other more affordable hotels include Peanuts Hotel, Hotel Algo, and Hotel La Suite Kobe Harborland.
And for great value stays in Kobe, consider:

• Rokko Outdoor Station FOTON
• Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kobe – Sannomiya Premier
• Remm Plus Kobe Sabbomiya
• Kobe Portopia Hotel
• Hotel Okura
• Kobe Meriken Park