Kobe Travel Tips

Recommended

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3 of 4 in Hyogo Prefecture

Kobe (神戸, Kōbe) is a stylish and scenic city nestled between the Rokko mountain range and the calm waters of Osaka Bay, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and cosmopolitan flair. As the capital of Hyogo Prefecture and one of Japan’s first international ports, Kobe played a key role in opening the country to foreign trade during the Meiji era. This legacy lives on in its diverse architecture, global cuisine, and lively waterfront areas like Meriken Park and the Kobe Port Tower. Visitors can savor world-renowned Kobe beef at elegant teppanyaki restaurants, tour historic sake breweries in the Nada district, or shop in the chic streets of Motomachi and Sannomiya, where old-world charm blends seamlessly with modern Japan.

The city’s resilience is an integral part of its identity, having been meticulously rebuilt after the devastating Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 1995, which claimed over 5,000 lives. Today, Kobe stands as a revitalized urban hub where history and innovation go hand in hand. Stroll through the historic Western-style mansions of the Kitano Ijinkan district, unwind in the tranquil Sorakuen Garden, or take in sweeping views from Mount Rokko’s scenic observation decks. Kobe Harborland invites travelers with its vibrant atmosphere, offering shopping, waterfront dining, and illuminated night cruises. With easy access to nearby cultural treasures like Arima Onsen and the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, Kobe invites exploration at a relaxed, refined pace.

Getting around

In Kobe, the main train hub is Sannomiya Station—not Kobe Station. Located in the city center, Sannomiya is served by JR, Hankyu, and Hanshin railways. If you're arriving by bullet train, you'll come into Shin-Kobe Station, which is just a short subway ride from Sannomiya. Most attractions in central Kobe are close together, making it easy to explore on foot. For added convenience, the City Loop Bus connects major sights such as Kitano-cho, Nankinmachi (Kobe’s Chinatown), Meriken Park, and Kobe Harborland. The fare is ¥300 per ride, or you can purchase a day pass for ¥800.

Kobe Airport is located on an artificial island and is easy to reach—just take the Port Liner from Sannomiya Station. The ride takes under 20 minutes and costs ¥340. Travelers can also take advantage of special discount tickets. The Kobe Meguri 1-Day Coupon (¥1,000) offers unlimited rides on subways, non-JR trains, and select bus routes, along with up to ¥800 in attraction discounts. Other options include the City Loop Day Pass (¥800) for unlimited City Loop bus rides, and the Subway and Bus Day Pass (¥1,040) for unlimited travel on Kobe’s subway and city buses.