Getting there
From Tokyo to Kobe
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By plane
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From Tokyo, you can fly to Kobe Airport from Haneda Airport with ANA or Skymark Airlines. ANA flights normally cost about 31,000 yen one way, but you can often find discounts for around 14,000 yen. Skymark flights usually cost 18,000 yen, with discount fares often under 10,000 yen.
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By train
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From Tokyo, you can take the shinkansen to Shin-Kobe Station. The fastest Nozomi train takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes, while the Hikari train takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes. A one-way ticket costs around 14,420 yen for a non-reserved seat and about 15,000 yen for a reserved one. The Japan Rail Pass covers Hikari trains, but not Nozomi trains—you'll need to pay extra if you take one.
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By bus
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From Tokyo, you can take an overnight bus to Kobe, which takes about 8 to 9 hours. Discount companies like Willer Express offer fares from around 5000 yen, and with a Japan Bus Pass, it can be as low as 3000 yen. These cheaper buses are basic and less comfortable. If you want more comfort, expect to pay around 8500 yen for a better bus.
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From Osaka to Kobe
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By train
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From Osaka, you can reach Kobe in 20–45 minutes by JR (¥420), Hankyu (¥330), or Hanshin (¥330–420) trains, all with frequent direct departures. The Japan Rail Pass is only valid on JR trains.
From Kyoto to Kobe
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By train
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From Kyoto to Kobe, you can take the shinkansen in 30 mins (¥2,870), a JR rapid train in 50 mins (¥1,110), or the Hankyu Railway in 60 mins with one transfer (¥640). The Japan Rail Pass is only valid on JR trains.
From Himeji to Kobe
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By train
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From Himeji, take a direct JR Special Rapid Service train to Kobe’s Sannomiya Station—about 40 minutes and 990 yen, with frequent departures and fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.