Kobe

Travel Guide
Kobe
Tour the south-central Japanese city that has rebuilt itself after a devastating earthquake. Be charmed by its waterfront attractions and diverse neighborhoods.

Kobe is an attractive, cosmopolitan city that sits on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Devastated by an earthquake in 1995, Kobe has been completely rebuilt. Visit its bustling waterfront, monuments and fascinating neighborhoods.

After two centuries of isolation, Kobe was one of the first Japanese cities to open its doors to the West. Explore Kobe’s port, also known as the Bay Area, one of Japan’s busiest trading ports, which also serves as a shopping and entertainment district. Visit the department stores of Harborland, ride the giant Ferris wheel and take a boat cruise around the bay.

Visit the waterfront Meriken Park and its memorial to the earthquake victims. Learn about the port’s history at the Kobe Maritime Museum. See the city from the top-floor viewing platform of Kobe Port Tower. This 335-foot (108-meter) red steel structure resembles a large twisted tube and is illuminated by colored lights at night. From the tower, enjoy the view of majestic Mount Rokkō. Ride a gondola up the mountain to find walking trails, a botanical garden and hot springs.

When foreign traders first came to Kobe in the early 20th century, they built houses and mansions in the Kitano district. These former residences are now public museums. Inspect the intricately carved bars in England House and explore its Sherlock Holmes Room, a representation of the fictional detective’s headquarters. Admire French artwork and beautiful antique furniture inside France House.

Enjoy Kobe’s cultural events, including the biannual Kobe Fashion Week and Kobe Jazz Street, a jazz festival held every October. Try some of the renowned Kobe beef, a delicious marbled meat from local wagyu cattle. Visit Chinatown, a lively tourist area with restaurants, food stalls and souvenir stores.

Fly into Kansai International Airport, which is 40 miles (64.4 kilometers) south of Kobe. Get around on foot, by public transportation or by renting a car. Kobe experiences hot, humid summers and cool winters. With historic character and plenty of attractions, Kobe is an irresistible addition to your travel itinerary for Japan.

Where to stay in Kobe

Sannomiya featuring road cycling, signage and street scenes

Sannomiya

4.5/5(19 area reviews)

Serving as Kobe's financial, commercial, and entertainment center, Sannomiya boasts the historic Sannomiya Shrine and is a major transportation hub with Kobe-Sannomiya Station connecting various railway systems.

Sannomiya
Kobe Tower showing a bay or harbor, a city and a high rise building

Kobe City Centre

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

Consider exploring the waterfront views in Kobe City Centre. If sightseeing is on the list, Ikuta Shrine is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Kyukyoryuchi Daimarumae Station or Motomachi Station to see more of the area.

Kobe City Centre
Kobe showing a city and street scenes

Chuo Ward

Travelers choose Chuo Ward for its waterfront views. Hop aboard the metro at Shinkobe Station or Sannomiya Hanadokeimae Station and check out top sights like Nunobiki Herb Park.

Chuo Ward

Hyogo

Discover the impressive Hyogo Daibutsu at Nōfuku-ji temple and explore Yanagihara Ebisu Shrine, both easily accessible from Hyogo Station. Shop at Kobe City Central Wholesale Market and Aeon mall for a diverse experience.

Hyogo
Arima Hot Springs showing a small town or village

Arimacho

Discover Arimacho, memorable for its hot springs. Popular attractions in Arimacho include Arima Hot Springs and Arima Main Road, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at Arima Onsen Station.

Arimacho
Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum showing flowers and a garden

Higashinada

2/5(1 area review)

Higashinada is well-liked for its bars and museums. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Mount Rokko and Osaka Bay are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Island Kitaguchi Station or Island Center Station to get around.

Higashinada
Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka - Namba
Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka - Namba
3.5 out of 5
1-1-13 Nipponbashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu
The price is CA $69 per night from Jun. 13 to Jun. 14
CA $69
CA $87 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 13 - Jun 14
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,136 reviews)
"The only reason why i would not give it 5 stars is that they give you 2 pillows and the duvet is not long enough for the bed. Its extremely uncomfortable for tall people. But overall extremely nice"

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka - Namba
Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
4 out of 5
1-1 Ofukacho, Kita, Osaka, Osaka
The price is CA $125 per night from Jun. 13 to Jun. 14
CA $125
CA $157 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 13 - Jun 14
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,594 reviews)
"Convenient location with lots of food and shopping options!"

Reviewed on May 13, 2024

Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
3 out of 5
491 Zaimokucho, Shimogyo, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is CA $155 per night from May 19 to May 20
CA $155
CA $174 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a sauna. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,484 reviews)
"Love the hot spring"

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
RakutenSTAY×Shamaison Osaka Dekijima Station
RakutenSTAY×Shamaison Osaka Dekijima Station
3 out of 5
1-12-14 Dekijima Nishiyodogawa-ku, Osaka, Osaka fu
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and in-room washers/dryers. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (356 reviews)
"Very nice would recommend"

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

RakutenSTAY×Shamaison Osaka Dekijima Station
Hotel Abitare Namba West
Hotel Abitare Namba West
3 out of 5
2-chome-2-44 Saiwaicho Naniwa Ward, Osaka, Osaka
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, balconies, and air conditioning. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the property condition in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (257 reviews)
"Self check-in is difficult when there was no email prior to check-in to guide."

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Hotel Abitare Namba West
BON Condo Namba Nipponbashi
BON Condo Namba Nipponbashi
3 out of 5
1-8-17 Nipponbashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka
Stay at this 3-star condo in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and slippers. Popular attractions Dotonbori and Nipponbashi are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (144 reviews)
"Great location 5 min walking distance to Dotonbori. Nipponbashi station just around the corner. Clean, quiet and best value for money!"

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

BON Condo Namba Nipponbashi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Kobe

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
22
" "5 - Excellent 48.888888888888886%
4 - Good
21
" "4 - Good 46.666666666666664%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 4.444444444444445%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Azuryte
Feb. 22, 2020

Kobe is a cool city.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Jan. 21, 2020

Great place to visit with kids. A lots of places are very kids friendly! Especially at a mall, they have a good free play area for kids. Highly recommend for families with kids!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
Oct. 10, 2019

Does not have any major tourist sites like Kyoto. However city is compact and mostly walkable, waterfront is attractive, and it was a convenient base from which to visit Himeji castle.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
Jul. 16, 2019

Best Kobe meat ever!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Jun. 13, 2019

Port city with great waterfront beautifully lit up at night. Seems less fancy and sophisticated than Tokyo or Osaka but good dining at lower prices. Many different dining options for premium Kobe beef.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
May 25, 2019

Love it , will return again

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