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 neighbourhoods.

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 neighbourhoods.

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-metre) 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 kilometres) 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

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Sannomiya

4.5/5(16 area reviews)

Travellers choose Sannomiya for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Sannomiya Hanadokeimae Station or Boeki Center Station and check out top sights like Ikuta Shrine.

Sannomiya
Kobe Tower featuring a city, a skyscraper and modern architecture

Kobe City Centre

5/5(21 area reviews)

Travellers choose Kobe City Centre for its captivating waterfront views. Hop aboard the metro at Kyukyoryuchi Daimarumae Station or Motomachi Station and check out top sights like Ikuta Shrine.

Kobe City Centre
Kobe featuring a city and street scenes

Chuo Ward

You might take some time to check out the waterfront views in Chuo Ward. Spend some time visiting top spots like Shin-Kobe Ropeway, and catch the metro at Shinkobe Station or Sannomiya Hanadokeimae Station to see more of the area.

Chuo Ward

Hyogo

Hyogo is well liked for its restaurants and museums. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Noevir Stadium Kobe and Osaka Bay are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Shinkaichi Station or Kamisawa Station to get around.

Hyogo
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Arimacho

Discover Arimacho, memorable for its hot springs. Popular attractions in Arimacho include Arima Hot Springs and Kin no yu, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at Arima Onsen Station.

Arimacho
Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum which includes a garden and flowers

Higashinada

Get to know Higashinada and its many features like its bars and museums. You might want to explore sights like Mount Rokko and Osaka Bay, and you can jump on the metro at Island Kitaguchi Station or Island Center Station to get around the city.

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 S$93 per night from 25 Apr to 26 Apr
S$93
per night
25 Apr - 26 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,051 reviews)
"Wonderful stay. Staff was friendly & made an effort to try to help us when we had questions. The free breakfast was good. Room is small as expected (note that you cannot open your luggage all the way unless it’s in the bed) you make it work though and it’s not too bad. Location is great close to ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar,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 S$173 per night from 25 Apr to 26 Apr
S$173
per night
25 Apr - 26 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,352 reviews)
"Second time here. Really worthy of another return in the future."

Reviewed on 25 Mar,2024

Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
Hotel New Hankyu Osaka
Hotel New Hankyu Osaka
3.5 out of 5
1-1-35 Shibata 1, Kita-ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu
The price is S$123 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
S$123
per night
24 Apr - 25 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,374 reviews)
"Conveniently located near train and bus station. Multiple people at reception to help so no wait time to check in. Great view from my room."

Reviewed on 24 Mar,2024

Hotel New Hankyu Osaka
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 a flat-screen TV. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (345 reviews)
"The stay was wonderful. The property was clean. The checkout and checking in was very quick and easy. Loved the amenities. It’s close to train station."

Reviewed on 22 Mar,2024

RakutenSTAY×Shamaison Osaka Dekijima Station
MONday Apart Premium KYOTO Station (Former:MONday Apart Premium Kyoto Shichijo Horikawa)
MONday Apart Premium KYOTO Station (Former:MONday Apart Premium Kyoto Shichijo Horikawa)
4 out of 5
1 Shichijoodori Higashihorikawa Nishiiru, Yaoyacho Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and a flat-screen TV. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (162 reviews)
"Comfortable for a family of 4. No complaints"

Reviewed on 23 Mar,2024

MONday Apart Premium KYOTO Station (Former:MONday Apart Premium Kyoto Shichijo Horikawa)
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, a balcony, and a kitchen. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the property condition in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (216 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 18 Mar,2024

Hotel Abitare Namba West
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

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
13
" "5 - Excellent 48.148148148148145%
4 - Good
9
" "4 - Good 33.333333333333336%
3 - Okay
4
" "3 - Okay 14.814814814814815%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 3.7037037037037037%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
25 Nov 2019

A more relaxed place than some Japanese cities with an excellent redevelopment of the old harbour area. Its easy to get around with trains of various types and buses. The funicular and cable cars offer mountain access and the sake district is good.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
17 Oct 2019

Kobe is a lovely city to visit, Sannomiya is a great area to explore and the harbour area is lovely to walk around in the evening.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
4 Oct 2019

Nice city, good shopping, lovely people; a bigger Irish pub would help!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
3 Oct 2019

Kobe is very vibrant. There are so many amazing shops and restaurants.And Kobe is surrounded by mountains (which must be visited - we went up on the cable car to the herb garden and waterfalls). The harbour land area has been beautifully developed.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
9 Apr 2019

For me only Awaji shima is attractive.