What to do in Kobe
663highland, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Shin-Kobe Cable Car and Nunobiki Herb Garden
The Shin-Kobe cable car offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and Kobe harbour, just as a welcome symbol for visitors. On the way, passengers can then disembark at Nunobiki Herb Garden, a botanical garden with a breathtaking view of the city, where they can discover fragrant plants and activities for the whole family.
In the garden, it is possible to stroll among the plants, capturing the aromatic essences and enjoying the view of the city. The combination of the Shin-Kobe cable car and the Nunobiki Herb Garden is one of Kobe’s most magical experiences.
663highland, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
Official website  |
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| Ropeweay | |
| 10:00-17:00 (until 20:30 on weekends, national holidays, 20 July to 31 August) Last admission 15 minutes before closing |
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| No closing days | |
| 2000 Yen return plus entrance to Nunobiki Herb Garden 1400 Yen one way plus entrance to Nunobiki Herb Garden 1500 Yen round trip after 17:00 |
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| Nunobiki Herb Garden | |
| 10:00-17:00 | |
| No closing days | |
| 200 Yen (garden only) | |
| The cable car end station is located 5 minutes west of the JR Shin-Kobe station and the Shinkobe (S02) underground station. The garden is located near the cable car end station |
Sorakuen Garden
Sorakuen Garden is an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of Kobe, Japan. This beautiful Japanese garden is a popular attraction for visitors and locals alike for its serene beauty and relaxing atmosphere. Traditional features such as ponds, wooden bridges and ancient trees create an enchanting atmosphere. Visitors can stroll through the manicured paths, admire the flowers and enjoy peaceful moments away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Sorakuen Garden is a great place to pause, reflect and appreciate the beauty of nature.
663highland, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
|
| 9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30) | |
| Thursday (next day if Thursday is a national holiday) 29 December to 3 January |
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| 300 Yen | |
| 5 minutes’ walk north-west of Kencho-mae underground station (S04) 10 minutes’ walk north-west of JR and Hanshin Station in Motomachi |
Kitano-cho
Kitano-cho is a charming neighbourhood located in Kobe, Japan. This area is famous for its beautiful European-style buildings, evidence of Kobe’s historical past as a city open to trade with the West. The old residences of foreign communities have been transformed into museums, cafés and boutique shops, attracting visitors from all over the world. Strolling through its cobbled streets, one can immerse oneself in a unique atmosphere, feeling European elegance with a Japanese touch. Kitano-chon is a hidden gem of Kobe and a must for lovers of architecture and history.
Most of the houses have an entrance fee of 300-1000 Yen. There are also cumulative tickets to visit several houses. The neighbourhood offers pleasant walks, cafés, restaurants and boutiques, making it very popular with young Japanese couples.
663highland, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| 10 minutes’ walk south-west from JR Shin-Kobe station or Shinkobe underground station (S02) 15 minutes’ walk north from JR, Keihan and Sannomiya underground station |
Kobe Harborland
Kobe Harborland is a renovated coastal area located in the heart of Kobe, Japan. This area is one of the city’s main attractions, and consists of numerous shopping centres, restaurants, shops and parks along the harbour shore. Here, visitors can admire the impressive ships entering and leaving the harbour, stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the breathtaking view of the sea. Kobe Harborland also offers a wide range of recreational activities, including cinemas, bowling alleys, amusement arcades and playgrounds. It is the perfect place to spend an enjoyable day with family or friends.
663highland, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| Shops: 10:00-20:00 Restaurants: 11:00-22:00 (closed between lunch and dinner) Amusement park: 10:00-23:00 |
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| No closing days | |
| Just outside the JR Kobe and Kobe underground station to the east |
Kobe City Museum
The Kobe City Museum is a cultural treasure located in the city of Kobe, Japan. This museum offers a rich overview of Kobe’s history and culture through various permanent and temporary exhibitions. Visitors can explore the history of the city, from its foundation to its rebirth after the terrible earthquake of 1995. Besides historical exhibitions, the museum also hosts art exhibitions, concerts and educational seminars. With its wide range of content and programmes, the Kobe City Museum is an informative and fascinating place for those who wish to learn more about this fascinating Japanese city.
Corpse Reviver, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
Official website  |
|
| 10:00-17:00 (on Fridays until 19:00) Last entry 30 minutes before closing |
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| Monday (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday) New Year’s Day |
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| 300 Yen (increased price for special exhibitions) | |
| 5 minutes south of Kyukyoryuchi Daimarumae and Sannomiya Hanadokeimae underground stations 10 minutes’ walk south of JR and Keihan Motomachi and Sannomiya stations |
Meriken Park
Meriken Park is a beautiful green oasis located in the city of Kobe, Japan. Located on the waterfront, this park offers spectacular views of the Kobe Harbour and the iconic Kobe Port Tower. Visitors can stroll along the tree-lined paths, enjoying the sea breeze and admiring the sculptures and art displays along the way. The park is also an ideal place to relax and enjoy a picnic with family or friends. Meriken Park is a must-see attraction for those wishing to appreciate the natural beauty of Kobe and enjoy some tranquillity in the midst of the bustling city.
Pastern, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| Kobe Port Tower | |
| Official website |
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| 9:00-21:00 (until 19:00 from December to February) Last admission 30 minutes before closing |
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| No closing days | |
| 1000 Yen (observatory) 1200 Yen (observatory and roof terrace) |
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| Maritime Museum and Kawasaki Good Times World | |
| Official website |
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| 10:00-18:00 Last entry 30 minutes before closing time |
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| Monday (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday) 29 December to 3 January |
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| 900 Yen | |
| 10 minutes south of JR station and Keihan Motomachi |
Arima Onsen
Arima Onsen is a renowned spa resort located in the mountains near Kobe, Japan. Known as one of the top three hot springs in the country, Arima Onsen attracts visitors from all over the world in search of relaxation and well-being. The thermal waters of Arima Onsen are legendary for their health benefits, which include healing skin diseases and reducing stress. The picturesque spa village also offers a variety of traditional ryokan and spa hotels for an authentic experience. With its enchanting atmosphere and healing thermal waters, Arima Onsen is a natural paradise for those seeking a relaxing and rejuvenating retreat.
Wpcpey, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| From Sannomiya or Shin-Kobe station, take the underground to the Tanigami stop. From here take the Arima-Sanda Line of the Shintetsu company to Arima Onsen. The journey takes between 30 and 40 minutes and costs 720 Yen from Shin-Kobe and 900 Yen from Sannomiya. From Sannomiya or Shin-Kobe station, take the direct Hankyu or Shinki bus. The journey takes between 35 and 50 minutes and the ticket costs 680 Yen. Alternatively take the JR bus which costs 720 Yen There are also Hankyu and JR Bus buses from Osaka and Shin-Osaka. Costs 1200 to 1330 Yen (one way) From Sannomiya take the Hankyu train and get off at Rokko station (7 minutes – 180 Yen). From here take the Rokko cable car (10 minutes – 570 Yen). When you arrive at the terminus, take the circular bus to the Arima Rokko cable car end station (10 minutes – 250 Yen). From here take the cable car to Arima Onsen (12 minutes – 980 Yen) |
Earthquake Museum
The Kobe Earthquake Museum is a moving place that offers an educational experience on the tragic history of the Great Kobe Earthquake of 1995. The museum offers a detailed description of the events leading up to the catastrophe and the recovery of the city. Visitors can see reconstructions of the damage caused by the earthquake and learn the stories of the many victims and the rescuers who worked to save people’s lives.
The Kobe Earthquake Museum is an emotionally intense and moving place, which also serves as a reminder of the strength of the community and the need to prepare for future natural disasters.
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x768, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| 9:30-17:30 (until 18:00 from July to September, until 19:00 Friday and Saturday) | |
| Monday (the following day if Monday is a national holiday) 31 December and 1 January |
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| 600 Yen | |
| 10 minutes’ walk south of Hanshin’s Iwaya station 15 minutes south of JR Nada Station |
Mount Rokko
Mount Rokko is a favourite destination in the city of Kobe, Japan. At 931 metres, Mount Rokko provides a breathtaking experience and offers panoramic views of the city, Kobe Harbour and the surrounding sea. Visitors can explore Mount Rokko by taking some of the well-trodden hiking trails that lead through the forest and breathtaking views. The place is also famous for its spa, with spectacular views of the city. Mount Rokko offers a memorable experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
663highland, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| From Sannomiya, take the Hankyu train and get off at Rokko station (7 minutes – 180 Yen). From here take the Rokko cable car (10 minutes – 600 Yen) From Arima Onsen take the Arima Rokko cable car (12 minutes – 1030 Yen) |
Sake Distilleries
The sake distilleries in Kobe are a true paradise for lovers of this traditional Japanese drink. Kobe has a long history in the production of high quality sake and the distilleries offer visitors the chance to discover the production process and taste a wide selection of artisanal sake. Since sake is an essential part of Japanese culture, visiting these distilleries is a form of immersion in a thousand-year-old tradition.
There are several museums and distilleries in the district that can be visited free of charge. Public opening hours are usually from 9:30 to 17:00.
Practical information
| Get off at Hanshin Oishi Station and walk from there to Uozaki Station Get off at Rokkomichi Station and walk south |
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Il ponte Akashi Kaikyo è un’icona architettonica che collega la città di Kobe all’isola di Awaji in Giappone. Con i suoi 3,9 chilometri di lunghezza, è il ponte sospeso più lungo del mondo e un’impressionante testimonianza dell’ingegneria moderna. Il ponte offre una vista mozzafiato sullo Stretto di Akashi e sul mare circostante.
Durante il tramonto, il ponte assume tonalità magiche, creando uno scenario spettacolare per gli appassionati di fotografia. Oltre ad essere una meraviglia architettonica, il ponte Akashi Kaikyo è un’importante arteria di trasporto e un simbolo di connessione tra le comunità di Kobe e Awaji.
Photo by Japanforeveryone.com
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
|
| Exhibition Centre | |
| 9:15-17:00 (seasonal variations possible) Last admission 30 minutes before closing |
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| Monday (next day if Monday is a national holiday) 29 to 31 December |
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| 310 Yen | |
| Maiko Marine Promenade | |
| 9:30-18:00 (until 19:00 during summer holidays and Golden Week) | |
| Second Monday of the month (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday) 29 December to 31 December |
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| 250 Yen (310 Yen on weekends and public holidays) | |
| From Sannomiya take the JR train to Maiko or the Sanyo train to Maikokoen. The bridge is a few minutes from the two stations to the south |
Hyogo Prefectural Art Museum
The Hyogo Prefectural Art Museum in Kobe is a must-see for art lovers. Located in a modern and spacious building, the museum houses an extensive collection of artwork ranging from traditional Japanese painting to contemporary artistic expressions. Art enthusiasts can admire paintings, sculptures and decorative works of art from both the Hyogo region and other parts of the world. The museum also offers temporary exhibitions featuring internationally renowned artists. Visiting the Hyogo Prefectural Art Museum in Kobe is an enriching cultural experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Tak1701d, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
|
| 10:00-18:00 (until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays during special exhibitions) Last admission 30 minutes before closing |
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| Monday (the following day if Monday is a national holiday) 31 December and 1 January |
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| 500 Yen | |
| 10 minutes’ walk south of Hanshin’s Iwaya station 15 minutes south of JR Nada Station |