Kobe deserves a spoton your Japan travel itinerary
One of Japan’s top ten cities, Kobe is the capital city of Hyogo Prefecture. This article will introduce the exquisite attractions of Kobe.
Photography: ©KOBE TOURISM BUREAU
Kobe has been an important port city for centuries. A hub of Japan’s international trade network, Kobe boasts a unique history and distinctive architecture. In the 19th century, it was one of the first ports to open to foreign trade, along with Yokohama, Nagasaki, Hakodate, and Niigata.
In 1995, Kobe was struck by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, which caused catastrophic damage and resulted in the loss of over 6,000 lives. Today, the city has been completely rebuilt, with few traces of the tragic event remaining. Memorial events are held every year on January 17 to commemorate the disaster and reflect upon its lessons for the future.
Kobe is conveniently located with easy access to Kansai International Airport, Osaka, and Kyoto. It is directly connected to Tokyo via the JR Tokaido- Sanyo Shinkansen. The journey between Tokyo and Shin-Kobe Station takes from 2 hours and 40 minutes to 3 hours and 15 minutes, making it an easy journey from Tokyo with opportunities to stopover in Osaka, Kyoto, or Nara. Kobe is near both the mountains and the sea, and its compact urban space is one of its key attractions, with major tourist spots, shopping areas, and restaurants all within walking distance.
Meriken Park and Harborland area
“Meriken Park” and “Harborland,” iconic landmarks of Kobe, are must-visit areas for anyone travelling to the city. Meriken Park was created in 1868 by reclaiming land from the Meriken Wharf, originally a foreign cargo unloading port, and the Naka Pier, constructed in the Taisho era. The park includes the Port Tower, which reopened after renovations in April 2024, the Maritime Museum, and the “BE KOBE” monument, all of which are illuminated at night.
Additionally, on the eastern waterfront of the park lies the Kobe Port Earthquake Memorial Park. The Earthquake Park preserves a 60-metre section of the original Meriken Wharf that was damaged during the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, allowing visitors to see the impact of the disaster.
Another highlight on the eastern front of Meriken Park is the new Minato-machi area. Visitors can explore “AQUARIUM ~ ART átoa,” a contemporary combined urban aquarium and art space, as well “TOOTH TOOTH MART,” a food hall and night festival that features local Kobe beef, sweets, craft beer, and sake from Nada.
A giant Mosaic Ferris Wheel towers over Harborland, offering stunning views from 50 metres above ground. Sweeping panoramas span the cityscape, Mount Rokko, and Kobe Bridge. Harborland is also a popular departure point for a variety of cruise ships that sail around Kobe Port, ranging from casual sightseeing boats to elegant restaurant ships that offer luxurious dinner cruises.
Sannomiya and Motomachi area
In the heart of Kobe, the Sannomiya and Motomachi areas offer plenty of shopping, gourmet dining, and sightseeing. Sannomiya serves as a transportation hub with various railway lines and bus terminals intersecting at Sannomiya Station, connecting Sannomiya to other regions. An ideal base for exploring Kobe, the area is home to large shopping complexes and hotels. Just south of Sannomiya is the “Old Foreign Settlement,” a picturesque area that was developed with Western industrial technology after the port opened. The stately buildings host flagship stores of domestic and international fashion brands, making this the premier high-end shopping district in Kobe.
In addition to department stores and commercial centres, Sannomiya and Motomachi boast established shopping streets, charming boutiques, vintage shops, and stylish cafés. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy Kobe’s uniquely tasteful shopping and café culture. Running under an elevated railway line, a shopping street with narrow passageways lined on both sides with fashion shops, accessories stores, and eateries stretches about two kilometres from JR Motomachi Station’s west exit to Kobe Station.
Adjacent to Sannomiya, Motomachi is also home to “Nankinmachi,” one of Japan’s three largest Chinatowns, along with Yokohama and Nagasaki. Over 100 stores line its streets, with authentic Chinese restaurants as well as popular street food vendors that offer xiao long bao (soup dumplings), dumplings, pork buns, and adorable panda-themed sweets. Many takeaway options are available at reasonable prices. It’s also worth checking out the Chinese grocery stores and gift shops. Although most restaurants in Nankinmachi open around 11:00 a.m., since some of the more popular spots form lines before opening, it’s advisable to visit a little earlier.
In the bustling city centre of Sannomiya, you’ll also find the historic Ikuta Shrine, which has a history spanning over 1,800 years. The name of the city, “Kobe,” comes from “kanbe,” a historical name for the families who protected the deity of Ikuta. The shrine is believed to grant blessings for safe childbirth and romantic relationships, making it a popular destination for those seeking such fortunes.
Kitano and Shin-Kobe area
North of Sannomiya, the Kitano area is home to the Ijinkan district, where the former residences of foreigners who settled in Kobe after the port opened are scattered. This area, filled with an exotic atmosphere, is one of Kobe’s most iconic tourist destinations. Nestled directly behind the Shin-Kobe Station, which serves the Shinkansen, the Kitano area is a popular base for hiking in the Rokko Mountains. The foothills of the Rokko mountain range extend from behind Shin-Kobe Station, offering easy access to nature, hikes, and attractions such as Nunobiki Falls and the Nunobiki Herb Garden.
Nunobiki Falls, located on the mountainside near Shin-Kobe Station and spanning the upper reaches of the Ikuta River, was selected as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Waterfalls.” A stroll along the walking trails is especially recommended during the fresh green or autumn foliage seasons. At the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, around 200 varieties of flowers and herbs bloom, allowing visitors to enjoy seasonal plants all year round. From the windows of the ropeway, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kobe and its famous sites, including Nunobiki Falls.
Mount Rokko and Arima Onsen
Mount Rokko, located north of Kobe city with an elevation of about 900 metres, is a resort close enough to the city where you can enjoy convenience, easy city access, as well as fresh mountain air and nature. Public transportation, such as ropeways, cable cars, and mountain buses are well developed. The “Rokko Cable Car,” which connects Kobe’s city centre to the mountain area, covers about 1.7 km in approximately 10 minutes, from Rokko Cable Shita Station to the Rokko Cable Sanjo Station. From the observatory “Tenrandai,” adjacent to the Sanjo Station (mountaintop station), you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kobe, Osaka, and Wakayama, with beautiful night views in the evening. Additionally, you can visit tourist spots surrounded by nature, such as the “Rokko Forest Sound Museum,” the “Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden,” and the natural experience observatory “Rokko Shidare.”
The Rokko-Arima Ropeway, which connects the summit of Mount Rokko to the famous Arima Onsen in just 12 minutes, offers a delightful aerial ride where you can fully appreciate the ever-changing seasonal beauty of Mount Rokko. After getting off at Arima Onsen Station, you can relax in Arima Onsen. A renowned hot spring, Arima Onsen is one of Japan’s three oldest hot springs. You can enjoy two distinct types of waters; the “Kinsen” (Gold Spring), a brown-coloured water rich in iron and salt, and the clear, colourless “Ginsen” (Silver Spring), which is popular amongst women for its skin-smoothing properties. Along the main street of Arima Onsen town, “Yumotozaka,” features souvenir shops, restaurants, and sweet shops.
Indulge in the world-famous Kobe beef
When visiting Kobe, enjoying the worldrenowned Kobe beef is imperative. Known as the finest grade of Wagyu beef, Kobe beef is characterised by its tender texture and rich flavour. You can savour Kobe beef prepared in various ways, such as teppanyaki, shabu-shabu, sukiyaki, or even sushi at restaurants.
Kobe, where the beautiful harbour scenery and diverse cultures blend, is a city where history, culture, gourmet food, and nature harmonise, making it a highly attractive destination for tourists.
