Kobe

Travel Guide

Kobe
Kobe
Kobe
Kobe
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

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Sannomiya

Spend some time visiting places like Ikuta Shrine while getting to know Sannomiya, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Sannomiya Hanadokeimae Station or Boeki Center Station to see more of the area.

Sannomiya
Kobe Tower showing modern architecture, a city and street scenes

Kobe City Centre

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 featuring 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 Ikuta Shrine.

Chuo Ward

Hyogo

Get to know Hyogo and its many features like its restaurants and museums. You might want to explore sights like Noevir Stadium Kobe and Osaka Bay, and you can jump on the metro at Shinkaichi Station or Kamisawa Station to get around the city.

Hyogo
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Arimacho

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

Arimacho
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Higashinada

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

Higashinada
APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower

3 out of 5
1-2-13 Minatomachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Osaka
The price is P3,497 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P3,497
P4,232 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Dotonbori and Nipponbashi are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,239 reviews)
"The place was really cool! There was a small fee if you wanted to use the pool, but my room was cozy and had everything I needed."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower
Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA

Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA

4 out of 5
1-1 Ofukacho, Kita, Osaka, Osaka
The price is P6,457 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P6,457
P7,813 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (4,652 reviews)
"A very hotel with a lot of tourists . Superb location however it is very packed . Standard small Japan hotel size."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka

Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka

4 out of 5
1-12-8 Sonezakishinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka, Osaka
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P5,090 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P5,090
P6,607 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,677 reviews)
"Clean and fresh friendly"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Hotel Monterey Le Frere 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 in-room washers/dryers. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (431 reviews)
"Located 37 secondes from Deikijima station: very practical. 7 eleven on the other side of the street. Life supermarket 2 minutes walking. Room was clean, nice beds, but tiny space. We had to put our luggage under the beds. Worth the price."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

RakutenSTAY×Shamaison Osaka Dekijima Station
Sea View Court Kobe

Sea View Court Kobe

3 out of 5
Nozaki dori 5 Chome 3-14, Chuou-ku, Kobe, Hyogo-ken
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Kobe. Enjoy free WiFi, balconies, and in-room soaking tubs. Popular attractions Meriken Park and Kobe Tower are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (41 reviews)
"Great view of the Kobe skyline and waterfront, from a spacious, two-bedroom apartment up on the hill overlooking the city. Close to the train station, and right along a bus route into the city."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2019

Sea View Court Kobe
Eslead Hotel  Namba Daikokucho

Eslead Hotel Namba Daikokucho

4 out of 5
2-4-19, Osaka, Osaka
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, premium bedding, and in-room soaking tubs. Popular attractions Nipponbashi and Spa World are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (107 reviews)
"Pros: Amazing staff, so helpful in resolving issues. They really go all the way to ensure guest satisfaction. The unit is large and comes with a washing machine which is super useful. We would hang dry on the balcony. Cons: Not many restaurant options around the area and difficult for Uber to come ..."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Eslead Hotel Namba Daikokucho
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.

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