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

Sannomiya featuring road cycling, signage and street scenes

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 a bay or harbor, a city and a high rise building

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 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 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
Arima Hot Springs showing a small town or village

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
Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum featuring a garden and flowers

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
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APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower
Nest Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi
Nest Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi
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JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI
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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
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RakutenSTAY×Shamaison Osaka Dekijima Station
Minn Juso
Minn Juso
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Jusohon-machi 1-17-20, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka, Osaka
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MONday Apart Premium Osaka Namba WEST
MONday Apart Premium Osaka Namba WEST
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MONday Apart Premium Osaka 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.

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