Kobe TOURS
5 Best Kobe Tourist Destinations
Located in the Kansai region, Kobe is the seventh most populous city in Japan, and is one of the largest port cities in Japan. Only 30 minutes from Osaka by train, this thriving metropolis of trade is an incredibly attractive stop for tourists looking for.
Due to its unique history, the atmosphere in Kobe has been strongly influenced by other cultures. From the western architecture littering the city to Chinese-style shrines, Kobe brings the East and West together in a beautiful melding of culture and history.
How to get to Kobe?
The closest major city to Kobe is Osaka, with the trip via train only taking 30 minutes or so. However, it is easy to reach Kobe for a day trip from either Kyoto or Tokyo if you feel like heading coastal for the day.
From Kyoto, take the Shinkansen line to Shin-Kobe station. This reliable train line departs each hour and will get you to Sannomiya station within 50 minutes. Most public transport lines leave from Sannomiya station, so don’t be fooled because there’s no Kobe in the name!
If you’re coming from Tokyo, the easiest way to reach Kobe is by bullet train. Choose any of the three lines from Tokyo Central Station: Hikari, Kodama, or Nozomi. Each of these hyper-speed trains will stop at Shin-Kobe station, for a change over to the local Seishinchuo line that will get you directly to Sannomiya station. The return journey to Kobe will take just over three hours, so make sure that you bring a book for the ride!
Things To Do On Your Kobe Day Trip
Kobe isn’t just famous for its beef! We’ve made a list of 5 of the best spots to visit during your day trip to Kobe – if you want to stay longer, we completely understand!
1 – Visit The Romantic Ikuta Shrine
One of the oldest shrines in the Kobe area, Ikuta Shrine is only a 10-minute walk from the main station of Sannomiya. Dedicated to Wakahirume-no-Mikoto, the God of love and marriage, this beautiful 1800-year-old shrine is incredibly popular with young Japanese and foreign couples looking to bless their relationship for the future.
In the gardens surrounding the shrine, plenty of stalls sells lucky charms said to bring good luck and prosperity to those who wear them. Admire the intricate engravings on the jewellery, or simply reflect as you wander through the grounds.
During the summer months, the shrine is very popular with tourists and is often overrun by midday. As such, make sure to visit early in the morning or later in the evenings when there are fewer people around, and you can fully immerse yourself in the history and atmosphere of this incredible architectural marvel.
2 – Wander Through Chinatown (Nankin-machi)
We mentioned earlier that Kobe has a heavy influence from foreign cultures. Kobe Chinatown, known as Nankinmachi to locals, is the largest Chinatown district in Japan. Here, you can try all sorts of hybrid Japanese-Chinese foods such as ramen, milk buns and chewy tapioca puddings and drinks.
The long street is lined with Chinese restaurants, though if you prefer to keep on the move, the vendors located on the corners sell delicious bites for the on-the-go traveller.
The atmosphere of Kobe Chinatown is also incredibly unique, with Chinese and Japanese architecture meeting Western design in a unique wedding of culture. Even if you aren’t hungry, Chinatown is still a must-visit for any tourist wanting to experience Kobe the right way.
3 – Climb Rokkosan (Mt. Rokko)
Kobe isn’t only made of shrines and busy city streets. Merely 45 minutes away from the city centre stands Rokkosan, a mountain with jaw-dropping panoramic views over Osaka Bay.
You won’t just find incredibly views at Rokkosan. Instead, a variety of botanical gardens, cafes, and observatories are perfect for overlooking the Kobe area. Take the Rokkosan Cable Car up the Tenran Observatory, then wander through the botanical gardens until you come across the Rokkosan Music Box Museum for a journey into the past of vintage tunes and technology.
On a cold day, make a trip to the Arima Onsen Springs via the Rokko-Arima ropeway, located to the east of the mountain. With heavy doses of salt, potassium, and iron, these historical springs are the perfect way to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring Kobe.
4 – Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens
Japan is famous for its unique gardens, and Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens are just as breathtaking as the rest. Located near Sin-Kobe station, Nunobiki Herb Gardens are a short 5-minute walk to the ropeway, followed by a cable-cart ride to the mountain top.
The cable cart is part of the attraction, so don’t close your eyes! Below you, the entire city of Kobe will be bustling in the day-to-day, and the surrounding thickets of forest are serene and calming for those afraid of heights.
Once you reach the top, the garden is divided into 12 areas with different themes, and seasonal herbs and flora create wonderfully colourful backdrops for any budding photographers. Immerse yourself in the smells and sights of this beautiful park, and settle in for an afternoon of relaxation in the sunshine.
5 – Experience The Kobe Luminarie
Commencing in 1995, the Kobe Luminarie is an annual festival of light held to commemorate a large earthquake that brought ruin to the downtown area of the city. This beautiful light festival is held near Motomachi Station and changes each year to celebrate different artists and memorial designs.
This winter festival is awe-inspiring and is the perfect place to wander with a warm drink in hand to soak up the atmosphere. While the dates and schedules change yearly, the official website is always up to date, so if you are visiting Japan in the winter, make sure to add this to your itinerary!
Plan A Day Trip To Kobe
Kobe may not have been at the top of your Japanese itinerary, but these locations are just scratching the surface of this beautiful city. Whether you’re visiting in the high summer months, or the dead of winter, there is always something worth seeing and doing in Kobe – the only way to know is to plan your trip today!
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