Kobe: Japan's best-kept secret?

If you're only on a fleeting trip to Japan, nobody's going to blame you for wanting to spend those precious days in a tightly packed itinerary exploring the highlights of Tokyo, the temples of Kyoto, the neon of Osaka. But just 20 minutes from Osaka is a city that is considered in Japan to be one of the country's most beautiful, most cosmopolitan. A popular hotspot for domestic tourism, for gourmets, for romantic dates. Yet most tourists know it only as the home of Kobe beef. As former residents of Kobe and die-hard fans of the city, we'll tell you why you should consider adding Kobe to your travel plans, if only as a day-trip from Osaka or Kyoto.

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Jump to:

(1) What to see and do in Kobe

(2) Events in Kobe

(3) What and where to eat in Kobe

(4) Hotels in Kobe

(5) How to get to Kobe and get around

(6) Kobe FAQ

Kobe is a city defined by its "slopes." To the north, the lush Rokko Mountains rise up like green velvet draped over the peaks; to the south, the Seto Inland Sea sparkles as ships (container, cruise and military) from all over the world sail by. This narrow strip of land created a city that is compact, walkable, and inherently international.

As one of the first ports to open to the West in the 19th century, Kobe became a melting pot long before the rest of the country. You can feel it in the air—from the scent of fresh-baked sourdough in German-style bakeries to the Victorian-era "Ijinkan" houses perched on the hills of Kitano. And while such Western delicacies and architecture might not be anything special to us in Europe or the US, for example, it's exactly this otherworldly, "modern", sophisticated flair that appeals to tens of thousands of domestic visitors every year.

But Kobe’s beauty isn't just aesthetic; it’s born of strength. In January 1995, the Great Hanshin Earthquake devastated this city, killing over 6000 people, razing huge swathes of buildings, both commercial and domestic, destroying transportation routes and decimating the city's port business.. Yet, if you walk through the streets of Sannomiya today, you see a city that survived, rebuilt and thrived. Whether you are here for the world-famous beef, the hidden sake breweries of Nada, or the "ten-million-dollar" nighttime views, Kobe offers a grace and cosmopolitan charm that you won't find anywhere else in the archipelago.

What to see and do in Kobe

As former locals, we can assure you that there's enough in Kobe to fill any tourist's itinerary but we've broken the must-visit spots down into thematic and geographical categories to make planning easier, especially for those on a flying visit.

The Waterfront: Iconic skyline & reflection

This is the Kobe you see on postcards. It’s open, breezy, and perfect for an evening stroll.

• Meriken Park & Harborland: Home to the iconic red Kobe Port Tower and the maritime museum. Don't forget to snap a photo with the "BE KOBE" monument, which was created for the 20th anniversary of the earthquake.

• Kobe bay cruise: For a different perspective, take a 45-minute cruise from the harbor. Sail under the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, one of the world's longest suspension bridges, and take in views of Seeing the city pressed between the sea and the mountains from the water is the best way to understand its layout.

• Earthquake Memorial Park: A small, moving section of the quay left exactly as it was after the 1995 quake. It’s a quiet place for reflection amidst the modern redevelopment.

  
  

The Mountainside: European charm & botanical beauty

Kobe feels very "vertical." Just a short walk uphill from the city centre, the atmosphere changes completely.

• Kitano Ijinkan (Foreign Houses): Wander through this historic district to see 19th-century mansions built by foreign merchants. The Weathercock House is a standout, but honestly, just getting lost in the narrow, steep streets is half the fun.

• Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway: Take the ropeway from Shin-Kobe Station. You’ll soar over Nunobiki Falls and arrive at Japan’s largest herb garden. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Osaka.

  
  

Culture & traditions: from ancient shrines to sake

• Ikuta Shrine: Hidden right in the middle of the neon-lit Sannomiya district, this is one of Japan's oldest shrines.

• The Nada sake district: Kobe produces more sake than anywhere else in Japan. Visit the Hakutsuru or Kiku-Masamune museums for free tastings and a look at traditional brewing techniques.

• Nankinmachi (Chinatown): One of Japan's "Big Three" Chinatowns. It’s small but packed with energy - perfect for street food hopping (look for the long line at the butaman pork bun stands!).

Shopping

A shopping mall and restaurant hub right underneath Sannomiya station which is connected to Sannomiya Center-Gai, a 500m-long covered shopping street, means you can shop for hours without being exposed to the elements - perfect for rainy days. When you reach the end of Center-gai, you can cross the street in front of the massive Daimaru department store and explore another covered shopping arcade, Motomachi, full of modern stores such as Uniqlo, cafés and restaurants and little shops selling tea, umbrellas, home goods, stationary that look like they've been there since the 50s (and they probably have been).

Hidden gems & adventures beyond the city centre

• Arima onsen: Tucked on the other side of Mt. Rokko, this is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring towns. Famous for its "Gold" (iron-rich) and "Silver" (radium-rich) waters.

• Kobe Animal Kingdom: A favorite for families; it’s an immersive, beautifully designed park on Port Island where you can get surprisingly close to the animals.

• Oji Koen zoo: Another hotspot for animal lovers, Oji Koen is a small but popular zoo in the east of the city. Though it no longer has pandas, it has a host of other animals, a small amusement park, an historical "ijinkan" and is a popular cherry-blossom spot.

• Suma Temple & beach: For a slower pace, head west to Suma. The temple has fascinating "interactive" statues, and the beach is one of the nicest on the stretch of coastline between Osaka and Okayama.

• Akashi Kaikyo Bridge: A short train ride away, you can see the world’s longest suspension bridge. If you're brave, book the "Bridge World" tour to climb to the top!

Pro-tip: The "Ten Million Dollar" View

Whatever you do, don't leave without heading up Mt. Maya or Mt. Rokko at sunset. The view of the city lights stretching across the coast toward Osaka is officially ranked as one of the top three night views in Japan.

What and where to eat in Kobe

Kobe’s food scene is defined by two things: the premium quality of its local livestock and its long-standing embrace of Western and Chinese flavors.

The legend: Kobe beef

You can’t visit Kobe without at least considering a steak. Real Kobe beef comes from Tajima-gyu cattle and is famous for its intense marbling and "melt-in-your-mouth" texture.

• The splurge: For the classic Teppanyaki experience (where the chef cooks in front of you), look at spots like Teppan Dining Hoki or Kobe Plaisir.

• The local hack: High-end dinner can cost 15,000 yen+, but many of these same restaurants offer Lunch Specials for 5000-7000 yen. Steakland Kobe near Sannomiya Station is a famous, high-energy spot to get a great lunch deal. and is well-rated even by the locals.

  
  

The bakeries: A 100-Year German tradition

After WWI, many German prisoners of war stayed in Kobe, bringing their baking traditions with them. Today, Kobe is considered the "bread capital" of Japan.

• Freundlieb: Located in a stunning renovated 1920s church, this is a must-visit. Sit in the former chapel and enjoy a sandwich made with their signature sourdough. Don't leave without a bag of their "Mimi" (ear-shaped) cookies!

• Juchheim: The man who introduced Baumkuchen (layered ring cake) to Japan. Their flagship store in Motomachi is a shrine to German-Japanese confectionery.

• Isuzu Bakery: A local favorite since 1946. Try their award-winning beef tendon curry bread - it’s the ultimate Kobe snack.

  
  

Kobe soul food: The "B-Grade" gourmet

If you want to eat like a true local, step away from the white tablecloths and try these:

• Sobameshi: Born in the Nagata district, this is a mash-up of finely chopped yakisoba noodles and rice, stir-fried on a teppan grill with a tangy sauce. It’s hearty, salty, and addictive.

• Miso-dare Gyoza: In Tokyo, you use soy sauce and vinegar. In Kobe, we use a rich miso-based dipping sauce. Check out Hyotan in Motomachi for the authentic experience.

• Akashiyaki: Often called the "ancestor of Takoyaki." These are egg-rich octopus dumplings served with a delicate dashi broth for dipping. They are much lighter and fluffier than their Osaka cousins.

  
  

Nankinmachi: street food heaven

One of Japan’s "Big Three" Chinatowns.

• Must try: The Butaman (pork buns) from Roshoki. You’ll know it by the permanent line stretching across the square. They’ve been making them since 1915!

  
  

Pro-Tip: The Nada sake district

Kobe’s Nada-Gogo area produces about 25% of Japan’s sake. Many breweries like Hakutsuru and Kiku-Masamune offer free museums and - more importantly - tasting flights for a few hundred yen. It’s the best way to spend an afternoon if you like a little culture with your spirits.

Hotels in Kobe: where to stay

If you know that you want to base yourself in Kansai for a day or two but are not sure where, you might consider staying in Kobe. You'll find a wide range of accommodation, from grand international hotels with sweeping views of the bay to traditional ryokan with private onsen baths. What's more, hotels in Kobe are often cheaper and less booked up than the equivalent in Osaka and Kyoto.

Kobe is a long, narrow city, so choosing the right neighborhood depends on your travel style.

• Sannomiya (The Heart of the City): If you want to be steps away from the best shopping, restaurants, and every major train line, stay here. It’s the most convenient spot for first-timers.

• Motomachi & The Bay Area: Perfect for families and couples who want a romantic harbor view and easy access to Chinatown and Meriken Park.

• Kitano: Stay here if you prefer a quieter, "boutique" vibe among the historic Western mansions.

• Arima Onsen: Don't just visit for the day—stay overnight in a traditional Ryokan to truly experience the hot springs.

  
  

Where not to stay:

We wouldn't necessarily advise staying near Shin-Osaka, the Shinkansen station, since it's a bit of a hike from the city centre (see below). Nor would we advise staying on Port Island: although Port Island has an international conference centre and therefore also several excellent hotels, you will be relying on the Port Liner for transport in and out of Sannomiya. Port Liner tickets will add a chunk on to your spending and you'll be rushing for the last train of the night to get back to your hotel. Click on the link below to explore hotels, ryokans and other accommodation in Kobe.

How to get to Kobe & get around

First of all, know your stations!

This is the number one thing travelers get wrong!

1. Shin-Kobe Station: This is for the Shinkansen (Bullet Train). It is tucked against the mountains. It is not downtown. To get to the city centre, take a 2-minute subway ride or the City Loop bus to Sannomiya. You could also walk: it's a 20-minute downhill stroll or, if you have time, you could make a slight detour and walk down through the pleasant Kitano ijinkan district and also take in Ikuta Shrine on the way.

2. Sannomiya Station: This is the actual center of Kobe. It’s where the JR, Hankyu, and Hanshin lines converge. If you are coming from Osaka or Kyoto on a regular commuter train, this is where you should get off.

3. Kobe Station: Ironically, this is not the main station. It’s located further west near Harborland. It’s useful for the waterfront, but don't use it as your primary hub for the city center.

Coming from Osaka

Take the Hankyu line from Umeda station, JR from JR Osaka station or the Hanshin line from Hanshin Umeda. Of these three options, the JR Shinkaisoku express is the fastest, but JR is also the most expensive.

Coming from Kyoto

From Kyoto, Kobe is just under an hour away by JR Shinkaisoku (1,100 yen as at 2025). It is also possible to travel between Kyoto and Kobe by Hankyu train: this will take a few minutes longer and involves changing trains at Juso Station in northern Osaka but is much cheaper (approx. 640 yen).

Don't use the Shinkansen to get to Kobe from Osaka or Kyoto unless you have a regional or national Japan Rail Pass. Not only is the Shinkansen much more expensive over the same route, but you'll save only a few minutes, which you will then lose again making your way from Kobe's Shinkansen station into the centre of town.

Coming from further away

Since Kobe is a stop on one of the main Shinkansen trunk lines, getting to Kobe from Tokyo or Hiroshima, for example, is super-easy. You probably won't even have to change (although some Shinkansen only go as far as Osaka, so check before you book that yours goes all the way to Okayama or Hiroshima). Read our Shinkansen article for tips and tricks on buying tickets, choosing seats for Fuji views, taking luggage on the Shinkansen, etc.

Kobe also has a very handy domestic airport (see our article here for more detail) and is a good option, with cheap flights by discount carriers making it more cost-effective than the Shinkansen.

Getting around Kobe

• Walking: Central Kobe (between Sannomiya and Motomachi) is very walkable. Since the city is long and only a kilometre or two wide between mountains and sea, it's pretty hard to get too lost!

• The City Loop & Port Loop Bus: These retro-style green and blue buses are your best friend. They stop at every major tourist site (Kitano, Harborland, Chinatown). A 1-day pass is roughly 800 yen and well worth it.

• Subway: Kobe does have a subway system, but aside from the trip from Shin-Kobe Shinkansen station and central Sannomiya station, most tourists won't have to use it.

Kobe FAQ

Is Kobe in Japan worth visiting?

We say YES! If your travel plans allow, a day-trip to Kobe is a great idea. The city is compact, so manageable in a day, but with a colourful history, which means that there is plenty to see and do. If you are based in Osaka or Kyoto and time is short, you could even think about combining Kobe with a trip to Himeji castle, since Kobe is on the way anyway.

Is Kobe near Osaka or Tokyo?

Kobe is in Kansai, or more precisely in the Hanshin (Osaka-Kobe) area, and you'll need only 20 minutes to travel to Kobe from Osaka by train. Tokyo is around 3 hours away by Shinkansen or a quick 1-hour plane ride.

What is Kobe Japan known for?

Foodies will of course know Kobe for its famous beef, and maybe also for its sake. Outside Japan, some might also know Kobe for the devasting earthquake that rocked the city and killed thousands of its citizens on the morning of 17 January 1995. Within Japan, the city is beloved for its international flair and cosmopolitan vibes and is a popular destination for a weekend trip.