Kobe, a city of exquisite beauty and enduring spirit, is one of Japan’s 10 largest cities, a bustling metropolis perched between the sea and the Rokko mountains. Its captivating beauty and urban charm has earned it a cherished place among Japan’s most attractive cities. For centuries, Kobe has served as a maritime hub. Indeed, its port was among the first in Japan to open its doors to international trade.
A terrible ordeal befell the city in 1995. The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, a calamity of immense proportions, claimed the lives of over 5000 people and reduced tens of thousands of structures to rubble. Yet, even in the face of such devastation, the spirit of Kobe proved resilient. The city has since risen from the ashes, its former vibrancy restored and few traces of the calamity remaining.
Read on to learn about Kobe (map) – how to visit, what to take with you, what to expect, where to stay, where to eat, and what else to do in the area.
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How to Visit
I highly recommend visiting Kobe as a day trip from Osaka. It’s easy to get there by train and should take approximately 30 minutes depending on exactly where you’re starting from and which train you choose. I’m not going to spell out exactly what train to take because the best choice will depend on where you’re staying and whether you have a JR pass you want to make use of. Use Google Maps to check transit directions to find the best route for you.
Here is a tour you could book if you’d rather have a guide and just let someone else handle the logistics.
What to See and Do in Kobe
- Eat some Kobe beef. Keep reading for some restaurant suggestions below.
- Shop Kobe Harborland: is a vibrant waterfront district known for its modern architecture, shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
- Wander Meriken Park: Meriken Park is a popular waterfront park known for its waterfront promenade with views of the harbour. It is home to various attractions, such as the Kobe Maritime Museum, the Kobe Mosaic Ferris Wheel, and the BE KOBE sign. The park often hosts various events and festivals throughout the year such as the Red Bull Flutag event that we stumbled upon.
- Climb Mount Rokko or Mount Maya: Known for its stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area, Mount Maya is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. It is especially beloved for it’s night views and is also accessible by ropeway. Mount Rokko is similarly known for stunning views, hiking trails, and a variety of attractions.
- Ride Nunobiki Ropeway: A scenic aerial lift line. It offers breathtaking views of the shimmering cityscape, cascading waters of Nunobiki Falls, and the surrounding Rokko mountain range. There are a number of other Ropeways in Kobe as well, including the Maya Ropeway which we rode down after our hike up Mount Maya.
- Explore Kitano: Kitano-chō is a historic district, known for its foreign residences from the Meiji and Taishō eras. Many of these residences are now open to the public and offer a glimpse into Japan’s foreign relations during this time.
Where to Stay in Kobe
I recommend visiting as a day trip from Osaka (ideally) or Kyoto. Here are some places to stay in Osaka, and places to stay in Kyoto. That said, there is plenty to do here, and especially if you plan to also visit Arima Onsen or Himeji, this could be a good base for a night or two. Here are some places to stay in Kobe.
Where to Eat in Kobe
Let’s be honest. As a discerning traveler, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself drawn to the truly sinful culinary indulgence known as Kobe beef.
Kobe beef is a specific type of Wagyu beef known for its exceptional tenderness, rich flavor, and beautiful marbling. The cattle are raised under idyllic but strict conditions in Hyōgo Prefecture and must meet specific criteria to be labeled as Kobe beef. Alas, such a precious commodity comes at a price. Due to the high demand and strict regulations, this beef can be quite expensive. It’s often enjoyed in high-end restaurants and is considered a culinary delicacy.
- We ate at the extremely touristy En Steak House. This teppanyaki restaurant combines a delicious meal with an entertaining show. After the meal, we left with a tacky souvenir photo of ourselves posing with our Kobe beef steak.
- Steakland is a popular and touristy teppanyaki restaurant. Watch as the chef expertly prepares your Kobe beef on a sizzling hot plate right before your eyes. A complete meal includes salad, grilled vegetables, rice, miso soup, pickled vegetables, and beef.
- For a unique experience, try Wagyu Hitsumabushi or Wagyu Sukiyaki at Akanoren. This popular restaurant specializes in Wagyu beef sukiyaki and also offers classic steak fillet or Wagyu beef cutlet.
What Else to Do Near Kobe
Depending on how you decide to spend your time in Kobe, you may have time to see a few sights in a nearby city in the same day. Here are a few ideas.
Arima Onsen
Arima Onsen, a serene Japanese hot spring town, offers a soothing escape and can be found a mere 45ish minutes from Kobe. Known for its therapeutic waters, the town features both traditional and modern amenities. Choose from communal or private baths, each with unique mineral compositions. It is said that those who dare to visit Arima Onsen may never leave the same.
Himeji
If you have a penchant for peculiar places, dear reader, then you must pay a visit to Himeji Castle, also known as the White Heron Castle. This enchanting white edifice is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. And it’s a mere 20-40 minute train ride from Kobe, depending on which train you choose. Here’s my complete guide to visiting Himeji.
Don’t miss out on this! This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Kobe.
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