In 2025, the second terminal building at Kobe Airport will open, and international charter flights connecting Kobe with Seoul, Nanjing, Shanghai, Taipei, and Taichung will begin operations!

With this new development, some travelers may be considering using Kobe as a base for their trip to Japan.

In this article, we introduce recommended sightseeing spots for parents and children!

At the heart of Kobe lies Sannomiya, a vibrant district offering a perfect blend of nature, shopping, and gourmet delights.

Explore shopping destinations like Kobe Hankyu and bustling shopping streets, savor Kobe beef, teppanyaki, and Fugetsudo’s famous sweets, or immerse yourself in the city’s romantic harbor scenery. Take a ropeway up to the Mt. Rokko area, where you’ll find scenic attractions and outdoor fun—all within a compact and easily navigable city.

Kobe is especially family-friendly, with plenty of exciting spots for kids, including interactive activity centers, zoos, aquariums, theme parks featuring popular characters, and transport museums.

Getting to Kobe is easy—it’s just a 20-minute direct train ride from Kobe Airport to Sannomiya and about 30 minutes from Osaka to Sannomiya, making it a great choice for trips with children.

Now, let’s explore some of the best spots for families to enjoy in Kobe!

This eye-catching broccoli-shaped tree sculpture is a must-see at the rooftop deck of Kobe Airport!

Created by renowned miniature photographer and artist Tatsuya Tanaka, this impressive piece is part of a permanent exhibition that reimagines Kobe, airplanes, and the airport through artistic displays. You can also find more of his works inside the terminal building—be sure to check them out during your visit!

A theme park based on the Japanese anime character “Anpanman,” beloved by children and adults alike. It’s conveniently located just an 8-minute walk from Kobe Station. Thanks to the indoor setting, you can enjoy your visit rain or shine.

The second-floor museum realistically recreates scenes from Anpanman’s world, with daily stage shows and plenty of fun playground equipment.

In the first-floor shopping mall, there are many limited goods and food that can only be found here. There’s also a restaurant with a dine-in area. Uncle Jam’s Bakery is one of the most popular shops for its wide selection of character-themed bread.

*There’s an admission fee for the second floor, but it’s free to enter the shopping mall. For more details, please check Kobe Anpanman Children’s Museum & Mall  official website.

Located along Kobe Port, Kobe Harborland umie is a shopping and dining complex where you can enjoy local Kobe cuisine and a variety of shops. The food court features a special kids’ space, making it ideal for families with young children. Don’t miss the giant Ferris wheel, which lights up with over 120,000 LEDs at night, creating a dazzling spectacle!

Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or even solo, Meriken Park is a Kobe essential! This scenic waterfront park offers stunning views of the harbor, iconic landmarks like the red Kobe Port Tower, the white wave-like structure of the Kobe Maritime Museum, and the surrounding mountains and large ships. Don’t forget to take a memorable photo in front of the “BE KOBE” monument!

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Located in Meriken Park, Kobe Port Tower is an iconic symbol of the city and a must-visit for families! While the tower is impressive from the outside, don’t miss the chance to step inside for an unforgettable experience.

At the rooftop deck, which stands about 100 meters above the ground, you’ll find a glass-walled open-air walkway offering panoramic views of Kobe, beautifully framed by the mountains and the sea. For a unique experience, visit the café & bar inside the tower, where the floor slowly rotates, allowing you to enjoy a 360-degree view as you relax!

If your child is fascinated by boats and ships, the Kobe Maritime Museum is the perfect place to visit!

This striking wave-shaped building in Meriken Park is home to exhibits that explore the history and technology of ships and maritime culture.

For international visitors, the museum offers free multilingual guides (English, Korean, Simplified & Traditional Chinese) through a downloadable app.

Inside, you’ll find massive ship models and even a ship navigation simulator for an exciting hands-on experience!

Trains, ships, airplanes, motorcycles—Kawasaki World brings together all kinds of vehicles that kids love! This corporate museum by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, a global leader in shipbuilding, railways, aviation, and motorcycles, is located on the 1st floor of the Kobe Maritime Museum.

Here, children can step into the driver’s seat of an actual 0 Series Shinkansen or sit inside a real helicopter cabin, making for an unforgettable hands-on experience that will spark their imagination and excitement!

Located in the Kobe Port area, this theater-style aquarium seamlessly blends marine life with art, creating a sensory experience through light, sound, and even scent. The result is a fantastical and immersive space that captivates not just children but also adults.

On the 4th floor, the “átoa cafe” offers adorable and photogenic dishes inspired by animals, perfect for a delightful break.

Additionally, within the same building, you’ll find one of Kobe’s largest food halls, where you can savor local specialties, including a Kobe beef burger!

A favorite among international visitors, Kobe Animal Kingdom is a unique zoo where flowers, people, and animals coexist in harmony.

Here, you can watch birds soaring dynamically through the sky, feed penguins and capybaras, or even hold an owl on your arm for an unforgettable experience!

Located just one stop from Kobe Airport, this all-weather facility ensures a great time rain or shine, making it a perfect family-friendly destination.

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Kobe Animal Kingdom

It is located at the famous Kitano Ijinkan-Gai in Kobe.

This attraction lets you step inside trick art illusions and take hilarious, mind-bending photos! While instructions are only in Japanese, anyone can enjoy the interactive exhibits by simply seeing, touching, and snapping fun pictures. Pose in front of Kobe-themed artwork, like a giant Kobe beef dish or the iconic Kobe Port Tower, and create memorable snapshots with your family!

* To prevent crowding, visitors are guided in small groups—please follow staff instructions.

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Rokko Mountain Athletic Park GREENIA is located in the lush, nature-filled Mt.Rokko area.

It is one of Japan’s largest athletic parks, featuring 164 activity stations spread across a vast landscape.

With challenges like barrel bridges, floating water obstacles, and thrilling slides, kids can test their bravery and athletic skills. Parents who prefer a more relaxed experience can use alternative routes, ensuring a fun-filled day for everyone!

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From late November to early March, Mt. Rokko transforms into a winter wonderland with its artificial ski resort, perfect for visitors looking to enjoy the snow without traveling far!

No need to bring your own gear—skiwear, skis, and snowboards are all available for rent. Plus, ski and snowboard lessons for international visitors are offered, making it a great place for beginners.

For families with young children, the Snowland area provides a safe and fun space for sledding and playing in the snow, making it ideal for a child’s first snow experience.

Check the official website for 2025 and future season details!

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Playing in the snow at Rokko Snow Park! What to do when you take your kids there!

Some children may be experiencing international travel for the first time. From toddlers to elementary and middle school students, we hope that visiting Kobe will be an opportunity for them to discover and appreciate Japanese culture and the charm of Japan. Wishing you all a wonderful and fulfilling journey!

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