With the stylish shops and cafés of the Kitano area, the lively streets of Nankinmachi Chinatown, and the beautiful harbor scenery of the bay area, Sannomiya thrives as the main gateway to sightseeing in Kobe.

Many railway companies operate in the Kobe-Sannomiya area, which may feel a bit complicated for first-time visitors. Therefore, this guide introduces the characteristics of each railway line serving the area, important points to note when transferring, and the latest information about the ongoing renovations around the station.

The Kobe-Sannomiya area is served by five railway operators as well as major bus terminals. Choose the most suitable line according to your destination.

From Kobe-Sannomiya, you can travel toward Osaka-Umeda, and by transferring at Juso Station, you can also access Kyoto and Minoh. Hankyu trains are known for their elegant maroon color and calm, wood-grain-style interiors, and they have many fans across Japan.

If you use Hankyu Railway, the “Hanshin 1-day Pass　,” which allows unlimited rides on all lines, is recommended.

Hanshin Railway is convenient for traveling to Osaka-Namba, Nara, and further to Akashi and Himeji. Through-service with Kintetsu Railway and Sanyo Railway allows smooth, transfer-free access to Nara and Himeji.

For trips to Umeda or Namba in Osaka, the Port Liner & Hanshin 1-day Pass　or the Hanshin 1-day Pass　is recommended.

JR Sannomiya Station is part of a nationwide rail network covering not only the Kansai region but all of Japan. By using the Special Rapid Service, you can reach Osaka Station in about 20 minutes and Kyoto Station in about 50 minutes.

Discount passes such as the “JR West QR 2-day Pass” (unlimited rides for two days in the Kansai area) and the “Keihan & JR West Kobe Suma Sea World 1-day Pass” are also available.

The Kobe Municipal Subway has two lines: the Seishin-Yamate Line and the Kaigan (Seaside) Line.

The Seishin-Yamate Line is the only subway line that connects to Shin-Kobe Station, where the Shinkansen stops. The Kaigan Line runs through Kobe’s bay area and is convenient for accessing Harborland, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery both day and night.

The Port Liner is an automated, driverless train connecting Sannomiya and Port Island. From the windows, you can enjoy views of Kobe’s cityscape and harbor.

It is also the most common way to reach Kobe Airport. Kobe Airport Station is directly connected to the airport terminal, making access very convenient.

▼For details on how to get to Kobe Airport, please see the article below▼

A Complete Guide to Travel Time and Transfers from Kobe Airport to Osaka: Affordable, Comfortable, and Easy!

If you want to go directly to Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport (Osaka International Airport), the limousine bus is convenient. Even with large luggage, you can stay seated and arrive directly at your destination.

Please note that the boarding locations for airport limousine buses and other highway buses may be different, so be sure to check in advance.

Many highway buses depart for destinations such as Awaji Island, Shikoku, and Arima Onsen. The largest terminal is on the first floor of “Mint Kobe,” but there are also other boarding points such as the Shinki Bus Kobe-Sannomiya Bus Terminal. Be careful not to go to the wrong stop.

When visiting Kobe, you may notice several stations with “Kobe” in their names. However, these stations are located slightly apart from one another, so be careful not to confuse them.

Stations in central Sannomiya

The stations located in the central Sannomiya area are JR Sannomiya Station, Hankyu Kobe-Sannomiya Station, Hanshin Kobe-Sannomiya Station, Kobe Municipal Subway Sannomiya Station, and Port Liner Sannomiya Station.

This is the liveliest area, with many shops offering fashion, dining, and more. All five railway lines converge here, making it extremely convenient for travel to various destinations.

Stations near the sea

The stations located near the waterfront, such as Harborland, are JR Kobe Station and Kobe Municipal Subway Harborland Station (Kaigan Line).

JR Kobe Station is located two stops west of JR Sannomiya Station. It is close to major bay-area attractions such as Kobe Port Tower and Mosaic, and it is a convenient stop for Special Rapid Service trains. After exiting the ticket gates and going down the escalator, you will find Harborland Station on the Kaigan Line.

Stations at the foot of the mountains

The stations located at the foot of the mountains are Shin-Kobe Station on the Kobe Municipal Subway and Shin-Kobe Station on the Sanyo Shinkansen.

From central Sannomiya, it takes about 25 minutes on foot, so using the subway is recommended. Transfers between the subway and the Shinkansen require using several escalators and walking for about 10–15 minutes. Since the escalators can be crowded at certain times, it is best to allow extra time for your transfer.

Currently, the area around Kobe-Sannomiya Station is undergoing a large-scale redevelopment often described as a “once-in-a-century” project. Following the reopening of Kobe Port Tower in April 2024 and the opening of GLION Arena Kobe in April 2025, the entire city continues to evolve. A new bus terminal is scheduled for completion in 2027, and major projects such as the reconstruction of station-front buildings and City Hall are also underway. As construction is taking place throughout the area, detours may be necessary due to road closures, so be sure to allow extra time when transferring or moving around.

With its refined urban atmosphere and the beautiful sea and mountains close at hand, Kobe-Sannomiya is an attractive destination for both sightseeing and as a travel base. It also offers convenient access to Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara. After fully enjoying Kobe, consider extending your trip to explore other nearby prefectures as well.

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