©KOBE TOURISM BUREAU
Where is the best place to visit in Kobe? What to eat? The following is a list of major sightseeing spots and attractions recommended for first-time visitors to Kobe!
-INDEX-
４．Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway
７．The Former Foreign Settlement Of Kobe
８．Meriken Park (BE KOBE Monument)
１４．Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art
１８．Specialties of Kobe・Kobe Beef
１９．Specialties of Kobe・Sweets
２０．Specialties of Kobe・Bread
２１．A specialty of Kobe: Roushouki pork buns
〇Sightseeing Spots in Kobe
１．Ikuta Shrine
The shrine is said to have been founded in 201. Within the shrine grounds, there are various regent and subordinate shrines with various benefits, as well as power spots. The “mizu-mikuji” love fortune-telling, in which characters emerge when the fortune paper is dipped in water, is popular! The artistic “Kirie red seal” also attracts attention.
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LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
1-2-1, Shimoyamatedori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo [MAP]
Access
3-minute walk from Hankyu Kobe Line Kobe-sannomiya Station
7-minute walk from Hanshin Main Line Kobe-Sannomiya Station
Website
Opening hours
7:00-17:00（Gate closes around 18:00 in summer）
Closed
Open Daily
２．Kitano Ijinkan Gai
Kitano Ijinkan Gai is one of Kobe’s most popular tourist spots! The town flourished as a settlement for the increasing number of foreigners who came to Japan after the opening of the Port of Kobe in 1868, and is dotted with more than 30 classical Western-style buildings, about half of which are open to the public.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo [MAP]
Access
15-minute walk from Hankyu Kobe Line Kobe-sannomiya Station
15-minute walk from Hanshin Main Line Kobe-Sannomiya Station
３．Kitano Tenma Shrine
Kitano Tenma Shrine is located uptown in the Kitano Ijinkan Gai. It is a spot with a spectacular view of the Port of Kobe, the cityscape of Kobe, and the modern Western-style buildings of the Kitano Ijinkan-gai, and is also famous for its plum blossoms, which bloom from February to March.
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February and March trip is plum blossom viewing! Best spots in Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
3-12-1, Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo [MAP]
Access
20-minute walk from Hankyu Kobe Line Kobe-sannomiya Station
20-minute walk from Hanshin Main Line Kobe-Sannomiya Station
Website
Opening hours
7:30-17:00
Closed
Open daily
４．Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway
A 10-minute ropeway ride from the foot of the mountain takes you to one of the largest herb gardens in Japan, with 75,000 flowers and herbs of about 200 species. Inside the park, there are restaurants and cafes overlooking the city of Kobe, providing a resort-like atmosphere on the mountain.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
1-4-3, Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo [MAP]
Access
Transfer over to the Kobe City Subway from Kobe-sannomiya Station
on the Hankyu Kobe Line or Hanshin Main Line.
Get off at Shin-Kobe Station and take the Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway
that’s 5 minutes away on foot.
Get off at the Herb Gardens Top Station.
Website
Opening hours
[Spring][March 20-July 19] 10:00-17:00 (until 20:30 on weekends and holidays)
[Summer][July 20-August 31] 10:00-20:30
[Autumn][September 1-November 30] 10:00-17:00 (until 20:30 on weekends and holidays)
[Winter] [December 1 - March 19] 10:00-17:00
Closed
No holidays (service is suspended for about 2 weeks in winter due to periodic inspections, and may be suspended due to strong winds, etc.)
Admission
【One way】
Adult: 1,400yen
Elementary and middle school students: 700yen
Preschool child: Free
*Ropeway + Herb garden entrance fee
５．Sorakuen garden
This is the only Japanese garden in a city park in Kobe City, and visitors can admire the garden while circling around the pond. In the modern port city of Kobe, this is a rare spot where visitors can experience a Japanese atmosphere! The scenery of azaleas in spring and autumn leaves in fall is especially worth seeing.
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Best 14 Places to See Autumn Leaves in Japan (Kyoto, Osaka and More)!
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
5-3-1, Nakayamatedori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo [MAP]
Access
10-minute walk from Hanshin Main Line Motomachi Station
Opening hours
9:00-17:00 (admission until 16:30)
Closed
Every Thursday (if the day falls on a holiday, the park will be open, but closed the following day)
December 29 - January 3
Admission
Adults (15 years and older) : 300 yen
Child (elementary and middle school students): 150 yen
６．Nankinmachi
©KOBE TOURISM BUREAU
Nankinmachi, a Chinatown in Kobe’s Motomachi district, is one of the three major Chinatowns in Japan along with Yokohama and Nagasaki. Eating and walking is popular! There are also many events such as “Chinese New Year Festival,” “Mid-Autumn Festival,” and “Lantern Fair.”
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
1-3-18, Sakaemachidori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo [MAP]
Access
5-minute walk from Hanshin Main Line Motomachi Station
７．The Former Foreign Settlement Of Kobe
©KOBE TOURISM BUREAU
After the opening of the Port of Kobe, the Former Foreign Settlement Of Kobe was built following modern European urban planning. Today, boutiques and restaurants are housed in modern buildings, and the area is recognized as a fashionable area with an exotic atmosphere.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
Nishi-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo [MAP]
Access
10-minute walk from Hankyu Kobe Line Kobe-sannomiya Station
10-minute walk from Hanshin Main Line Kobe-Sannomiya Station
８．Meriken Park (BE KOBE Monument)
A waterfront park facing the Port of Kobe. Dotted around the park are photogenic landmarks of Kobe, the city of the sea. One must not forget to take a photo in front of the monument “BE KOBE” when sightseeing! Why not take a walk around the area while feeling the sea breeze?
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
2, Hatoba-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo [MAP]
Access
10-minute walk from Hanshin Main Line Motomachi Station
９．Kobe Port Tower
Kobe Port Tower, marked by the red lattice that symbolizes Kobe, reopened on April 26, 2024 (Friday)! In addition to the open-air rooftop deck and the Museum of Reflections of Light, a café and bar with a floor that slowly rotates 360 degrees will appear on the third floor of the observation deck. Visitors can enjoy a light meal while viewing the city of Kobe. Kobe Port Tower is located in Meriken Park.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
5-5, Hatoba-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo [MAP]
Access
10-minute walk from Hanshin Main Line Motomachi Station
Opening hours
Rooftop deck / Indoor observation area / Museum / Gallery 9:00-23:00
Revolving Cafe & Bar 9:00-23:00（L.O.22:00）
Shop 9:00-18:00
Closed
Open daily *Excluding maintenance holidays and when the office is open for private rentals.
Admission
Adults(University students and above): 1,200yen
Child(above elementary school and below middle school): 500yen
*Observation Floor + Rooftop Deck
１０．Kobe Harborland umie
©KOBE TOURISM BUREAU
“Kobe Harborland umie” is a commercial facility facing the Port of Kobe, where visitors can enjoy local gourmet food and shopping. The landmark Giant Ferris Wheel is colorfully illuminated at night with approximately 120,000 LED lights. Animated images of Kobe, such as a weathercock and a yacht, are also projected.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
1-7-2, Higashikawasaki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo [MAP]
Access
10-minute walk from Kobe kosoku Line Kosoku-Kobe Station
Website
Opening hours
Retail and service stores: 10:00-20:00
Restaurants: 11:00-20:00
Closed
Open daily
１１．Kobe Bay Cruise
©KOBE TOURISM BUREAU
The view of Kobe from the sea is also spectacular! “Kobe Bay Cruise,” which has a boarding station at Meriken Park, operates a sightseeing boat that takes 45 minutes to travel around Kobe Port. The dusk, which turns into a madder shade of red, is a romantic sight.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
7-1, Hatoba-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo [MAP]
Access
13-minute walk from Hanshin Main Line Motomachi Station
Website
Opening hours
Departs every 15 min: 10:15-16:15
Departs every 45 min: 10:45-16:45
Closed
Irregular holidays
Admission
Adult: 1,600yen
Middle and high school studens + Over65: 1,400yen
Elementary school students: 800yen
１２．AQUARIUM×ART átoa
Aquarium and art fuse together! This is a new type of theater-type aquarium that stimulates the senses by adding digital art, lighting, sound effects and scents to the aquarium where sea creatures live. It is recommended to visit in the late afternoon when there are fewer visitors.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
7-2, Shinko-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo [MAP]
Access
20 minutes walk from Hankyu/Hanshin Kobe-Sannomiya Station
15 minutes walk from Hanshin Motomachi Station
Website
Opening hours
10:00-19:00 (last admission 30 minutes before closing)
Closed
Open daily
Admission
【Ordinary period】
Adults (high school students and above): 2,600yen
Child (elementary school student): 1,500yen
Infant (3 years and older): 500yen
baby (under 3 years old): Free
【During price fluctuations】
Adults (high school students and above): 2,800yen
Child (elementary school student): 1,600yen
Infant (3 years and older): 500yen
baby (under 3 years old): Free
１３．Kobe Animal Kingdom
©KOBE TOURISM BUREAU
A symbiotic park on Port Island where visitors can interact with flowers, animals, and people. There are indoor and outdoor areas where you can meet cute animals, mainly birds, and rare flowers. Recommended for sightseeing with children! It takes about 20 minutes from Kobe Sannomiya Station by Port Liner.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
7-1-9 Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe city, Hyogo [MAP]
Access
From Hankyu Kobe Line Kobe-sannomiya Station
or HanshinMain Line Kobe-Sannomiya Station,
transfer over to the Port Liner Line
and go to Keisan Kagaku Center Station.
Website
Opening hours
10:00-17:00
Cloesd
Thursdays (except national holidays, spring vacation, GW, summer vacation, New Year holidays)
Admission
Adults (high school students and above): 2,200yen
Elementary school students: 1,200yen
Infant (4 and 5 years old): 500yen
Over 65: 1,600yen
１４．Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art
©KOBE TOURISM BUREAU
The museum was designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando. Visitors can experience the calculated architectural beauty of a huge labyrinth, such as the “Circular Terrace”, a beautiful spiral of cast concrete, and the glass-walled corridors surrounding the exhibition rooms.
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Tadao Ando Buildings You Should Visit in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
1-1-1, Wakinohamakaigandori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo [MAP]
Access
8-minute walk from Hanshin Main Line Iwaya Station
Opening hours
10:00～18:00 (Last entry at 17:30)
Closed
Monday (The following day when Monday falls on a national holiday)
New Year's holiday (December 31 – January 1)
Admission
Adults: 500 yen
70 and over: 250 yen
University students: 400 yen
Entry is free for high school students and younger.
１５．Nada Gogo
Nada Gogo is the name of one of Japan’s most famous sake brewing areas, consisting of Nishi-go, Mikage-go, and Uozaki-go, located in Kobe City, and Nishinomiya-go and Imazu-go, located in Nishinomiya City. Visitors can tour the museum, taste and purchase valuable sake, making it a popular destination for visitors to Japan.
▼Check out this article!
Gourmet trip to enjoy sake by Hanshin Railway
▼Check here for access to each sake brewery!
INFORMATION
１６．Mt. Rokko area
Rokko, close to the city center, is a sightseeing and experience area with a “ten million dollar night view,” an observatory where you can take photogenic photos, and adventure athletic facilities. In particular, the “Kobe Rokko Meets Art” held every year from September to November is a must-see. This popular event blends nature and contemporary art in harmony.
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ROKKO MEETS ART 2023 beyond | Enjoy the great outdoors and contemporary art
INFORMATION
１７．Arima Onsen
Arima Onsen, one of the three best hot springs in Japan, is a must-visit tourist spot! You can stay at a ryokan of your dreams or enjoy it as a day trip from Kobe Sannomiya. Enjoy the elegant streets of the hot spring resort, the gold and silver spring with their characteristic spring water qualities, and the gourmet food in the hot spring resort. It is also possible to take a ropeway from the top of Mt. Express buses are convenient from Osaka.
▼Check out this article!
Arima Onsen-1 Day Trip｜Enjoy Hot Springs, Gourmet, and Nature!
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
Around Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe City [MAP]
Access
Kobe Electric Railway Arimaonsen Station alighting
Website
〇Gourmet Spots in Kobe
１８．Specialties of Kobe・Kobe Beef
Kobe beef is one of the most popular gourmet foods in Kobe! Many people want to enjoy its fine grain, sweetness, and aroma. “kisshokichi-honten” specializes in Kobe beef that has passed a strict screening process. Web reservations in English and Chinese are also available.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
2-4-14, Motomachidori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo [MAP]
Access
3 minutes walk from Hanshin Motomachi Station
Opening hours
Lunch /11:00-15:30(L.O.14:45)
Dinner /17:00-21:30(L.O.21:00)
Closed
Irregular holiday
１９．Specialties of Kobe・Sweets
Kobe was one of the first cities in Kansai to adopt Western culture, and has a thriving confectionery culture, including cakes, chocolates, baked goods, and gaufres. Afternoon tea can be enjoyed at the popular PATISSERIE TOOTH TOOTH main store cafe. Sweets in unique packages are recommended as souvenirs.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
1-4-11, Sannomiya-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo [MAP]
Access
8-minutes from Hankyu Kobe Line Kobe-sannomiya Station
8-minutes from Hanshin Main Line Kobe-Sannomiya Station
Opening hours
【Weekday】
1F Boutique 10:00-20:00
2F Salon 11:00-19:00[L.O.FOOD18:00/CAFE18:30]
【Saturday & Sunday】
1F Boutique 10:00-20:00
2F Salon 10:30-20:00[L.O.FOOD19:00/CAFE19:30]
Closed
Irregular holiday
２０．Specialties of Kobe・Bread
Like sweets, Kobe also has a well-established bread culture. The long-established Isuzu Bakery was established in 1946 and offers 180-190 varieties of bread every day.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
2-1-4, Nunobiki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo [MAP]
Access
9-minutes from Hankyu Kobe Line Kobe-sannomiya Station
9-minutes from Hanshin Main Line Kobe-Sannomiya Station
Website
Opening hours
8:00 - 20:00
Closed
December 31 - January 3
２１．A specialty of Kobe: Roushouki pork buns
“Roushouki” is a long-established Chinese restaurant located in front of the Nanjing Town Square and has been a favorite for over 100 years. The line outside the restaurant is made up of people who want to try the famous “pork buns”. The freshly made pork buns are the perfect accompaniment to your meal.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
2-1-14, Motomachidori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo [MAP]
Access
5-minutes from Hanshin Main Line Motomachi Station
Website
Opening hours
10:00 - 18:30 (close as soon as sold out)
Closed
Mondays (When the Monday is a national holiday, it is replaced by the following day)
There are also many other gourmet foods loved in Kobe, such as Western cuisine, gyoza, and bokkake yakisoba. For more information, check out the article below!
10 Delicious Gourmet Foods in Kobe! Local Specialties and Local Foods Recommended by Locals
■Sightseeing in Kobe by bus is also recommended
Kobe’s major tourist attractions are compactly located, but the city has many hills due to its location between the mountains and the sea. If you are worried about getting around on foot or are tired on the way, we recommend using the City Loop Bus.
■Kobe Sightseeing 1 Day Model Course
We have prepared a recommended model course for those who wish to enjoy the attractions of Kobe in one day. Please see the article below.
Kobe-1 Day Trip｜Enjoy the fashionable port city, Kobe
Kobe has developed a different culture from Osaka and Kyoto, even in the same Kansai region. Please enjoy the scenery of this high-carat port town.
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