Nestled between the shimmering waters of Osaka Bay and the imposing beauty of the Rokko Mountain, Kobe perfectly blends modern sophistication and traditional charm. This one-day Kobe itinerary aims to explore the duality of the city as you visit lush gardens, scenic waterfront promenades, and indulge in culinary delights.
Due to its close proximity to Osaka and Kyoto, Kobe makes an excellent day trip from either city. I personally spent one day in Kobe in between visiting Hiroshima and Kyoto, and really enjoyed my time in the city.
If you’re debating adding Kobe to your Japan itinerary, I’ve compiled all the pertinent info you’d need to make a decision. I’ve covered how to get to and around the city, food and hotel recommendations, as well as the best things to see and do in Kobe.
I hope you find this post helpful, and that it inspires you to visit Kobe!
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Kobe Quick Facts
Language(s): Japanese (English is commonly spoken in tourist areas)
Credit Card vs Cash: Mastercards and Visas are widely accepted in hotels, major restaurants, and larger stores. Cash (Japanese Yen) is necessary for markets and small shops and restaurants.
Major Airport(s): Kobe (UKB), Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Plug Type: Japan uses plug types A and B. The standard voltage is 110v with a 50/60Hz frequency. The US also uses type A and B plugs, however type A plugs are more prevalent in Japan. I recommend these adapters in case you have type B products which require the grounding pin hole or this world adapter.
Safety: Kobe is generally known to be a safe city with low reported crime rates. I felt comfortable walking around the city even at night.
Best Time to Visit Kobe
There’s not really a bad time to visit Kobe. The best time to visit mainly depends on your preference for weather and activities.
Spring (March to May)
Spring in Kobe is ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Temperatures are pleasant, staying between 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 20°C).The cherry blossoms are present late March to early April and the Kobe Festival is in May.
Summer (June to August)
If you can handle the heat and humidity, summer in Kobe brings about vibrant festivals. The Kobe Port Festival occurs in July with fireworks, maritime-themes celebrations, and live music. There’s also Kobe Matsuri in August which includes parades, street performances, and other traditional activities. Temperatures range from 75°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C) with the average humidity being between 70% to 85%.
Fall (September to November)
Fall in Kobe is cool and comfortable with temperatures between 60°F to 75°F (15°C and 25°C). If you’re a foodie you won’t want to miss the Kobe Beef Festival which typically takes place in November. Enjoy live music and performances and of course sample some world-famous Kobe beef.
Winter (December to February)
Compared to other parts of Japan, winter in Kobe is mild with temperatures ranging from 32°F to 50°F (0°C to 10°C). Kobe Lumnarie, an annual 10-day light-up festival, takes place in January and serves as a memorial for those who died in Konb’s 1995 earthquake.
How to Get to Kobe
By Plane
Kobe Airport (UKB)
Kobe Airport mainly handles flights from major cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka but there are some international flights from neighboring Asian countries.
To get from Kobe Airport, you can take the Port Liner which takes about 20 minutes to reach the city’s central area. You can also catch a taxi if you don’t want to hassle with public transport.
Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Osaka Kansai is a major international hub with flights coming in from all around the world and Japan.
To get to Kobe from Osaka Kansai you can take the JR Kansai Airport EXpress or JR Limited Express to Shin-Osaka Station. From there transfer to a JR train bound for Kobe.
Alternatively, you can take an airport limousine bus which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
By Train
From Tokyo
To get from Tokyo to Kobe by train you can take the JR Tōkaidō Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Kobe Station. The Nozomi and Mizuho trains take about 2.5 hours to reach Kobe and Hikari trains take around 3 hours.
Book Your Tokyo to Kobe Train Tickets
From Osaka
From Osaka, you can take a JR Special Rapid Service train or Shinkansen to reach Kobe. It’s about a 30 minute journey on a Rapid Service Train, and Shinkansen can get you to Kobe in as little as 15 minutes. With such a short commute, you can easily take a day trip from Osaka to Kobe.
Book Your Osaka to Kobe Train Tickets
From Kyoto
Like Osaka, you can take a JR Special Rapid Service train or Shinkansen from Kyoto to reach Kobe. A Rapid Service train takes about 50 minutes and a Shinkansen takes about 30 minutes.
Book Your Kyoto to Kobe Train Tickets
By Bus
Long-distance buses, also known as highway buses, are budget friendly but take significantly longer than trains. For instance, the highway bus from Tokyo to Kobe takes about 9-11 hours.
By Car
From Osaka
If you have a car and wish to drive from Osaka to Kobe, you can use the Hanshin Expressway to reach the city in about 30 minutes depending on traffic.
From Kyoto
The drive from Kyoto takes about 1 hour via the Meishin Expressway.
By Ferry
Enjoy a scenic journey across Osaka Bay on a ferry from Osaka to Kobe. From the ferry terminal you can take the Port Line and other local transport options to reach central Kobe.
Book Osaka to Kobe Ferry Tickets
One Day in Kobe Itinerary: Overview
- Ikuta Shrine
- Ropeway to Nunobiki Herb Gardens
- The Veranda
- Chinatown
- Meriken Park
- Kobe Harborland
- Kobe Beef Dinner
Kobe Itinerary Map
One Day in Kobe Itinerary: The Breakdown
Ikuta Shrine
1 Chome-2-1 Shimoyamatedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0011, Japan
Established over 1,800 years ago, Ikuta Shrine is one of Kobe’s most significant Shinto shrines. The shrine is located minutes from JR Sannomiya Station so makes a great first stop if you’re coming into the city for a day trip.
As you enter the shrine you’ll pass under two large torii gates and the tower gate, before being greeted by the beauty of the main shrine. While the main shrine is dedicated to Wakahirume no Mikoto, a goddess of prosperity and marriage, there are over a dozen sub-shrines dedicated to other deities.
On the shrine grounds you’ll find booths selling omamori, Japanese charms that bring good luck and protection. There’s also a small building where you can get a goshuin stamp.
Hours of Operations: 7:00 AM–6:30 PM Daily
Price: Free
Nunobiki Ropeway
Riding the Nunobiki Ropeway, unofficially known as the Kobe Ropeway, is a popular thing to do in Kobe. The ride is very scenic, offering panoramic views of Kobe, the port, and the lush Rokko Mountains.
It takes about 10 minutes to reach the top from the lower station.
Hours of Operation: Hours differ depending on season. Click here for more info
Cost:
Daytime Roundtrip – ¥2,000 adult, ¥1,000 youth
Daytime One Way – ¥1,400 adult, ¥700 youth
Evening Roundtrip – ¥1,500 adult, ¥950 youth
Premium Kobe Travel Smart Passport included activity
Nunobiki Herb Gardens
1 Chome-4-3 Kitanocho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0002, Japan
Once you reach the top of the ropeway you’ll have the chance to explore the Nunobiki Herb Gardens.
The gardens feature a variety of different herbs, flowers and plants. You can stroll through one of the 12 themed areas like the Rose Symphony Garden or Mediterranean Garden. The Rose Symphony Garden is stunning and features some of the most uniquely colored roses.
Kaze no Oka Flower Garden, the Four Seasons Garden and The Glasshouse are some other notable areas worth visiting.
There’s also an herb shop on the grounds where you can buy things like teas, essential oils, and beauty products. I picked up some different herbed salts which I’m excited to try out.
Hours of Operation: Hours differ depending on season. Click here for more info
Cost: Included in ropeway fare
The Veranda
Located on the Nunobiki Herb Gardens’ grounds, The Veranda is a gorgeous cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. The second floor cafe lounge serves tea, various pastries and desserts, and sandwiches while the first floor terrace offers light bites and refreshments.
I ate in the lounge when they had their strawberry seasonal menu and tried a few different treats on the menu, my favorite being the strawberry basque cheesecake and strawberry tea.
This is the perfect place to take a little break. The lounge is beautiful with chic interiors and floor to ceiling windows which offer gorgeous views of Kobe.
Hours of Operation: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM Daily
Nankinmachi (Chinatown)
1 Chome-3-18 Sakaemachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0023, Japan
After finishing at the Nunobiki Herb Gardens, you can head over to Kobe’s Chinatown, Nankinmachi.
The area was founded in the 19th century by Chinese immigrants after Kobe’s port opened to foreign trade. Today, the area is known for its pagoda-style buildings and colorful, red and gold streets.
Outside of the beautiful architecture, Nankinmachi is a foodie haven. There’s tons of restaurants and food stands serving up delicious dumplings, noodles, steamed buns and more.
During Chinese New Year the area comes alive with dragon and lion dances, parades and other traditional performances.
Spend some time here taking in the Chinese-style architecture and sampling some different street foods before making your way to the next stop on this one day Kobe itinerary.
Hours of Operation: Open 24 Hours
Cost: Free
Meriken Park
2 Hatobacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0042, Japan
Situated in the heart of Kobe’s waterfront area, Meriken Park is home to some of the city’s most popular attractions and historical landmarks.
The iconic Kobe Port Tower is in this area as well as the “Be Kobe” sign. Stop by the Port Tower to get a stamp and snap a photo in front of the “Be Kobe” sign.
If you’re interested in learning about the city’s maritime history, the Kobe Maritime Museum has exhibits on ships, marine technology and more.
Hours of Operation: Open 24 Hours
Cost: Free
Kobe Harborland
1 Chome Higashikawasakicho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0044, Japan
Kobe Harborland is minutes away from Meriken Park making it a logical next place to visit.
Known for its mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, Kobe Harborland is popular with tourists and locals alike.
Stop by the Kobe Harborland Mosaic, a large shopping and entertainment complex with dozens of shops, restaurants and cafes. Next to it you’ll find the outdoor promenade which is perfect for a leisurely stroll to take in the scenic harbor views.
Another popular attraction in the area is the Kobe Ferris Wheel. A ride on the big wheel costs around $6 USD. However, if you have the Kobe Travel Smart Passport the fare is included.
Hours of Operation: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Daily
Cost: Free
Kobe Beef Dinner
You can’t go all the way to Kobe and not try Kobe beef. It’s delicious, tender and basically melts in your mouth. There are a variety of ways you can get it, but I recommend sitting down at a restaurant for a teppanyaki experience.
The price range can differ depending on how many grams you order, the particular cut, and accompaniments.
I went to Steakland, which offers an affordable Kobe beef set meal. I ordered the Special Kobe beef steak set which came with soup, salad, grilled vegetables, rice and a drink (you can pay a little more for a beer). After selecting our cut, the chef came out and cooked the veggies and steak in front of us.
When you see the portion of steak you’ll probably think it’s not enough, but trust it is. Kobe beef is very rich from the high degree of marbling so a little goes a long way.
If you’re looking for an alternative to Steakland, Tor Road Steak Aoyama is probably the most popular place to get Kobe beef right now. Reservations book quickly and can be made via Facebook.
After dinner, stop by Ice de Nite for a sweet treat before calling it a night.
Other Things to Add to Your Kobe Itinerary
Have more time in Kobe? Here’s some more things you can do!
Harbor Cruise
We originally planned to do a harbor cruise in Kobe; however, by time we made it to the harbor all the sailings for the day had completed. They sometimes cancel later cruises due to weather, so it might be best to do a sailing earlier in the day.
If you purchase the Premium Kobe Travel Smart Passport, there are some harbor cruise tours included.
Nunobiki Falls
Nunobiki Falls are situated within the Nunobiki Herb Garden area. You can catch glimpses of them from the ropeway but if you’d like to get a closer look, there are trails that lead up to the different falls.
From the top of the ropeway, just follow the signs pointing to the falls.
Sake Tasting Tour
If you’re interested in learning more about sake and getting to taste different varieties of the Japanese spirit, this Sake Tasting Tour may be right up your alley. A sake connoisseur will guide you around Kobe visiting local breweries, some of which have been producing sake for over 250 years.
Kobe Itinerary – How to Get Around
Getting around Kobe is relatively easy thanks to the city’s well connected public transportation options.
Subways
There are two main subway lines in Kobe: Seishin-Yamate which runs west to east and Kaigan which runs along the waterfront connecting areas like Harborland and Sannomiya.
Buses
City buses are operated by Kobe City Bus and connect popular districts and attractions across a wide range of routes. There’s also CITY LOOP and Port Loop buses which stop at popular sightseeing spots in Kobe. You can hop off near an attraction or you can take the loop like a sightseeing tour.
Taxis
Taxis are readily available in Kobe and a convenient option if you don’t want to rely on public transport. However, they carry a higher price in comparison.
Where to Stay in Kobe
If you’re spending more than one day in Kobe, here’s some details on the different areas to stay in the city.
Sannomiya
Sannomiya is for those who want to be in the hustle and bustle of Kobe. It’s a convenient location with easy access to all sorts of dining, shopping and entertainment options. The area is also the city’s key transportation hub with train, bus and subway access.
I stayed at The Royal Park Canvas – Kobe Sannomiya and highly recommend it. It was a quick walk from the train and subway stations and conveniently located near some restaurants and shops.
Harborland
If you want beautiful waterfront views, you’ll want to stay near Harborland. The area is home to the Kobe Port Tower, the Mosaic shopping complex, and the Kobe Maritime Museum, some of the city’s top attractions. This is a family-friendly area with a good amount of dining options and parks.
Accommodation Option(s): Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel
Kitano-cho
You can reach Kitano-cho in about 15 minutes from Sannomiya and Shin-Kobe stations. The area reflects the foreign influence merchants and diplomats had on the area in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Outside of the well-preserved Western-style mansions the are also boasts a good amount of art galleries and cafes.
Accommodation Option(s): Kobe Kitano Hotel
Shin-Kobe
Known for its scenic beauty, Shin-Kobe is the gateway to the Rokko Mountains and Nunobiki Herb Garden. The area has many high-end hotels with stunning views and easy access to some of Kobe’s natural attractions.
Accommodation Option(s): ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe, an IHG hotel
Arima Onsen
If you’re looking for tranquility and relaxation, check out Arima Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot spring resorts. The area is known for its therapeutic hot springs and traditional ryokan and public baths.
Accommodation Option(s): Arima Hot Spring Ryokan Hanamusubi | Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama
Kobe Itinerary FAQs
Is Kobe Worth Visiting?
If you’re in Osaka or Kyoto, it is definitely worth visiting Kobe on a day trip. Or, if you’re coming from Hiroshima making your way to either city, it makes for a good stopover before moving on.
How many Days do you need in Kobe, Japan?
Depending on how much you’re trying to see and do, one day in Kobe might be sufficient. If you’re interested in checking out Arima Onsen, I’d give yourself one day in the city and one or two days staying at a traditional ryokan in the mountains.
Is Kobe Closer to Osaka or Tokyo?
Kobe is about 20 miles from Osaka and over 300 miles from Tokyo. Therefore, Kobe is significantly closer to Osaka than Toyo.
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