KOBE
Kobe is a sophisticated port city nestled between the Rokko mountains and Osaka Bay. It is a cosmopolitan hub, famed worldwide for its exquisite Kobe Beef, historic international flair, and one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts.
As one of the first Japanese ports opened to the West, Kobe boasts a unique blend of Japanese tradition and European-style architecture, especially in the historic foreign settlement areas, offering a distinctively international atmosphere.
Most Popular Attractions
Waterfront & Modern Landmarks:
Kobe Port Tower: An iconic, crimson, hourglass-shaped lattice tower offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and bay, especially stunning at night.
Meriken Park: A spacious waterfront park featuring the BE KOBE monument (a popular photo spot), the Port Tower, and the Kobe Maritime Museum.
Kobe Harborland: A lively shopping, dining, and entertainment complex on the waterfront, featuring the MOSAIC mall and a Ferris wheel.
Kawasaki Good Times World: A corporate museum in Meriken Park showcasing the history of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, from motorcycles to Shinkansen bullet trains.
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge: The world’s longest suspension bridge, which can be viewed from the coast and has a promenade underneath for a unique perspective.
Culture & History:
Kitano Ijinkan-Gai (Foreign Residences): A historic district on the hillside with preserved Western-style mansions built by foreign merchants and diplomats after the port opened.
Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown): One of Japan’s three major Chinatowns, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a wide array of Chinese street food.
Ikuta Shrine: One of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, located near the downtown area, famous for good luck in love and relationships.
Former Foreign Settlement: A historic neighborhood near the port featuring elegant, retro, and European-style stone buildings now housing luxury boutiques and offices.
Sorakuen Garden: A beautiful, traditional Japanese landscape garden in the city center, once a private estate.
Kobe City Museum: Known for its collection of Namban Art (art related to early European contact with Japan) and other historical artifacts.
Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution: A museum and memorial dedicated to the devastating Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995, focusing on remembrance and disaster prevention.
Culinary & Specialty Experiences:
Kobe Beef: The world-famous Wagyu beef, a must-try delicacy at one of the city’s many specialty teppanyaki restaurants.
Nada Sake Breweries: The Nada district is Japan’s top sake-producing region; you can tour and sample at historic breweries like Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewery Museum.
Kobe Harborland Onsen Manyo Club: A large, modern hot spring facility offering a relaxing onsen experience in the city center.
Mountains & Nature:
Mount Rokko: The highest peak in the Rokko mountain range, offering stunning panoramic night views of Kobe and Osaka from the Rokko Garden Terrace.
Arima Onsen: One of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot spring towns, located within Kobe’s city limits, known for its “Gold” (high-iron) and “Silver” (radium/carbonate) waters.
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway: Japan’s largest herb garden, accessible via a scenic ropeway with views of the city and the falls below.
Nunobiki Falls: A series of four waterfalls near Shin-Kobe Station, considered one of the “Three Great Waterfalls of Japan.”
Mount Maya (Kikusei Dai): Known for offering one of Japan’s “three great night views,” accessible via the Maya Cable Car and Ropeway.
Kobe Animal Kingdom: A popular, interactive zoo and botanical garden located on Port Island.
Activities & Experiences
Savor Authentic Kobe Beef: Experience this world-renowned delicacy at a certified teppanyaki restaurant, where the chef grills the finely marbled wagyu right in front of you. Look for restaurants displaying the official Kobe Beef mark.
Relax at Arima Onsen: Visit one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot spring resorts, easily accessible from the city center. Soak in the therapeutic “Kin no Yu” (gold) or “Gin no Yu” (silver) waters.
Hike to Nunobiki Falls & Herb Gardens: Take a pleasant hike from Shin-Kobe Station to view the stunning waterfalls and then ride the Nunobiki Ropeway up to the expansive herb gardens for panoramic city views.
Explore Kitano Ijinkan-gai: Stroll through this charming, hilly district lined with beautifully preserved Western-style mansions (Ijinkan), which were the residences of former foreign merchants after the port opened in 1868.
Wander through Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown): Indulge in inexpensive, delicious street food like steamed pork buns (Nikuman), dumplings, and other Chinese-Japanese fusion snacks in this vibrant, compact Chinatown.
Take a Sake Tasting Tour in Nada-Gogo: Discover Japan’s premier sake-brewing region. Visit a traditional kura (brewery) like the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum for tours, tastings, and a deep dive into the brewing process.
Enjoy the Views from Mount Rokko: Take a cable car or ropeway up the mountain for breathtaking, sweeping views of Kobe, Osaka Bay, and as far as Osaka. The night view from the lookout is particularly famous.
Visit Meriken Park & Kobe Port Tower: Explore the modern waterfront, home to the iconic red, hourglass-shaped Kobe Port Tower and the Kobe Maritime Museum. Meriken Park also features monuments to the Great Hanshin Earthquake.
Go Shopping in Kobe Harborland: Browse the shops, restaurants, and entertainment complexes along the waterfront. The area comes alive at night, offering romantic strolls and views of the lit-up port.
Walk the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Promenade: Travel slightly west to see the world’s longest suspension bridge. The Maiko Marine Promenade allows you to walk underneath the road deck for an impressive view.
Learn at the Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution: Gain an understanding of the devastating 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake and the city’s remarkable recovery efforts at this educational museum.
Seek Fortune at Ikuta Shrine: Visit this ancient Shinto shrine, one of the oldest in Japan, nestled right in the downtown area. It’s especially popular for blessings related to love and relationships.
Local Tips & Transport
Walking is Efficient: Central Kobe, especially the area around Sannomiya and Motomachi Stations, is compact and easily explored on foot. Many main attractions are within comfortable walking distance of each other.
The City Loop Bus is for Sightseeing: The green City Loop Bus is specifically designed for tourists, running a circuit that stops at the major attractions like Kitano, Nankinmachi, Meriken Park, and the Ropeway. It is recommended for efficient sightseeing.
IC Cards are Essential: Use a prepaid IC card (like ICOCA, Suica, or Pasmo) for seamless travel on all local trains, subways, and city buses. Simply tap to enter and exit.
Trains are Multi-Purpose: JR, Hankyu, and Hanshin Railway lines converge at Sannomiya Station, which is the main hub and often a better starting point than Shin-Kobe Station (where the Shinkansen stops).
Mountain Access: To reach Mount Rokko or Mount Maya, you’ll typically take a combination of train/bus and then a Cable Car or Ropeway to ascend to the top. Check the schedules, especially for sunset or night views.
Shinkansen Stop: The bullet train stops at Shin-Kobe Station, which is located slightly north and uphill from the city center but is connected by the subway.
Kobe Beef Authenticity: To ensure you’re eating authentic Kobe Beef, look for the official certificate displayed in the restaurant. The best way to enjoy it is often in a teppanyaki style. Lunch specials are a great way to try it at a more accessible price.
The Flavor of Sake: Kobe’s Nada district is a top sake region due to the quality of its local water (Miyamizu). When visiting a brewery, look for karakuchi (dry) sakes, as this style is characteristic of the Nada area.
Cosmopolitan History: Kobe’s unique blend of Western and Japanese culture stems from being one of the first ports opened to foreign trade in 1868. This influence is still visible in the architecture of the Ijinkan (foreign residences) and the vibrant Nankinmachi (Chinatown).
Mountain and Sea: The city is uniquely “sandwiched” between the mountains and the sea. You can transition easily from the bustling port to a scenic mountain trail in under an hour. Many locals enjoy “mainichi tozan” (daily mountain climbing).
Vibrant Night Views: Kobe is renowned for its night views, particularly from Mount Rokko and Mount Maya, which are considered some of the best in Japan. Be sure to check the ropeway/cable car operating times to ensure you can get back down.
Hidden Gems:
- Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum: An unexpected and fascinating museum dedicated to the art of Japanese wood joinery and traditional tools, showcasing the incredible skill of assembling structures without nails.
- Motomachi Shotengai: A long, covered shopping arcade near Nankinmachi, offering a fantastic look at local street life, with traditional shops, small eateries, and a less touristy atmosphere.
- Kobe Luminarie: While only held for a short period in December, this spectacular light festival commemorates the victims of the Great Hanshin Earthquake and the city’s recovery.
Top Restaurants
Hyotan [$10-$20] – Tucked beneath the train tracks near Hanshin Sannomiya Station, this down-to-earth spot specializes in a single style of gyoza (Japanese dumplings) served with a rich red miso sauce, a local favorite.
Kobe Gyu Ramen Yazawa [$15-$25] – Located in Sannomiya-Motomachi, this restaurant serves delicious ramen with a rich broth simmered with Kobe beef, offering a unique and authentic taste of the region’s famous product in a casual setting.
Higaki [$20-$35] – A small sushi joint in the back alleys of Nankin-machi, famous for its box-shaped anago (salt-water eel) sushi, often enjoyed at the counter or as takeout by locals.
Ippei [$15-$30] – A cozy restaurant near Kencho-mae Station with only ten counter seats, known as a local favorite for its okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
Funamachi [$15-$25] – Located a short train ride away in Akashi, this spot is famous for akashiyaki, a spherical dumpling similar to takoyaki but dipped in dashi broth, a regional specialty.
Katsudon Yoshibei Sannomiya Main Store [$15-$25] – Highly praised for its original katsudon (pork cutlet over rice) which features a subtle yet pleasant-flavored soup stock, a perfect comfort food.
Uwo Sei Main Shop [$30-$50] – A popular, no-frills sushi spot in Sannomiya known for its guaranteed fresh seafood and often featuring a queue of locals waiting for a counter seat.
Toriichizu [$40-$70] – A prestigious Japanese yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) restaurant in the Kobe Harbor area with strict requirements for ingredient quality and a relaxed atmosphere.
Sumibi Shichirin Yakiniku Akazakura [$40-$70] – Managed by a butcher shop founded almost 150 years ago, this spot specializes in high-quality grilled meat (yakiniku) on a charcoal shichirin (small grill) with an excellent selection of wines.
Yakiniku Mangetsu [$50-$80] – A popular, word-of-mouth yakiniku (traditional charcoal barbecue) restaurant in Motomachi.
Kobe Washoku Ando [$60-$90] – Established in 1964, this restaurant is known for its meticulous washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) cooking that brings out the natural flavors of high-quality ingredients, including beef.
Kobe Kitano Sow [$100-$150] – A sophisticated Japanese restaurant and sushi bar on Hunter Slope, favored by local adults for its calm atmosphere and omakase courses featuring fresh seafood from Akashi and Awaji.
1ricordo [$50-$90] – A highly-rated Italian and innovative cuisine restaurant in Motomachi, known for its new dining experience and lively atmosphere at the open kitchen counter seats.
cucina L’ ATELIER [$40-$70] – This stylish space offers Italian cuisine with a distinct Japanese twist and is perfect for everyday dining, featuring sommelier-selected wines.
Kitchen Witch [$30-$50] – A casual izakaya (Japanese tavern) near Sannomiya, specializing in creative dishes made by a nutritionist and vegetable sommelier, emphasizing seasonal vegetables.
Brasserie Potiron [$40-$70] – A cozy spot near Sannomiya, serving casual French home-style cuisine tailored to Japanese tastes, using seasonal and local Hyogo ingredients.
ESPICE [$150-$250 (Dinner Course)] – Offering modern French cuisine by a chef who trained in France’s three-star restaurants, blending traditional techniques with Japanese ingredients for a high-end, creative experience.
K’s Kitchen [$60-$100] – Serving unique delicacies that combine Italian and Japanese cuisines, with the chef meticulously preparing fish and Kobe beef to enhance their natural flavors.
Truffle Cuisine Specialty Restaurant & Bar HIDE OUT [$50-$90] – Located in a high-rise with a beautiful night view, this restaurant and bar offers a variety of dishes generously featuring truffles, combined with select local ingredients like Kobe beef and Awaji chicken.
Mouriya [$120-$250] – A well-established teppanyaki steakhouse in Sannomiya, founded over 130 years ago, renowned for serving authentic Kobe beef prepared by highly skilled chefs right in front of the diner.
Kobe Beef Steak Ishida Main Store [$150-$300] – Stands out for its commitment to quality, with the owner personally selecting all meat daily, specializing in the highest-grade Kobe beef prepared teppanyaki style.
Wakkoqu [$150-$300] – An elegant teppanyaki restaurant near Shin-Kobe Station, considered one of the best places in town to try the famous Wagyu beef, with the chef preparing the perfect steak in front of you.
Bifteck Kawamura Sannomiya Main Store [$200-$400] – Specializes in the highest grade of Kobe beef, often sourced from award-winning cattle, offering an extremely luxurious dining experience.
Kokubu [$100-$200] – Requires a reservation, this restaurant in Sannomiya-Motomachi is a strong contender for sampling Kobe’s famous beef with a focus on quality.
Quiche-ya [$15-$25] – A haven for quiche connoisseurs in Kitano-cho, offering a wide array of quiche concoctions, including a unique recipe made with Kobe beef, perfect for a high-quality takeaway lunch.
Ça Marche [$5-$15] – An incredibly popular bakery in Kitano-cho, known for its selection of over 100 types of bread, where locals often queue out the door for their daily fix.
Isuzu Bakery [$5-$15] – A classic, local Japanese bakery in Sannomiya-Motomachi, a good choice for breakfast pastries like a ‘toreron’ sausage roll or curry bread.
Nishimura’s Coffee [$10-$20] – An elegant coffee house in Kitano-cho, with tasteful interiors and on-site roasting, great for enjoying coffee and delicious cakes in a refined atmosphere.
Freundlieb [$15-$25] – Set in Kitano-cho’s former Kobe Union Church, this spot features vaulted ceilings and serves excellent breakfast and coffee in a bright, unique space.
Kitano Club [$80-$150] – A gorgeous hillside restaurant serving French fine-dining, popular for its food and the bar that offers excellent views of Kobe below.
Gensai [$150-$250 (Dinner Course)] – A kappo (counter-style, highly refined Japanese) restaurant favored by local foodies, fusing the essence of two gourmet capitals (Kansai and another region) using rich seasonal finds and long-established techniques.
bb9 [$300-$500 (Dinner Course)] – This Spanish restaurant in Motomachi aims to recreate the artisanal grilling cuisine of the famous Asador Etxebarri in Spain, using Australian black truffles and other delicacies for a unique, art-like modern cuisine.
Sushi Kissui [$250-$400 (Dinner Course)] – Located in a peaceful residential neighborhood, this is the only sushi restaurant in Kobe to have earned two Michelin stars, focusing on “absolute” quality and purity of flavor.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Laguna the Bar: An exquisite and highly-rated cocktail bar in the Sannomiya district known for its elegant, refined ambiance. The bartender customizes drinks to your preference, as there is no set menu, and serves them with specially-shaped glassware and real flowers.
Bar Le Salon: Found halfway up Hunter Hill in Sannomiya, this is a critically acclaimed, high-end bar recognized as one of Japan’s top cocktail establishments. It offers sharp, expertly crafted cocktails by a master bartender in a stylish space.
Mimosa Pudica: Tucked away in Kobe’s lively streets, this intimate and refined space prides itself on showcasing local spirits, particularly Kenbishi Sake, in innovative cocktails that blend tradition and innovation.
The Kazan Room: A unique and immaculate volcano-inspired tiki bar located in central Kobe. It blends American tiki culture with a Japanese snack bar charm, serving expertly crafted, refined tropical cocktails.
BAR UMA-LA: An essential stop for agave lovers in the Sannomiya district, this bar boasts an impressive collection of over 300 varieties of tequila and mezcal, offering an immersive and educational experience.
International BAR 1134: A vibrant and popular go-to spot located on the 4th floor of the Kenwa Building in central Sannomiya, known for its lively, international atmosphere.
The Castle Kobe: Considered Kobe’s premier cocktail bar, this stylish lounge offers an international atmosphere in central Sannomiya, specializing in expertly crafted signature drinks.
Old Bar Kobe: A sophisticated whiskey and cocktail bar situated on the corner of Old Kobe Street and Higashimon Street in Sannomiya, featuring a counter-only design and a great selection of spirits.
Main Bar Emerald: A charming, sophisticated cocktail bar in the luxurious Hotel Okura Kobe, just a short walk from Chinatown. It offers classic cocktails and stunning harbor views, often accompanied by soft jazz music.
Soda Up (ソーダ アップ): A fresh juice cocktail bar in Kobe that is quickly becoming one of the most fashionable spots, serving unique and refreshing mixes.
FIRST SHISHA: Located in Sannomiya, this casual and friendly shisha bar also offers a full bar menu, including cocktails, highballs, and wine, with options for alcohol shisha and a relaxing atmosphere.
Denial: A popular and well-regarded bar with a great vibe, often mentioned by locals as a favorite hangout in the Sannomiya area.
Alchemy: Known for its English-speaking staff and friendly vibe, this bar is a great spot in Sannomiya for meeting new people and enjoying a relaxed drink.
Midnight Bar: A welcoming and casual bar in the main Sannomiya area, known for its friendly atmosphere and being a reliable late-night spot.
Tabisuru Beer Stand: Though specializing as a beer bar, this spot near Motomachi Station also offers drinks in a comfortable bar setting, popular for a relaxed evening.
Otohatoba Music Exchange Bar: A cool basement hangout with an underground vibe in the Sannomiya area. It features a live DJ spinning electronic and experimental sounds, catering to those interested in the alternative party scene.
Bar Second Chance: A hip, second-floor hideout along Yamate Kansen Av. in Sannomiya. It’s a self-proclaimed pub with a variety of DJs spinning throughout the night and an extensive bar food menu, known for partying till the early hours.
Garage Paradise: A cozy and jazzy music bar in the Sannomiya district that hosts live music performances and features a dance floor and a pool table. It’s a go-to spot for R&B, soul, jazz, house, and trance music.
Make Shift: Located underneath the train tracks near the Hankyu-Kobe Line stop just outside of Sannomiya, this is a funky bar that doubles as a cafe-shop by day and a live music venue at night.
Sone: Established in 1969, this family-owned jazz bar is an iconic spot in Kobe. It features live jazz performances and offers an extensive selection of Japanese and Scotch whiskies, cocktails, and wine in a classic, cozy atmosphere.
The Rock: An Australian-themed bar in Sannomiya known for being a vibrant, easy-going spot with an international crowd, making it a great place for those with limited Japanese to enjoy a lively night out.
The Red Deer: A popular English-speaking bar in the Sannomiya nightlife area, known for its friendly environment and being a consistent local favorite for drinks.
New München Kobe Taishikan: A traditional German-style beer hall in Sannomiyacho that offers a wide selection of Japanese Sapporo beers and craft ales, with a downstairs area occasionally featuring karaoke for a livelier atmosphere.
G-NIGHT KOBE: A centrally located nightclub in Sannomiya often featuring various DJs and themed events, popular for those looking for a typical, high-energy club experience.
Pinkara Ya: A lively dining bar and bar in Sannomiya that often offers a vibrant atmosphere and a mix of drinks, functioning as a popular local hangout for a night out.