Kobe Calling: Discover the Best Experiences in Japan’s Maritime Jewel

Find your favorite things to do in Kobe by reading our in-depth travel guide. We’ll reveal all of the available options, ranging from visits to scenic natural landscapes to exciting nightlife experiences. Don’t forget to bookmark! 

Introduction:

Kobe, Japan, is a vibrant city in Hyogo Prefecture known for its scenic beauty, cultural richness, and culinary delights. Nestled between the Rokko mountains and the Inland Sea, Kobe is Japan’s third-largest port city. It was also one of the first to open its ports to foreign trade in the Edo Period (1603–1868).

Kobe’s natural landscapes make it a solid spot to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and nature walks. Parks in the region offer beautiful scenery and panoramic views. Also, Kobe City was once the pioneer of Western fashion and jazz music in Japan. Today, it boasts some of the biggest shopping districts and jazz bars in the country. If you’re a food lover, you may be happy to know that Kobe is known for its endless culinary delights. You’ll love the chance to enjoy the world-famous Kobe beef at local steakhouses in its city of origin. Before we get into all that and more, let’s explore Kobe’s natural and cosmopolitan charms.

Discover Kobe: A Blend of Nature and Urban Elegance

Kobe is the capital city of Hyogo Prefecture. The Inland Sea of Seto borders it on the south and the Rokko mountain range on the north. With over 1.5 million inhabitants, Kobe is among the 10 largest cities in Japan by population. You should have no problems with the city’s mild climate. It’s also easily accessible by air, land, and sea, which makes getting in and around the city reasonably easy for tourists.

Kobe is located in the Keihanshin metropolitan area, a trait shared with Kyoto and Osaka, two cities that are less than 70 kilometers away from its city center. The stunning natural landscape of the surrounding mountain range and sea makes Kobe a magnet for foreign and local tourists.

Despite its natural beauty, Kobe is considered a major cosmopolitan area. A visit will reveal its vibrant atmosphere and urban culture. There are 9 wards in the port city, some of which offer urban experiences, such as onsen resorts, parks, beaches, artificial islands, and outdoor tours. Some of these wards also contain cultural heritage sites like temples, shrines, and rural museums.

Kobe's Scenic Harbor: Exploring Meriken Park

One of the most enjoyable of all Kobe experiences is a visit to Meriken Park, located in the Chuo Ward. It’s a must-visit waterfront area with several natural and man-made attractions. At the entrance of the park is an open courtyard with many modern art installations and water fountains. Once you’re inside, you’ll find two main attractions at Meriken Park: the Kobe Maritime Museum and the Kobe Port Tower.

The Kobe Maritime Museum sits in the center of the park as a shining example of contemporary architecture. At its top is a white steel framework that resembles a sail. This makes sense because the majority of the museum’s focus is on shipping. You'll learn how the Kobe Port operates and what its ships look like. There is also a sizable section of the museum dedicated to the history of the port and how it connects to other countries.

If you head west of the museum, you’ll find the iconic Kobe Port Tower, which was constructed in 1963. Standing at 108 meters, this red steel tower is one of the port’s most prized assets. You can visit any of the five observation decks to enjoy panoramic views of the bay.

Ikuta Shrine: A Glimpse into Kobe’s Spiritual Heritage

In the heart of Kobe lies one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, Ikuta Shrine. We can bravely say that no other site in the city has as much history and cultural significance. Also located in Kobe’s Chuo ward, the shrine is over 1800 years old and was built in honor of the Shinto goddess Wakahirume. People come here to pray for success in their business connections and romantic relationships.

Inside the Ikuta Shrine grounds, you’ll find a chozuya (basin filled with water), where visitors purify themselves before entering the shrine for prayers. A few meters away from the roofed basin is a group of small booths selling omamori (good luck charms). If you have a look around, you can spot the nearby Ikuta-no-ike pond, which houses a mini island. This island is accessible via a bridge and is home to one of the 14 sub-shrines in the compound. Each of these sub-shrines is dedicated to a different Shinto god. Feel free to explore as many of them as you like. 

If you reach the far end of the Ikuta Shrine grounds, you’ll find the ancient forest known as Ikuta-no-mori. This forest used to be the site of many fierce battles during the Genpei War (1180–1185). Today, it’s a peaceful location where you can enjoy the calm rustling of tree leaves. The forest is also home to the 500-year-old sacred camphor tree that survived the bombing of Kobe during World War II.

Savoring Kobe Beef: Culinary Adventures in Kobe

Kobe beef is probably the most globally recognizable aspect of the city. It’s a type of wagyu (Japanese cattle) meat derived from Tajima breed cattle raised in Hyōgo Prefecture. This beef is special because of its captivating flavor, exceptional tenderness, and buttery texture. Contrary to common myths, Kobe beef does not originate from beer-fed cows or sake-covered meat. Rather, it comes from a pedigreed Tajima that has been raised according to the rules of the Kobe Beef Marketing and Distribution Promotion Association. Only the association can issue a Kobe Beef label, and they only do that for the highest grades of meat. You can learn more about Kobe beef and other types of wagyu in our guide to Japanese beef.

During your stay in the city, you can eat Kobe beef in the form of steaks or Japanese hot pot dishes like sukiyaki and shabu-shabu. Visit any of the hundreds of local steakhouses or Kobe beef teppanyaki restaurants in the city to experience delicious Kobe beef dining. Below is a list of the top Kobe beef restaurants and steakhouses to enjoy this delicacy:

• Steak & Grill Kobe Meriken Hatoba

•  Kobe Beef Dining Mouriya

• Kobe Beef Steak Restaurant Royal Mouriya

• KOKUBU Steak House

Shopping in Kobe: From Fashion to Quaint Boutiques

The majority of Kobe’s network of shopping districts is located away from its seaside regions. All you need to do is take a trip to the heart of the city, and you’ll find several popular retail areas, including Motomachi, Harborland, Sannomiya, and Nankin-machi (Kobe Chinatown).

You’ll find your fair share of fashion stores and unique local shops in the Motomachi shopping district, located in Chuo. The stores and shops sell items from both big and small brands. If you’d rather mix your shopping with some entertainment, Kobe Harborland should be your first stop. It serves a shopping district and entertainment complex. The North and South Malls of Harboland house a department store and several local shops selling souvenirs, vintage clothing, jewelry, and local crafts. However, Mosaic, Harboland’s waterfront section, features a Ferris wheel and a museum dedicated to anime and manga. 

Kobe’s Cultural Palette: Museums and Art Galleries

If you’re a fan of tasteful art, Kobe has everything it takes to engage your cultural palette. The two major establishments in the city’s vibrant art scene are the Kobe City Museum and the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art. There are other great plays, but none of them are as fascinating as those two.

Kobe City Museum is famous for its breathtaking Namban art galleries. It’s a great place to look at maps showing Japan’s geographical setup in ancient times. You can also learn about the first international trade between Japan and other Asian countries. The Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art offers more modern and contemporary artworks. It’s one of several landmarks, including the Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park and Kobe Earthquake Memorial Museum, built in response to the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995. If you’re looking for more art galleries and showcases, we recommend Kōsetsu Museum of Art, Uroko House, and Kobe Artists Museum.

Outdoor Fun: Hiking the Rokko Mountain Range

Most of the interesting hiking trails in Kobe City lead to the Rokko Mountain Range. You can hike all the way to Mount Rokko, the highest peak of the entire range, where you’ll find a 931-meter observation deck. The panoramic views of Kobe and Osaka are especially stunning around sunset. Don’t forget to visit the nearby Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden while you’re at the summit. If you don’t have the time to hike to the Rokko Mountain Range, feel free to travel by cable car via Nunobiki Ropeway (formerly Shin-Kobe Ropeway) from Shin-Kobe Station to Mount Maya, one of the peaks on its southern slopes. The highlights of the journey include great views of the Nunobiki Herb Garden and the Nunobiki Waterfall.

Alternatively, you could take nature walks and outdoor tours in scenic walking areas like Kitano Ijinkan-gai, Ampan Man Street, or NAdaku Cherry Blossoms Tunnel. For a more serene environment, walk through the Sorakuen Garden in central Kobe.

Relaxing in Arima Onsen: A Hot Springs Retreat

Kobe is also home to several onsen resorts, but none are as popular as Arima Onsen. This hot spring town is over a thousand years old and is one of the oldest in the country. It’s located within the city limits but is easily accessible from both Kobe and Osaka, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing day trip.

The small town contains both modern and traditional buildings. You can easily walk your way through it all on foot because of its small size. It contains multiple hot springs, shrines, temples, and a small museum. The two main types of hot spring waters are Kinsen or “gold water,” and Ginsen or “silver water.” Kinsen is good for your skin and muscles, while Ginsen cures joint ailments. You can experience what it's like to bathe in these waters at the town’s several ryokan or two bathhouses.

Nightlife in Kobe: From Jazz Bars to Breweries

Do not underestimate Kobe’s nightlife scene. It may not be as vibrant as that of Osaka, but it has its own set of unique values. One of them is the city’s historic love for jazz music. After dinner, you want to go to any of the jazz clubs and bars in the city. These establishments serve drinks while treating customers to the smooth sounds of jazz music. There are several local breweries in the area as well. Kobe Shu-shin-kan Breweries sells the best premium Japanese sake in the city.

Kobe’s Annual Events: Festivals and Celebrations

Before you set a date to visit Kobe, you might want to check out our list of annual cultural events and festivals below. That way, you can plan your itinerary to include attending as many of them as possible.

• Kobe Luminarie (December or January): annual light festival held to commemorate the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake.

• Kobe Jazz Street (October): biggest jazz festival in Japan since 1981.

• Kobe Beer Jamboree (February): new beer festival that brings brewers from all over the country to Kobe.

• Kobe Niku Festival (December): two-day festival to celebrate different kinds of meats, including Kobe beef, and their related dishes.

Family Fun in Kobe: Parks and Animal Encounters

If you’re visiting Kobe with kids, the entire family could enjoy fun at various parks, gardens, and entertainment complexes. One of the best places to take your kids is Kobe Harborland, where they can ride the Ferris wheel and explore the manga and anime-themed Anpanman Museum. There’s no shortage of parks to visit, but Meriken Park and Suma Seaside Park are arguably the best for children. Don’t forget to drop by Kobe Animal Kingdom so the kids can interact with camels, horses, birds, and many other cute animals.

Kobe as a Gateway: Day Trips and Regional Exploration

Kobe is close to other tourist destinations, so you have lots of options if day trips are your thing. Simply pop in and out of places like Himeji Castle and the city of Osaka. You can also embark on an adventure to Awaji Island using the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the world's longest suspension bridge. There are several private and public tours that will pick you up from Kobe and take you to these places and more. Feel free to read our blog post about Osaka to learn more about Kobe’s neighboring city.

Conclusion:

You have to agree that Kobe is full of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler. All you have to do is choose from the suggestions we provided in this post and you can fill your itinerary in no time.

We’re all about sharing our love for Japan and its rich culture, which is why we’ve made it easy for people all around the world to do the same. No matter your location, you can buy authentic Japanese gift items for your friends and family. Explore Bokksu Boutique to find the best gift ideas for 2024.