Kobe’s reputation is based on tender beef and Mount Rokko, but there’s a lively sake culture and an impressive Chinatown to visit. You’ll also find great restaurants and plenty of interest for shoppers, art and history nerds, and lovers of nature.
Things To Do In Kobe
Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, Kobe
Discover the most important and interesting attractions in Kobe. Read More
Places To Eat In Kobe
image © Florentyna Leow
A roundup of places to eat for all budgets and every taste in Kobe. Read More
Kobe Itineraries
image © Florentyna Leow
Carefully designed one-day and two-day Kobe itineraries. Read More
Best Time To Go To Kobe
Kobe, Japan skyline at the port and tower
A monthly break down of the weather for Kobe, so you can plan the best time to visit. Read More
Kobe Ryokan
image © Booking.com
A stay in Kobe gives the opportunity to try a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. Read More
Kobe Hotels
image © Booking.com
Here are the best hotels in Kobe for every budget class, with details on how to find them. Read More
Kobe Cherry Blossoms
image © QUANGHUNG PHOTOGRAPHY / Shutterstock.com
With lush mountains, public parks, and beautiful gardens, Kobe is a lovely place for enjoying Japan’s famous cherry blossoms. Here is a list of the best spots and notes on timing. Read More
Kobe Fall Foliage
View from the top at Nunobiki Herb Gardens
With many beautiful public parks and open green spaces, Kobe is a great place to see Japan’s famous autumn colours. Find the best spots and times. Read More
How To Get To Kobe
image © Chomphuphucar / Shutterstock.com
Find out the best way to get to Kobe from Osaka, Kyoto or Tokyo. Read More
Kobe Districts
Kobe port and skyline
A detailed overview of Kobe’s main sightseeing districts. Read More
Getting Around Kobe
image © Michael Gordon / Shutterstock.com
Explore Kobe like a pro with my guide to local transport. Read More
Family-Friendly Kobe
image © Florentyna Leow
Here are the top recommendations for fun, family-friendly attractions in Kobe. Read More
Kobe Travel Guide:
- Kobe Travel Guide Overview
- Things To Do In Kobe
- Places To Eat In Kobe
- Kobe Itineraries
- Family-friendly Attractions in Kobe
- Kobe Cherry Blossoms
- Kobe Fall Foliage
- Kobe Districts
- Kobe Ryokan
- Kobe Hotels
- Kobe Map
- How To Get To Kobe
- Getting Around Kobe
- Best Time To Go To Kobe
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
