Things to Do in Kobe

Kobe makes a great city for a day out or for more extensive exploration over several days. We’ve selected our must-do highlights for a quick trip, along with plenty of choices for a deeper dive.

Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art

With a population of 1.5 million, Kobe is Japan’s sevenths biggest city and, as it lies only 30 km west of Osaka, it makes a handy day out if you’re visiting there. It’s reputation is based on two of the things we recommend below: tender beef and Mount Rokko, but there’s a lively sake culture and an impressive Chinatown to visit. Whether your a lover of art or of nature, a shopper or a history nerd, we’ve got you covered in the second part of our overview.

Here, we’ll introduce our top Kobe sights. Then, we’ll introduce the best of the other attractions in the city. All of these places can be found on our Kobe Google Map (scroll to the bottom of the page to see it).

Must See Attractions in Kobe

If you’re only planning to be in Kobe for a short time, these are the key activities we recommend.

A slab of beautifully marbled Kobe beef

Eat Kobe Beef

If you do just one thing on your visit to Kobe, try the beef. The exceptionally tender, well-marbled beef from Tajima black cattle is what the city is most famous for. Incidentally, cows raised for Kobe beef aren’t actually massaged nor given beer to drink – that’s just a rumour. Fortunately, that won’t make the beef taste any less delicious!

While you can eat Kobe beef at restaurants nationwide, there’s nothing quite like eating it in its city of origin. Try it as a simple steak, pan-fried in cubes on a hot iron grill teppanyaki-style, or as part of a Korean-style barbecue extravaganza. Check out our suggestions for Kobe beef restaurants in the city on our Places to Eat in Kobe page.

At the top of Mount Rokko

Mount Rokko

Local residents like to describe Kobe as a city situated between the mountains and the sea. The Rokko mountain range makes up the verdant mountains providing the backdrop to Kobe, and at 931 meters, Mount Rokko is the highest peak there.

You can take the cable car or climb up the mountain, and once you’re up there, there’s plenty to do on Mount Rokko itself. Enjoy the panoramic views of Kobe and Osaka, which are particularly beautiful at sundown. Stroll around the charming Nunobiki Herb Garden, and follow with tea and cake – or ice cream at one of the numerous shops in the Rokko Garden Terrace. Learn about plants at the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden and greenhouses. If you’re so inclined, check out tinkling tunes at the music box museum.

Getting around is easier with the circular bus line connecting the attractions on Mount Rokko with the Rokko Cablecar station and the Rokko Arima Ropeway. The latter connects Mount Rokko and Arima Onsen with a just 12 minute ride, and the views of the fall foliage and the sea from the cable car are especially glorious in the autumn months. The Shin-Kobe Ropeway is another good way to go up to Mount Rokko – there are glorious views of the city from the top station, especially at night.

Japanese name: 六甲山
Japanese address: 神戸市灘区・東灘区・北区
English address: Nada-ku, Higashinada-ku and Kita-ku, Kobe-shi
Telephone: +81-78-894-2071 (Mt.Rokko cable Car & Tourism Company)
Opening hours: Varies by facility
Nearest transport: Funicular: Rokko Sanjo Station on the Rokko Cable Line.
District: Mount Rokko
Website: Official Website
Admission: Free

:: Read reviews of Mount Rokko on TripAdvisor.com

Sake-no-tsuru Museum in the Nada district: Iryna Makukha / Shutterstock.com

Sake Breweries in the Nada District (Nadagogo)

Sake lovers should take note of the Nada district in Kobe. With an abundance of high-quality rice and water, plus favourable sake-making conditions in the area, this is one of Japan’s top sake-producing regions. Many sake breweries operate in the 3 kilometre stretch of the Nada district, and a number of them offer facility tours. Most importantly, you can sample and buy sake at most of the shops in the area.

Strolling around sake breweries and sampling their ways – what better way to while away an afternoon in Kobe? If you have to choose just one place, hit up the Sawa-no-Tsuru Museum, which has free entry, excellent English-language information on the sake-making process, and free sake samples. Time permitting, the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum is also a good choice – you can try non-pasteurised sake here, which you won’t often find in stores.

Japanese name: 灘五郷
Japanese address: 神戸市灘区・東灘区、西宮市
English address: Nada-ku and Higashinada-ku, Kobe-shi, and Nishinomiya-shi
Telephone (Sawanotsuru Museum): +81-78-882-7788
Opening hours (Sawanotsuru Museum): 10am-4pm (last entry pm). Closed Wednesday
Nearest transport (Sawanotsuru Museum): Train: 8-minute walk from Oishi Station on the Hanshin Main Line.
District: Nada
Website: Nadagogo Brewers Association (machine translation) / Sawanotsuru Museum
Admission: Varies by facility

:: Read reviews of Sawanotsuru Museum on TripAdvisor.com

The ornate entrance gate in Kobe’s Chinatown: Editorial credit: Lee Yiu Tung / Shutterstock.com

Kobe Chinatown

Known as Nankinmachi, Kobe’s Chinatown is the central focus of Kansai’s Chinese community. It’s been open since the late 1860s, when the area was developed by Chinese merchants after the country was opened to foreign trade. This compact little shopping and dining district is also a popular tourist attraction. The two main streets in Chinatown are great for a lunchtime food crawl. Snack on kakuniman – steamed bun filled with soft-braise belly pork – ramen, bubble tea, and all kinds of tasty Chinese food.

Japanese name: 南京町
Japanese address: 神戸市中央区元町通・栄町通
English address: Motomachi-dori and Sakaemachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi
Telephone: +81-78-332-2896
Opening hours: Varies by shop
Nearest transport: Subway: 2-minute walk from exit 1 of Kyukyoryuchi-Daimarumae Station on the Kobe Municipal Subway Kaigan Line. Train: 3-minute walk from the east exit of Motomachi Station on the JR Kobe Line and Hanshin Main Line.
District: Sannomiya-Motomachi
Website (Japanese): Official Website
Admission: Varies by facility

:: Read reviews of Kobe Chinatown on TripAdvisor.com

Other Attractions in Kobe

If you’re planning to spend more than a single day in Kobe, there are still plenty more sights to see.

Western-style mansion in Kitano-cho, Kobe: Editorial credit: Shawn.ccf / Shutterstock.com

Kitano-cho

Located at the foot of the Rokko mountain range, Kitano-cho is the former residential area for foreign merchants during the second half of the 19th century. The mansions are built in various styles, such as Western-Chinese, French, and Tudor. Several of these former residences are open to the public as museums. The history and architecture might be a little more interesting for Japanese tourists, but Kitano-cho is still worth a wander around for most visitors. Even if you don’t visit any of the houses, the area has many cafes, restaurants, high-end fashion stores, and boutiques to enjoy.

Japanese name: 北野町
Japanese address: 〒650-0002 神戸市中央区北野町
English address: Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, 650-0002
Telephone: +81-78-251-8360 (Kitano Tourist Information)
Opening hours: Varies by facility
Nearest transport: Subway: 10-minute walk from the south exit of Shinkobe Station on the Kobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line. Train: 15-minute walk from Sannomiya / Kobe Sannomiya Station.
District: Kitano-cho
Website: Kobe Kitano Ijinkan-gai
Admission: Varies by facility

:: Read reviews of Kitano-cho on TripAdvisor.com

Hot springs in Arima Onsen

Arima Onsen

If you’re looking for a relaxing stay at a Japanese inn, consider extending your stay in Kobe at Arima Onsen. This compact little hot spring town is located on the other side of Mount Rokko. Surrounded by gorgeous mountains, it’s especially pretty in the fall. It’s a popular day trip and weekend getaway for Kansai residents.

It’s fun exploring the narrow streets of Arima Onsen, and visiting the small temples and shrines that dot the town. Best of all are the hot springs. Staying in one of the Japanese inns will net you access to a bath with the waters of the area, but day trippers can soak in a number of the public baths. Try Kin no Yu, with its iron-rich brown waters; or Gin no Yu, with its clear carbonate and radium-rich waters.

Japanese name: 有馬温泉
Japanese address: 〒651-1401 神戸市北区有馬町
English address: Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe-shi, 651-1401
Telephone: +81-78-904-0708 (Arima Hot Springs Tourism Association)
Opening hours: Varies by facility
Nearest transport: Train: Arima-Onsen Station on the Shintetsu Arima Line.
District: Arima Onsen
Website: Official Website
Admission: Varies by facility

:: Read reviews of Arima Onsen on TripAdvisor.com

The main building of Ikuta Shrine in Kobe

Ikuta Shrine

Reputedly founded at the beginning of the 3rd century AD, Ikuta Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan. It’s a 10-minute walk from Sannomiya Station. The goddess of fabric, Wakahiru-no-mikoto, is enshrined here. It’s believed that she ties and connects people’s fates together. Today, it’s a popular spot for those seeking to find love and relationships. A nice little shrine to stop by if you’re in the Sannomiya area.

Japanese name: 生田神社
Japanese address: 〒650-0011 神戸市中央区下山手通1-2-1
English address: 1-2-1 Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, 650-0011
Telephone: +81-78-321-3851
Opening hours: 7am-5pm
Nearest transport: Subway and Train: 1-minute walk from the subway west exit 3 of Sannomiya / Kobe Sannomiya Station.
District: Sannomiya-Motomachi
Website (Japanese): Official Website
Admission:

:: Read reviews of Ikuta Shrine on TripAdvisor.com

The main strolling pond in Sorakuen Garden

Sorakuen Garden

Opened to the public in 1941, Sorakuen Garden is a traditional Japanese landscape garden. Spend a morning strolling around the central pond and taking in the sights. One of the best times to visit Sorakuen Garden is during late April to early May, when more than 4000 azaleas burst into bloom. Chrysanthemums are also exhibited here for a month from late October to late November. Those interested in local history and architecture will be pleased to note that the garden is also home to the Hassam House, which once belonged to a British-Indian trader in the early 1900s.

Japanese name: 相楽園
Japanese address: 〒650-0004 神戸市中央区中山手通5-3-1
English address: 5-3-1 Nakayamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, 650-0004
Telephone: +81-78-351-5155
Opening hours:
9am-5pm (last entry 4:30pm). Closed Thursday or the following Friday when Thursday is a national holiday
Nearest transport: Subway: 3-minute walk from the west exit 2 of Kenchomae Station on the Kobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line. Train: 7-minute walk from the west exit of Motomachi Station on the JR Kobe Line and Hanshin Main Line.
District: Sannomiya-Motomachi
Website: Official Website
Admission: Adults: JPY300. Elementary and junior high school students: JPY150

:: Read reviews of Sorakuen Garden on TripAdvisor.com

Kobe Municipal Arboretum

Kobe Municipal Arboretum

If you love botanical gardens, the Kobe Municipal Arboretum is a must-visit. A short bus ride and just JPY300 gives you entry to this vast natural oasis. Also known as the Kobe City Botanical Garden, the gardens sprawl over 143 hectares, and it’s covered with forests, flowers, and all manner of plants. Whether it’s the spectacular hydrangeas in June or the vibrant fall foliage, the garden is gorgeous all year round. Plant-lovers will want to make the trek out for this place.

Japanese name: 神戸市立森林植物園
Japanese address: 〒651-1102 神戸市北区山田町上谷上字長尾1-2
English address: 1-2 Nagao, Yamadacho-kamitanigami, Kita-ku, Kobe-shi, 651-1102
Telephone: +81-78-591-0253
Opening hours: 9am-5pm (last entry 4:30pm). Closed Wednesday or the following Thursday when Wednesday is a national holiday
Nearest transport: Bus: Free shuttle bus from Kitasuzurandai Station on the Shintetsu Arima Line.
District: Mount Rokko
Website (machine translation): Official Website
Admission: Adults: JPY300. Elementary and junior high school students: JPY150

:: Read reviews of Kobe Municipal Arboretum on TripAdvisor.com

Sannomiya Center Street

Sannomiya Center Street

One of the busiest shopping areas in Kobe is Sannomiya Centre Street, a shopping arcade stretching 550 meters between the Sannomiya and Motomachi areas. It’s a real mix of local shops and larger chain shops. You can find pretty much anything here, from books and food to furniture and home electronics. It’s fun to wander along or sit at a cafe and watch people go about their day. As a covered shopping arcade, it’s also a nice rainy day option.

Japanese name: 三宮センター街
Japanese address: 〒650-0021 神戸市中央区三宮町
English address: Sannomiya-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, 650-0021
Telephone: +81-78-331-3548
Opening hours: Varies by shop
Nearest transport: Train and Subway: 3-minute walk from Sannomiya / Kobe Sannomiya Station.
District: Sannomiya-Motomachi
Website (Japanese): Official Website
Admission: Free

:: Read reviews of Sannomiya Center Street on TripAdvisor.com

Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art

Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art

Located on Kobe’s waterfront, the building for the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art was designed by the world-famous architect Tadao Ando. It houses an excellent permanent collection of 20th century artworks from Japan and abroad. Think painting, sculptures, prints, and more. Worth a visit if you’re interested in modern and contemporary Japanese art.

Japanese name: 兵庫県立美術館
Japanese address: 〒651-0073　神戸市中央区脇浜海岸通1-1-1
English address: 1-1-1 Wakinohamakaigan-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, 651-0073
Telephone: +81-78-262-0901
Opening hours: 10am-6pm (last entry 5:30pm). 10am-8pm (Friday and Saturday during special exhibitions, last entry 7:30pm). Closed Monday or the following Tuesday when Monday is a national holiday
Nearest transport: Train: 8-minute walk from Iwaya Station on the Hanshin Main Line.
District: Bay
Website: Official Website
Admission: Adults: JPY500. University students: JPY400. 70 years and older: JPY250

:: Read reviews of Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art on TripAdvisor.com

The Kobe City Museum: Editorial credit: TK Kurikawa / Shutterstock.com

Kobe City Museum

Opened in 1982, the Kobe City Museum resides in a former Bank of Tokyo building. The museum speciality is Namban art or “art of the Southern barbarians.” During the 16th and 17th century, the Portuguese brought paintings to Japan; Japanese artists at the time also created many representations – in many cases, caricatures – of these European visitors in the form of paintings, scrolls, and folding screens. Besides Namban art, the museum also counts numerous archeological objects, maps, and historical documents among its exhibits. It’s worth a visit if you have time or a special interest in these aspects of Japanese history.

Japanese name: 神戸市立博物館
Japanese address: 〒650-0034 神戸市中央区京町24
English address: 24 Kyo-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, 650-0034
Telephone: +81-78-391-0035
Opening hours: 10am-5pm (Sunday and Tuesday-Friday, last entry 4:30pm). 10am-9pm (Saturday, last entry 8:30pm). Closed Monday or the following Tuesday when Monday is a national holiday
Nearest transport: Subway: 6-minute walk from exit 3 of Kyukyoryuchi-Daimarumae Station on the Kobe Municipal Subway Kaigan Line. Train: 10-minute walk from Sannomiya / Kobe Sannomiya Station.
District: Sannomiya-Motomachi
Website: Official Website
Admission (Collection Room): Adults: JPY300. University students: JPY150

:: Read reviews of Kobe City Museum on TripAdvisor.com

The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Museum

The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Museum

Those wanting to learn about the 1995 Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake should spend a few hours in The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Museum. Located on the city’s waterfront, the museum was opened in 2002 as a commemoration and education facility. The aftermath of the earthquake is well-catalogued here, with plenty of photographs, testimonies, and documentary films. It’s also a good place to learn about the danger earthquakes pose, starting with the interactive games about disaster prevention.

Japanese name: 阪神・淡路大震災記念 人と防災未来センター
Japanese address: 〒651-0073 神戸市中央区脇浜海岸通1-5-2
English address: 1-5-2 Wakinohamakaigan-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, 651-0073
Telephone: +81-78-262-5050
Opening hours: October-June: 9:30am-5:30pm (Sunday and Tuesday-Thursday, last entry 4:30pm), 9:30am-7pm (Friday and Saturday, last entry 6pm). July-September: 9:30am-6pm (Sunday and Tuesday-Thursday, last entry 5pm), 9:30am-7pm (Friday and Saturday, last entry 6pm). Closed Monday or the following Tuesday when Monday is a national holiday
Nearest transport: Train: 10-minute walk from Kasuganomichi Station on the Hanshin Main Line.
District: Bay
Website: Official Website
Admission: Adults: JPY600. University students: JPY450. 70 years and older: JPY300

:: Read reviews of The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Museum on TripAdvisor.com

Kobe Map

View the full size version of the InsideKyoto.com Kobe Google map.

You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.

Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.

Map pins are color coded:
BLUE: Hotels
VIOLET: Ryokan
PINK: Places to Eat
YELLOW: Things to See and Do

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 District Map

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