10 things to do in Kobe area
About Kobe city
Kobe is one of the largest port cities in Japan along with Yokohama.
Kobe is a charming town that combines modern Western architecture and Kobe's nightscape is one of the 3 best night landscapes in Japan!
Thing that you shouldn't miss when you visit Kobe is Kobe beef, you will love it!
10 things to do in Kobe area
1. Visit Ikuta Shrine
Ikuta Shrine
Ikuta Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan and is one of the most popular places for weddings among the Japanese. Because the shrine is a power spot for love and relationship. If you are looking for a good vibe relationship, we suggest you make a wish here.
Access: from Sannomiya Station you can get on a Port Loop Bus
More Detail: https://kobeloop.bus-japan.net/guide/
2. Eat and walk around Nankin-machi
Nankin-machi
It's a Chinatown in central Kobe and a center of the Chinese community in the Kansai Region. As Chinatown developed, it became known as Nankinmachi after Nanjing, the former Chinese capital. During this street you can make a "Food trip" to sample your favorites and we would strongly recommend to try street food as the Buta-man and Manju sweet.
Access: from Motomachi Station you can get on a Port Loop Bus
More Detail: https://kobeloop.bus-japan.net/guide/
3. Explore Nunobiki Herb Gardens
Nunobiki Herb Gardens
One of the largest herb gardens in Japan. The gardens are in bloom all year round. Visitors are welcomed with seasonal herbs and flowers organized by various topics. If you are a person who loves aroma you can find herb gifts aplenty such as, teas, cookies, essential oils, souvenirs and more. It's nice to walk around and smell all the amazing goods.
Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
More Detail: https://kobeloop.bus-japan.net/guide/
4. Kobe Port Tower
Kobe Port Tower
Kobe Port Tower is located in Kobe's Harbor land area and along with the Kobe Museum. It has become an iconic symbol of Kobe, it's 108 meters high, from the top observation deck. That you can get a 360° panorama view of Kobe City and the bay, you would enjoy the night view there!
Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
More Detail: https://kobeloop.bus-japan.net/guide/
5. The original taste
Kobe beef
If you're a meat lover, you might have heard about Kobe beef. Which has a beautiful marble, and a superior flavor, is well-known worldwide. So, while you are visiting Kobe, we recommend you to enjoy in popular restaurant named "The original Teppanyaki Misono"
More Detail: https://kobeloop.bus-japan.net/guide/column-01.php
6. Visit Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle or Himeji-jo is located in the Hyogo Prefecture. It is the biggest and best-preserved original castle in Japan. Due to its white-plaster facade, Himeji Castle has earned the nicknames "White Heron Castle", or Shirasagi-Jo in Japanese. Having been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage.
Access: Get on a Highway Bus from Kobe to Himeji
More Detail: https://shinki.bus-japan.net/highway/
7. Explore new experience in Arima Onsen
Arima Onsen
Arima Onsen is the oldest onsen (hot springs) town in Japan, with a history that dates back more than 1,000 years. It's located in the small town that can be explored on foot and there are several nice temples and shrines and a small hot spring museum to be discovered. The appeal of Arima onsen is the number of special hot springs. No matter how many times you visit, you'll always find somewhere new.
Access: You can get on the local bus from Sannomiya (for M4 Arima onsen) and get off at Arima Onsen (Taiko Bridge) approx. 50 min
More Detail: https://shinki.bus-japan.net/local/#02
8. Awaji Island
Awaji Island
Awaji Island is the largest of the many islands in the Seto Inland sea. The world's longest suspension bridge, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, will get you there by bus. There are so many places to introduce on this island full of amusement and theme park. As Nijigen no Mori, Crayon Shin-chan adventure Park.
Access: Take the Shinki Highway Bus from Kobe-Sannomiya to Awaji Island (Sumoto) approx. 1 hour 30 min
More Detail: https://shinki.bus-japan.net/highway/#08
9. Kitano Ijinkan
Kitano Ijinkan
After the port of Kobe opened and the foreign settlement was established. It is a historical district with Western style buildings built during Meiji and Taisho era. Among 16 historical buildings, 15 buildings were open to the public and I will visit some of them. The Kitano area has café, restaurants, Jazz bars and trendy shops from various countries. Visit the area and find your favorite place.
Access: You can get on the CITY LOOP bus and get off at 10 Kitano Ijinkan bus stop
More Detail: https://kobeloop.bus-japan.net/guide/
10. Mount Rokko
Mount Rokko
Mount Rokko is close to the Kobe and to the Arima Onsen.On the top of the mountain, there are a variety of attractions such as a botanical garden, music box museum, and observation areas. From the top of the Rokko mountain has a panoramic wonderful night view over the city of Kobe.
Access: Departs from Subway Sannomiya via Kobe City Bus Route 18