According to Clothesbliss, Kobe is the sixth largest city in Japan and the capital of Hyogo Prefecture. The largest port city in Japan (and one of the largest in the world) with a population of about one and a half million people. Throughout its history, it was the center of international trade; it was in this city that Europeans first began to settle in Japan.
Now there are very few old buildings left in Kobe, because in 1995 there was an earthquake that hit the whole city very badly, and it was almost completely rebuilt in the next 10 years. Kobe is currently considered the best place to live in Japan.
How to get to Kobe
By plane
Only domestic flights arrive at Kobe Airport. Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) operate from Tokyo, Sapporo, Okinawa and Kagoshima, while ANA has flights from Niigata and JAL from Kumamoto. Cheap tickets for flights from Tokyo and Naha can be purchased from Skymark.
A high-speed train leaves the airport every 10 minutes and takes less than 20 minutes to Sannomiya Station, where you can transfer to another train or go down to the subway.
The nearest international airport is Kansai International Airport. You can get from it to Kobe by bus, a little more than an hour to Sannomiya Station, or by high-speed ferry Kaijo Accessdeparting every 45 minutes and the next about half an hour.
By train
High-speed trains depart from Tokyo to Shin-Kobe Station. The Nozomi train takes 2 hours 50 minutes, the Hikari train takes a little longer – 3 hours 20 minutes.
Several trains depart from Osaka to Kobe at once, arriving at Sannomiya Station. The Tokkyu high-speed train takes about half an hour, and Kaisoku Kyuko trains departing every 20 minutes from Namba Station will take you to Kobe in 45 minutes.
From Kyoto, it takes 50 minutes by train.
By bus
If you are traveling to Kobe from Tokyo, you can save on the road by taking the JR Bus Group bus.
Daytime buses only go to Osaka, but from there you can quickly get to Kobe. On the way, these buses spend about 8.5 hours. In addition, there are several night buses from Tokyo to Sannomiya.
On a ferryboat
Several ferries arrive in Kobe daily from Takamatsu (3.5 hours), Katakyushu (12 hours), Oita (12 hours), Beppu (12 hours) and Okinawa (3 days). In addition, there are two ferries departing from China – from Shanghai (45 hours) and Tianjin (50 hours).
Transportation
There are two subway lines in Kobe, the Kaigan Line, which runs along the coast, and the Yamate Seishin, which runs trains towards the mountains. A one-day ticket for both lines costs 1000 JPY, and for 1100 JPY you can also ride the bus.
By bus, you can get to almost anywhere in Kobe. Detailed information about the schedule of all local buses can be obtained from the tourist office located near Sannomiya.
Tourist buses also run in the city, following a circular route past many scenic spots and attractions. These buses leave every 15-20 minutes and cost 260 JPY, or 660 JPY if you buy a ticket for the whole day.
Otel Kobe
Kobe has a huge variety of places to stay, from budget hostels to chic waterfront hotels. If you cannot find a free hotel, you can contact the tourist office at Sannomiya Station. They can also help you find the cheapest option.
Kobe Harborland New Otani belongs to the major Japanese chain New Otani and can offer you excellent service for 25,100 JPY per night.
Conveniently located in the heart of Kobe’s shopping district, Tor Road Hotel is close to a variety of restaurants and shops. A night in a single room will cost you 19750-23100 JPY.
If you do not want to spend a lot on accommodation, we can recommend you Kobe Kur Haus, with its own spa and prices, Ninomiya Ryokan or Kobe Dears Backpacker House, a small cozy hostel that has a hostel.
Kobe is world famous for its marbled beef, however, if you decide to try it, be prepared to pay at least 15,000 JPY per serving.
Restaurant in Kobe
Gaen Shuga serves some of the city’s best Cantonese and Hong Kong cuisine, and you can ask for some special treats such as shark fin soup or abalone to be cooked for you.
The restaurant’s website has a discount coupon that you can print.
The Sky Buffet may be hard to find, but the views from this 24th-floor restaurant are well worth the time spent looking for the right building. In addition, the prices there are quite democratic, and, in addition to excellent Japanese dishes, you can also be offered more familiar European ones there.
Grill Ippei restaurants serve excellent ebi furai and kaki furai (battered shrimp or oysters fried in boiling oil), steaks and tonkatsu (pork cutlets). And if you just want to have a cheap lunch, go to any cafe in Chinatown, located next to Sannomiya.
Entertainment and attractions in Kobe
Ijinkan – built in the 19th century. residences of foreign merchants, the main attraction of Kobe. Located within walking distance from Sannomiya Station or Shin-Kobe Station. In addition, several buildings of the 19th century. available in the Kyu-kyoryuchi area, next to Motomachi Station.
In Meriken Park, there is a monument to the victims of the earthquake and the Kobe Tower, which is the unofficial symbol of the city. The park of flowers and fruits is surrounded by a huge amount of flowers and greenery. In spring, when about ten thousand tulips bloom in the park, it becomes the most beautiful. Entrance is open from 10 am to 6 pm.
The Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum displays a variety of carpentry tools, ranging from ancient stone axes to various modern tools. Nunobiki Park is a 40-acre garden featuring over 200 varieties of herbs. There is also a restaurant in the garden and exhibitions are often held. With an entrance ticket, you can ride the cable car back and forth.
Kobe is known for its breweries and sake factories. Many of them are open to visitors, and you can find a map with their location at the tourist office.
Kobe is known for its breweries and sake factories. Many of them are open to visitors, and you can find a map with their location at the tourist office. The most detailed sake production process is presented in the Hakutsuru Museum, open daily, except Mondays, from 9:30 to 16:30 pm. Admission is free, sake too.
Oji Zoo is open daily from 9:00 to 16:30 from March to October and from 9:00 to 16:00 the rest of the time. In addition to animals, the zoo has attractions for children. In addition, we recommend that you visit the famous Arima Onsen hot springs throughout Japan.
