A Japanese port city that has played a significant role in the country’s foreign trade activities for several centuries, Kobe is a large, modern metropolis that is home to a long list of beautiful sites and places.

Must-See Attractions

Kobe Harborland

Situated along Kobe port’s waterfront, Kobe Harborland houses some of the city’s best entertainment, dining, and shopping establishments. It offers a nice, refreshing, and lively ambiance, with its many shops, restaurants, cafes, department stores, boutiques, and a small theme park with a ferris wheel. At night, the walking paths and boardwalk are lit with old-fashioned gas lamps, creating an old-time feel in the middle of a modern setting.

Port of Kobe and Kobe Tower, Japan

Meriken Park

A park with a view of the Kobe port area, Meriken Park is known for its contemporary structures, particularly the Kobe Maritime Museum and the Kobe Port Tower. In 1995, it was destroyed by the Great Hanshin Earthquake, and a memorial has been built there to remember the people who were killed in the tragedy.

Mount Rokko

Hiking to the summit of Mount Rokko will give you the chance to see a breathtaking view of not only the city of Kobe but also of Osaka. It has a botanical garden, a few restaurants and shops, and an observation deck that offers a great spot for sunset viewing.

Kobe city view from Shin-Kobe ropeway to Nunobiki herb garden at Rokko mountain ,Kobe,Hyogo

Must-Do Activities

Try Kobe Beef

A notable Kobe delicacy, Kobe Beef is a local specialty food that is a must-try when visiting Kobe. Made with beef from the Japanese cattle breed called Wagyu, it is widely available in many restaurants all over the city, as well as in other parts of the country. It is served with various spices and ingredients and is typically prepared as steaks or shabu shabu. A full meal may cost somewhere between 8,000 and 30,000 yen.

Experience the thermal waters of Arima Onsen

A popular weekend or day trip destination for both locals and foreigners, the Arima Onsen boasts of several public bath houses and hot springs that offer therapeutic spring waters to ease minor muscle and joint pain and relieve skin problems. This small, hot spring town is also home to a number of beautiful shrines and temples, and it can be entirely explored on foot.

Japanese style public park with hot spring in Arima Onsen city,

Ride the Shin-Kobe Ropeway

The Shin-Kobe Ropeway takes visitors on an exhilarating tour up the slopes of the Rokko mountain range. From the lower station, the cable car ascends to the top and provides awesome aerial views of the Nunobiki Herb Graden, the Nunobiki Waterfall, and the city of Kobe.