Kobe on a Budget: A 2 Day Adventure!

Experience the beauty and culture of Kobe on a budget that won't break the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Kobe, Japan on a limited budget is still possible with careful planning. Consider staying in a budget-friendly hostel and taking advantage of the city's public transportation system. Don't miss the opportunity to try Kobe beef, which can be found at local restaurants at a reasonable price.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Discovering Kobe

  • Hotel: Hotel Monterey Kobe
  • Start your day with a breakfast of Japanese pastries at Chinatown.
  • Walk to Kitano-cho, an area famous for its Western-style architecture.
  • Take a cable car to the top of Mt. Maya for a spectacular view of the city.
  • Relax at Arima Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot spring resorts.
  • Indulge in some Kobe beef for dinner at Wakkoqu.
Day 2

Exploring the Local Culture

  • Start your day at Ikuta Shrine to witness a traditional Shinto ceremony.
  • Visit a sake brewery, and taste some of their finest brews.
  • Explore Nankinmachi, Kobe's lively Chinatown, and try some dim sum.
  • Enjoy a stroll through Kobe Harborland, a vibrant shopping and entertainment district.
  • End your day at Kobe Kitano Hotel's rooftop bar for some stunning nocturnal views.
  • Make the most of your limited budget in Kobe without sacrificing on experiences. Feast on delicious cuisine and learn about the rich culture and history of the city. This trip is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and enlightened!

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Kobe, Japan by plane is to fly into Kansai International Airport (KIX) and take the airport limousine bus directly to Kobe Station. This takes about 65 minutes and costs approximately 1,850 yen.

Car

If you are driving to Kobe, the easiest route is to take the Hanshin Expressway from Osaka. Depending on traffic, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to reach Kobe city center.

Train

If you prefer to travel by train to Kobe, the best option is to take the Shinkansen from Tokyo or Osaka to Shin-Kobe Station. This takes approximately 2 hours from either city and costs around 14,000 yen one way.

Boat

While there are no direct boat services to Kobe, you can take a ferry from Osaka to nearby port cities such as Kobe Airport or Kobe-Nishi Port. From there, you can take a bus or train to the city center.

Bus

If you are on a budget, the best way to get to Kobe by bus is to take a highway bus from Tokyo or Osaka. From Tokyo, it takes about 9 hours and costs around 9,000 yen. From Osaka, it takes just over an hour and costs about 1,800 yen.

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