Kobe on a Budget: Family Fun, Culinary Delights!

Experience the rich heritage and family fun in Kobe, Japan.

19 July 2023

Embark on a delightful family trip to Kobe, Japan, where you can explore a vibrant city full of cultural wonders and culinary delights. Visit the enchanting Kobe Harborland, offering a perfect blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment, along with breathtaking views of the sea. Make sure to indulge in the world-famous Kobe beef and take a scenic cable car ride up Mount Rokko for a panoramic view of the city.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Welcome to Quirky Kobe:

  • Check into the fun, family-friendly Hotel PekoPeko where the lobby is adorned with adorable cat-shaped umbrellas.
  • Take a stroll along the picturesque Harborland, adorned with whimsical sculptures and vibrant cafes.
  • Visit the Kobe Maritime Museum to explore captivating exhibits while pretending to be the captain of a magnificent ship.
  • Treat your taste buds to Kobe's famous beef at Steakland, where sizzling teppanyaki and wagyu go hand in hand.
  • Embark on a magical evening at the Kobe Luminaire, a dazzling light festival that turns the streets into an enchanting wonderland.
Day 2

Cultural Capers and Sweet Delights:

  • Start the day with a visit to Nankinmachi, Kobe's bustling Chinatown, where you'll savor mouthwatering dumplings and watch traditional dragon dances.
  • Immerse yourself in history at the Kobe City Museum, housing artifacts that reveal the secrets of this charming port city.
  • Treat your inner sweet tooth to delectable KitKat flavors at the KitKat Chocolatory, where you can even design your own unique bars.
  • Unleash your creativity at the Kobe Trick Art Gallery, where 3D art installations allow you to become part of whimsical scenes.
  • End the day with a relaxing soak in Arima Onsen, famous for its therapeutic hot springs and traditional Japanese inns.
Day 3

Summits and Sushi:

  • Embark on a memorable journey to the top of Mount Rokko via the Rokko Cable Car, enjoying breathtaking views of Kobe along the way.
  • Explore the Rokko Garden Terrace, a picturesque complex offering stunning vistas, charming shops, and delightful dining options.
  • Enjoy a sushi feast at the Nigiri no Harakawa, where expert sushi chefs craft edible masterpieces using the freshest local ingredients.
  • Go for an enchanting hike through the Nunobiki Herb Garden, surrounded by aromatic flowers and offering panoramic city views.
  • Bid farewell to Kobe with a scenic Kobe Bay Cruise, setting sail amidst the sparkling waters and majestic mountains, creating unforgettable memories.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Kobe

Welcome to the land of hidden gems, where you can marvel at majestic temples, indulge in delicious cuisine, and maybe even catch a glimpse of Kobe Bryant (just kidding, he's retired).

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

4 Days of Fun and Relaxation in Kobe, Japan

Kobe, Japan is a beautiful city filled with cultural and historic attractions. Some popular tourist spots include the Kobe Port Tower, the Kitano district with its charming Western-style houses, and the Sannomiya Shopping District. Visitors can also enjoy delicious Kobe beef and soak in a hot spring at Arima Onsen.

Kobe: A 5-Day Adventure on a Budget

A trip to Kobe, Japan on a limited budget would include exploring tourist attractions such as the Kobe Municipal Arboretum and Kobe Port Tower for free and trying local street food, such as takoyaki and yakiniku, for a budget-friendly dining experience. Staying in hostels or budget hotels, such as J-Hoppers Kobe Guesthouse or Toyoko Inn Kobe Sannomiya, would also keep the trip affordable.

Kobe on a Budget: A 2 Day Adventure!

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.

Kobe, Japan: A Day Trip of Sights and Flavors

As a tourist visiting Kobe, you can indulge in the city's famous Kobe beef and explore the bustling Chinatown. You can also admire the panoramic view of the city from the observation deck of the Kobe Port Tower or take a relaxing stroll through the scenic Meriken Park. Finally, make sure to visit the Hakutsuru Sake Museum and enjoy a tasting of traditional Japanese sake.