Quirky Kobe: A 4-Day Family Adventure on a Budget

Discover the wonders of Kobe: a family playground with a taste of authentic Japan.

19 July 2023

Embark on a delightful family friendly trip to Kobe, Japan, where you can experience a perfect blend of culture, nature, and entertainment. Explore the charming streets of Kitano, home to beautifully preserved Western-style houses, before immersing yourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Harborland, an urban waterfront district with an array of shops and restaurants. Take a scenic hike up Mount Rokko, marvel at the panoramic city views and indulge in a relaxing soak at one of the famous hot springs for an unforgettable family adventure.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Welcome to Quirky Kobe!

  • Check into Hotel Peculiar, a family-friendly spot where each room is decorated with whimsical art and has a view of the sparkling harbor.
  • Begin your Kobe adventure by strolling down the eccentric Nankinmachi Street, where you can feast on mouthwatering Chinese delicacies.
  • Immerse yourself in nature at the beautiful Nunobiki Herb Gardens, where you can frolic among flowers, sip herbal tea, and pretend to be a botanical wizard.
  • Get your cultural fix at the Kobe City Museum, a treasure trove of art, history, and all things peculiarly Kobe.
  • Wrap up the day by indulging in a delicious Kobe beef dinner at a local yakiniku restaurant – sizzling meat and happy bellies guaranteed!
Day 2

Sights, Sweets, and Sparkles

  • Start the day with a visit to Kobe Harborland, a bustling waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and a giant Ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of the city.
  • Take a short train ride to Kitano-cho, a charming district dotted with beautifully preserved Western-style buildings from the city's international past.
  • Take a delightful detour to Mouriya Sannomiya, a cozy café where you can savor delectable Kobe cheesecake – it’s a melt-in-your-mouth miracle!
  • Feel like a shining star at the Kobe Port Earthquake Memorial Park, which features a stunning LED light show in the evening.
  • End the day with a nighttime stroll along the illuminated Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the world's longest suspension bridge – an enchanting spectacle!
Day 3

Adventure Awaits!

  • Go on a thrilling expedition to the Kobe Animal Kingdom, where you can cuddle with capybaras, greet giraffes, and make friends with playful penguins.
  • Explore the exotic and fragrant Kobe Oji Zoo, home to fascinating creatures like snow leopards, koalas, and rare white tigers.
  • Embark on an adrenaline-pumping hike up Mount Rokko, where you can soak in breathtaking views of Kobe from the observation deck.
  • Treat yourself to a whimsical lunch at an Alice in Wonderland-themed café, where heart-shaped sandwiches and fantastical desserts await.
  • Unleash your inner daredevil with a visit to the thrilling Nunobiki Falls, where you can take a ropeway ride and relish in the mesmerizing cascade.
Day 4

Farewell, Kobe!

  • Start the day with a visit to the enchanting Sorakuen Garden, a peaceful oasis brimming with vibrant flora, koi ponds, and hidden pagodas.
  • Discover the fascinating history of sake at the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, where you can sample a variety of Japan's famous rice wine.
  • Wander through the unique Motomachi Shopping Street, filled with quirky boutiques, gourmet food stalls, and delightful souvenirs.
  • Relish in a final feast at a traditional Kobe kaiseki restaurant, where you can savor a multi-course extravaganza showcasing the freshest local ingredients.
  • Bid farewell to Kobe with a evening stroll along the Kobe Port Tower, enjoying the twinkling lights of the city and dreaming of your next adventure.

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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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.

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