A Lovely Long Weekend in Kobe, Japan

Fall in love with Kobe, where the charm of Japan meets the allure of romance.

22 April 2023

A romantic trip to Kobe, Japan promises couples an unforgettable experience. Enjoy scenic views of the city from the top of Kobe Port Tower, take a romantic stroll along the picturesque Kobe Harborland, and indulge in the world-renowned Kobe beef at one of the city's top-rated restaurants. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, Kobe has something to offer all types of couples.

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Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Welcome to Kobe!

  • Check-in at Hotel La Suite Kobe Harborland, a luxurious hotel boasting stunning harbor views
  • Wander through the Kobe Herb Garden, a beautiful garden of Mediterranean herbs
  • Take a stroll around Meriken Park, a waterfront park showcasing the city's historic past and modern-day present
  • Learn about sake making at the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
  • Indulge in Kobe beef at Steak Aoyama, a perfect introduction to Kobe's famous cuisine
Day 2

City Exploration

  • Head to the Kitano neighborhood for a glimpse into the city's foreign past with western-style houses
  • Explore the Nunobiki Falls, a series of waterfalls accessible by a scenic ropeway ride
  • Shop at Kobe's fashionable boutiques and department stores on Motomachi Shopping Street
  • Take a scenic walk along the waterfront and Yokohama Wharf, a place for live music and food entertainment
  • Have a romantic dinner at the elegant French restaurant Le Coeur, located in a renovated townhouse
Day 3

Culture and Entertainment

  • Head to Kobe City Museum to learn about the city's history and culture in a grand hall
  • Visit the Ikuta Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Japan, has a stunning architecture
  • Watch a performance at the Kobe Kokusai Hall, one of the city's premier performing arts venue
  • Check out Kobe Animal Kingdom, a zoo with various exotic animals like pandas, kangaroos, and penguins
  • Dine at Genghis Khan Daruma, a Mongolian-style BBQ restaurant that draws locals and tourists alike
Day 4

Day Trip to Himeji and Beyond

  • Take a train to Himeji and visit Himeji Castle, Japan's most beautiful and well-preserved castle
  • Explore the Kokoen Garden next to the castle, featuring nine beautiful Japanese traditional gardens
  • Go shopping at AEON Mall Himeji, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the region
  • Take a short train ride to the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the world's longest suspension bridge in standing
  • Have a dinner at Ito Shokudo, a seafood and sushi restaurant featuring the freshest catch-of-the-day
  • End of the trip!

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

Kobe in 3: A Romantic Guide

A romantic trip to Kobe, Japan promises a perfect blend of traditional and modern experiences. Indulge in exquisite Kobe beef, relax in hot springs, and take a stroll hand-in-hand through the vibrant Kobe Harborland. Don't forget to visit Mount Rokko for stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Kobe on a Budget: The Ultimate Day Trip Guide

Kobe on a budget? No problem! From strolling the atmospheric streets of Kitano to visiting the city's famous Kitano-cho mansions, exploring the Kobe City Museum, or waking around the Meriken Park, there are plenty of budget-friendly things to do in Kobe. You can also enjoy a variety of delicious and affordable meals, such as Kobe beef burgers, sushi, and street food, and stay in affordable accommodation like hostels or capsule hotels.

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 on a Budget: 3 Days of Adventure

Visiting Kobe, Japan on a limited budget is possible and rewarding. Delicious food can be found at affordable prices at street vendors, while the scenic Rokko Mountain offers free hikes and spectacular views of the city. A trip to the iconic Kobe Port Tower may also be possible with reasonable admission fees for the observation deck.