Kawaii Kobe: A Delightful 5-Day Family Adventure!

Experience the rich culture and vibrant charm of Kobe with your family in Japan's hidden gem.

19 July 2023

Kobe offers a perfect blend of modern attractions and historical charm, making it an ideal destination for a family-friendly trip. Families can explore the mesmerizing sights of Kobe Harborland, indulge in delicious Kobe beef at local restaurants, and visit the popular Kobe Animal Kingdom for an interactive experience with various animals. With its welcoming atmosphere and numerous family-oriented activities, Kobe promises unforgettable memories for all.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Welcome to Kawaii Kobe!

  • Check into Hotel Zephyr, a charming family-friendly hotel with bright, quirky rooms and a rooftop playground. It's kawaii (cute) overload!
  • Have lunch at Gudetama Café, where the world's laziest egg comes to life in delicious dishes. Don't miss the signature "Gude Gude Loco Moco"!
  • Take a stroll through Shin-Kobe Ropeway, a cable car ride up Mount Rokko for breathtaking views. Just like floating on a cloud!
  • Visit Kobe Harborland, a vibrant waterfront district with shops, cafés, and an iconic Ferris wheel. Get your photo with the giant illuminated red heart.
  • Dinner at Kobe Beef Paradise, where you can savor the legendary tender and juicy Kobe beef. An experience that will make your taste buds dance with joy!
Day 2

Kitschy Sights and Culinary Delights

  • Start the day at Kobe Oji Zoo, home to adorable animals like the playful red pandas and the majestic lions. Don't forget your camera!
  • Lunch at Okonomiyaki Chibo, where you'll create your own savory pancake masterpiece on a teppan grill. Flip, stack, and devour!
  • Explore Kitano-cho, a charming district filled with Western-style houses from the Meiji era. Feel like you've stepped into a page from history!
  • Visit Nankinmachi, Kobe's Chinatown, for vibrant streets filled with tempting Chinese delicacies and vibrant lanterns. A feast for all senses!
  • Get a taste of Kobe's nightlife at Uroko, a quirky bar where you can sip on whimsical cocktails and enjoy live jazz music. Cheers to a fabulous day!
Day 3

Adventures in Awaji Island

  • Take a day trip to Awaji Island, a scenic paradise just a short ferry ride away. Don't forget to pack your sense of adventure!
  • Explore Awaji Hanasajiki, a flower park where vibrant blooms paint the landscape in a kaleidoscope of colors. Nature's own masterpiece!
  • Enjoy a seafood feast at a local izakaya, diving into plates of fresh sashimi, grilled fish, and succulent oysters. Taste the treasures of the sea!
  • Visit Awaji Yumebutai, a mesmerizing garden complex designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando. Let the tranquility wash over you like a gentle breeze.
  • End the day by soaking in a relaxing onsen (hot spring) bath, surrounded by the peaceful nature of Awaji Island. Bliss and rejuvenation await!
Day 4

Quirky Museums and Cultural Delights

  • Begin the day at the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, where you can learn about the art of sake-making and indulge in some tasty samples. Kanpai!
  • Explore the Kobe City Museum, a treasure trove of art and history showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage. Uncover hidden stories throughout the exhibits.
  • Have lunch at Patisserie Tirol, a whimsical café known for its adorable animal-shaped pastries and mouthwatering cakes. A treat for your sweet tooth!
  • Visit the Cup Noodles Museum, where you can create your own customized cup noodles. Time to channel your inner noodle artist!
  • End the day at Nada Gogyou, an atmospheric sake bar tucked away in a traditional "hanamachi" (geisha district). Sip, relax, and immerse yourself in the local ambiance.
Day 5

Farewell, Kobe!

  • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Grandma's Kitchen, a cozy café with a nostalgic atmosphere and hearty, homemade dishes. Comfort food at its finest!
  • Take a scenic walk along Nunobiki Falls, a series of cascades nestled in a lush forest. Let nature's beauty take your breath away.
  • Visit Kobe Earthquake Memorial Museum, an emotional and educational journey that honors the resilience of the city. A somber reminder of the past.
  • Have a bittersweet farewell dinner at Ishida, a family-friendly restaurant serving mouthwatering "takoyaki" – octopus-filled savory balls of delight. Say "sayonara" to Kobe with a savory explosion!
  • Unforgettable memories and a belly full of deliciousness – that's the recipe for a perfect family trip to Kawaii Kobe!

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

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Kobe's Epic Family Adventure: Animals, Food, and City Views

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Budget-Friendly Bliss: Kobe's 4-Day Adventure!

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