Romantic 5-Day Getaway: Kobe, Japan

Experience love and luxury in Kobe, Japan - a city perfect for passionate souls.

22 April 2023

Kobe is a perfect destination for couples seeking a romantic getaway. Highlights of a trip here could include soaking in a rooftop hot spring with stunning views of the city and gardens, indulging in the world-famous Kobe beef at a chic restaurant, and taking a romantic twilight stroll along the Kobe Harborland promenade.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Welcome to Kobe!

  • Check-in to the Kitano Hotel, a charming boutique hotel with a French restaurant and a beautiful garden.
  • Walk around Kitano neighborhood, known for its Western architecture and trendy shops.
  • Visit Ikuta Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Japan, and learn about its history and customs.
  • Try the famous Kobe beef at Wakkoqu restaurant, where you can grill your own meat on a hot stone table.
  • Have a nightcap at Bar K, a classy cocktail lounge hidden in a narrow alley.
Day 2

Explore the city

  • Take the Kobe City Loop bus, a hop-on-hop-off tour that covers all the major attractions.
  • Stop at Meriken Park and take a photo with the famous Kobe Tower and the giant Kobe Port Tower.
  • Visit Kobe Earthquake Memorial Museum to learn about the 1995 earthquake that devastated the city.
  • Stroll through Nankinmachi, a lively Chinatown filled with food stalls and souvenir shops.
  • Have a sushi lunch at Sushi Ooedo, a local favorite with fresh seafood and affordable prices.
Day 3

Escape to nature

  • Take a train to Arima Onsen, a picturesque hot spring town nestled in the mountains.
  • Soak in a private onsen at one of the many ryokans, traditional Japanese inns.
  • Walk around the town and try the local treats, such as Arima cake and chestnut ice cream.
  • Take a cable car to Mount Rokko for stunning views of the city and the sea.
  • Have a kaiseki dinner at Hanasato, a Michelin-starred restaurant with creative cuisine and impeccable service.
Day 4

Art lover's paradise

  • Visit the Kobe City Museum and see the impressive collection of archaeological artifacts and modern art.
  • Walk to Kobe Harborland and stop at Anpanman Museum, a playful museum for kids and adults.
  • Take a boat ride around the harbor and admire the city skyline from the water.
  • Visit the Kobe Fashion Museum and see the elegant dresses and accessories from the past century.
  • Have a casual dinner at Kobe Beef KISE, a cozy restaurant that serves Kobe beef burgers and craft beer.
Day 5

Sayonara, Kobe!

  • Sleep in and have breakfast at the hotel's garden terrace, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
  • Walk to Kitanozaka, a steep slope with colorful buildings and souvenir shops.
  • Stop at Kobe Kitano Museum and learn about the history of the neighborhood and its residents.
  • Have a final lunch at Kobe Plaisir, a French restaurant with panoramic views of the city.
  • Take a taxi to JR Kobe Station and catch a train to your next destination, filled with memories of Kobe's charm and beauty.

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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