Experience the Best of Kobe in 5 Days

Experience the beauty and flavors of Japan's coastal gem in Kobe.

22 April 2023

Kobe is a charming city located in the Hyogo Prefecture of Japan. While in Kobe, a tourist can explore the city's iconic landmarks such as the Kobe Port Tower and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, which is the world's longest suspension bridge. Additionally, one can indulge in Kobe's famous beef, stroll through the vibrant markets downtown, and enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Rokko.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrive in Kobe

  • Check-in at Hotel Kitano Plaza Rokkoso, a charming hotel nestled among the historic buildings in Kobe's Kitano district.
  • Take a stroll around the neighborhood and admire the Western-style architecture.
  • Visit Sorakuen Garden, a traditional Japanese garden with a pond, bridges, and teahouse.
  • Head to Chinatown for a taste of Kobe's famous beef dumplings.
  • End the night with a glass of sake at Motoyama Shrine.
Day 2

Kobe's Food Scene

  • Start the day with breakfast at Komeda Coffee, a popular chain that originated in Nagoya.
  • Visit Nishiki Market to try local specialties like takoyaki, octopus balls, and kobe beef skewers.
  • Take a cooking class at Ubumi Cooking School and learn how to make Japanese dishes like sushi and tempura.
  • Have dinner at Wakkoqu, a high-end restaurant that serves some of the best kobe beef in the city.
  • Indulge in dessert at Kobe Pudding Factory, where you can sample different flavors of custard pudding.
Day 3

Explore Mt. Rokko

  • Take the ropeway up Mt. Rokko for stunning views of Kobe and Osaka Bay.
  • Visit Rokko Garden Terrace, a complex of shops, restaurants, and a planetarium.
  • Try forest bathing by taking a walk in the woods at Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden.
  • Enjoy a hot spring bath at Arima Onsen, a historic hot spring town.
  • Have dinner at Jidoriya, a restaurant that specializes in chicken dishes.
Day 4

Kobe's Art and Culture

  • Visit Kobe City Museum to see exhibits on the city's history and art.
  • Explore Kitano-cho, a neighborhood with many historic mansions that are open to the public.
  • See a performance at Kobe Kokusai Hall, a concert hall that hosts a variety of music events.
  • Have lunch at Kobe Motomachi Doria, a cafe that serves delicious baked rice with cheese.
  • Visit Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden and take a scenic ropeway ride for views of the city and the sea.
Day 5

Kobe's Coastline

  • Take a walk along Meriken Park and see the iconic Kobe Port Tower and Kobe Maritime Museum.
  • Visit Kobe Animal Kingdom and see a variety of animals including flamingos and capybaras.
  • Have lunch at Harborland, a shopping and entertainment district with plenty of restaurants and cafes.
  • Visit Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the world's longest suspension bridge, and take in the views of the ocean.
  • End the trip with a seafood dinner at Kappo Suifu, a traditional Japanese restaurant with an ocean view.

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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