Kobe, Japan: A Day Trip of Sights and Flavors

Experience the cultural and culinary delights of Kobe, Japan.

22 April 2023

As a tourist visiting Kobe, you can indulge in the city's famous Kobe beef and explore the bustling Chinatown. You can also admire the panoramic view of the city from the observation deck of the Kobe Port Tower or take a relaxing stroll through the scenic Meriken Park. Finally, make sure to visit the Hakutsuru Sake Museum and enjoy a tasting of traditional Japanese sake.

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Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring the Sights and Tastes of Kobe

  • Begin your day with a stroll through Kobe's picturesque Kitano neighborhood, known for its historic Western-style houses and stunning views of the city.
  • Head to the iconic Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, where you can stroll through fields of fragrant flowers and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.
  • Satisfy your appetite with a delicious Kobe beef lunch at a local restaurant, where the meat is famously tender and juicy.
  • Take a ride up to the top of the Kobe Port Tower for stunning views of the city and the waterfront.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the lively Chinatown area, where you can sample all sorts of tasty street food and browse through shops selling everything from trinkets to incense.
  • End your day with a visit to the stunning Ikuta Shrine, one of Kobe's oldest and most revered Shinto shrines, before settling in for a relaxing hot spring bath at a traditional onsen.

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

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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Kobe on a Budget: The Ultimate Day Trip Guide

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