Kobe in a Day: A Romantic Getaway

Fall in love all over again amidst the charms of Kobe, Japan.

22 April 2023

Kobe, Japan is the perfect destination for a romantic trip. With its stunning views of the city and sea, couples can take romantic walks through the illuminated streets or dine in some of the world's finest local restaurants. A visit to the iconic Kobe Port Tower or a soak in the traditional hot springs together will create unforgettable memories for any couple.

Day trip plan

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Day

Kobe in a Day

  • Start your day with a visit to the Kobe Port Tower, a towering landmark with stunning panoramic views of the city.
  • Next, head to the Kitano District, a charming area with old Western-style houses and refreshing gardens. The Snowtopia cafe offers a lovely spot for breakfast or brunch.
  • Enjoy a relaxing walk through Meriken Park, located right by the port. The park has a plethora of sculptures and installations, some even interactive. Pair it with a serene boat ride.
  • For lunch, hop on over to Chinatown, which has a myriad of eateries to try out. For local delicacies, try out steaming hot Kobe beef buns or juicy dumplings.
  • Spend the afternoon strolling through Ikuta Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in the region. Its red torii gate makes for a picturesque background for couple photoshoots.
  • End your day with the perfect sunset at Nunobiki Herb Garden. Take a cable car ride all the way up (you'll get a view of the cascading Nunobiki Waterfalls on the way) and enjoy a romantic dinner at the observation deck restaurant with a view of the city.
  • *Note: Transportation within Kobe is fairly easy with buses and trains. Get a city day pass or just for the rides you need.

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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