Discover Kobe
Kobe, a city deeply rooted in history and tradition, is home to an abundance of cultural locations that are simply waiting to be discovered. As the capital of the Hyōgo Prefecture, Kobe boasts numerous sights, monuments, museums, parks, and gardens that captivate visitors, providing a fascinating insight into the city's rich heritage.
Things to see and do
Tours and Activities
FAQs
Getting around in Kobe
The easiest way around Kobe is on foot, since the major sights and attractions are within walking distance from each other. Though, some sights are located a bit further ahead, where a car or bus might be necessary. Kobe also has an extensive amount of cable cars and ropeways that will lead you up to the mountains nearby.
Travelers can also opt to buy the following passes to get around:
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Kobe Meguri 1-Day Coupon
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Coverage: all subway lines, non-Jr Trains and city buses within Kobe
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Duration: 1 day
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Price: 950 Yen
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Where to buy: Kobe Station
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City Loop Bus Day Pas
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Coverage: most tourist attractions within Kobe
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Duration: 1 day
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Price: 680 Yen
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Where to buy: Kobe Station
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Subway and Bus Day Pass
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Coverage: all subway lines and city buses within Kobe
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Duration: 1 day
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Price: 1040 Yen
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Where to buy: Kobe Station
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Getting to Kobe
Public transportation:
To get from Osaka to Kobe by public transportation, travelers need to take a train. Detailed instructions are as follows:
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Bullet Train: Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Kobe Station. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes.
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Regular Train: Take the JR Special Rapid Service from Osaka Station to Sannomiya Station in Kobe. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes.
Valid rail and bus passes:
Nearest airport:
The nearest and most convenient airport is Kobe airport.
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by car: approximately 15 minutes
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by public transport: approximately 20 minutes
Car rentals:
How long to stay in Kobe
We recommend staying here between three and four days.
Hotels in Kobe
Flights to Kobe
The nearest and most convenient airport is Kobe airport.
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by car: approximately 15 minutes
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by public transport: approximately 20 minutes
Seasonal information
Winter sports:
Ski resorts in Japan typically run from December until the end of April. Though this can differ from year to year, depending on the amount of snow.
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Mt. Rokkō Snow Park: click here for the most up-to-date information.
Scenic rides:
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Nunobiki Herb Garden Ropeway: click here for the most up-to-date information.
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Maya Cable Car: click here for the most up-to-date information.
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Kobe Seabus Fantasy: click here for the most up-to-date information.
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Rokko Cable Car: click here for the most up-to-date information.
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Kobe Bay Cruise: click here for the most up-to-date information.
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Rokko Arima Ropeway: click here for the most up-to-date information.
Hiking:
The hiking season in this area typically runs from Spring until Autumn.
Festivals in Kobe
There are several festivals here throughout the year. Please be advised that the following list is based upon previous entries of those festivals and that the dates might have changed slightly in the following year. It is also possible that the entire festival is cancelled in the case of heavy rainfall or a natural disaster. Please check with the official organisers' website for the most up-to-date information.
For the exact location of any of the festivals listed here, you can consult our map above by clicking on the icon in the upper most corner of the map to open the map legend. Festivals are hidden by default but can be made visible by clicking on the "Festivals" checkbox in the map legend.
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Kobe Festival
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Date: May 16th and 17th
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Time: 11:00 - 17:00
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Kobe Love Port Minato Festival
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Date: July 14th and 15th
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Time: 10:0 - 20:00
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Motomachi Night Market
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Date: July 23rd
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Time: 18:00 - ???
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Ikuta Shrine Ocean Summer Festival
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Date: August 3rd until 5th
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Time: 17:00 - ???
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Kobe Yosakoi Festival
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Date: August 31st and September 1st
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Kobe Alive Festival
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Date: September 14th and 15th
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Time: 10:00 - 18:30
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Kobe Harbor Carnival
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Date: September 15th
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Time: 11:00 - 18:00
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Minato Kobe Maritime Fireworks Festival
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Date: October 31st
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Kobe Luminarie
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Date: December 6th until 15th
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Time: 18:00 - 22:00
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Getting mobile data in Japan
We recommend the following options for staying connected in Japan:
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