Three Perfect Days in Kōbe, Japan
Walkable, compact Kōbe is easy to get to know. Nestled between the mountains and the sea, this cosmopolitan Japanese city near Osaka, on the southern side of Honshū, exudes sea-breezy charm.
Accessible via a 30-minute train ride from Osaka – or just 60 minutes from Kyoto or 90 minutes from Kansai Airport – Kōbe offers world-renowned cuisine, stunning waterfalls, revolving restaurants, and more, with far fewer tourist crowds than neighboring Osaka. Here’s a guide to spending three perfect days in Kōbe.
Day 1: Experience Kōbe – Herb Gardens, Famous Falls, and Live Jazz
Kōbe consists of four central neighborhoods, ideal for exploration on foot, complemented by plentiful English signage for ease of navigation. Alternatively, less active travelers can hop on the Kōbe City Loop bus, which links all the city’s key sights, including Chinatown and the Waterfront.
Willing adventurers should start their journey at Shin-Kobe station, where visitors commonly disembark from the bullet train. From this point, it’s a quick five-minute walk to the ropeway that carries you to the lofty Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens, offering breathtaking 400m-high views across the city entangled with the sea.
As you meander back through greenhouses and landscaped gardens, take moments to appreciate the view and relax your feet in the free outdoor foot spa, where you can immerse them in warm herb-infused waters. If you’re with a special someone, don’t miss the “lovers’ bell” – ring it together to symbolize your lasting relationship. Afterward, continue down to Nunobiki Falls, a site that has inspired numerous Japanese artworks and poems.
Back in the heart of the city, the Sannomiya district boasts an array of international bars and restaurants. A dinner at a convivial izakaya (Japanese pub-restaurant) is a must, sampling local Kōbe specialties such as misodare gyoza (dumpling with miso sauce) and sobameshi (a mixture of fried noodles and rice).
Cap off the night at Sone, Kōbe’s premier live-jazz bar where eclectic visitors have gathered since 1969. Enjoy the ambiance created by stained glass and elegant tables, all while listening to local musicians perform.
Day 2: Savor Kōbe – Local Sake and World-Renowned Beef
To start Day 2 in Kōbe, take a 15-minute train ride to the Nada-gogō district, a prominent sake brewing center that produces a distinctive sharp-flavored version of this traditional Japanese beverage. For a quick experience, visit the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, where the history of sake brewing is explained in English, coupled with tastings in a venue that melds modern facilities with traditional architecture.
For lunch, return to Sannomiya and explore local boulangeries and patisseries. Kōbe has a rich bakery culture, being one of Japan’s top three bread consumers. Famous Isuzu Bakery combines sweet and savory French-style baked goods remarkably. Their iconic curry pan, featuring beef curry stuffed into a fluffy doughnut, is a unique taste sensation.
Another must-try is Kōbe beef, known worldwide for its tender, melt-in-the-mouth quality. This high-grade wagyu beef features perfectly marbled fat that creates a sumptuous flavor. Only a few restaurants outside of Japan are authorized to serve the real deal, making it essential to dine at a registered Kōbe beef restaurant such as Misono, the pioneer of teppanyaki.
To round off the day, consider visiting the waterfront Sake Taru Lounge inside the iconic Kōbe Port Tower. Here, you can sample local sake while enjoying spectacular views over the sea towards Mount Rokko, setting the stage for tomorrow’s adventures. The bar rotates 360 degrees, offering ever-changing panoramic vistas.
Day 3: Explore Beyond Kōbe – A Ten-Million-Dollar View and Rejuvenating Onsen
Ascend the green sentinel of Mount Rokko for unparalleled views of Kōbe and its surroundings. The 10-minute ride in a cable car is filled with the sounds of nature, providing a soothing ambiance.
Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking visuals, with layers of mountain greenery contrasting against the sparkling Kōbe skyline and the vast blue sea. As the sun sets, your experience amplifies with a view famously dubbed the ‘10-million-dollar nightscape’ as city lights flicker to life.
Complete your Kōbe journey in Japan’s oldest onsen (hot spring) town. A quick ropeway ride takes you to the serene Arima Onsen. Here, traditional ryokan accommodations await, complete with sliding doors and tatami mats, providing an authentic Japanese lodging experience.
Before indulging in an onsen, take time to explore the temples nestled in the hills or wander through picturesque lanes lined with wooden shopfronts.
In the onsen area, choose between Kinsen ‘gold waters’ known for their iron richness, or Ginsen ‘silver waters’ that benefit joint pain. Alternatively, use the onsen facilities at your ryokan to unwind before dinner.
Most ryokan serve a delightful kaiseki meal, a seasonal feast presented in an array of charming dishes, creating a satisfying conclusion to your enriching experience of Kōbe and its delightful surroundings.
