Kobe, a coastal city in Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture next to Osaka, is a fascinating blend of international flair and traditional Japanese culture. This vibrant port city offers visitors a unique combination of stunning natural scenery, world-famous cuisine, and diverse attractions that appeal to all types of travelers. Kobe provides an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Japan’s modern and historical elements.
What to do in Kobe?
1. Anpanman Children’s Museum & Mall
The Anpanman Children’s Museum & Mall is a magical destination where kids can meet the beloved bread superhero character, there are lots of things to do with kids. The attraction consists of a museum on the 2nd floor (ticket required) and a free shopping mall on the 1st floor. You can experience familiar worlds from picture books and animations at facilities like “Hill of Bread Factory” and “Anpanman-go,” while enjoying the “Theater” with Anpanman and his friends, and “Bacteria Man’s Secret Base” with machines made by Bacteria Man - making it perfect for family trips.
The shopping mall offers a variety of Anpanman-themed merchandise that makes for great souvenirs.
2. Kobe Harborland
Kobe Harborland, located in the waterfront area, is a large-scale commercial and entertainment complex covering approximately 18.5 hectares. This comprehensive tourist destination features many large-scale mixed commercial facilities. The “Kobe Brick Wharf” is a cargo warehouse built in the late 1890s. Today, it’s not only a popular shopping destination but also a popular tourist spot with a strong historical atmosphere that allows you to feel the exotic atmosphere. You can enjoy a 10-minute aerial walk by taking the “Mosaic Plaza Ferris Wheel” to overlook Kobe’s cityscape and Rokko Mountain.
The extensive waterfront recreational commercial area “Harborland” offers visitors a unique blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The red brick warehouses create a romantic European atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the modern skyline. When you’re short on time, you should definitely spend at least a few hours here browsing the shops and enjoying the waterfront views.
3. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge connects Kobe City in Hyogo Prefecture with Awaji Island. With a total length of 3,911 meters and a distance of 1,991 meters between the two main towers, it’s famous as the world’s longest suspension bridge. The main towers that suspend the bridge deck with cables are 300 meters high! The bridge looks romantic when illuminated at night. By the way, in addition to transportation, this bridge also offers an experience activity where you can climb the main tower!
The bridge is particularly stunning when illuminated at night, creating a beautiful sight that’s especially romantic for couples. If you’re an adventure seeker like me, you won’t want to miss the tower climbing experience, which offers an incredible 360-degree view of the surrounding area from 300 meters above sea level.
4. Enjoy Chinese Cuisine While Walking Around Chinatown! (Sannomiya & Motomachi Areas)
Located about a 5-minute walk from Motomachi Station is Nankinmachi, one of Japan’s representative Chinatowns in western Japan. Within an area of about 270 meters east-west and 110 meters north-south, over 100 shops line the streets.
You can enjoy Chinese lunch, and there are many snack vendors - go ahead and buy some snacks to enjoy! The image shows Peking Duck. Take the crispy, freshly roasted Peking duck skin with green onions and drizzle with sweet sauce. The crispy and fragrant Peking duck skin is incredibly delicious!
You’ll also find Kakuni Bao (stewed Dongpo pork buns) at many establishments - they’re delicious and substantial. While prices vary by establishment, they’re roughly in the range of a few hundred yen - go ahead and try various street foods!
The vibrant atmosphere of Nankinmachi is particularly exciting during evening hours when the red lanterns are lit. If you’re traveling with family, this is an excellent place to experience diverse flavors without committing to a full restaurant meal.
5. Pray for Love at Ikuta Shrine
Ikuta Shrine has a long history of 1,800 years and has been deeply trusted by the people. It’s affectionately called “Ikuta Daimyo, who ties good relationships” by locals. The shrine is famous for its efficacy in love relationships, business success, and health and longevity, and many artists and athletes also visit to pray. The shrine is conveniently located about 10 minutes’ walk from “Sannomiya Station” and “Motomachi Station” in the center of Kobe.
The shrine is particularly known for enshrining the god of good relationships. The peaceful atmosphere offers a welcome respite from the bustling city, and the beautiful architecture provides great photo opportunities. I highly recommend visiting during cherry blossom season when the temple grounds are particularly beautiful.
6. Enjoy Kobe Night View from Mount Maya
Kobe’s night view is one of Japan’s three best night views. Particularly beautiful is the night view from Mount Maya’s Koshoin Platform. It’s easily accessible from the center of Kobe and is a popular date spot.
On clear days, you can see as far as Kansai International Airport toward Osaka, and during the crisp winter air, the view is particularly stunning. Kobe’s night view is also called the “Million Dollar Night View” - when the total electricity consumption of all the lights seen from this observatory is calculated, it’s approximately 10 million dollars.
The night view from Mount Maya is absolutely breathtaking and truly one of the most spectacular views in Japan. You can reach the observation deck by car or by taking the Maya Ropeway. If you want to see the best view, aim for the evening and make sure to bring a jacket as it can get quite cool at the summit.
7. Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street
Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street is an arcade shopping street about 1.2 kilometers long with approximately 300 stores. In the Motomachi 1-chome, 3-chome, 4-chome, 5-chome, and 6-chome districts, new and old stores coexist, with various stores from fashion, general goods to restaurants bustling with shoppers.
The shopping street hosts various events throughout the year. The most attractive are the “Motomachi Night Market” in July and the “Kobe Motomachi Music Week” in October. During the event periods, food stalls gather and the entire district becomes lively.
This arcade-style shopping street full of exotic atmosphere is a great place for shopping and strolling. The covered walkways make it perfect to visit regardless of weather conditions. During my last visit, I was impressed by the mix of international brands and local shops that create a unique shopping experience.
8. Music Box & Instrument Making Experience
Located on Rokko Mountain, the museum displays collections of antique music boxes and automatic organs manufactured in European and American countries from the late 19th to early 20th century. In the most popular program “Concert Without Musicians,” you can listen to seasonal theme songs that play automatically.
In the workshop, there are experiences such as music box assembly, castanet and kalimba making. Professional staff provide careful guidance and assistance, so even first-time participants don’t need to worry.
In this healing museum filled with various “sounds” and the nature of Rokko Mountain, you can also try the assembly experience of making your own music box. The experience is both educational and relaxing, making it perfect for families or anyone interested in mechanical music.
9. Tower Top Experience (Akashi Kaikyo Bridge)
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge’s tower top experience is an exciting activity where you ascend 300 meters to the main tower from a normally prohibited management passage! From the top of the 300-meter tower, you can see a unique panoramic view that will leave an unforgettable memory!
This thrilling experience is not for the faint-hearted but offers an incredible perspective of the bridge and surrounding area. The climb to the top takes you through the inner structure of the bridge, providing insight into the engineering marvel that is the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.
What local food and cuisine to try in Kobe?
1. Kobe Beef
Kobe beef is one of Japan’s most famous wagyu brands, known worldwide for its rich marbling and tender texture. Only Tajima cattle that pass strict standards can receive the Kobe beef designation - making it a premium meat product.
Recommended restaurants/shops:
-
Sumiyaki Niku Ishidaya. Hanare: Uses award-winning Kobe beef, offering a high-quality charcoal-grilled meat experience
- Price range: Mid-range, approximately ¥6,000-8,000
- Google Map
-
Kobe Gyu Steak Sai DINING: Offers A5-grade Kobe beef with melt-in-your-mouth high-quality steaks
- Price range: High-end, approximately ¥10,000-13,000
- Google Map
-
ISAGO Kobe Hotel: Offers kaiseki cuisine with Kobe beef and Seto Inland Sea seafood
- Price range: High-end, approximately ¥10,000-20,000
- Google Map
-
Kobe Gyuu Yakiniku Ishidaya. Kitanozaka Ten: Offers Kobe beef yakiniku and shabu-shabu
- Price range: Mid-range, approximately ¥6,000-8,000
- Google Map
-
Kobesuteki Ishida. Hon Ten: High-quality Kobe steaks selected personally by the owner from Hyogo Prefecture contract farms
- Price range: High-end, approximately ¥8,000-10,000
- Google Map
-
Kitano BURN: Offers Kobe beef teppanyaki courses including appetizers, soup, salad, Kobe beef sushi, Kobe beef steak, rice, and dessert
- Price range: High-end, approximately ¥9,900
- Google Map
When you visit Kobe, you absolutely need to try authentic Kobe beef - it’s a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience that defines Japanese cuisine. I’ve personally tried several of these establishments, and each offers a unique way to experience this premium beef.
2. Akashi Yakko
Akashi Yakko is a specialty dish from Akashi City in Hyogo Prefecture. Similar to takoyaki but with a softer, more juicy texture, it’s usually served with broth rather than sauce. The specialty is fresh octopus caught in the Akashi Strait.
Recommended restaurants/shops:
-
TACHIBANA: Located in the center of Kobe’s Sannomiya, offers authentic Akashi Yakko
- Price range: Budget-friendly, approximately ¥700 (10 pieces)
- Google Map
-
Funamachi (ふなまち): Offers Akashi Yakko made with fresh Akashi octopus
- Price range: Budget-friendly, approximately ¥600-900
- Google Map
These small, local establishments offer a more authentic experience than tourist-oriented restaurants. The difference in texture and flavor compared to regular takoyaki is remarkable.
3. Kobe Ramen
Kobe has a unique ramen culture, especially featuring ramen made with Kobe beef bones and local soy sauce ramen specialties.
Recommended restaurants/shops:
-
Tenma Ramen Akashi Main Store: White salt ramen made with chicken bones simmered for over 8 hours
- Price range: Budget-friendly, approximately ¥650-1,000
- Google Map
-
Ramen Ichiran: Chicken white broth ramen specialty shop focusing on chicken white broth
- Price range: Budget-friendly, approximately ¥800-1,200
- Google Map
Kobe’s ramen scene is particularly interesting because it incorporates local ingredients and flavors. The beef bone broths create a unique taste that you won’t find elsewhere.
4. Yoshoku (Western-style Japanese Food)
As a port city, Kobe has a rich yoshoku culture, featuring a unique style that blends Western cuisine with Japanese tastes, including hamburger steaks, tonkatsu, and pasta.
Recommended restaurants/shops:
-
ESPICE: Modern French cuisine handmade by a chef who trained in a three-star French restaurant
- Price range: High-end, approximately ¥13,000-23,000
- Google Map
-
Brasserie Potiron: French restaurant blending Hyogo local ingredients with seasonal ingredients
- Price range: Mid-to-high, approximately ¥5,500
- Google Map
-
Ohfuu Ryouri MON: Historic yoshoku restaurant offering tonkatsu set meals and more
- Price range: Mid-range, approximately ¥1,980-3,000
- Google Map
Kobe’s yoshoku tradition dates back to the Meiji era when the city opened to international trade. These restaurants showcase how Western techniques were adapted to Japanese tastes.
5. Japanese Chinese Cuisine
Kobe’s Nankinmachi is one of Japan’s three major Chinatowns, offering authentic Chinese cuisine including Peking duck, xiaolongbao, and meat buns.
Recommended restaurants/shops:
-
Shanghai Gyoza Nankinmachi Store: Rare Japanese gyoza specialty store
- Price range: Budget-friendly, approximately ¥1,000-2,000
- Google Map
-
Roushouki: Japan’s oldest pork bun specialty store, opened in 1915
- Price range: Budget-friendly, approximately ¥500-1,000
- Google Map
The Chinese restaurants in Nankinmachi have been serving the community for decades, with some establishments having been in business for over a century.
6. Kobe Sweets
Kobe is famous for its high-quality sweets, especially Western-style desserts including French pastries, cheesecakes, and café desserts.
Recommended restaurants/shops:
-
Patisserie Mont Plus: Called “the magician of meringues,” a French pastry shop
- Price range: Mid-range, approximately ¥500-1,500
- Google Map
-
PATISSERIE TOOTH TOOTH: Famous French pastry shop
- Price range: Mid-range, approximately ¥500-1,200
- Google Map
-
.donut factory: Kobe’s fresh donut specialty shop
- Price range: Budget-friendly, approximately ¥200-500
- Google Map
-
comme chinois: A bread shop beloved by locals, awarded among Tabelog’s top 100 bread shops
- Price range: Mid-range, approximately ¥800-1,500
- Google Map
Kobe’s sweet scene reflects its international character, with French patisseries being particularly prominent. These establishments offer sophisticated desserts that are perfect for taking home as gifts.
7. Teppanyaki
Kobe’s teppanyaki restaurants offer high-quality Kobe beef and other seafood ingredients, making it one of the best ways to enjoy Kobe beef in its original form.
Recommended restaurants/shops:
-
Kobe Steak Sakura: Offers high-quality Kobe beef steaks
- Price range: High-end, approximately ¥8,000-12,000
- Google Map
-
Teppan Yaki Kobe Fuji: Offers okonomiyaki, yakiniku, and other teppan dishes
- Price range: Mid-range, approximately ¥5,000
- Google Map
The teppanyaki experience in Kobe is particularly special because you can watch skilled chefs prepare your meal while enjoying the finest beef available.
8. Seafood
Kobe’s proximity to the port means you can enjoy fresh seafood including sushi, sashimi, and conger eel dishes.
Recommended restaurants/shops:
-
Hitomaru Kadan Taian Sannomiya Store: Offers fresh Akashi tai (sea bream) shabu-shabu
- Price range: Mid-range, approximately ¥2,500-6,000
- Google Map
-
Higaki Kobe: Offers conger eel box sushi
- Price range: Mid-to-high, approximately ¥1,500-3,000
- Google Map
-
Sushi-Ichi Himeji: Famous for conger eel dishes, offering steamed conger eel, conger eel sushi, and more
- Price range: Mid-to-high, approximately ¥1,200-2,000
- Google Map
The seafood in Kobe is particularly fresh due to the city’s position as a major port. Many restaurants source directly from local fishing boats.
9. Jidori Chicken
Dishes made with locally specific breed chickens have tender texture with good chewiness.
Recommended restaurants/shops:
- DINING Izakaya Toridokoro: Offers Hyogo Prefecture’s Tanba Akadoki jidori chicken dishes
- Price range: Mid-range, approximately ¥800-3,000
- Google Map
The local chicken varieties in the Hyogo area are known for their superior flavor and texture compared to standard chicken breeds.
10. Popular Local Food
Kobe’s street food and popular local food also has its own characteristics, including crepes and katsudon.
Recommended restaurants/shops:
-
Katsudon Yoshibe Main Store: Katsudon specialty shop with various flavor options
- Price range: Budget-friendly, approximately ¥800-1,500
- Google Map
-
Onihei Croquette: Croquettes made with high-quality Hokkaido potatoes
- Price range: Budget-friendly, approximately ¥600
- Google Map
-
Hyoutan Sannomiya Store: Gyoza specialty shop using red miso sauce
- Price range: Budget-friendly, approximately ¥1,000-2,000
- Google Map
These local food options provide excellent value for money while offering authentic flavors that locals enjoy every day.
What souvenirs and local products to buy in Kobe?
Kobe has many famous souvenirs, including Freundlieb cookies, Kobe pudding, and Fukuzumido’s French galettes.
- Kobe Pudding - TORAKU brand, awarded the International Quality Assessment highest gold award
- Fukuzumido Gaufres - Crispy wafers filled with vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate cream
- FREUNDLIEB “MIMI” - Heart-shaped cream pastries
- Kobe beef-related processed products - Various souvenirs made from Kobe beef
- Kobe wine - Local specialty wine
- Foreigner House style products - Souvenirs with Kobe characteristics
These souvenirs are readily available at major department stores, train stations, and specialized shops throughout the city. For the best selection, visit the souvenir shops at Harborland or the department stores in Sannomiya.
Transportation options in Kobe
- Kansai Airport to Kobe: JR express train approximately 2 hours
- Osaka to Kobe: About 20 minutes (JR Kobe Line or Hankyu/Hanshin Electric Railway)
Kobe is well-connected to other major cities in the Kansai region, making it easy to visit as part of a larger Japan trip. The city’s own transportation system includes trains, buses, and subways that connect all major attractions.
Final Thoughts
Kobe offers an incredible blend of culinary excellence, stunning natural views, and diverse cultural experiences that make it a must-visit destination in Japan. If you’re planning to explore more of Japan, check out my complete guides to Osaka and Kyoto to make the most of your Kansai region adventure!