Hyogo · Japan

Kobe and Himeji

Kobe, the port between the sea and Mount Rokko, with the Western-style houses of Kitano, the Chinatown district and the Arima hot springs; Himeji, with the original white castle, a World Heritage Site.

Kansai

In the photo: Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, in Kobe.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

Kobe and Himeji are in Hyogo Prefecture, west of Osaka, along the Inland Sea coast. The two cities fit into the same trip: the bullet train connects them in about 15 minutes, and Osaka is less than an hour from both.

Kobe is a port city squeezed between Osaka Bay and the Rokko mountain range. It was one of the ports opened to foreign trade in 1868, and the presence of Western and Chinese merchants left its marks: the wooden houses in the Kitano neighborhood on the hillside, the Nankinmachi Chinatown and a tradition of bakeries, cafés and pastry shops. In 1995, a major earthquake destroyed part of the city, which was rebuilt; a damaged section of the quay is preserved as a memorial.

The city offers quick access to nature. From the center, a ropeway rises to the Nunobiki waterfalls; behind the range, Mount Rokko has viewpoints, gardens and trails; and on the other side, Arima Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest hot-spring resorts. Kobe beef, from Tajima-line wagyu raised in Hyogo, has become known worldwide.

This destination brings together 2 cities: Kobe, Himeji.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where Kobe and Himeji is

Dados cartográficos: © OpenStreetMap contributors, via Wambacher / geoBoundaries (ODbL 1.0). Adapted by Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Kobe and Himeji

✈ Aeroporto de Kobe (UKB), in Kobe · 8 km to Kobe

✈ Aeroporto Internacional de Kansai (KIX), in Izumisano · 70 km to Kobe

From Shin-Osaka, the bullet train reaches Shin-Kobe in about 15 minutes and Himeji in about 30. From Osaka, JR trains reach Sannomiya in central Kobe in about 20–30 minutes. Kobe Airport has domestic flights; from Kansai Airport there is a high-speed ferry to Kobe.

Suggested arrival point: Kobe

Hyogo · Kobe and Himeji Capital Suggested arrival point

Kobe

Capital of Hyogo, Kobe occupies a narrow strip of land between the sea and the mountains. The Kitano neighborhood preserves houses of foreign merchants, Nankinmachi is the Chinatown district, and the Meriken Park waterfront has the red tower and the 1995 earthquake memorial. From the center you can climb to the Nunobiki waterfalls and Mount Rokko, and beyond it Arima Onsen is one of the country’s oldest hot-spring resorts.

Hyogo · Kobe and Himeji

Himeji

Himeji, in western Hyogo, grew around its white castle, preserved since the early 17th century, a National Treasure and World Heritage Site. Next to it are the nine gardens of Koko-en, and to the north on Mount Shosha, the Engyo-ji temple with wooden halls set in the forest. The city is about 30 minutes by bullet train from Osaka.

The local experience

Things to do in Kobe and Himeji

Himeji · Hyogo · Castle

Himeji Castle

The largest original castle in Japan, with white walls, the main tower from the early 17th century and a maze of gates and walls; a World Heritage Site.

Kobe · Hyogo · Neighborhood

Kitano Ijinkan

The hillside neighborhood of Kobe where foreign merchants lived after the port opened, with Western wooden houses open to visitors, such as the Weathercock House.

Himeji · Hyogo · Garden

Koko-en

A group of nine Japanese gardens in different styles next to Himeji Castle, located on the site of former samurai residences.

Kobe · Hyogo · Park.

Port of Kobe and Meriken Park

The Kobe port waterfront, with Meriken Park, the red Kobe Port Tower, the Maritime Museum, the 1995 earthquake memorial and the Harborland promenade.

See 5 more places in Kobe and Himeji

Himeji · Hyogo · Temple

Engyō-ji

A 10th-century Buddhist temple on top of Mount Shosha, north of Himeji, featuring the Maniden hall on wooden pillars and three large wooden halls in the forest.

Kobe · Hyogo · Mountain.

Mount Rokko

The 931-meter mountain behind Kobe, reached by cable car, with viewpoints over Osaka Bay, gardens, trails and a famous night view of the city.

Kobe · Hyogo · Hot spring resort

Arima Onsen

One of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts, beyond Mount Rokko, with reddish kinsen waters and clear ginsen waters, and hilly streets lined with bathing houses.

Kobe · Hyogo · Waterfall

Nunobiki Falls

Four falls on the Ikuta River, a few minutes’ walk from Shin-Kobe Station, along a woodland trail, with a ropeway and an herb garden above.

Kobe · Hyogo · Neighborhood

Nankinmachi

Kobe’s Chinatown, formed after the port opened, with the Choanmon gate, a pavilion in the center and streets full of food stalls.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

Spring, when the cherry trees in Himeji bloom around late March to early April, and autumn, with the leaves on Mount Rokko and at Engyo-ji in November. Summer is hot and humid, cooler up on Mount Rokko. In winter, the Luminarie light festival often illuminates downtown Kobe; check the dates.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

One day for Kobe, covering Kitano, the harbor and Nankinmachi; an additional day for Mount Rokko and Arima Onsen. Himeji requires half a day for the castle and Koko-en, or a full day including Engyo-ji. Both can be done from Osaka.

Which city to stay in

In Kobe, the Sannomiya and Motomachi area is central, with stations, restaurants and walking access to Kitano and the harbor. The Harborland waterfront has hotels with bay views. Arima Onsen has ryokan with hot springs, for an overnight stay in the mountains. In Himeji, accommodations are near the station, about a 15-minute walk from the castle.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Kobe and Himeji

How many days should you stay in Kobe and Himeji?

One day for Kobe, another for Mount Rokko and Arima Onsen, and half a day or a full day for Himeji. Both can be done as day trips from Osaka.

Can you do a day trip from Osaka to Himeji?

Yes. The bullet train takes about 30 minutes from Shin-Osaka, and the JR rapid train about 1 hour from Osaka Station.

How do you get from Kobe to Himeji?

By bullet train from Shin-Kobe in about 15 minutes, or by JR rapid train from Sannomiya in about 40 minutes.

Do you need a car in Kobe and Himeji?

No. Trains, subways, ropeways and buses connect central Kobe, Mount Rokko, Arima and Himeji.

Where to try Kobe beef?

At teppanyaki and steak restaurants serving Kobe beef, especially in central areas like Sannomiya and Motomachi. Kobe beef is certified and expensive; check the menu beforehand.

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Beyond the guide

Kobe and Himeji

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.