Trip to Kobe, Japan: how to get there, how many days and when to go

Kobe – Hyogo Destination Kobe and Himeji Capital

How to get there

Aeroporto de Kobe (UKB) Kobe · 8 km
Aeroporto Internacional de Kansai (KIX) Izumisano · 70 km
Estação Shin-Kobe 2 km

Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.

Shin-Kobe, at the foot of the range, is the bullet-train station, about 15 minutes from Shin-Osaka and 1h10 from Hiroshima. From central Osaka three rail companies — JR, Hankyu and Hanshin — reach Sannomiya. Kobe Airport handles domestic flights, and a fast ferry links Kansai Airport to Kobe in about 30 minutes.

How many days

The center, with the Kitano houses, Chinatown, the waterfront and the waterfalls, can be seen in one day. The mountain and the hot springs require another day, preferably with an overnight in Arima. Himeji is about 15 minutes by bullet train.

When to go

Spring and autumn, with mild days; the leaves on Mount Rokko and in Arima change color in November. In winter the Luminarie, a lights festival in memory of the earthquake victims, often takes over the center; check the dates. July and August are sultry in the city; on the high mountain the nights are cooler.

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

Do you need a car?

No. Trains, subway, tourist loop buses, the funicular and ropeways connect the center, Kitano, the port, Mount Rokko and Arima.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Kobe

Morning
Nunobiki and Kitano
Leave Shin-Kobe station via the Nunobiki waterfall trail and walk down to the Kitano neighborhood and its Western-style houses.
Afternoon
Nankinmachi and the port
Walk down from Sannomiya to Nankinmachi for a meal and continue to Meriken Park and the earthquake memorial.
Evening
Harborland and Kobe beef
See the waterfront light up in Harborland and have Kobe beef for dinner in the center.

2 days in Kobe

Day 1

Morning
Kitano
Visit Kitano’s Western houses and the Kitano Tenmangu shrine.
Afternoon
Nankinmachi and the port
Have lunch in Nankinmachi, visit Meriken Park, the Maritime Museum and Kobe Port Tower.

Day 2

Morning
Mount Rokko
Take the funicular up Mount Rokko and visit the viewpoints and the botanical garden.
Afternoon
Arima Onsen
Descend by ropeway or bus to Arima Onsen and bathe in the kinsen and ginsen waters.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Kobe in one day?

Nunobiki waterfalls and Kitano in the morning, Nankinmachi and the port in the afternoon, and Kobe beef for dinner at night.

What is Kobe beef?

It is meat from Tajima cattle born and raised in the prefecture, sold with an origin seal and quality rules. It is served in teppanyaki and steak restaurants, at a high price.

Is there a tourist bus in Kobe?

Yes. The City Loop bus links Sannomiya and Shin-Kobe stations with Kitano, Nankinmachi and the port.

How to get from Kansai Airport to Kobe?

By the Kobe-Kanku Bay Shuttle fast ferry, about 30 minutes to Kobe Airport, or by bus to Sannomiya in about 1 hour.

Where to stay in Kobe?

In the Sannomiya and Motomachi area, central and with stations, or in Harborland, on the bayfront. For the hot springs, Arima Onsen.

Beyond the guide

Your trip to Kobe.

How to get there

How many days

When to go

Do you need a car?

An order that works

Frequently asked questions

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