From the Japanese gardens to their lakes, the country has amazing must-see best attractions. There is beauty to experience whilst on holiday everywhere, but especially in Japan. But exactly what are the things to see and do in Kobe City?
On a visit to Osaka, we ventured to this small city for a full day out and was Kobe worth it? A resounding yes.
Continue reading to discover why you should consider visiting this important port city. If you're ever traveling to Osaka, call in on Kobe also. It's a great deal, two for one. Because Kobe is only 33km distant to the west, and by train you can get there in no time. It's no hassle at all.
Do be aware in Japan there are any number of train companies ― knowing which one to go with can be confusing.
From what we gathered, the train company you travel with may be down to the location, or station. Choose one which is closest to your hotel. If you're unsure, ask reception and they'll clue you in. Our taxi driver took us to Osaka Umeda Station. Luck would have it; we only waited a few minutes to board the Kobe City bound train.
Train services in Japan are excellent, clean compartments and very little rail noise. Journey progress is up to date in real time ― our journey was going to take 48 minutes on departure. Arriving in Kobe Sannomiya Station was seamless and super-fast and pleasant.
As you walk out of the train station you walk into the heart of the city.
Of all the major cities on Japan's main Island, Kobe City is the sixth largest. Being a port city is very important to Island life. For overseas tourists, Kobe is a city of convenience. Many of the attractions you want to experience are close to each other, walking distance is brief.
We returned to Osaka by early evening of course. But were you to decide on staying a night in Kobe, choose a hotel close to the city center. Renowned for incredible outdoor trails, Kobe is a city shadowed by mountains. Amazing sights, and emotions because not too far off is the iconic Mount Rokko.
That, in our opinion is the city's main attraction. We are outdoor enthusiasts and love trekking for hours on end. Did this mountain influence our decision on choosing Kobe for a day trip? Yes, it did. Your day out to Kobe may be for differing reasons but also consider this attraction.
The trails may not interest you, and that's okay. Use the cable car to reach the 930m summit all the same, as we did from the trails. Both methods of ascending produce the same results:
The cable car system in place takes you most of the way. Start your 15-minute journey from the base, which is the Rokko Cable Shita Station. Other amazing Kobe attractions to see and do include:
There is a bus that loops the city for tourists you can hop on and off. It's our suggestion you pay to get on the tour. Some of the best sights of the city are during the tour because the guide points out the best features.
Afterwards you can head to the waterfront for Hyogo Museum of Modern Art. The museum hosts many pieces of art and sculpture from Japan's top artists. The museum is one of the biggest in Japan in fact, and we lost a few hours in there.
Japan remembers the terrible loss of life in the 1995 earthquake event. The Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park.
We missed out on it due to time constraints but from another couple we met in with, they said it's worth visiting. It isn't too far from the Kobe Maritime Museum either. And that's the thing about Kobe City ― there's a lot of museums for culture vultures.
If Japanese arts and culture is of great interest to you, do visit Kobe City.
Read Also: 5 of the Most Beautiful Japanese Gardens You'll Want to See
When is the best time to visit Kobe?
And thus, Kobe is either later in the year or early in the year. For sure we recommend you visit in the spring for the cherry blossoms. The whole of Japan is ready for huge crowds who come and gather for the once in the year flowering.
If you can get a week off work for Valentine, then make arrangements for a short break to Japan. Only, don't go to Tokyo City, but fly direct to Osaka's Kansai International Airport.
What is amazing, is you can travel direct no stops from London Heathrow. Or you can opt to stop over in any number of the cities in China first, beforehand. For example, Xi'an City or Chengdu City. Both are the most popular stops for connecting travelers to Japan from Europe.
How unbelievable is that? As a Valentines present, what a powerful and awesome romantic trip for two.
When it comes to the best cuisine in Kobe, this port city is famous for its Wagyu beef. There is a certain traditional flair in the manner the dish served in the city's restaurants. We loved the marble effect of the meat (layers of fat through the meat) how it adds to the texture and bold flavor.
When dining out, ask for Beef Teppanyaki, when the waiter hands you the menu. This is Kobe's premium raised beef grilled on a hot iron plate. The dish is very moreish, and you'll want more that's for sure. Other dishes to look out for, that's we've enjoyed including:
The fact that Kobe is a port city attracted many migrants looking for work, from Korea and China, on the whole. The mixed population created a smoldering pot of delicious dishes still seen today. We had fun in Kobe all day long and that's to a great extent, down to the food we tried and found a new love for, in Japan.
The city is true to form for its famous international cuisine. The hot spots for the best food in Kobe lie on four streets. They are:
There is such a myriad of dishes and snacks on the street, ask the vendor what something is before deciding. Not all restaurants are open all day, which is common in Japan actually. About half we encountered were open for the afternoon and evening rush hour only.
Of all the choices available, our favorite must be Yakisoba with beef.
Related Reading: The Best of Japan's Authentic Food
It isn't enough to visit Tokyo alone and believe you can be content with just one city. Yes, Tokyo is an amazing, vibrant and dynamic city great for a short break. And yet if you've a few days more in Japan, why not have the urge to explore?
The city of Osaka beckons you, because:
Osaka is also one of Japan's top cities for shopping. There are luxurious stays and beauty spa experiences, what more could you want? And less than one hour's travel to Kobe of course, Osaka City turns out to be a good proposition for your vacation.
Our time in Kobe was by chance to be honest, we knew of the city before arriving in Japan. That's because our (original) plans included Osaka. We discovered this nice port city on the outskirts of Osaka and got interested quick.
You should too, the city and its food are an amazing distraction. Especially those two things:
For such a small, but rich dynamic city both events are memorable. And tucking into the beef is an event, you should believe that.
In all this time we've yet to mention anything about the city's beach. Is the beach any good? Yes, it's a good stretch of sand you'd be happy to stroll on, for ever more. Within walking distance of the rail station, Suma Beach is calm and safe to go swimming and is kid friendly.
Pay attention to when you plan to take your Kobe City trip. During the months from May until October are the warmest weather, albeit the wettest. Still pleasant, hot and humid, as you would expect of a temperate climate. Temperatures edging towards 90° Fahrenheit in July, August and September, are common.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.