Issues to do in Kobe, Japan
Whereas it could not have the status and quirkiness of Tokyo, or the historical past and tradition of Kyoto, the town of Kobe deserves a spot in your Japan journey itinerary. On this Kobe journey information, we share among the enjoyable issues to do in Kobe, from dipping your toes in historic scorching springs to sampling the scrumptious wagyu beef that shares its identify.
If that is your first time studying concerning the metropolis of Kobe, you aren’t alone.
Kobe just isn’t sometimes ranked excessive on the checklist of locations to go to in Japan. It’s usually neglected and most definitely underrated. We hope to alter that with this Kobe weblog put up.
Situated 30 km (19 miles) west of Osaka, many guests will journey to Kobe as a day journey from Osaka or Kyoto. Should you don’t have loads of time, this may be your only option.
After we visited Japan again in 2009, that was our strategy. We made Kyoto our residence base and took day journeys to Kobe, Osaka, Nara and Hiroshima. The Japanese rail system is quick and environment friendly, so it’s simple to cowl loads of floor.
Nevertheless, in case you have a few days in Kobe, you’ll discover loads of enjoyable and fascinating issues to maintain you busy and entertained. This weblog put up highlights the issues we did throughout our three days in Kobe.
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1. Strive some scrumptious Kobe Beef
First on the checklist of issues to do in Kobe is to indulge within the delicacy that shares it’s identify – Kobe beef.
Except, after all, you don’t eat meat. If that’s you, skip to the following advice.
Kobe is known for wagyu beef, arguably the best reduce of beef on the earth, which comes from the Tajima pressure of Japanese Black cattle. Folks journey from far and extensive to style this mouth-watering, perfectly-marbled beef.
Much like ingesting Champagne in Champagne, France or sipping port wine in Porto, Portugal, you will need to strive Kobe Beef in Kobe. There are particular guidelines about what beef may be categorized as true Kobe Beef and Kobe is the place you’ll discover the true deal.
The second you step off the prepare at Kobe-Sannomiya Station you might be reminded that Kobe Beef is a giant deal in these components. Indicators and ads are scattered all through the town selling a wide range of methods to indulge your self, from Kobe beef teppanyaki to Kobe beef sushi.
Kobe beef is an costly reduce of meat, so your journey funds will dictate one of the simplest ways to expertise this celebrated Japanese delicacies. Excessive-end steakhouses provide multi-course meals that serve a wide range of cuts and kinds of wagyu beef. Go forward and splurge; you’re price it!
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Most eating places that serve Kobe beef can have a black cow statue exterior the restaurant. That is the Japanese Black, which is the breed of Japanese beef cattle often known as wagyu.
Kobe beef sushi
Many ramen and sushi eating places in Kobe will serve Kobe beef sushi. Should you’re not taken with dropping huge coin at a elaborate Kobe beef restaurant, beef sushi is a cheap option to pattern the products.
A single piece of Kobe beef nigiri prices 800 Yen (approx $10.00 CAD).
Kobe Beef Ramen
There are lots of methods to get the tasty wagyu in your stomach. The above was captured at a small ramen restaurant in Kobe that was really helpful by buddies.
This miso ramen dish is served with 4 alternative ways to eat Kobe beef.
Above is a photograph of Kobe beef ramen Yazawa. It’s small, so that you may miss it.
2. Kobe Port Tower
Probably the most recognizable landmark in Kobe is the Kobe Port Tower. The 354 foot tower has a number of commentary flooring that supply 360 diploma panoramic views of the town, harbor and Mount Rokko.
Kobe Port Tower is open yr spherical. Relying on once you journey to Kobe, the most effective time to go to the Port Tower commentary deck is simply earlier than sundown. Town sparkles at night time.
Admission to the Port Tower is 700 yen for adults ($9.00 CAD) and 300 yen for youngsters ($4.00).
Extra information concerning the Kobe Tower right here.
3. Meriken Park
Meriken Park is a waterfront park situated within the Kobe port space. It’s residence to a few of Kobe’s most iconic structure, together with the Kobe Port Tower, Kobe Maritime Museum (pictured above) and Meriken Park Oriental Resort.
The Kobe Maritime Museum can also be residence to Kawasaki Good Occasions World, a museum devoted to the 100+ yr historical past of Kawasaki and it’s many merchandise, together with Shinkansen trains, jet planes, helicopters and bikes. Extra information concerning the museum right here.
Additionally, you will discover the Port of Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park on the east aspect of Meriken Park.
The Kobe Japan earthquake, or Nice Hanshin earthquake, occurred on January 17, 1995 within the southern a part of Hyogo Prefecture. The earthquake killed 5,378 individuals, broken or destroyed 152,000 buildings, and is alleged to the costliest earthquake ever to strike an city space [source].
4. Mosaic Ferris Wheel
Should you’re visiting Kobe with children, the Mosaic Ferris Wheel at Kobe Harborland is a enjoyable exercise. Much like the commentary deck on the Port Tower, the Mosaic Huge Ferris Wheel presents 360 diploma views of the waterfront, port, metropolis and mountains.
The Kobe Huge Ferris Wheel operates from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Every experience prices 800 yen for adults ($10.00 CAD). The air conditioned gondolas can match as much as 4 individuals.
All smiles contained in the Mosaic Ferris Wheel at Harborland.
Panoramic views of the Port Tower and Mt. Rokko from contained in the Mosaic Ferris Wheel.
Mosaic Ferris Wheel has over 120,000 LEDs that placed on a present at night time.
5. Kobe Harborland
Kobe Harborland is a big procuring advanced situated on the waterfront throughout from the port, dealing with Kobe Port Tower and Meriken Park Oriental Resort.
Harborland has grow to be considered one of Kobe’s high vacationer points of interest with over 200 shops, eating places, museums and leisure.
Should you solely have one night time in Kobe, we suggest you go to Kobe Harborland and dine at one of many waterfront eating places at Mosaic. The Fisherman’s Market at Kobe Mosaic is kind of common.
The Mosaic boardwalk is arguably the most effective place in Kobe to look at the sundown.
Kobe Harborland is residence to Anpanman Theme park and Kobe Anpanman Kids’s Museum, situated behind the Mosaic Ferris Wheel. It additionally has video arcades and video games room, so that you’re children can have loads to maintain them entertained.
Whilst you’re within the neighborhood, take a stroll down Kobe Gaslight Avenue and take a look at the Ninth-century pink brick warehouses referred to as Renga Soko.
We ate dinner on the conveyor belt sushi restaurant at Kobe Harborland (additionally referred to as rotation sushi, sushi prepare and kaiten sushi).
It’s a enjoyable and simple option to pattern a wide range of sushi. Not solely does the sushi come out rapidly, you may truly see the objects as they go your desk. That is ideally suited for first timers who’re nervous about making an attempt sushi and uncooked fish for the primary time.
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6. Kobe Bay Cruise
Get a unique perspective of this bustling port metropolis by taking a Kobe Bay Cruise. Cruises sail across the bay and final about 40 minutes.
The boat is docked at Meriken Park beside the pink Port Tower. See picture above. You should purchase tickets immediately on the dock. Boats depart each hour, so you might have choices.
Another choice is the Kobe Concerto cruise.
The ship is docked in entrance of Harbourland (see picture under) and presents a eating expertise whereas cruising across the bay. You’ll be able to be a part of a lunch cruise that sometimes departs at 12:00 midday, tea cruise that departs at 2:30 PM, twilight cruise that departs at 5:15 PM and an evening cruise that departs at 7:30 PM.
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7. Rokko Cable Automotive
The Rokko Cable Automotive is a Japanese funicular that transports friends to the highest of Mt. Rokko. The cable automotive opened in 1932 and is among the high Kobe vacationer points of interest.
It takes 10 minutes to get from the Rokko Cable Shita station, situated on the base of the mountain, to Rokko Sanjo station on the high of the mountain. The elevation acquire is roughly 500 metres.
It’s greatest to get the Rokkosan Vacationer go for 1200 yen. This go consists of bus fare to get to Rokko Cable Shita station, the cable automotive experience, and the bus to the Mount Rokko Tourism Space. Extra information right here.
Outdoors the Rokko Cable Automotive station. That is on the base of Mount Rokko.
8. Rokko Backyard Terrace
Rokko Backyard Terrace, pictured above, is the proper place to get panoramic views of the town, ocean and mountains.
It’s a vacationer advanced with viewing platforms, an commentary tower, a number of eating places and small retail retailers that promote souvenirs, ice cream, drinks and snacks.
Rokkosan Genghis Khan Palace
For a novel lunch, go to the Rokkosan Genghis Khan Palace. Grill contemporary meats, seafood and greens on a scorching forged iron plate that sits in your eating desk.
It’s a enjoyable eating expertise for everybody.
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Map of issues to do on Mount Rokko in Kobe Japan.
You’ll be able to simply spend a full day visiting the small vacationer points of interest on Mount Rokko. It has a botanical backyard, forest journey park with zipline and treetop impediment course, the music field museum, small golf course and the Rokko Backyard Terrace.
The beehive construction within the above picture is the Rokko Shidare Observatory.
The greatest views of Kobe and Hyogo Prefecture are discovered on the high of Mount Rokko.
9. Rokko-Arima Ropeway
The Rokko-Arima Ropeway is an aerial tramway that travels 2.8 kilometres (1.7 miles) from Rokko Sancho station to Arima Onsen. You’ll be able to stroll from the Rokko Vacationer Space to the Rokko Sancho station, so it’s a straightforward addition to your Kobe day journey.
The a method journey from Mount Rokko to Arima Onsen takes 12 minutes and prices 1030 yen ($13.00 CAD). Spherical journey tickets value 1850 yen ($23.00).
You may additionally wish to go to the Maya Ropeway and Shin-Kobe Ropeway throughout your go to to Kobe.
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Rokko Sancho station on the high of the Rokko-Arima Ropeway.
Contained in the aerial tram descending from Mount Rokko to Arima Onsen.
Lush mountain landscapes from the Rokko-Arima ropeway.
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10. Arima Onsen
One of the crucial common Kobe points of interest is Arima Onsen. We’re advised it’s Japan’s oldest and most well-known scorching spring city.
Wandering the slim streets of Arima Onsen presents a glimpse into Japan’s historic previous. It’s stated that emperors and samurai would go to Arima Onsen to soak in its therapeutic scorching springs.
Arima Onsen is accessible by taking the Rokko Cable Automotive and Rokko-Arima Ropeway, which makes for a enjoyable day journey from Kobe. Plan for a full day if you wish to embrace time on Mount Rokko. Or keep in a single day at a conventional Japanese ryokan.
There are solely two public bathtub homes in Arima Onsen. Some ryokan motels will open their personal baths to guests in the course of the day. Admission ranges between 500 and 2500 yen ($6.00 CAD to $30.00 CAD).
See an inventory of scorching spring baths in Arima Onsen right here.
Should you’re travelling with children, it’s necessary to know that there are particular guidelines for bathing at Japanese onsen. We weren’t allowed to wash as a household on the public bathtub home at Arima Onsen (women and men can not bathtub collectively, even with children). Preserve this in thoughts and plan accordingly.
Should you’re not eager to spend time at a shower home or ryokan, you may soak your toes at Taiko no Ashiyu. It’s a free public foot bathtub in Arima Onsen.
It’s situated exterior Kin no Yu (Arima golden Sizzling-spring public spa).
The water is saved at 42.3 diploma Celsius, so it’s scorching! I don’t assume any of us lasted longer than one minute.
The city of Arima Onsen has small retail retailers, eating places and shrines.
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11. Nankin-machi – Kobe Chinatown
Greater than 100 eating places and retailers make up Kobe’s Chinatown, also referred to as Nankin-machi.
It’s considered one of Japan’s largest Chinatowns, though it solely covers a geographical space of roughly 200 x 100 meters.
The energetic streets of Nankinmachi see a relentless movement of individuals, particularly within the night. It is a great spot to pattern a wide range of avenue meals in Kobe, together with steamed dumplings, pork buns, Peking duck wraps, noodle soups and deep fried croquettes.
Kobe Chinatown has a number of avenue meals distributors with small bites on the market.
Tasty steamed pork buns on the market in Chinatown.
Chinatown is a enjoyable place to expertise Kobe at night time.
The long-lasting gazebo in Nankinmachi Sq. in Kobe Chinatown.
Choanmon Gate welcomes guests to Kobe Chinatown.
Above is the ornate Seian-mon Gate in Nankin-machi.
12. Motomachi Procuring Avenue
One of many issues we love about Japan is its pedestrian solely procuring streets. Motomachi Procuring Avenue is a procuring district in central Kobe with tons of of retail retailers and eating places.
The favored avenue is situated within the heart of Kobe close to a few of its high vacationer points of interest, corresponding to Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown), Kobe Metropolis Museum, Meriken Park and Harborland.
It stretches between Motomachi Station and Kobe Station, so it’s simply accessible from anyplace within the metropolis.
13. Ikuta Shrine
Probably the most well-known temple in Kobe is Ikuta Shrine, stated to be one of many oldest shrines in Japan.
Ikuta Shrine is centrally situated and simple to entry by foot from Sannomiya Station.
There are lots of temples, shrines and tori gates throughout the grounds at Ikuta Shrine.
Plan to spend no less than one hour exploring the this stunning shrine. The temple is free to enter.
Above is the principle entrance gate to Ikuta Shrine.
Row of brilliant orange torii gates inside Ikuta Shrine.
The temples and shrines in Japan are outstanding and price visiting, even if you happen to’re not spiritual.
14. Kobe Oji Zoo
The Kobe Oji Zoo is conveniently situated a couple of prepare stations from central Kobe-Sannomiya Station. Admission to the zoo is simply 600 yen for adults (approx $7.00 CAD) and youngsters are free, making it a cheap household exercise in Kobe.
The zoo is residence to over 850 animals and birds from 150 completely different species, together with not often seen animals like the large panda, golden snub-nosed monkey, Amur tiger, polar bear and snow-leopard.
Study Oji Zoo and see an inventory of animals right here.
The large panda is the star attraction at Kobe Oji Zoo.
An uncommon amusement park on the Kobe Zoo
The amusement park inside Kobe Zoo is fascinating, to say the least. We count on a little bit bizarre and wacky from Japan. It’s what makes Japan such an enchanting nation to go to, in our opinion.
As quickly as we entered the amusement park we had been immediately transported again in time. Whereas the zoo has a formidable line up of animals, the park amenities seem to have been left behind.
Watch this brief video from the Kobe Zoo amusement park.
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15. Rugby Match at Kobe Misaki Stadium
Even if you happen to’re not a rugby fan, it’s enjoyable to look at a dwell sporting occasion at Kobe Misaki Stadium.
Also called Noevir Stadium Kobe, it has a retractable roof and capability of 30,000 individuals. It’s residence to the Kobelco Steelers, a rugby union High League crew. Test the crew schedule previous to your go to to see if the crew is taking part in.
The stadium can also be residence to Vissel Kobe, a Japanese skilled soccer membership within the J1 League. It’s the highest tier of soccer in Japan. Kobe Misaki Stadium hosted matches on the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
We had been lucky to look at a dwell Rugby World Cup match right here. The 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan is the primary Rugby World Cup to be held in Asia.
Examine our expertise on the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Inside Kobe Misaki Stadium on the Japan Rugby World Cup.
Different issues to do in Kobe
Throughout our first journey to Kobe, earlier than having children, we visited these points of interest which might be additionally price visiting.
- Nada Sake District – pattern sake at a wide range of Sake Breweries in Kobe. Extra information right here.
- Shin-Kobe Ropeway – situated beside the Shin-Kobe prepare station. Should you’re taking a day journey from to Kobe to Osaka or Kyoto, you’ll possible arrive at this prepare station. We suggest you’re taking this cable as a substitute of the Rokko Cablecar, to maximise your time.
- Nunobiki Waterfall – if you happen to’d moderately go for a hike within the mountains, skip the Pores and skin-Kobe Ropeway and hike to this 43 meter waterfall. The path additionally passes the Miharashi Observatory, which presents good views of the town.
- Kitano Ijinkan – additionally situated close to the Kobe Shinkansen station, this historic district is residence to a lot of overseas residences and mansions, often known as Ijinkan. A few of them have transformed into public museums. Extra information right here.
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Have you ever visited Kobe? What did we miss?
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