35 Things to Do in Kobe

Kobe, a city where modern innovation meets timeless tradition, offers travelers several unique experiences. Visitors can immerse themselves in its rich heritage while enjoying the city’s vibrant and contemporary allure.

Famous for its historic port that introduced foreign trade in the 19th century, Kobe continues to captivate with its cultural diversity, renowned cuisine, and architectural marvels.

Kobe Harborland

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Kobe Harborland is an energetic district that combines shopping, dining, and entertainment against a picturesque backdrop of the harbor. Couples and families can wander through a variety of shops and indulge in local and international cuisines. The evening atmosphere becomes quite romantic, especially when the city lights reflect beautifully on the water.

Visitors can also enjoy the panoramic view from the Kobe Port Tower, a highlight noted for its unique architecture. Youngsters and fans of Japanese culture should not miss the Anpanman Museum, which offers an interactive experience and a playful escape into the world of a beloved anime character/

Nunobiki Herb Gardens

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Nunobiki Herb Gardens stand out as one of Japan’s largest herb gardens, featuring around 75,000 herbs and flowers throughout the year. Visitors can explore the enchanting landscape, discovering a stunning variety of plants. The garden is a perfect escape for nature lovers, offering a chance to engage with diverse flora through seasonal displays.

With a scenic ropeway journey, guests can soak in breathtaking views of Kobe and Nunobiki Waterfall. Dining at the on-site restaurant adds to the experience, where herb-infused dishes tantalize the taste buds.

Ikuta Shrine

Our Rating: 9.0/10

Ikuta Shrine is a significant cultural landmark that draws visitors with its rich history and spiritual charm. Dedicated to the deity Wakahirume-no-Mikoto, it offers a peaceful atmosphere amid urban surroundings.

Visitors often participate in traditional rituals, such as drawing “omikuji” fortunes and appreciating the shrine’s architecture. Throughout the year, Ikuta Shrine hosts a variety of festivals, adding vibrant experiences for both locals and tourists.

Meriken Park

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Meriken Park is a key highlight in Kobe, known for its scenic waterfront views and cultural landmarks. Visitors can explore the iconic Kobe Port Tower, which rises 108 meters and offers panoramic views of the city. The park is ideal for strolls, where one can admire artistic installations and the striking skyline.

Special events often take place here, providing a great atmosphere throughout the year. Grassy areas invite families and friends to relax and enjoy picnics with views of the bay. The famous BE KOBE sign makes for a great photo opportunity, symbolizing the city’s pride and resilience.

Mount Rokko

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Mount Rokko is a stunning destination offering a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here, guests can take in breathtaking panoramic views of Kobe and Osaka, particularly magical at sunset from this 931-meter peak. For those keen on adventure, the mountain is perfect for hiking, with trails that vary in difficulty and length.

After a hike, visitors can relax in the nearby Rokko Garden Terrace. It houses charming cafes and shops, ideal for a quiet afternoon. Additional attractions include Japan’s first golf course, opened in 1903, and a vintage funicular railway, offering scenic rides up the mountain.

Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art

Our Rating: 8.3/10

The Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art is a stunning destination for art enthusiasts. The museum showcases contemporary Japanese architecture and includes an impressive collection of Western and Japanese art. Visitors can explore diverse exhibitions featuring renowned artists and thematic displays.

The spacious galleries allow one to wander freely, taking in both modern sculptures and traditional paintings. Temporary exhibitions frequently rotate, offering fresh perspectives on culture and creativity.

Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum

Our Rating: 8.5/10

The Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum is dedicated to the art and tradition of Japanese carpentry. Visitors can explore a vast collection of traditional and modern tools used in constructing wooden structures. Each exhibit showcases techniques that have been preserved over centuries. The museum offers a unique audio guide to enrich the experience with narratives about the history and craftsmanship involved.

Thematic sections guide visitors through various methodologies and tools, providing insightful context into the complexity and skill of Japanese carpenters. Interactive displays allow guests to engage with the artifacts more intimately.

Kobe City Oji Zoo

Our Rating: 6.8/10

Kobe City Oji Zoo is a popular destination among families and animal enthusiasts. It is home to both giant pandas and koalas, making it unique in Japan. The zoo features around 130 species, providing an opportunity to observe diverse animals up close. With small walking distances between exhibits, it’s ideal for young children.

In addition to animal exhibits, the zoo offers engaging activities such as elephant training sessions and animal-themed storytelling shows. These events provide entertainment and learning experiences for visitors of all ages. The facilities are designed to enhance accessibility, allowing easy navigation for strollers and wheelchairs.

Nankinmachi (Chinatown)

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Nankinmachi, also known as Kobe’s Chinatown, is a district that invites exploration with its lively atmosphere and rich history. The area brims with over 100 shops offering everything from delicious street food to unique souvenirs. Visitors can indulge in authentic Chinese delicacies like steamed buns and spicy Sichuan dishes, available at numerous food stalls and restaurants.

The streets are adorned with colorful red lanterns and traditional Chinese architecture, providing an exciting backdrop for a leisurely stroll. Cultural enthusiasts might appreciate the festivals held here, featuring traditional performances and parades.

Kitano Ijinkan

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Kitano Ijinkan is a historical area, recognized for its Western-style homes. Visitors can wander through these preserved houses, each showcasing artifacts and architecture from a bygone era.

The district’s atmosphere reflects the influences of former European merchants and diplomats. Many of the homes serve as museums, presenting engaging exhibits that chronicle the lives and stories of the people who once lived there.

Sannomiya Center Street

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Sannomiya Center Street is a shopping arcade, stretching approximately 600 meters. This location is lined with a wide variety of shops, ranging from popular fashion stores to quaint boutiques and cozy cafés. It’s an ideal spot for shoppers looking to explore the latest trends. Throughout the day, the street is filled with both locals and tourists enjoying its diverse offerings.

While visitors wander through the street, they can also savor delicious snacks from small eateries and traditional sweet shops. As the day transitions into evening, the street illuminates with charming lights, creating a beautiful atmosphere for leisurely strolls.

Kobe Port Tower

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Kobe Port Tower stands as an emblematic structure in the city’s skyline. This striking red tower, designed to resemble a traditional Japanese hand drum, offers visitors breathtaking 360-degree views of Kobe and its harbor. Rising 108 meters above sea level, it attracts those eager to capture panoramic shots of the city below.

At night, the tower is illuminated, adding a shimmering presence to the waterfront. With an observation area that’s easily accessible, visitors can savor remarkable sights while enjoying a unique perspective of this bustling port city.

Sorakuen Garden

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Sorakuen Garden is an amazing place for travelers interested in traditional Japanese landscapes. Originally completed in the early 20th century, it offers visitors a chance to explore meticulously designed paths and a peaceful surrounding. The garden features well-maintained ponds, historic tea houses, and stone lanterns that enhance the serene atmosphere.

Visitors can stroll through the garden paths, observing the variety of plant species and seasonal blooms that paint the landscape. Photography enthusiasts will find numerous opportunities to capture beautiful scenes, especially near the reflective water features.

Kobe Maritime Museum

Our Rating: 8.5/10

The Kobe Maritime Museum showcases a white steel edifice reminiscent of sails. Visitors can engage with exhibits displaying ship records and diorama models that capture the port’s transformation over time. The museum also features the Port of Kobe 150th Anniversary Theater, offering captivating video presentations about the port’s history.

From the arrival of the British warship Rodney to the port’s development, these videos provide a vivid narrative of Kobe’s maritime journey. A visit to the museum is not only educational but also an opportunity to witness technological advancements in naval engineering.

Kobe Animal Kingdom

Our Rating: 8.8/10

Kobe Animal Kingdom’s visitors encounter interactive experiences with a variety of animals in their natural settings. From feeding kangaroos to watching exotic bird shows, the park entertains with its diversity. The indoor botanical garden offers a close-up look at lush plants and colorful flowers, creating a serene environment ideal for leisurely strolls.

There are also opportunities to see capybaras indulge in onsen baths or to engage with friendly alpacas. The abundant outdoor areas encourage exploration, appealing to families, solo travelers, and groups alike.

Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum

Our Rating: 8.5/10

At the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, visitors step back in time to explore the rich legacy of sake brewing. The museum showcases traditional brewing techniques through English-language exhibits and informative videos. Guests can witness the intricate fermentation process and learn about the cultural significance of sake in Japan.

Those visiting can also enjoy complimentary tastings of freshly brewed sake, providing a sensory experience that brings the brewing process to life. Since it’s just a short walk from Sumiyoshi Station, accessing this slice of Japan’s heritage is convenient.

Kobe Fashion Museum

Our Rating: 8.5/10

The Kobe Fashion Museum stands as Japan’s pioneering public museum dedicated exclusively to fashion. Located in the Rokkō Island area, this architectural marvel captivates visitors with its unique design.

On the first floor, guests can explore an impressive collection featuring 18th-century ballgowns, folk costumes, and contemporary fashion. The museum also hosts rotating exhibits, offering insight into various fashion trends and histories.

Kobe Anpanman Children’s Museum & Mall

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Kobe Anpanman Children’s Museum & Mall, devoted to the popular Japanese cartoon, captivates kids with its lively stage shows and interactive exhibits. Children are encouraged to immerse themselves in a playful environment that includes themed rides, a ball park, and creative play equipment that brings Anpanman’s world to life.

The museum’s second floor offers an exciting and engaging space for children to freely explore and interact with various play zones based on the beloved anime. Meanwhile, the first floor houses a variety of shops offering exclusive Anpanman merchandise, adding a delightful shopping experience.

Kobe City Museum

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Established in 1982 from the merger of the Kobe Archaeological Museum and the Namban Art Museum, it offers a glimpse into Japan’s past. Visitors can explore diverse exhibits, including detailed maps illustrating Japan’s various eras and regions. The museum also highlights Japan’s historical trade interactions with foreign countries, providing insights into its global connections.

The art collections often feature fascinating cultural exchanges and influences, making it an enlightening stop for curious minds. Additionally, rotating exhibitions ensure there is always something new to discover.

Kobe Water Science Museum

Our Rating: 8.5/10

The Kobe Water Science Museum givs an engaging experience into the intricate world of water technology. Visitors can dive into interactive exhibits that explain the processes of water purification and distribution. The museum features hands-on experiments, allowing both children and adults to understand water’s role in daily life.

A mesmerizing water show captivates audiences with dazzling displays that highlight water’s various states and transformations. The museum’s educational yet entertaining approach makes it a popular destination for school groups and families.

Minatogawa Shrine

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Minatogawa Shrine is a unique spot just a short walk from Kobe Station. It offers a serene atmosphere, characterized by the stately presence of torii gates and the main hall. The shrine frequently hosts traditional ceremonies such as weddings and the Shichi-Go-San festival, where children dress in beautiful kimono to celebrate their growth and good health.

Visitors can also explore the cultural heritage treasured here, including artifacts associated with the legendary warrior Kusunoki Masashige. This combination of cultural richness and spiritual depth offers a strong sense of history and Japanese traditions.

Rokko Garden Terrace

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Rokko Garden Terrace provides some of Japan’s most stunning panoramic views. Visitors can enjoy both the magnificent cityscape of Kobe and the renowned “ten-million-dollar night view.” The terrace is a go-to spot for tourists to capture stunning sunsets. Dining at the observation facility means savoring local cuisine while enjoying breathtaking vistas.

Shoppers can browse unique souvenirs from various shops that capture the essence of this beautiful region. The terrace’s location, high above the city, creates a unique and memorable experience for day and night visits.

Kobe Science Museum

Our Rating: 8.0/10

Known for its hands-on exhibits, it excels at making science accessible and fun. Guests can experience interactive workshops, where they learn about physics through exciting experiments. The planetarium provides a breathtaking look at the stars and expands one’s appreciation for astronomy.

Cooking demonstrations showcase the science of food, revealing how chemistry plays a role in everyday meals. Families can also enjoy educational talks and sessions designed to spark curiosity among young minds.

Shin-Kobe Ropeway

Our Rating: 8.5/10

The Shin-Kobe Ropeway is an inviting experience that effortlessly connects visitors to the natural beauty surrounding Kobe. As the cable car glides upward, passengers are treated to panoramic views of the city and the mountainous terrain. The ride offers a chance to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery, including the iconic Nunobiki Waterfall cascading down the hillside.

This popular attraction, operational since 1991, links Shin-Kobe Station with the Nunobiki Gardens and the Herb Garden. Visitors can explore a variety of herbs and flowers housed within a large greenhouse.

The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial

Our Rating: 8.8/10

The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial is an essential visit for anyone interested in understanding the impact of the 1995 earthquake on Kobe and the city’s remarkable recovery. The museum, part of the Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution, uses special effects, computer graphics, and powerful soundscapes to recreate the intensity of the quake.

Visitors are drawn into the experience with the captivating 1/17 Theater presentation, which provides a moving recount of the disaster. Exhibits highlight personal stories of resilience and community support that arose in the aftermath.

Mount Maya

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Mount Maya provides an unforgettable experience with its remarkable views, especially the breathtaking nightscape from the Kikuseidai observation deck. Known for its stunning “10-Million Dollar Views,” visitors can see the cityscape blending with the expanse of the Osaka Bay.

The easily accessible trails are perfect for both casual hikers and serious trekkers. The night cable car ride adds an element of excitement, offering panoramic views as it ascends the mountain.

Wakkoqu, Shinkobe

Our rating: 9.5/10

Located on the third floor of Shin-Kobe Oriental Avenue in Kobe, Japan, Wakkoqu specializes in premium Kobe beef prepared teppanyaki-style. The menu offers various courses featuring high-quality Kobe beef cuts, complemented by fresh, locally sourced vegetables.

The elegant interior, with its open kitchen, allows guests to watch skilled chefs artfully grill their meals. Wakkoqu provides a memorable culinary journey for beef enthusiasts.

Kawasaki Good Times World

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Kawasaki Good Times World serves as a journey into the legacy of Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Visitors are treated to an array of experiences highlighting the advancements in aeronautic engineering and motor technology.

The museum showcases true-to-life prototypes, such as the Kawasaki Z1400 motorcycle and features related to the shinkansen. The interactive exhibits engage visitors of all ages, offering insights into the evolution from shipbuilding roots to modern technological marvels.

Hanasato

Our rating: 9.5/10

Hanasato is a family-owned restaurant celebrated for authentic Japanese cuisine and exceptional Hida beef. The menu features meticulously prepared dishes, including premium Hida beef selections and a variety of traditional Japanese offerings.

The intimate setting, adorned with traditional decor, provides a serene dining atmosphere. Guests appreciate the attentive service and the chef’s dedication to culinary excellence.

Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street, established in 1874, connects travelers with over 300 shopping and dining options, blending the old with the new. The iconic stained glass arch known as “La Luce” greets you at the entrance, providing a picturesque start to your adventure.

Unique to this street are its century-old shops that stand shoulder to shoulder with modern boutiques, offering something for every taste. Visitors can explore a kimono shop, where beautiful Japanese indigo fabrics and intricate designs await.

Kobe Eiko Church

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Kobe Eiko Church became a notable part of the United Church of Christ in Japan by 1942. The church, recognized for its distinctive red brick exterior, is not just a place of worship but also a piece of Kobe’s cultural tapestry.

Visitors are often captivated by its serene atmosphere and historic significance. Inside, stunning stained glass windows flood the interior with a kaleidoscope of colored light, offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Steak Aoyama

Our rating: 9.5/10

Steak Aoyama is a family-run restaurant renowned for its exceptional Kobe beef. Since 1963, it has offered a teppanyaki-style dining experience, where skilled chefs prepare premium A5-grade Kobe beef and seasonal vegetables on an iron griddle before guests.

The intimate setting, accommodating up to eight diners per seating, fosters a personalized and engaging atmosphere. Reservations are essential due to limited seating and can be made via their Facebook page.

Kyukyoryuchi Area

Our Rating: 8.7/10

The Kyukyoryuchi area, also known as the Former Foreign Settlement, is packed with elegant, Western-style buildings that once accommodated foreign merchants and diplomats in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can engage with the striking architecture, rich in European influences, which offers a unique lens into Kobe’s past.

Today, many of these buildings have been repurposed into stylish cafes, art galleries, and boutiques, making it a place to explore. Visitors can stroll along the tree-lined streets, enjoying window shopping or having a cup of coffee in one of the atmospheric cafes.

Kobe Beef

Our Rating: 9.3/10

Kobe, Japan, is synonymous with its world-renowned Kobe beef, a must-try for any culinary enthusiast. Juicy and rich, this delicacy is celebrated for its exquisite marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture, making it a sought-after experience for food lovers.

Exploring the local steak houses offers a delightful journey into the heart of this flavor. Kobe Beef Ishida Kitanozaka offers an indulgent experience just minutes from Sannomiya Station, serving meticulously crafted dishes that highlight the beef’s natural flavors.

Tetsujin 28-go Monument

Our Rating: 8.4/10

The Tetsujin 28-go Monument in Kobe stands as a dramatic symbol of resilience and creativity. Towering 18 meters high in Wakamatsu Park, this giant robot statue was completed in 2009. It celebrates both the cultural impact of Mitsuteru Yokoyama’s beloved manga character and the city’s remarkable recovery from the 1995 Hanshin Earthquake.

Visitors find themselves captivated by the sheer scale and craftsmanship of this iconic structure. Enthusiasts of manga and anime can marvel at the intricate details that bring this legendary character to life.

Kobe seamlessly blends modern sophistication with deep-rooted tradition, making it a destination that leaves a lasting impression. Visitors can explore historical landmarks, enjoy vibrant neighborhoods, or simply take in its unique atmosphere.