Welcome to Kōbe
Perched on a hillside sloping down to the sea, Kōbe (神戸) is one of Japan's most attractive and cosmopolitan cities. It was a maritime gateway from the earliest days of trade with China and home to one of the first foreign settlements after Japan reopened to the world in the mid-19th century. Kōbe is compact, designed for walking, and easily visited as a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto, or as a stopover en route to points west. Stay overnight to immerse yourself in the city's distinct atmosphere and dining options.
Top experiences in Kōbe
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Kōbe activities
Day Trip by Bus to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe from Osaka
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Arashiyama, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, KinkiUpon arrival at Arashiyama, you will tour the Arashiyama district located in the Western part of Kyoto. This area becomes most attractive around early April and late November when the cherry blossoms bloom and fall color seasons usually peak. During the summer months, traditional cormorant fishing is practiced on the Hozu River for tourists to watch. One highly recommended spot is the Sagano Bamboo Forest. It is a pleasantly cool 100m long walkway that begins from the side of the world heritage Tenryuji Temple. Later, you will have lunch at a buffet of filled with an assortment of 60 Kyoto dishes or Chicken sukiyaki set lunch. Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Kinkifter lunch, you will tour the Kinkaku-ji temple. Kinkaku, a pagoda made to house the sacred relics of the Buddha, has given this temple the popular name of Kinkaku-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion). But the official name of this branch temple of the Rinzai sect Zen temple of Shokoku-ji is Rokuon-ji. This complex, whose gardens and architecture focused around a central Golden Pavilion, was said to evoke paradise on earth. And the view of Kinkaku which is reflected in the Kyoko-chi (Mirror Pond) is very beautiful. This was built by the third Ashikaga Shogun Yoshimitsu for his own villa but turned into a temple after his death. This temple was rebuilt in 1955. Duration: 45 minutesStop At: Todai-ji Temple, Nara, Nara Prefecture, KinkiAfterward, you will tour the Nara Park and the Todaiji Temple for about 2 hours. Within Nara Park you’ll find the Todai-ji Temple，a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main gate to Todai-ji Temple，the Todai-ji Nandaimon Gate，is a national treasure.The great statue of Buddha within the temple is the biggest in Japan. Nara Park is notorious for the 1200 or so wild deer that live freely within the park. You can feed the deer 'senbei' snacks which are sold within the park for 150 yen a stack. Duration: 1 hour 20 minutesStop At: Kobe Port Tower, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, KinkiThen, enjoy dinner and shopping at the Kobe MOSAIC. The Kobe MOSAIC is a shopping mall which is located in the port of Kobe. There are roughly 80 restaurants and shops selling fashion goods and Kobe souvenirs. There is also a Ferris wheel at the amusement park in Mosaic Garden, you can take a ride and enjoy the Kobe night scenery. Your dinner will be all-you-can-eat Shabu-Shabu which includes assorted vegetables, a drink bar (soft drinks) and soft serve ice cream. You will have the choice of beef, pork, chicken or have all 3. Duration: 1 hour 55 minutes
Himeji Castle and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Tour from Kyoto
Meet at the New Miyako Hotel and walk to Kyoto station. From here, take a non-reserved seat aboard the JR Shinkansen for an hour-long ride to to Himeji station in the Hyogo prefecture. Follow your guide on a walk to Himeji Castle, a national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also known as Shirasagi Castle (White Heron Castle), the five-story complex is famous for its impressive fortifications and white exterior walls designed to resemble a heron taking flight. Stroll around the castle, both inside and outside the grounds, as you learn about the 14th-century structure and its feudal Japanese history from your knowledgeable guide. Then it's time for lunch! Enjoy a lunch buffet of both Japanese-style and Western cuisines.After lunch, it's back to Himeji Station for a ride aboard the JR Special Rapid Service or Rapid Service (non-reserved seating) to the Maiko station. Here you will continue to the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the longest spanning suspension bridge in the world, stretching 12,828 feet (3,910 m) to connect the city of Kobe with Awaji-shima Island. On the first floor at the entrance to the Maiko Marine Promenade, built on the Kobe side, you’ll find information about the bridge before heading up to the lounge on the eighth floor for a look through an observatory camera. When the sightseeing portion of your tour is complete, ride the JR Special Rapid Service or Rapid Service (non-reserved seating) from Maiko station back to Kyoto station, where your guided tour ends in the early evening.
Himeji Castle and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Tour from Osaka
Upon pickup at the Hotel Granvia Osaka in the morning, you’re transferred to Osaka station to board the JR Shinkansen (non-reserved seat). After the approximate 30-minute train ride, disembark with your guide at Himeji station for the short walk to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Himeji Castle.This national treasure is also called Shirasagi Castle (White Heron Castle) for its exterior walls that look like a flying white heron. Spend some time inside the castle and stroll outside around the grounds as you learn about the five-story complex, which dates back to the 14th century, from your knowledgeable guide. After your visit to the beautiful castle, you will enjoy a lunch buffet equipped with both Japanese and Western cuisines. After your meal, walk with your guide back to Himeji station to take the JR Special Rapid Service or Rapid Service (non-reserved seat) to Maiko station. When your 30-minute ride ends, continue to the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, which has the longest central span of any suspension bridge in the world. On the first floor at the entrance to the Maiko Marine Promenade, built on the Kobe side, you’ll find information about the bridge, which reaches a height of 154 feet (47 meters) above sea level and 492 feet (150 meters) above ground.Head to the lounge on the 8th floor and peer through an observatory camera — you’ll feel like you’re on top of the bridge’s main tower at some 984 feet (300 meters) in the air. Then enjoy your pedestrian journey on the marine promenade located inside Akashi Kaikyo Bridge as you look out over the sweeping view. Then ride on the JR Special Rapid Service or Rapid Service (non-reserved seat) from Maiko station back to Osaka station, where your guided tour ends in the early evening.
12-Hour Sightseeing Trip from Osaka to Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Arashiyama, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, KinkiThe Arashiyama district is located in the Western part of Kyoto. Upon arrival you will have a full three hours to tour Arashiyama. This area is considered to be most attractive around early April and late November when the cherry blossoms bloom and fall colors usually peak. During the summer months, traditional cormorant fishing is practiced on the Hozu River for tourists to watch. One highly recommended spot is the Sagano Bamboo Forest. It is a pleasantly cool 100m long walkway that begins from the side of the world heritage Tenryuji Temple. Later, you will have lunch (if selected) at designated restaurants escorted by the tour conductor. Duration: 3 hoursPass By: Arashiyama Station Hannari Hokkori Square, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, KinkiAfter lunch you will ride the local tram "Randen" from Arashiyama to Shijo-Omiya station. Randen has a 100-year-old history and is the only tram in Kyoto. Train ticket included.Stop At: Todai-ji Temple, Nara, Nara Prefecture, KinkiNara Park and the Todaiji Temple. Within Nara Park you will find the Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The main gate to Todai-ji Temple, the Todai-ji Nandaimon Gate, is a national treasure.The great statue of Buddha within the temple is the biggest in Japan. Nara Park is famous for the 1,200 or so wild deer that live freely within the park.Duration: 1 hour 20 minutesStop At: umie mosaicNext, enjoy dinner (if option is selected) and shopping at the Kobe Mosaic. The Kobe Mosaic is a shopping mall which is located in the port of Kobe. There are roughly 80 restaurants and shops selling fashion goods and Kobe souvenirs. There is also a Ferris wheel at the amusement park in Mosaic Garden, which you can ride and enjoy the Kobe night scenery. Your dinner (if option is selected) will be an all-you-can-eat Shabu-Shabu which includes assorted vegetables, a drink bar (soft drinks), and soft serve ice cream. You will have the choice of beef, pork, chicken, or all three. Duration: 2 hours 5 minutes
Kobe Mountains, Gardens, Hot Springs Luxury Tour from Osaka
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Mt. Rokko Arima Ropeway, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, KinkiTake a beautiful ride up the mountain in a vintage slope-climbing cable car that runs right through the forest. Lovely in all seasons!Duration: 20 minutesStop At: Mt. Rokko, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, KinkiViews, views, views! Then a pleasant drive through some lovely mountain roads as we head to the gardens.Duration: 45 minutesStop At: Kobe City ArboretumEnjoy a peaceful walk through a very large botanical garden in the mountains above Kobe.Duration: 1 hourStop At: Arima Onsen, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, KinkiEnjoy a soak here in the region's most famous hot springs, Arima Onsen. The waters are said to rejuvenate! There's a quaint town to shop and look around too.Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Osaka's Best and Brightest by Private Vehicle
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Osaka Castle, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, KinkiOf course you're going to see Osaka Castle, arguably the most iconic spot of great historical significance in Osaka. We'll traverse the grounds, all the while talking about the history, architecture, and significance of the spot. Since the rebuilt interior of the castle is rather disappointing, we recommend giving that a miss. Trust us.Duration: 1 hourStop At: Shitennoji Temple, Tennoji, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, KinkiThis is said to be the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan, and the grounds make for a great place to stroll about. We'll regale you with stories and lob you just enough info on the place to make it interesting without being tedious. Unless you like loads of info, because we have that too. It's your private tour after all! :)Duration: 45 minutesStop At: Shinsekai, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, KinkiFun for all ages, in an odd sort of reality-independent way, this is a must-see while in Osaka. Games, food, fashion (perhaps heavily skewed toward the eye of the beholder), and that general, unmistakable Osaka vibe. No one forgets a visit to Shin-sekai.Duration: 30 minutesStop At: Abeno Harukas, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, KinkiLunch, and a trip up Harukas. We'll have a lunch to your liking in the Tennoji area, which is also where the super tall building known as Harukas is. This being the tallest non-tower building in Japan (300m), there are views aplenty. (We in Osaka have heard there is some tower with a height of biblical proportions in Tokyo, but we're not so interested.) We won't go up to the top of Harukas, but we go high enough to enjoy a breathtaking view of Osaka, and on a good day, all the way to Kobe and more. Some local shopping is available here too, if you're keen.Duration: 1 hour 40 minutesStop At: Kuromon Market, Nippombashi, Chuo, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, KinkiA feast for the eyes, and for the stomach too, if you're interested! Fish, meats, fruits, and a panoply of people all vie for your attention.Duration: 25 minutesStop At: Dotonbori, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, KinkiWe've got a little flexibility here, but we love showing people not only the internationally famous "Running Man" sign, but also some cool back streets, the kitchenware district, and some other sights based on your interests. Duration: 1 hour