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Explore Kobe:
Top Attractions for Foreign Travelers
Nestled between the mountains and the sea, Kobe is one of Japan’s most cosmopolitan cities, blending international flair, natural beauty, and historical charm. Located in Hyogo Prefecture, just 30 minutes from Osaka, Kobe is perfect for both a day trip and a longer stay. Whether you’re an expat in Japan or planning your first visit, this guide highlights the best things to do in Kobe for foreign tourists.
🌉 1. Kobe Harborland & Meriken Park
This scenic waterfront area offers beautiful night views, shopping, restaurants, and the iconic Kobe Port Tower. Meriken Park is home to the Earthquake Memorial Park, commemorating the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake.
Tip: Enjoy a romantic evening cruise from the harbor.
🐼 2. Kobe Oji Zoo
A family-friendly destination where you can see pandas, polar bears, and other exotic animals. It’s also home to a beautiful western-style residence once owned by the former imperial family.
Japanese Phrase:
「パンダはどこにいますか？」= Panda wa doko ni imasu ka?
“Where is the panda?”
🥩 3. Try World-Famous Kobe Beef
Kobe is known globally for its premium marbled beef. There are many restaurants around Sannomiya and Motomachi offering authentic Kobe beef teppanyaki experiences.
Useful Phrase:
「神戸牛を食べてみたいです。」= Kōbe gyū o tabete mitai desu.
“I’d like to try Kobe beef.”
🛍️ 4. Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street & Chinatown (Nankinmachi)
Motomachi is a lively shopping arcade filled with fashion, food, and souvenirs. Just next door is Nankinmachi, one of Japan’s top three Chinatowns, where you can enjoy street food and a lively atmosphere.
🏯 5. Kobe Kitano Ijinkan District
This hillside area features foreign residences from the Meiji era, when Kobe opened as an international port. The architecture offers a glimpse into the lives of foreign diplomats and merchants in the 19th century.
Best for: Architecture enthusiasts and history buffs.
🧖 6. Arima Onsen (Hot Spring Town)
Just 30 minutes from central Kobe, Arima Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts. You can enjoy “gold” and “silver” mineral baths that are known for their healing properties.
Phrase to try:
「日帰り入浴はできますか？」= Higaeri nyūyoku wa dekimasu ka?
“Can I use the hot spring for a day visit?”
🏔️ 7. Mount Rokko and Rokko Garden Terrace
Take the Rokko Cable Car up the mountain for sweeping views of Kobe and Osaka Bay. Enjoy gardens, cafes, and an observation deck—especially beautiful at night.
🍰 8. Kobe’s Western-Style Sweets & Coffee Culture
Due to its international history, Kobe is known for European-style pastries, cheesecakes, and a strong coffee shop scene. Be sure to try Kobe pudding or stop by a local kissaten.
🚉 How to Get to Kobe
- From Osaka:
30 minutes via JR or Hankyu Line - From Kyoto:
~1 hour by train - From Tokyo:
~3 hours via Shinkansen (Shin-Kobe Station)
🗣️ Useful Japanese Phrases in Kobe
| English | Japanese (Hiragana) | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| Where is Kobe Station? | 神戸駅はどこですか？ | Kōbe-eki wa doko desu ka? |
| I’d like Kobe beef | 神戸牛をください。 | Kōbe gyū o kudasai |
| Thank you very much | ありがとうございます | Arigatou gozaimasu |
| This is delicious! | とてもおいしいです！ | Totemo oishii desu! |
| What time does it open? | 何時に開きますか？ | Nanji ni akimasu ka? |