Kobe is a port city one short train ride from Osaka. It has a bright harbour, a hill of old houses built by foreign residents, a Chinatown and some of the best food in the region. A day from Osaka suits people who want a slower pace than the busy streets of the city centre.
Getting there
Several train lines link Osaka and Kobe. Some stop at the central stations, and others go to the stations near the harbour. Choose the line that ends closest to the part of Kobe you want first.
Check first: Train lines, the route and the fare. Use the operator's timetable, for example JR West or the private line operator. Do not use a fare from a blog.
The harbour
The harbour is the easiest place to start. Walk along the water and look at the red port tower and the large open squares near the piers. In the evening the lights reflect on the water, which makes a good end to the day. Harborland, a shopping and dining area by the water, is next to the port.
The hill of old houses
Kitano is a hillside district with many former homes of foreign residents. Some are open to visit, and each has its own style and rules. The steep streets are good for a slow walk, and the views over the city are wide. Wear shoes with good grip.
Check first: Which houses are open, their opening days and their entry rules. Check each house's own page before you climb the hill.
Chinatown
Nankinmachi is the Chinatown of the city. It has many small shops and food stalls, and the streets are busy at lunch and in the evening. It is an easy area to explore without a plan. Look at the signs, try a snack, and take a break when you need one.
Food
Kobe is famous for its beef. Many restaurants serve it in different forms, from steak to small plates. Prices and portions vary a lot, so compare menus first. Use Tabelog to find a place with good reviews, and book ahead if you can.
Kobe is also known for its sake. The Nada district, east of the city, is an old sake area, and some shops and bars there sell local drinks. Ask staff for a small tasting before you buy a bottle to carry home.
Check first: Restaurant opening hours, which often change by day, and whether the place takes walk-in guests. Use Tabelog for hours and reviews on the day.
Shopping
Motomachi is a long shopping street with covered arcades, good for snacks, small gifts and clothes. Sannomiya, the main station area, has larger shops and department stores. A slow walk from Sannomiya to Motomachi takes you past many of the city's shops, so plan a break along the way.
Plan the day
- Morning: the harbour and the port area, when the air is fresh.
- Lunch: Chinatown or a restaurant that serves local beef, found on Tabelog.
- Afternoon: the hill of old houses, then a rest in a cafe or a park.
- Evening: Motomachi or Sannomiya, then the train back to Osaka.
Couples and friends
Couples like the harbour walk and a slow dinner. Friends can split the day between the hill, the food streets and the shops. The city is easy to enjoy at a relaxed pace, with no fixed list of sights to tick off.
Mistakes to avoid
The first mistake is trying to see the whole city in one day. Pick two or three areas and enjoy them.
The second mistake is planning the hill in bad weather. Rain makes the steep streets slippery, so choose a dry day for the hill.
The third mistake is forgetting the return train. The lines out of Kobe are busy in the evening, so check the last train before dinner.
Getting around
Kobe has trains and a subway, which link the main districts well. The hill streets are best explored on foot, and taxis can help on the steep parts. Start your walk at the bottom of the hill and turn back when you feel tired, because the walk down is easier than the walk up.
Water and a light bag help a great deal on warm days. In the evening the harbour is well lit, so a walk along the water is an easy way to finish the day before the train back.
What to do next
Kobe works well as a day from Osaka, and you can add a stop in Osaka's food streets before or after the trip. Read the Osaka guide to plan the Osaka side of your day. Then open the planner to see how Kobe fits with your other trips.
