Kobe, famous for its "million-dollar night view," is a city area where you can enjoy the exotic atmosphere of Kitano Ijinkan-gai and Nankinmachi.
Arima Onsen, one of the three oldest hot springs in Japan, is located in the northern part of the city, and visitors can enjoy bathing in this hot spring.
Kobe is famous for its "million dollar night view. The Rokko mountain range overlooking the city has some must-see viewing spots, such as Mt.
There is also the Ijinkan-gai in Kitano, where Westerners once resided, and Nankinmachi, formed by Asians, where you can experience the exotic atmosphere of the city. Motomachi and Sannomiya are lined with apparel stores, and the seaside area is filled with date spots such as Kobe Port Tower.
Arima Onsen, one of the three oldest hot springs in Japan, is located in the northern part of the city and attracts many tourists of all ages and both sexes.
To enjoy sightseeing in Kobe and Arima (Arima Onsen)
Kobe is famous for the night view of the city center, which was once called the "million-dollar night view. The Rokko mountain range overlooking the city is dotted with observation spots, such as Suku-seidai on Mt.
The port city of Kobe is also home to Kitano Ijinkan-gai, where Westerners once settled, and Nankinmachi, formed by Asians, where visitors can enjoy an exotic atmosphere. On the ocean side, there are Meriken Park and Rokko Island facing Kobe Port, which are busy date courses with views of the illuminated port, Kobe Port Tower, and Harbor Land.
Unusually for a large city, Kobe still retains a rich natural environment, with the Nunobiki Stream near JR Shin-Kobe Station, known for Nunobiki Falls, and the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden near the summit of Mt. Arima Onsen, one of the three oldest hot springs in Japan, is located in the northern part of the city, attracting many tourists of all ages and both sexes.
The Suma district, the setting of the Tale of Genji, Ikuta Shrine and Nagata Shrine, both with histories dating back to Empress Jingu, and other historical sites are abundant here.
History of Kobe and Arima (Arima Onsen)
During the Heian period (794-1185), the city of Kobe had a port called Owadadomari, which served as a strategic point for shipping routes between the western part of Japan and the capital. Later, Owadadomari was renovated by Taira no Kiyomori as a hub for trade between Japan and the Sung Dynasty, and continued to develop until the Muromachi period (1336-1573), changing its name to Hyogo-no-tsu.
The area was once devastated by the Onin War, but when Toyotomi Hideyoshi united the country, Hyogo no Tsu regained its momentum as a logistics center.
After the opening of the country to the outside world, the port of Kobe was developed, and the influx of people and goods from overseas led to the modernization of Kobe.
After the Pacific War, the city achieved rapid growth, but in 1995, the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake hit the city of Kobe and caused extensive damage. However, the citizens of Kobe worked together to rebuild the city, and today, the city has regained its nightscape, which is said to be worth 10 million dollars.
Local Gourmet, Food Culture, and Specialties of Kobe and Arima (Arima Onsen)
Since the port city of Kobe was opened to foreign cultures in the Meiji period (1868-1912), many Western-style restaurants and Chinese restaurants are located in the city center. If you want to enjoy the tastes of Kobe's local people, look up the names of the restaurants in travel magazines or on the Internet before you visit.
In the Motomachi and Nankinmachi areas, Kobe's representative gourmet town, you can also enjoy buying and eating pork buns and comparing different famous gyoza restaurants.
B-grade gourmet foods include "Bokkake Soba-meshi," a local dish of beef tendon and konnyaku boiled in a sweet and spicy sauce and served over soba noodles, and Kobe croquettes, which can be purchased at butcher shops and other stores.
Kobe beef, the pride of Kobe, is a premium ingredient that should be enjoyed as a steak or grilled on an iron plate. Kobe also has abundant fishing grounds in the Seto Inland Sea, so you can enjoy fresh seafood such as sea bream, sea eel, and iidako (octopus) at various restaurants in the city.
While restaurants line the streets, Kobe is also home to many nationally renowned confectionary shops and confectionary manufacturers. Once you have your fill of the local delicacy of squid roe, a popular souvenir, why not take a stroll through the city for western-style confectionaries?
Arima Onsen is a historic hot spring resort located in Kita Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Renowned for its long history and distinctive mineral-rich waters, it is counted among Japan’s oldest hot spring destinations, alongside Dogo Onsen and Shirahama Onsen. Arima is mentioned in The Pillow Book, a celebrated work of Japanese literature written by Sei Shonagon around the year 1000. During the Mur...»
Mount Rokko is a mountain range in southeastern Hyogo Prefecture, extending from the western outskirts of Kobe toward the north and east. Part of Setonaikai National Park, it is renowned for its natural beauty, hiking trails, panoramic viewpoints, and cultural attractions. The mountain range is also recognized as one of Japan’s New 100 Famous Mountains, the 300 Famous Japanese Mountains, and the 5...»
The Kobe Kitano Ijinkan District is one of Kobe's most distinctive historic neighborhoods, famous for its elegant Western-style houses and international atmosphere. Located on elevated ground at the northern end of Tor Road, the district offers views over Kobe Port and the surrounding city. Many of its historic buildings now house boutiques, cafés, restaurants, galleries, and other attractions, al...»
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is one of Japan’s most impressive engineering landmarks, connecting Kobe City on the main island of Honshu with Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture. Spanning the Akashi Strait, this enormous suspension bridge measures 3,911 meters in total length, with a central span of 1,991 meters. It forms part of the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway, one of the three major routes linking Honshu a...»
Kobe Suma Sea World is a modern aquarium in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, where education and entertainment come together in an engaging experience known as “edutainment.” Visitors can discover the fascinating world of marine life through spectacular animal performances, interactive exhibits, and opportunities to observe aquatic creatures up close. One of its biggest attractions is its orca performance,...»
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens, located in Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, is one of Japan's largest herb gardens. Set high in the mountains at an elevation of approximately 400 meters, this beautiful destination features seasonal flowers, aromatic herbs, and spectacular panoramic views of Kobe's cityscape and harbor. Its combination of natural beauty, relaxing gardens, and scenic mountain surroundin...»
Kikuseidai Observation Deck is a scenic viewpoint near the summit of Mount Maya, part of the Rokko mountain range in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Situated at an elevation of approximately 700 meters, it offers sweeping views of Kobe, the surrounding Hanshin area, and Osaka Bay. The panorama is often described as a “10-million-dollar night view,” and Kikuseidai is celebrated as one of Japan's Three Grea...»
Kobe Municipal Suma Rikyu Park is a spacious urban park covering approximately 82 hectares on the scenic hills of Suma Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. The park consists of two main areas: a formal Western-style garden and a botanical garden. Together, they offer a beautiful combination of landscaped grounds, historic sites, seasonal flowers, and peaceful natural surroundings....»
Nankinmachi, Kobe's Chinatown, is a popular food and shopping district in Chūō Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Spanning the area around Motomachi-dōri and Sakaemachi-dōri, it is known for its colorful Chinese-inspired streetscape, lively atmosphere, and tempting selection of Chinese food. Although Nankinmachi is not an official administrative place name, it is widely recognized as the name of Kobe'...»
Sorakuen Garden is a beautiful Japanese garden located in Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Covering approximately 20,000 square meters, this urban oasis combines traditional Japanese landscaping with historic architecture and Western influences. Kobe City acquired the property in 1941 and opened it to the public, allowing visitors to enjoy its peaceful atmosphere and seasonal scenery. Sorakuen ...»
Kobe Oji Zoo is located in Oji Park in Nada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. This historic zoo was once famous as the only place in Japan where visitors could see giant pandas and koalas at the same time. In addition to its diverse animal exhibits, the zoo is also renowned as a popular cherry blossom viewing destination, attracting large numbers of visitors in spring....»
Kobe Animal Kingdom is a botanical garden and animal park located on Port Island in Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Designed around the themes of flowers and birds, the park features spacious indoor greenhouses where a variety of birds roam freely, allowing visitors to observe them at close range in an environment that resembles their natural habitats. Following a major renovation in 2014, the...»
Roadside Station Kobe Fruit and Flower Park Ozo is a spacious resort and leisure destination in Ozo-cho, Kita Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Covering approximately 100 hectares, equivalent to about nine Koshien baseball stadiums, the complex combines beautiful gardens and orchards with a hotel, hot springs, an amusement park, restaurants, and a farmers' market. Visitors can enjoy everything from se...»
Sumaura Mountain Amusement Park is a scenic leisure park in Suma Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Spread across the summit areas of Mount Hachibuse and Mount Hatafuri, the park combines lush natural surroundings, botanical gardens, panoramic viewpoints, and nostalgic amusement rides. Its blend of mountain scenery, seasonal flowers, and old-fashioned attractions makes it a popular destination for loca...»
Nunobiki Falls is the collective name for four waterfalls along the Nunobiki Stream in Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. The stream is recognized as one of Japan's Selected 100 Remarkable Waters, and the falls have been celebrated as a scenic destination since ancient times. Nunobiki Falls is also regarded as one of Japan's Three Great Sacred Waterfalls and is sometimes included among the country...»
Kobe Fashion Museum is Japan's first museum dedicated to fashion. Opened in 1997, it is located on Rokko Island, a man-made island in Higashinada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. As a symbol of Kobe's cultural creativity and fashion industry, the museum offers visitors a wide-ranging look at fashion through exhibitions, historical collections, research resources, and special events....»
Kikumasamune Sake Brewery Museum is located in Higashinada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. The museum introduces the history and traditions of Kikumasamune, one of Japan's best-known sake producers, and showcases the heritage of sake brewing in the Nada district. Its collection includes 566 tools and other objects designated as Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties of Japan, offering visitors ...»
Kobe Shushinkan is a historic sake brewery located in Higashinada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. It is best known as the producer of Fukuju, a celebrated Japanese sake brand. The name Fukuju comes from Fukurokuju, one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese tradition, and expresses a wish to bring good fortune and prosperity to those who enjoy the sake....»
Ikuta Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. With a history stretching back to ancient times, it is listed among Japan's important shrines recorded in the Engishiki, an ancient compilation of laws and religious regulations. Under the former system of shrine rankings, it was designated a Kanpei Chusha, a shrine supported by the Imperial Co...»
Minatogawa Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Tamondori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. It enshrines Kusunoki Masashige, a celebrated samurai remembered for his loyalty, courage, and devotion to Emperor Go-Daigo. Affectionately known by local residents as “Nanko-san,” a respectful nickname for Kusunoki Masashige, the shrine is one of the 15 shrines associated with the Kenmu Restorat...»
Taisanji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Nishi Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Belonging to the Tendai school of Buddhism, it takes its mountain name, Sanshinzan, from the surrounding area and enshrines Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing, as its principal deity. The temple's main hall also houses a statue of the Eleven-Headed Kannon, which serves as the principal image of the 25th temple ...»
Rokko Garden Terrace is a popular sightseeing destination on Mount Rokko in Nada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Located at an elevation of approximately 890 meters, this mountain complex brings together panoramic viewpoints, restaurants, shops, and open spaces. From its terraces, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Kobe, Osaka Bay, and the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal place to appr...»
Kobe Weathercock House is a historic Western-style residence located in Kitano-cho 3-chome, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Built in 1904 as the private home of a German trading merchant, the mansion is distinguished by its substantial red-brick exterior and the weathercock standing atop its roof. The weathercock gave the building its popular name, while it is also known as the Former Thomas Re...»
The Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum is a specialist museum dedicated to the tools and techniques used in traditional Japanese woodworking and architecture. Established in 1984 by Takenaka Corporation in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, it preserves and showcases the skills and craftsmanship that have shaped Japan’s wooden buildings for centuries. It is operated by the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum Founda...»
Hyogo Prefectural Maiko Park is a scenic urban park in Higashi-Maiko-cho, Tarumi Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Combining natural beauty, historic architecture, and cultural attractions, the park is a popular destination for both visitors and local residents. Its waterfront location offers impressive views of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, one of the area's most recognizable landmarks, as well as the su...»
The UCC Coffee Museum is a corporate museum dedicated to the history, production, and culture of coffee. Located on Port Island in Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, it offers visitors an opportunity to explore how coffee originated, how it spread around the world, and how it became an integral part of everyday life in many cultures. Established by UCC Ueshima Coffee Co., the museum combines educa...»
The museum introduces the changes in the city of Kobe and the history and future of the sea, ships, and port in an easy-to-understand manner through the use of documents, models, videos, and graphics. Also on display is Kawasaki World, a corporate museum by the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group, which has walked the path of the Port of Kobe since its opening. Located in Meriken Park, this comprehen...»
Kawasaki Good Times World, located within the Kobe Maritime Museum, is a corporate museum of the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group. Here, a variety of machines, including motorcycles from past generations, are on display. In particular, visitors to the motorcycle exhibit can actually touch and straddle the machines. There is also a simulator that allows visitors 140 cm or taller to enjoy a simulated...»
Meriken Park, built by reclaiming the Meriken Wharf and Nakatottei, has facilities such as Kobe Port Tower, Kobe Maritime Museum, a hotel, and an observation deck. There are various ways to enjoy the park, and visitors can enjoy the unique atmosphere of the port city of Kobe. Meriken Park" and "Harborland" were created by reclaiming Meriken Wharf, a port for unloading foreign cargo built in the f...»
This is a park where a portion of the Meriken Wharf, a 60-meter quay damaged in the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, has been preserved and maintained as it was. The preserved quay wall has collapsed, showing the horror of the earthquake and the extent of the damage. The park displays models, videos, and photo panels showing the damage and restoration process of the Port of Kobe. Through these dis...»
The Moegi-no-Yakata was built in 1903 as the residence of the U.S. Consul General. The two-story, clapboard structure features two differently shaped bay windows, a staircase with an arabesque pattern, and a massive mantelpiece. In addition, the second-floor veranda offers a spectacular view of the Kobe city center. Moenokan was designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 1980. The f...»
The Kobe Cruise Concerto is a cruising ship that satisfies all five senses. While enjoying gourmet food and music, passengers can enjoy the luxurious scenery of Kobe, including the Rokko mountains, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the sea at Kobe Airport. Kobe offers beautiful scenery of mountains, sea, and city respectively. The cityscape and mountains viewed from the sea have their own unique and ...»
It is a traditional Islamic temple and symbolizes the oriental atmosphere of Kobe as a cosmopolitan city.It has a distinctive four spires and dome with a crescent moon at its apex. Built in 1935 by Muslims living in Kobe, it has historical value as the first mosque in Japan.It has survived major disasters such as the Kobe Air Raid and the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, and continues to exist tod...»
Sakura Masamune Kinenkan "Sakura Banquet" is located in the center of Nada-Gogo, and was established to convey to future generations the identity of the origin of Masamune sake after overcoming the ordeal of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. It includes a restaurant, exhibition room, gallery, store, and café. At the Sakura Banquet sake brewery dining room, a special dish unique to the brewery, ...»
“Bokkake” is a local homemade dish of stewed cow line meats and konnyaku flavored sweet and salty in the Kobe district. Bokkake can be eaten with booze, and sometimes eaten on top of udon noodles. Bokkake Yakisoba is a dish of fried noodles mixed with bokkake, and the combination of flavored tender meats, konnyaku and the sauce is well harmonized. It also has a good reputation for its rich collage...»
“Bokkake Udon” is a popular local udon noodle dish topped with stewed cow line meats and konnyaku called“bokkake”and green onions. It is said that the name came after the way it is made “bukkakeru (pouring).”The combination of the crunchy beef lines and chewy udon noodles is well suited with light flavored Kansai udon noodles. The dashi (stock) of the soup differs depending on a restaurant, so the...»