VISIT KOBE

Arima Onsen is one of Japan’s three most famous hot springs. In a single thermal area, you can enjoy two very different spring waters: the bronze-colored kinsen (golden spring) containing iron and salt, and the ginsen (silver spring) which is colorless. A steamy tour of all seven springs is highly recommended. In addition to soaking in the hot springs, strolling through the historic town and hunting for souvenirs unique to Arima all add up to physical and mental refreshment and a great holiday.
Just north of Arima, find an excellent range of recreational spots and outlet malls amid verdant landscapes just right for family or couple’s outings.

Mt. Maya and Mt. Rokko are part of the mountain range that surrounds Kobe city from the west to the north. Rising to 931 meters, Mt. Rokko has an amazing number of recreational facilities in a natural setting.
Rokko Garden Terrace is the place to enjoy a grand panorama from the observation deck, as well as seasonal gourmet food and shopping. Kikuseidai, the observation platform on Mt. Maya, is not to be missed either. The night views of Kobe city and Osaka Bay in particular are breathtaking and count as one of Japan’s three great night views.
The Rokko mountain range also has over 70 trekking trails for all levels of ability and experience, with cable cars and ropeways making them easily accessible.

The area extending from Kobe City to Nishinomiya City along the coast, called Nada-Gogo (the Five Villages of Nada), has been known for sake production across Japan for centuries. Plenty of unique experiences await here in Nada and Higashi-Nada wards, with its cluster of sake breweries and museums. Exhibition rooms and facilities offer tours of traditional brewing equipment and processes, as well as sampling of seasonal sake and freshly-pressed unpasteurized sake, for example.
The district is also home to museums well worth your time. The Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art was designed by leading Japanese architect Ando Tadao and even devotes a room to his architecture. Neither should you miss the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial/Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution where you will find out more about disaster prevention.
Every May, a lively festival is held in Nada where elaborate danjiri (floats) parade around the town, the streets echoing with the shouts of the float bearers and the powerful taiko beat.

A short distance to the north of Sannomiya Station, downtown Kobe, is Kitano, where Ijinkan (foreigner residences) dating from the late 19th century line the streets. Wandering is well rewarded, but this is a great place to go to enjoy sophisticated relaxation, be it to enjoy a photo shoot in period costume or to sit back in the café inside a renovated mansion.
A quick step away from Shin-Kobe station also reveals an oasis of calm, a herb garden and pristine waterfalls free of city noise, highly popular with visitors from Japan and around the world.

The “Former Foreign Settlement” Kyukyoryuchi to the south of Sannomiya is a neighborhood of high-end brand shops and elegant cafes, the perfect place for a stroll. This may be Kobe’s most stylish spot, where 19th century European architecture mixes with on-trend shops and restaurants.
To the west of Sannomiya is the Motomachi area. It is home to the lively Nankinmachi Chinatown, a district filled with Chinese restaurants and shops. Taking a break to enjoy some hot street food is a wonderful part of the travel experience here. The buildings show a mix of Japanese, European, and Chinese history, and a walk through the streets feels like traveling through different cultures and time periods.

Meriken Park is a photogenic place indeed, dotted with unique structures like the Port Tower and the Kobe Maritime Museum, not to mention the BE KOBE sculpture commemorating the 150th anniversary of the opening of the port.
Over in Harborland we have the red brick warehouses and giant shopping mall, a place to enjoy the day with family or friends.
Beautiful ocean-blue views during the day turn to romantic night views later, especially from the top deck of the Port Tower or atop the Ferris wheel.
Stroll around on foot or board a cruise: Kansai’s prettiest bay area is to be enjoyed from every angle.

The key hotspots here are Kobe Animal Kingdom, the place to meet the creatures in a park full of lush blooms, and IKEA, the popular furniture and lifestyle retailer that blends design and practicality. Port Island has plenty of accommodation options as well as businesspeople coming and going from diverse events and conferences held at venues such as the Kobe International Conference Centre and World Hall.
South of Port Island is the reclaimed island of Kobe Airport, reached by Port Liner in around 20 minutes from Sannomiya, central Kobe. The rooftop is famous for its views of airfield movements and the whole city of Kobe. A high-speed ferry departs here for Kansai International Airport, arriving in about 30 minutes.

In the peaceful seaside areas of Tarumi and Suma, train lines run along the beautiful coastline. You can enjoy stunning ocean views not only from the train window but also from local restaurants and cafes. From Sumaura Sanjo Yuen Park and Maiko Park, you can see the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge—the world’s second longest suspension bridge. The view during the ‘magic hour’ at sunset is truly spectacular.
The Nagata and Hyogo areas are rich in Kobe’s history and local culture. Explore retro shopping arcades, temples, and shrines to experience the local lifestyle. Don’t forget to try regional specialities like Sobameshi (fried rice and noodles chopped together) and Bokkake (sweet and savoury stewed beef tendon) to get a true taste of the city.