VISIT KOBE

Cross the water from KIX on the Bay Shuttle High Speed Boat, arriving at Kobe Airport. If in need of a meal, recharge your batteries with a Kobe-style dish at one of the restaurants here.

Kobe Airport offers direct flights to over 10 domestic cities, including Tokyo and Sapporo, as well as direct flights to various Asian countries. From Sannomiya Station, the central hub of Kobe, the airport is easily accessible in approximately 20 minutes via the Port Liner or bus.

Taiko Bridge was named after a powerful leader of the Warring States era, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. With the steam rising in the background, take a photo of Arima Onsen, which blends into the four seasons of nature.

Kin no Yu is a famous public bathhouse in Arima Onsen, renowned for the rich, opaque, bronze-coloured waters of its ‘golden spring’. Of course you can take a dip in the baths, but you could also see if the waters are to your liking in the footbath next to the facility before diving in. Contemplate your next walk as you revive in the pleasant thermal waters.

The cobbled streets and timber townhouses of Arima Onsen: tour all seven springs, beginning with Tenjin hot spring source, see the dance of the Arima geiko performers. You will be immersed in the history and culture of one of Japan’s oldest hot spring towns.

Yumotozaka and Tansanzaka, these two hill streets are perfect for photography with an atmosphere of the Arima Onsen of old. Tread the cobbles to soak up the history and the vibe of this hot spring town, discovering the souvenir shops, cafes and the carbonated spring that gave the street its name. 

One of Arima’s seven hot spring sources. White steam rises from the waters, which spill forth at a temperature of 98 degrees. Right next to Tenjin spring is Arimaten Shrine, which enshrines Sugawara Michizane, the god of learning. It receives many visitors hoping to be blessed by good fortune to go with the blessings of the hot springs.

The further you walk up the hill, the more old-time crafts and specialty goods shops you will come across. You are bound to find plenty of good souvenir ideas such as seasonings containing highly aromatic sansho pepper, bamboo crafts and other items that embody traditional techniques and human warmth.

This temple overlooks Arima Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot spring towns. It was established by Buddhist monk Gyoki, who visited Arima Onsen in eighth century. Revered as a guardian of the hot spring, this remains a place treasured by travelers as an oasis of calm.

If you want to get the most out of your trip to Arima Onsen, stay in a historical ryokan that breathes tradition and hospitality. Change into a yukata robe after bathing in the hot spring and relax in a traditional living room infused with the scent of tatami mats. Be tantalized by a flamboyant spread featuring seasonal fresh ingredients for top-flight relaxation with all five senses.

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Ikuta Shrine is an ancient shrine with a history spanning over 1,800 years. The place name “Kobe” originated from “Kanbe,” the name given to the families who protected the deities of Ikuta Shrine. In recent years, many athletes and artists have taken to worshipping at Ikuta Shrine, which added to its location in the middle of downtown Kobe makes this a very well-visited spot.

Work on the Sorakuen gardens, formerly attached to the Taisho-era residence of Kodera Taijiro, commenced in 1885 and was completed at the end of the Meiji period (1912). Ownership passed to the city of Kobe in 1941 and the gardens were opened to the public.

The Japanese garden features a path around a pond of stepping stones and stone bridges, the scenery reminiscent of the deep mountains. Sorakuen shows off the colors of every season with a sago palm garden, a 500-year-old camphor tree, azaleas that bloom in spring and spectacular autumn leaves. In addition to the stately main gate and the impressive European-style architecture of the Kodera family stables,  the traditional pleasure barge "Funayakata", the Former Hassam House (all important cultural properties), and a tea house harmonize with the garden scenery.

There are many restaurants in the vicinity of Sannomiya Station that offer premium brand Kobe beef. Select an eatery that suits your budget and occasion, whether it is a teppanyaki with a chef grilling at your table or an indulgent steak lunch.

A truly photogenic fusion of art and aquarium. Across eight themed zones, visitors can immerse themselves in an artistic space while discovering the fascinating ecology of diverse creatures. This urban aquarium is easily accessible by bus or on foot from the city centre, making it a perfect addition to your sightseeing tour of the harbour area.

La Suite Le Pan building is filled with high-end cafes and restaurants. Stepping in on the first floor is the head branch of smash hit LE PAN Kobe Kitano. Take a quiet pause in a soothing space of the sort Kobe does so well, enveloped in the aroma of freshly baked breads and sweets.

Before heading off to Osaka, pick up souvenirs of Kobe. A vast range of products is on offer at nearby malls like Kobe Hankyu, where you can find it all from classic Kobe sweets and chocolates to seaside city-design accessories and high-fashion threads for the wardrobe.

JR Osaka Station, together with the adjoining private rail lines that terminate at Umeda Station, is a key public transport hub and the biggest rail terminal in Kansai. It is surrounded by a forest of skyscrapers and is every bit the bustling metropolis. For nighttime walks, we recommend the Umeda area as well as Namba, gateway to the glittering neon of the foodie paradise of Dotombori.

Osaka, where history meets the present day, is the biggest city in Kansai. A mind-boggling range of sights and delicacies is on offer. The classic itinerary here is to discover samurai history at Osaka Castle, then to experience world-class entertainment at Universal Studios Japan. Partake also in the proud culinary offerings of the city, such as takoyaki octopus balls and okonomiyaki.