Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Kobe – A Charming Port City
July 14, 2025
Surrounded by mountains and the sea, Kobe offers a unique blend of international flair, gourmet cuisine, breathtaking night views, and natural beauty. Based around Sannomiya, it’s easy to get around, making it perfect for both first-time visitors and return travelers. We’ve selected five essential spots that showcase the very best of Kobe—from shopping and café culture, to tranquil shrines, romantic vistas, and hillside relaxation. This guide provides a simple and helpful route to explore Kobe’s vibrant “now.” Let it be your starting point for a memorable journey!
1. Sannomiya Area- Overview: Kobe’s main transportation and commercial hub. Subway, JR, and Port Liner intersect here, with plenty of hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- Highlight: Ideal as your base. Great for food and shopping, including famous Kobe beef spots and cozy cafés all within walking distance.
- Overview: A Shinto shrine with over 1,400 years of history, known as a spiritual spot for matchmaking and love.
- Highlight: A calm, wooded setting that offers a peaceful experience. Enjoy browsing the charms (omamori) and ema plaques.
- Overview: Once a foreign settlement during the Meiji era, this area is home to many preserved Western-style houses.
- Highlight: Explore unique Western architecture like the Weathercock House and Uroko House. Perfect for a leisurely cultural walk.
- Meriken Park: A scenic oceanfront park perfect for strolling and relaxing by the sea. Features a memorial to the 1995 earthquake.
- Kobe Port Tower: A 108-meter red tower built in 1963. Offers a 360° rotating café and panoramic views from its open deck—especially magical at night.
- Ropeway: Just a 10-minute ride from near Shin-Kobe Station up to 400m elevation. Enjoy views of waterfalls, Kobe cityscape, and even Osaka on clear days.
- Herb Garden: One of Japan’s largest, with 200 species and 75,000 herbs and flowers. Relax at the garden café or restaurant surrounded by nature.
- First-time visitors: Stroll around Sannomiya + unwind at Ikuta Shrine
- For cultural explorers: Enjoy the Western charm of Kitano Ijinkan
- For night view lovers: Visit Meriken Park and Kobe Port Tower at sunset
- For nature lovers: Refresh yourself at Nunobiki Herb Garden via ropeway
- Getting around: Subway, Port Liner, and ropeway from Sannomiya are useful.
- Tickets: Discount combo tickets available for Herb Garden & Port Tower. Check online in advance!
- Avoid crowds: Weekends and evenings are busy. Visit in the morning or early afternoon for a relaxed experience.
- IC cards: Use ICOCA or other IC cards for smooth travel around the city.
Visiting these five spots allows you to experience the perfect balance of Kobe’s sophisticated city vibe, rich history, seaside romance, night views, and nature. Choose the route that suits your trip and enjoy an unforgettable time in Kobe!