3 Days in Kobe Itinerary: Your Ultimate Guide to Japan’s Hidden Gem

Kobe, Japan’s hidden gem, offers a remarkable mix of cultural heritage, culinary delights, and scenic beauty. Nestled between Mount Rokko and the sea, Kobe is known for its picturesque landscapes and as the birthplace of the world-renowned Kobe beef. This 3-day itinerary will guide you through the best attractions, dining experiences, and activities that Kobe has to offer. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this guide will help you make the most of your stay in this vibrant port city.

Day 1: Exploring Central Kobe

Morning: Arrival and Sannomiya Area

Start your journey in the heart of Kobe – the Sannomiya area. This bustling district is the city’s transportation hub, filled with shops, eateries, and entertainment options. Begin your day by exploring the shopping streets of Sannomiya Center Gai and Tor Road. These lively corridors will give you a taste of Kobe’s modern vibe.

Just a short walk from Sannomiya Station, you’ll find the historic Ikuta Shrine. This ancient shrine, dating back to the 3rd century, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Wakahirume. Explore the serene grounds, offer prayers, and be sure to take a picture of the iconic red torii gate.

• Ikuta Shrine – Address: 1 Chome-2-1 Shimoyamatedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0011, Japan – Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Afternoon: Kobe Chinatown (Nankinmachi) and Kobe Port Tower

Head to Nankinmachi, Kobe’s vibrant Chinatown, for lunch. This bustling area is brimming with street food vendors and authentic Chinese restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to try delicacies like pork buns, dumplings, and Peking duck.

After satisfying your taste buds, make your way to the iconic Kobe Port Tower. This observation tower offers panoramic views of the city and the harbor. It’s a great spot to get a comprehensive view of the cityscape.

• Kobe Port Tower – Address: 5-5 Hatoba-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo – Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Evening: Meriken Park and Harborland

Spend your evening relaxing at Meriken Park. This waterfront park features stunning sculptures and the Kobe Maritime Museum. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy the evening breeze and watch the sunset.

For dinner, head to Kobe Harborland, a bustling entertainment district with a variety of dining options, shopping malls, and cafes. Consider dining at one of the many restaurants offering fresh seafood or authentic Kobe beef.

Day 2: Culture and Nature in Kobe

Morning: Kitano-cho and Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens

Begin your second day in the quaint district of Kitano-cho, known for its well-preserved Western-style houses (Ijinkan) from the Meiji and Taisho periods. Visit the Weathercock House and the Moegi House for a glimpse into Kobe’s international past.

Next, take the cable car from Shin-Kobe Station to the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens. This garden is one of Japan’s largest herb gardens, offering breathtaking views of Kobe from its observatory. Stroll through the vibrant terraces, enjoy the scent of herbs and flowers, and relax at the garden café.

• Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens – Address: 1 Chome-4-3 Kitano, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0007, Japan – Opening hours: 9:30 AM – 8:15 PM

Afternoon: Arima Onsen

Spend the afternoon unwinding at Arima Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot spring towns. Located just a short ride from central Kobe, Arima Onsen offers a variety of public baths and traditional ryokan (inns) with private baths. Relax and rejuvenate in the therapeutic waters of the golden and silver hot springs.

Evening: Dining in Kobe

Return to the city and enjoy an exquisite dinner featuring Kobe beef at one of the renowned steakhouses in the area. Popular choices include Misono and Wakkoqu, which offer an unforgettable dining experience with top-quality beef grilled to perfection.

• Misono – Address: 1 Chome−1−2, Shimoyamatedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo – Opening hours: 11:30 AM – 1:40 PM & 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Wakkoqu – Address: 1 Chome−22−13,  Nakayamatedori, Chuo Ward, Hyogo – Opening hours: 12 PM – 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Day 3: Scenic Beauty and Modern Marvels

Morning: Mount Rokko

Start your final day with an excursion to Mount Rokko. Take the Rokko Cable Car to the top of the mountain, where you’ll be greeted with stunning panoramic views of Kobe and the surrounding region. Explore the Rokkosan Pasture, a beautiful area where you can interact with farm animals and even taste freshly made dairy products.

Afternoon: Kobe City Museum and Meriken Park

Head back to the city to visit the Kobe City Museum. This museum offers a deep dive into Kobe’s history, culture, and art. It features exhibitions on both local and international art, making it a rich cultural experience.

Revisit Meriken Park for a leisurely afternoon. If you missed the Kobe Maritime Museum on Day 1, now is a great time to explore it. The Earthquake Memorial Park within Meriken Park also provides insight into the impact of the Great Hanshin Earthquake and Kobe’s recovery.

Evening: Kobe Harbor Cruise

Conclude your trip with a Kobe Harbor Cruise. As the city lights up in the evening, enjoy a romantic and scenic cruise around the harbor. This experience offers fantastic views of the illuminated cityscape and iconic landmarks such as the Kobe Port Tower and Meriken Park.

For your final dinner, choose a restaurant along the waterfront to enjoy fresh seafood with a wonderful view of the harbor. Try The Oyster Bar Kobe for an unforgettable dining experience.

Practical Information and Travel Tips

• Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
• Language: Japanese (English is widely understood in tourist areas)
• Transportation: Consider purchasing an IC card (ICOCA or PASMO) for convenient travel on public transportation.
• Travel Tip: When visiting hot springs and traditional bathhouses, remember that tattoos may be prohibited in many onsen. Check the rules beforehand or select tattoo-friendly facilities.

Kobe is a city that beautifully blends tradition with modernity, offering visitors a vast array of experiences from serene shrines and hot springs to vibrant shopping districts and gourmet Kobe beef. This 3-day itinerary aims to showcase the best of what Kobe has to offer, ensuring that you leave with unforgettable memories. Whether you’re exploring historical landmarks, enjoying panoramic views from Mount Rokko, or indulging in the local cuisine, Kobe promises a rewarding and delightful journey. Make sure to set aside time to savor every moment in this extraordinary city.