Welcome to Kobe, a city renowned for its culinary excellence and vibrant food culture. From the world-famous Kobe beef to an array of delightful street foods, Kobe is every food lover’s paradise. Let’s dive right into your gastronomic journey with a detailed day-by-day itinerary starting with Day 1.
Day 1: Discovering Kobe’s Culinary Delights
Morning: Breakfast at Comme Chinois
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Comme Chinois. This French-Japanese bakery is famous for its freshly baked pastries, bread, and inventive fusion creations. Don’t miss their croissants and seasonal fruit tarts.
Mid-Morning: Explore Kobe Chinatown
Head over to Kobe Chinatown (also known as Nankinmachi) for an immersive cultural experience. This vibrant district is filled with food stalls and eateries offering a blend of Chinese and Japanese street food.
Must-try items include steamed buns (nikuman), fried dumplings, and various types of ramen. Take your time wandering the bustling streets, soaking in the sights, sounds, and tastes.
Lunch: Savor Authentic Kobe Beef at Mouriya Honten
No trip to Kobe would be complete without indulging in the city’s most famous export: Kobe beef. For lunch, head to Mouriya Honten, one of the top-rated restaurants offering this delicacy. Here, you can enjoy a luxurious meal prepared by skilled chefs who expertly grill the beef to perfection.
Afternoon: Visit the Ikuta Shrine
After a hearty lunch, take a leisurely stroll to the historic Ikuta Shrine, located in the heart of Kobe. This Shinto shrine is one of the oldest in Japan and offers a serene atmosphere perfect for a post-meal walk.
Early Evening: Snack at Sannomiya Center-Gai
Your next culinary stop is Sannomiya Center-Gai, a busy shopping street where you can find a variety of snacks and quick bites. Try some takoyaki (octopus balls), savory crepes, or yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) as you explore the area.
Evening: Dinner at El Cielo
Wrap up your first day with an exquisite dinner at El Cielo, an upscale restaurant that offers a unique fusion of Italian and Japanese cuisine. The tasting menu here is highly recommended, providing an innovative blend of flavors and presentation.
Day 2: A Culinary Adventure in Kobe
Morning: Breakfast at Round Point
Kickstart your second day with a hearty breakfast at the Round Point. Known for specialty coffee from worldwide, this popular spot offers delicious breakfast in a hip modern vibe.
Mid-Morning: Stroll Through Meriken Park
After breakfast, head to Meriken Park for a relaxing stroll. This waterfront park is home to iconic landmarks such as the Kobe Port Tower and the Maritime Museum. The park offers beautiful views of the harbor and is a great place to unwind.
Lunch: Delight in Ramen at Ichiran
For lunch, make your way to Ichiran, a famous ramen restaurant known for its tonkotsu ramen. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with individual booths that allow you to focus entirely on enjoying your flavorful bowl of ramen without distractions.
Afternoon: Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens
In the afternoon, visit the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens. Accessible via a scenic ropeway ride, this expansive garden features numerous herbs and flowers, along with a beautiful panoramic view of the city. The gardens also have a cafe where you can enjoy herbal teas and light snacks.
Evening: Sake Tasting at Kobe Shu-Shin-Kan Brewery
In the evening, immerse yourself in Kobe’s sake culture with a visit to Kobe Shu-Shin-Kan Brewery. The brewery offers guided tours that include sake tasting sessions where you can sample different varieties of this traditional Japanese rice wine.
Night: Dine at Steakland Kobe-kan
End your day with a sumptuous dinner at Steakland Kobe-kan. Renowned for its Kobe beef, this restaurant offers a variety of steak options cooked to perfection. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor of authentic Kobe beef in a casual yet elegant setting.
Day 3: Immersing in Kobe’s Food Culture
Morning: Breakfast at Nishimura Coffee
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at Nishimura Coffee, a historic café in Kobe known for its rich coffee and delectable pastries. The café provides a cozy ambiance perfect for a relaxed morning.
Mid-Morning: Visit Kobe Oji Zoo
Spend the rest of your morning at Kobe Oji Zoo, a charming zoo that houses a variety of animals including pandas, elephants, and koalas. The zoo also features beautiful gardens and a small amusement park, making it a pleasant experience for visitors of all ages.
Lunch: Enjoy Sushi at Sushi Yasu
For lunch, head to Sushi Yasu, a highly rated sushi restaurant in Kobe. The restaurant offers a wide variety of fresh sushi, expertly prepared by skilled chefs. Be sure to try their signature nigiri and sashimi platters.
Afternoon: Explore Kobe’s Nankinmachi (Chinatown)
In the afternoon, take a walk through Nankinmachi, Kobe’s vibrant Chinatown. This bustling district is filled with an array of food stalls, souvenir shops, and restaurants offering a fusion of Japanese and Chinese cuisines. Don’t miss the chance to try some popular street foods like steamed buns (nikuman) and delicious dim sum.
Evening: Dinner at Kitano Club
For an unforgettable dining experience, make a reservation at Kitano Club. This elegant restaurant offers stunning views of Kobe city along with a sophisticated menu that blends Japanese and Western flavors. Enjoy a multi-course dinner crafted with the finest seasonal ingredients.
Night: Indulge in Desserts at Arima Onsen
End your day with a visit to Arima Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot spring towns. After a rejuvenating soak in the thermal waters, treat yourself to traditional Japanese desserts like mochi and matcha sweets at one of the local tea houses. This is the perfect way to relax and reflect on your culinary journey in Kobe.
Kobe is a city that truly caters to the soul of every food enthusiast. From its world-renowned Kobe beef to an array of street foods and gourmet restaurants, the city offers a culinary adventure that is second to none.
Whether you are savoring the flavors in a quaint café, dining at a top-rated sushi restaurant, or indulging in traditional sweets after a relaxing onsen experience, Kobe’s food scene is diverse and delightful. Every meal and every bite tells a story, making your journey through Kobe a memorable one.
So pack your bags, bring your appetite, and get ready to embark on a foodie adventure in Kobe. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a culinary novice, Kobe promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey that will leave you longing for more.
