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Kobe-shi

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Kobe-shi

Kobe is the capital of Hyogo Prefecture in Japan, located across Osaka Bay within the Kansai region. Ranking as the sixth-largest city and the third-largest port city following Tokyo and Yokohama, Kobe is renowned for its premium Kobe Beef and historic Nada District, which offers travelers world-class dining experiences, as well as one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts, Arima Onsen.

The city boasts a distinctive port ambiance, nestled between mountains and the ocean, presenting a blend of scenic highlands and the captivating Kobe Harbor waterfront. You can enjoy the night view through landmarks like the Kobe Port Tower and the adjacent Ferris wheel in Harborland or stroll through Meriken Park.

In the 1860s, Kobe evolved into a modern international port, which brought many Western influences to the city that can still be seen in the Kitano-cho district, where you can find Western-style houses from Meiji era.

Kobe is also the birthplace of jazz in Japan, and you can find numerous live clubs in the Kitano-cho district or attend the annual “Kobe Jazz Street” Festival held in October.

Travel Tips for Kobe-shi

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Kobe-shi

A guide to Kobe-shi's local transportation

‘City Loop’ Buses
Cable Car
Taxi

City Loop is a bus service specifically designed for tourists who want to travel in one direction around Kobe. You can easily recognize this bus by its distinctive green color. Look for the green and red signs on the roadside to find the City Loop departure points. The City Loop will travel for 15-20 minutes, stopping at 15 major attractions in Kobe, between Shin-Kobe and Harbourland.

You can use the City Loop Day Pass for 680 yen for unlimited rides. You can purchase bus entry tickets at the Tourist Information Office in Shin-Kobe or the Kobe Information Centre in Sannomiya. To recoup its cost, you should use the pass three times or more.

Practical Tips for Kobe-shi

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What are the best things to do in Kobe, Japan?

Famous as one of Japan's three most picturesque cities after dark, you can witness the stunning night scenery from Rokko Garden Terrace or Mount Maya. During daylight hours, you can stroll around Rokko Garden and Kitano-cho, where you will find unique architecture, charming cafes, and beautiful gardens.

For herbs and garden enthusiasts, a visit to Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens is a must. With over 200 flower varieties and 75,000 herbs, it is a haven for botanical enthusiasts. The Fragrance Museum and Herbal Footbath showcase nearly 80 essential oils, providing a calming experience for the mind and body.

No trip to Kobe is complete without a visit to Nankin-machi, Chinatown, a center of international history and culture. You can stroll through the streets and indulge in authentic Chinese cuisine at the various shops and restaurants.

What is Kobe known for in Japan?

If you like beef and are seeking the finest dining experience, Kobe is the ideal destination. The beef is sourced from locally raised Tajima cattle and undergoes rigorous criteria to ensure only the highest quality earns the coveted Kobe label. Delight in Kobe beef through various culinary options such as the classic steak, shabu-shabu, or sukiyaki.

Kobe is also home to Japan's premier hot spring, Arima Onsen. For a fee ranging from 500 to 2500 yen, you can immerse yourself in two distinct hot spring waters, Kinsen and Ginsen. You can choose Kinsen (gold) for skin healing properties or Ginsen (silver) for its therapeutic benefits.

What are the best Kobe Beef Restaurants?

There are various Kobe beef eateries in Kobe, but here are the finest Kobe beef restaurants that surely serve you top-quality Kobe beef. Firstly, you can visit Steak Akoyama in Hyogo, which has its signature Aoyama Steak Course, for around 6,500 yen.

Secondly, come to Meriken Hatoba Steak and Grill in Kobe's Chinatown, where menu prices range from 5,000 to 15,000 yen. Another notable Kobe beef restaurant is Kobe Steak Restaurant Mouriya near Sannomiya Station, presenting a range of dishes priced from 10,000 to 15,000 yen.

What to eat in Kobe, Japan?

When the name "Kobe" is mentioned, Kobe Beef is definitely the first culinary delight that comes to your mind. However, beyond that, there are numerous other intriguing dishes worth savoring during your visit to Kobe.

For those seeking a light meal, Akashiyaki is a must-try dish in Kobe. Akashiyaki is a small round egg dumpling that is similar to takoyaki. Dipping them in dashi broth enhances the authentic flavor. Additionally, you can explore Misodare Gyoza, miso-boiled dumplings perfect for dipping.

If rice-based dishes are your favorite, consider trying Takomeshi, a rice dish stir-fried with octopus pieces; Taimeshi, a rice dish cooked in dashi stock; or Sobameshi, a medley of chopped yakisoba and rice cooked together with various seasonings.

What is the best time to visit Kobe, Japan?

If you are considering a vacation to Kobe, aim for the period between September and November for autumn or from March to May for spring, as these times offer a heightened visual delight in the city. You can also visit Kobe during the Christmas holidays, as the city hosts numerous illuminations and festivities that coincide with Christmas and New Year celebrations.

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