33 Fun Things to Do in Kobe, Japan (by area)
Kobe, Japan often gets put on the “should I visit or not” group.
I didn’t know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised when I visited.
While it’s not packed with tourists, there’s lots of things to do in Kobe during the day and at night.
You don’t have to go everywhere listed here, but pick and choose what interests you most.
If you’re only doing one day, make sure to read my Kobe Day Trip Itinerary to make most of the day.
I’ve split this guide of things to do in Kobe by area, plus an additional section for things to do in Kobe at night.
Book before your Kobe trip:
▢ Purchase your bullet train ticket to Kobe
▢ Buy a Kobe Passport for access to 40+ attractions
▢ Book discounted hotels in Kobe (what I use)
▢ Hire a private driver in Kobe for a day
▢ Book the most popular day tours in Kobe
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Most Popular Kobe
Attractions Tour
⛩️ Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
✅ Customizable Tour
Meriken Park Area
1. Meriken Park: Explore this waterfront park with the iconic Kobe Port Tower, the Maritime Museum, and picturesque views of the harbor.
2. Kobe Port Tower: You can visit the observation area + rooftop area for 1200 yen ($7.50 USD).
3. BE KOBE Sign: Take a photo with the famous BE KOBE sign. There’s often a short line to take a photo.
One of the top things to do in Kobe.
4. Kobe Art: Browse the the street murals and art installations. I especially loved the “Less Likes More Love” mural.
5. Kobe Maritime Museum: Learn about Kobe’s history and check out the collection of maritime artifacts. Cost: 900 yen ($5.60 USD).
Kobe Harborland Area
6. Mosaic Kobe Harborland: Shop and eat at the Kobe Harborland pier, an outdoor mall of eateries and shops like Donguri Garden Mosaic, a Studio Ghibli-themed merchandise shop.
7. Waterfront: Walk along the paths beside the harbor.
8. Mosaic Big Ferris Wheel: Ride the large, red ferris wheel with views of the harbor. Open 10am-10pm, $5 USD.
9. Try an Onsen: Experience a 24-hour onsen at Kobe Harborland Onsen Manyo Club.
10. Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel: Stay at this 4-start hotel right on the harbor.
11. Kobe Bay: Take a cruise around Kobe Bay ($17 USD) to enjoy the city lights from the water.
Downtown/Central Kobe
12. Sannomiya Shopping Street: Explore the popular Sannomiya Center Gai, a covered walking street with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
13. Ikuta Shrine: Visit one of the oldest shrines in Japan, dating back to the 3rd century. It’s a popular shrine to pray for love and healthy relationships.
14. Kobe Muslim Mosque: Visit Japan’s first ever mosque, founded in 1935. Located north of Ikuta Shrine.
15. Nankinmachi (Chinatown): Explore the vibrant streets of Kobe’s Chinatown with lots of street food stalls and shops.
16. Sorakuen Garden: Located north of Chinatown, this serene Japanese garden is less than $2 USD to enter.
17. Kobe Muslim Mosque: Visit Japan’s first ever mosque, founded in 1935.
18. East Park (Higashi Yūenchi): This is an urban park and memorial to the 1995 earthquake. Lots of art installations to check out.
19. Motomachi Street: Similar to Sannomiya Shopping Street. Has a variety of boutiques, international stores, and cafes.
Kitano Historic District
20. Kitano District: Wander around this historic area known for its well-preserved European-style houses and museums.
Buy a pass to visit multiple locations.
21. Ijinkan Uroko Group Visitor Center: Not for the visitor center itself, but this location is a small, charming alley street with local shops to browse.
22. Kobe Trick Art Museum: Interactive museum with optical illusions and 3D artworks. Perfect for fun photo opportunities.
23. The English House: a Sherlock Holmes-themed house and pub. 880 yen ($5.50 USD).
24. The Former Drewell House (free): Two-story western-style building dating back to the late 19th century.
25. Kitano Tenman Shrine: Dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of scholarship and learning. Walk up for a panoramic view of Kobe. Free to enter.
Mount Rokko / North Kobe
26. Mount Rokko: Take a hike or a cable car up Mount Rokko for stunning views of Kobe and the surrounding areas.
One of the top things to do in Kobe.
I recommend booking a Mount Rokko tour.
27. Rokko Garden Terrace: A beautiful observatory and garden located on Mount Rokko. Open until 9pm, and closed on Thursdays. You can buy tickets ahead of time.
28. Arima Onsen: One of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot spring resorts, located in the mountains of Kobe. Stay at one of the many luxurious and relaxing onsen resorts.
29. Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden: Also located on Mount Rokko, explore the diverse collection of alpine plants from around the world.
30. Nunobiki Falls: Located north of Kitano District near Shin-Kobe Station.
While this was a mild walk and hike to get to, the trail and views, along with viewing deck, was very peaceful.
31. Nunobiki Herb Garden Trail: A scenic hiking path leading to the botanical garden where you can see a variety of plants and flowers. Buy tickets in advance.
32. Mount Maya: Mount Maya is another mountain in Kobe reachable via the Maya Cable Car and ropeway.
Kikuseidai is a renowned observation deck located on Mount Maya famous for its night views.
33. Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum: Located near the Shin-Kobe Station. Whether or not you’re interested in carpentry tools, the space itself is beautiful to explore for its architectural design.
Things to Do in Kobe at Night
Mount Rokko: Visit Mount Rokko for sunset or evening views, deemed “10-Million Dollar Views” of Kobe’s skyline and the Osaka Bay area.
Mount Maya is also famous for its night views at the Kikuseidai observation deck.
Kobe Bay: Take a an evening cruise around Kobe Bay to enjoy the city lights from the water.
Kobe Port Tower: Go up to the observation deck for panoramic nighttime views of the harbor and city.
Go to Meriken Park and Harborland again for great night views of the harbor, BE KOBE sign, and Kobe Port Tower.
You can also take the Mosaic Big Ferris Wheel, which closes at 10pm.
Chinatown, Sannomiya, and Ikuta Road are also nice areas to walk through in the evening. As people get off work, it becomes busy and vibrant.
I hope this was helpful! As you can see, there’s lots of things to do in Kobe to make it worth a day trip or extended stay.
For an overnight stay, relax at one of the many onsen.
To save time, book a tour for a Kobe day trip or buy a Kobe passport for access to 40+ attractions over one or two days.
Have fun in Kobe!
Top Kobe tours to book:
🔹 Kobe Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
🔹 Sake Tasting at Local Breweries in Kobe
🔹 Combo Day Tour: Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto & Nara
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