Kobe

Harbor views, hillside Kitano & legendary beef

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Kobe is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Kobe Harborland, Kitano Ijinkan and Mount Rokko. Food lovers should not miss Steakland Kobe and Kobe Plaisir. Below you will find 10 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Kobe at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: Kobe Harborland and Kitano Ijinkan
Where to stay: Harborland and Kitano
Local picks: 10 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Kobe

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Local tipsBest Things to Do in Kobe: A Local’s GuideThe best things to do in Kobe, chosen by locals: top sights, where to eat, where to stay and the…

Where to stay in Kobe

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City loop bus stop 7, Sannomiya station.

The Kobe city loop bus literally loops around the city and takes you to major tourists attractions like Kitano area and the harbor land. You can buy tickets in the bus. Check…

Sannomiya

Ikuta Shrine

One of Japans oldest shrines, tucked into the city centre.

★ 4.4

Kitano

Kitano Ijinkan

The hillside district of preserved Western merchant houses.

★ 4.4

Sannomiya

Kobe City Loop Bus

Kobe’s retro-styled loop bus is the easy way to see a city squeezed between the hills and the sea. It links the main sights – the Kitano foreign-residence district, Harborland and more – with tickets sold onboard. A day pass is great value if you’re packing the highlights into one day.

★ 4.3