Kobe is the sixth largest city in Japan and is best known as the best place to enjoy premium Japanese Wagyu beef. In addition to world-class restaurants and shopping centers, this dynamic port city also offers many other attractions, which I will introduce below.
Harbor land
One of the classic spots in Kobe, Habor Land is a must-see to see how Kobe's original port has been transformed into a modern entertainment destination. You can easily explore the factors that led to this development by admiring the seaport from Meriken Park. Harbor Land also features a European-style shopping center.
Nankinmachi – Chinatown
Nankinmachi is not as large as Yokohama's Chinatown, but visitors can enjoy a variety of Chinese dishes here. Chinatown is located near Motomachi Station and is adjacent to the famous Chinese Torii Gates. There are many restaurants and street stalls in the area, some even serving Wagyu beef.
Ikuta Shrine
Built in 201 AD, this temple is an extremely peaceful oasis near the busy Sannomiya Station. The shrine is dedicated to the goddess Wakahirume-no-Mikoto and many couples come here to pray for a close relationship. The temple has seen a history of many events, including war and the 1995 earthquake.
Kitano
Kitano is a small neighborhood outside Sannomiya Station. Located in the hills surrounding central Kobe, Kitano is a part of the city that makes you feel like you're no longer in Japan. With its small winding streets and European-style houses and cafes, it can be quite strange for a Western tourist to explore. However, there is a lovely Shinto shrine that offers lovely views of the cityscape, and it's great fun watching Asian tourists marvel at the European-style houses. Nevertheless, it is worth a trip here and a stroll through the charming streets of Kitano in contrast to the lively atmosphere of central Kobe.
Nunobiki Falls
Nunobiki Falls is located in the hills outside Shin-Kobe Station. Less than 300 meters away, visitors can walk up the hill and through the forest to see two natural waterfalls. The hills surrounding Shin-Kobe Station are also an ideal base for climbing the hills of Kobe and discovering some great viewpoints of the city.
Nunobiki Habu Park
There is a cable car near Shin-Kobe Station that will take you to the top of Mount Rokku in just a few minutes. Nunobiki Habu is a large park with a few shops at the top of the mountain. There are great viewpoints that offer views of the entire Kobe city day and night. Those who like to stay active can return to Shin-Kobe Station via a descent path.
Sake brewery
Nada Ward is famous for its many sake breweries. There is a small but interesting museum at the Hakutsuru factory that explains the sake production process. You can try Hakutsuru sake for free and compare different types of sake to learn the differences. You can buy these holy bottles and sake-related products from the factory's official store.
