13 Things To Do in Kobe, Japan (Travel Guide)

Looking for the best things to do in Kobe, Japan? This Kobe travel guide breaks down 13 can’t-miss experiences—from legendary sake tastings to skyline views and a hot spring escape that feels like stepping back in time.

In this video, you’ll explore Kobe like a local: eat your way through famous neighborhoods, learn surprising history, ride up for epic views, and end with the ultimate onsen reset. If you’re building a Kobe itinerary (even with limited time), this guide helps you plan what to do, when to go, and what not to miss.

Here are the 13 things to do in Kobe, Japan, in the order we cover them:

1. Taste sake in Nada at the Hakutsuru & Kiku-Masamune museums
2. Walk the Kitano Foreign District and tour iconic Western-style mansions
3. Maiko Marine Promenade inside the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (yes, inside!)
4. Shop Sannomiya Center Street for local food, crafts, and hidden alleys
5. Eat street food in Nankinmachi Chinatown (don’t skip the buns + gyoza)
6. Slow down at Sorakuen Garden for seasonal beauty and classic architecture
7. Visit Ikuta Jinja Shrine and try the water fortune ritual
8. Ride the Nunobiki Ropeway and explore the massive herb gardens with bay views
9. Relax at Suma Beach for an easy coastal escape
10. Kobe Port Tower for 360° views and the rotating café experience
11. Meriken Park to see Kobe’s waterfront—and a powerful earthquake memorial
12. Harborland at night for lights, shopping, and a perfect evening stroll
13. Arima Onsen to soak in rare “gold” and “silver” mineral waters

Which spot is going on your Kobe list first? Drop a comment below—and if this helped, subscribe for more Japan travel guides, itineraries, and food stops!

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