Kobe: 6 Things to DO in One Day

I had an extra day to spare so I decided to pay a family friend, the Sakoda Family, a visit. Sachiko and her daughter Aki gamely showed me around this little city.

What to do in ONE DAY??

Watashi wa O-susume  (My Recommendations)

Kobe offers many different sightseeing spots and activities to experience but since I only had a day, these are what I experienced and recommend you all visit.

1.    Chinatown – the only one in Kansai and the oldest in Japan since the Chinese merchants originally settled here in Kobe.

2.    Shin-Kobe Ropeway -  get lifted up the southern slopes of the Rokko Mountain while getting a spectacular aerial view of the Nunobiki Waterfall, the Nunobiki Herb Garden, and Kobe city. The highlight of the ride is the observation deck located at the topmost station that gives you more awesome views of the city especially at night.

Part of Nunobiki Herb Garden, view from Ropeway (Cable Car)

3.    Nunobiki Herb Garden - This is a massive herb garden with hundreds of herb species and seasonal flowers. It takes about 10 minutes on the Ropeway and about a little more than an hour to walk through the whole garden. Fee is Y1,200 (~$12).

For Ropeway and Garden schedules and Fees, check out:

Kobe Nunobiki Gardens & Ropeway 

Shin-Kobe Ropeway

4.    Ijinkan (Foreign Houses) - Kobe's number-one attraction. These are 19th-century residences of Kobe's first foreign traders and residents.

5.    Kobe-style Okonomiyake – equally delicious. I loved how I finally got to cook it myself! (insert photo)

6.    Kyudo (Archery) – Sachiko brought me to a school near Shin-Kobe station. Unfortunately I forgot the name of it.

For more Kobe, check these official sites:

Feel Kobe

Hyogo Tourism

Where to stay?

I only did a day trip so I can’t give a feedback on how the hostels / guesthouses are here but surely they’re pretty standard. There are loads of them searchable online with prices ranging from Y2,500 - 4,000 ($25 - 40) / night.

If you’re not on a budget then hotels are available and so is the ‘Ryokan’ (traditional Japanese inn) to experience authentic Japanese lodging (link to blog article where to stay).

How to get around?

Walk – Kobe is very small and walking is a healthy option.

Taxi – an expensive option.

Train – can be used to move from one station stop to the next. But, why not just walk? Kobe is a lot smaller compared to Kyoto or Osaka.

How to get to Kobe?

If coming from Tokyo, the famous ‘Shinkansen’ Bullet Train operated by JR Line is the way to go. It’s a bit pricey but you’ll get here on time and not tired like if you took the overnight bus or regular train.

JR RAIL

Japan Guide on Shinkansen

From within the Kinki Chiho (Kansai Region), TRAINS are the way to go.  Apart from being the quicker way, it is more affordable too.

Kansa Railwway (Train) Route

by Bus: not ideal unless you have a lot of time as it takes 7-8 hours from Kyoto. Online reservation may not be possible and it’s not necessarily a cheaper option either.

Hi-way Buses Information

Willer Express Company
  

If you are just to breeze through the different places in the Kansai Region, there are passes available to help you save money from buying different train tickets.

JR WEST KANSAI PASSES