Kobe

Exhibits rich history of the port city with many photos, artifacts, models and some actual ships. Also houses Kawasaki World, a corporation museum for the Kawasaki Heavy Industries (no additional fees).

Next to Shin-Kobe station

A very nice exploration of hand carpentry tools, from the stone axes of Jomon age to the Western influenced tools of yesterday. Hands-on exhibits and English language descriptions make this a pleasant place to spend the afternoon.

walking distance from either Sannomiya or Shin-Kobe stations

Kōbe's main attractions are the Ijinkan (foreign houses). These are 19th-century residences of Kobe's foreign traders, clustered in the Kitano area.

near Motomachi station (Hanshin Line or JR Line)

This is where foreign consulates and trading companies built their offices. Several 19th-century buildings have been converted into restaurants and shops.

about 300 m east of Minato Motomachi Station on the Kaigan subway line

A museum about the many Chinese merchants and tradespeople who settled in Kobe following the opening of the Port of Kobe to foreigners in 1868.

35 min by bus from Sannomiya

Surrounded by a lot of flowers and greenery. Many people hold their wedding ceremonies here every year. In spring, the park becomes even more beautiful as about 10,000 tulips bloom.

10 minute walk from Motomachi Station; 15-20 minutes from Sannomiya Station

A nice Japanese-style garden in the middle of the city. Very good value and a great attraction to see after going through the Ijinkan area.

Japan's best display of lights. Large, flamboyant light displays. The lights and the event itself have a deeper meaning, having begun in 1995, after the Great Hanshin Earthquake devastated the city of Kobe.

walking distance from Hankyu Oji Koen station 王子公園駅 or JR Nada 灘駅 station

Besides animals, there is a mini amusement park with rides for young children

Kobe’s playground. There are restaurants, bars, a movie theatre, a shopping market, an amusement arcade and a little amusement park. Harbour cruises are offered, some of which go as far as the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge

Located on the harborfront has a poignant memorial to the devastating Hanshin Earthquake in 1995, which killed 6,433 people.

3 locations: near the Hankyu station, near the shrine, and just down the street from the Haagen-datz near the concrete statue park

Torikizoku is the most popular yakitori chain in Kansai. The Yakitori is delicious, comes in generous serves and is very cheap. It's very popular with both locals and expats, and is always busy. Try to come before 7:30PM to secure seats.

near Sannomiya Station

A cramped and popular taiyaki shop. Serves 2 varieties of taiyaki, a fish-shaped cake: sweet potato and red bean paste.

south of Sannomiya station

A vegetarian organic cafe that also serves alcohol and desserts.

near Sannomiya Station

Rated one of the best places for Kobe beef.

Several branches near Sannomiya station, Motomachi station, and elsewhere

Specializes in yōshoku, or Japanized Western dishes. Specialities include Ebi furai (breaded shrimp), kaki furai (breaded oyster), hamburger steaks and tonkatsu (pork cutlets).

4-9-2 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku

A French restaurant with a romantic view.

Immediately adjacent Shimin Hiroba Station

This is a high-rise international hotel on Portopia Island mainly of interest to business travelers or those attending events at the International Convention Center nextdoor. Includes spa and pool at additional cost.

Chuo-ku Kumoidori 8-1-2

Directly over the Sannomiya station, with reasonable pricing, simple but adequate facilities and rather small rooms. The "twin room with sofa bed" is larger than the doubles, but the convertible sofa pretty much fills up the extra space.

7 Chome-5-1 Minatojima Nakamachi

An older mid-range hotel on the artificial island next to the Kobe airport (accessible by the Port Liner). Shows its age inside and out, but still does the job well and the views are quite nice.

1-3-5 Higashi-kawasaki-cho, Chuo-ku

Overlooks Mount Rokko and Osaka Bay. The location near JR Kōbe station is good.

8-minute walk from Sannomiya station (Hankyu, Hanshin, JR Line)

Spa and capsule hotel with a floor exclusively for women

10-minute walk from Hanshin Uozaki Station, a 10-minute train ride from Sannomiya

Cosy little hostel for stays of at least 2 weeks.