Although you may have known about Kobe for their high-class beef, Kobe itself also offers visitors many unforgettable travel experiences. If Kobe, Japan is your next travel destination, now it is time to pick these 10 must-do activities and put in the wishlist! So, what to do in Kobe? Let’s check out our suggested 10 best cool and fun things to do in Kobe, top things to do in Kobe and best things to do in Kobe and must do in Kobe to find out the answer!
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Read more: The fullest Kobe travel guide & suggested Kobe travel itinerary for 2 days for first-timers.
Best things to do in Kobe: Where is Kobe?
The bustling, energetic Kobe located on Honshu Island, blends perfectly with the contrast side of the city: many old pagodas, hot springs and interesting tourist attractions. Everyone knows about the Kobe beef dishes, however, not many people acknowledge Kobe’s tourism sites and exciting activities to do here.
So, what to do in Kobe? Check out now 10 best things to do in Kobe, must do in Kobe, top things to do in Kobe below that you cannot miss!
Must do in Kobe: Taste the magnificent Kobe beef
Obviously, this must be the first thing we have to mention. How can you visit Kobe without trying the specialty that has made their name be well-known across the globe? Being considered as one of the most expensive foods of the planet, what is so special about Kobe beef? The answer lies within the exceptionally luxurious life condition and nutrition balance of Kobe’s cow herd. Kobe beef has thin stripes of fat on red meat at a perfect ratio, less fat than normal beef, soft and tender texture that almost “melt” in your mouth, delicious either grilled or dipped in hotpot.
The only drawback of Kobe beef is its extraordinarily expensive price. However, the good news is everyone can have a taste of this specialty at an affordable price at Kobe Beef Eikichi restaurant (神戶牛榮吉) with this voucher by Klook. Don’t miss out!
Read more: Kobe beef blog — Visit Kobe & enjoying Kobe beef, one of the most delicious foods in Japan.
Top things to do in Kobe: Enjoy the view on Rokko Mountain
Rokko Mountain – also known as the intimate name “Rokko-san” – is one of the cannot miss destinations when travelling to Kobe. If you love a challenge or seek intense experience, you may want to climb the mountain. Otherwise, there is a sky tram line all the way to the top of the mountain in the shortest time possible. Either climbing to getting in a cable car, the inclusive view over Osaka Bay worths all the effort. Not to mention, there is also a beautiful rock garden on Rokko Mountain, which is why this place is perfect for some fresh breath and fresh looks in your next “million-liked” photo album.
Join in this trip to Rokko Mountain with Klook, including a sky tram ticket, you can observe the whole bustling Kobe port city and fill the lungs with refreshing air. One significant difference when booking this tour with us: No queuing needed for the cable cars. Isn’t that a great deal?
What to do in Kobe? Relax your muscles in the hot spring
After the body-stretched climb on Rokko Mountain, it feels best to utilize the traditional Japanese hot spring to relax those muscles. Let us arrive at Tarumi Onsen Taiheinoyu to try 4 tasty dishes, watch the sea and the mountain from an outdoor pool. And of course, how can we forget the important one: dive your body in the soothing herbal bath. Book Tarumi Onsen Hot Spring tour on Klook and treat yourself nicely today!
Best things to do in Kobe: Capture the best photos at Nunobiki Waterfall
No matter how wealthy and modern Kobe city may look, it still preserves the original beauty of mother nature. Nunobiki Waterfall – a chain of waterfalls running down the mountain near the center of Kobe – is the masterpiece made by nature’s hands, a gift to this city. Generations after generations of artists were inspired by Nunobiki Waterfall and came up with numerous pieces of art, poems, journals, music and paintings.
A useful tip for Living Nomads Team: To eventually get to Nunobiki Waterfall, visitors are required to walk up a 400 meters hill, so prepare a comfortable jogging/climbing pair of shoes to save your feet from aching.
Must do in Kobe: Visit Kobe Port Tower
Kobe Port Tower is the best spot to watch the whole Kobe city, the horizon line and Rokko Port. This 108-meter tower possesses an exclusive tube structure. When the night comes, the entire tower will be coated with lights from countless LED bulbs, creates a brilliant, miraculous sight. Visitors have the chance to observe the city, Rokko Mountain, Osaka Bay and Awaji Island from above. What else are you waiting for, purchase Ticket to Kobe Port Tower right here to add more spices to the Kobe journey! The best price you can look for is on Klook.
Top things to do in Kobe: Jogging in Ikuta Shrine
At the age of approximately 1800 years, Ikuta is one of the oldest shrines in Japan. Hiding in a forest, the shrine is surrounded in silence and serenity, opposite to the energetic vibe of Kobe central. Get ready to watch schools after schools of Koi fish swimming unwarily in the pond, or to wander in the refreshing, tranquil forest. Couples find this place common to ask for lucky charms and love charms, with the hope of everlasting romantic relationships. If you want to step in Ikuta Shrine, we recommend buying a 1-day or 2-day Hankyu Tourist Card to transit unlimited between different locations.
What to do in Kobe? Explore the traditional Sake spirit factory
Sake is an alcoholic drink made of fermented rice after being ground and polished to remove rice bran. This famous rice spirit of Japan has been around for more than 1000 years and has never been replaced by any other alcoholic drinks. Sake is produced in a separated process, follows the secret recipes and techniques from the ancient years. Let’s explore one Sake factory to discover the secrets in the production of this well-known drink.
Best things to do in Kobe: Take a cruise ship around Kobe
Are you interested in observing Kobe from another perspective: the water surface? From Kobe Harbor, the cruise ship brings you below Akashi bridge; after that, arrive in Osaka Bay. Find yourself a clear viewpoint on the ship and look out the windows to capture the energy of a bustling Kobe. Book Romantic Deluxe Concerto Cruise in Kobe to travel along the shore of Kobe and see the most picturesque scenes of this city, including Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. Moreover, no one can deny a Teppanyaki meal – another Japanese specialty – made by professional chefs. This is certainly a memorable experience for anyone who participated in.
Top things to do in Kobe: Go back in time at Todaiji Temple
Todaiji Temple is one of the largest wood structures in the world. To see the ensemble of immense and majestic temples – a World Heritage – you will have to transit to Nara from Kobe. At this temple, visitors are always amazed by Japan’s largest bronze statue of Buddha (Daibutsu) that weighted 400 tons, constructed in the 12th century and still standing tall today. Some of you may realize that Todaiji Temple is the common picture that appears in Nara postcards.
If you are originally travelling in Osaka but interested in exploring Kobe in one day, take a look at this Day Tour in Kobe by Klook. Visits to the famous Todaji Temple and scenic Kobe Harbor are included in the tour. Last note: don’t forget to buy some snacks to feed the deers at Nara Park.
Best things to do in Kobe: Ever heard of the Naruto Whirlpools?
Being one of the most fascinating natural phenomena of the world, Naruto whirlpools at the strait of Shikoku Island is something you cannot miss when visiting Kobe. These whirlpools are beautiful in a mysterious way. How were they formed? The reason lies within the water moving in opposite directions from the Seto Sea and the Pacific Ocean, together with the tide movements. Spring is the best time in the year to observe this interesting phenomenon.
In this Day Tour in Kobe, besides observing Naruto Whirlpools, you will be visiting immense fields of flowers on England Hill, Kobe Harbor and even the exciting Anime road.
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Koke you can refer to
- Private Kansai Airport (KIX) Transfers for Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, or Nara
- Private Kansai International Airport Transfers (KIX) for Osaka, Nara, & Kobe
- Kyoto Arashiyama, Golden Pavilion Temple, and Kobe MOSAIC Day Tour
- Todaiji Temple, Kobe Kitano-chō Ijinkan, & Kobe Harborland Day Tour from Osaka
- Naruto Whirlpool, England Hill, and Kobe Full Day Tour from Osaka
- 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
- 4G WiFi (Japan Pick Up) for Japan
- JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)
Read more: The fullest Kobe travel guide & suggested Kobe travel itinerary for 2 days for first-timers.
Explore new tourist sites effortlessly with Klook services
Looking forward to exploring more tourist sites in Kobe but language barriers or prices stop you? Klook got your back. We offer so many services, discounts, Kobe day tour at such affordable prices. Convenient and economical, stop hesitating and get ready for your next travel destination: Japan. Check out these useful tips and tricks for the Japan journey!