Things to do in Kobe

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A city skyline at night with illuminated buildings, a prominent tower, and a green-lit bridge.
A coastal cityscape with dense high-rise buildings, a harbor, and a distant mountain range.
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A busy urban street with tall buildings, various shops, and a prominent round building with advertisements.
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Things to do

Universal Studios Japan® Theme Park Admission with Transportation

Universal Studios Japan® Theme Park Admission with Transportation

$136
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Universal Studios Japan® Theme Park Admission with Transportation
Kyoto/Osaka: Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya & Miyama Day Tour

Kyoto/Osaka: Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya & Miyama Day Tour

$52
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kyoto/Osaka: Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya & Miyama Day Tour
Osaka: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket

Osaka: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket

$13
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Osaka: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket
Osaka: Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO

Osaka: Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO

$31
per adult
Osaka: Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO
Pickleball in Osaka & Kyoto with Locals!

Pickleball in Osaka, Kobe & Kyoto with Locals!

$7
per adult
Pickleball in Osaka, Kobe & Kyoto with Locals!
Hiroshima & Miyajima by Bullet Train from Osaka

Hiroshima & Miyajima by Bullet Train from Osaka

$119
per adult
Hiroshima & Miyajima by Bullet Train from Osaka
WADAIK

TAIKO, Japanese Drum Experience from Kyoto

$112
per adult
TAIKO, Japanese Drum Experience from Kyoto
Kyoto 1 Day Trip-Golden Pavilion & Kiyomizu temple from Osaka

Kyoto 1 Day Tour from Osaka

$182
per adult
Kyoto 1 Day Tour from Osaka
From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour

From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour

$54
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour
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Kobe must see attractions

1. Arima Onsen

Discover the charms of a traditional spa town at Arima Hot Springs (Arima Onsen). Established over 1,000 years ago, this is one of Japan's oldest hot springs resorts. History states that the Emperor Jomei visited the town in the 7th century and it was later developed into a place for Buddhist healing. Today, it’s famous for geothermal baths and winding lanes lined with cafés, ryokan (inns) and shrines.
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A traditional Japanese building with a sign reading "Hotel Hamamondo".

2. Kobe Harborland

Since 1992, Kobe Harborland has drawn tourists and local residents for fun and shopping in a waterfront location. See how inventive architects and developers have built modern structures where the JR Minatogawa freight yards once stood. Walk along the promenade to other attractions bordering Osaka Bay.
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A city skyline at night with illuminated buildings, a prominent tower, and a green-lit bridge.

3. Port of Kobe

The Port of Kobe is a cruise and container port set in the foothills of Mount Rokkō. Opened in 1868 with a roaring 21 gun salute, today it’s one of Japan’s busiest ports and a vibrant tourist attraction. From touring museums and parks to admiring nighttime illuminations, fun and adventure awaits at this gateway to the city of Kobe.
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A city skyline at night with illuminated buildings, a prominent tower, and a river reflecting the lights.

4. Meriken Park

The green lawns and courtyards of Meriken Park make it one of the most enjoyable places in Kobe for strolling along the waterfront. Look for notable examples of contemporary architecture, shopping and dining, as well as museums that explore this area’s maritime history.
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A statue of a man and a woman with a child, a red tower, and modern buildings in the background.

5. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

At a length of almost 2.5 miles (4 kilometers), Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is the world’s longest suspension bridge. Spanning across the Akashi Kaikyo (Akashi Strait), which connects mainland Kobe to Awaji Island, the bridge has a beautiful setting and dramatic length, making it a striking landmark. In addition to admiring the scenery, visit the attractions around the famous bridge, where you’ll learn more about its history and development.
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A suspension bridge with two towers, spanning over a body of water with a cityscape in the background.

6. Kobe Tower

With its deep reddish-orange steel frame and unusual pipe lattice design, the Kobe Port Tower is one of the city’s most distinctive buildings. From the top of this 354-foot (108-meter) sightseeing tower, enjoy views of the city, Mount Rokko, Osaka Bay and Awaji Island.
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A brightly lit tower with the text "Port of Kochi" at the top, a modern building with a curved facade, and a river with a bridge in the foreground.

What to do in Kobe

Stay near popular Kobe attractions

A traditional Japanese building with a sign reading "Hotel Hamamondo".

Arima Onsen

8.6/10 (903 reviews)
One of Japan's oldest hot spring resorts, Arima Onsen offers therapeutic "golden" and "silver" waters with distinct mineral properties. Stay overnight in a ryokan to fully experience this ancient bathing culture.
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Where to stay in Kobe

Find the best Kobe areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Kobe
Learn more about Kobe
A traditional Japanese temple with red and gold accents, a staircase leading up to the entrance, and a clear blue sky.

Sannomiya

Spend some time visiting places like Ikuta Shrine while getting to know Sannomiya, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Sannomiya Hanadokeimae Station or Boeki Center Station to see more of the area.

A brightly lit tower with the text "Port of Kochi" at the top, a modern building with a curved facade, and a river with a bridge in the foreground.

Kobe City Centre

Consider exploring the waterfront views in Kobe City Centre. If sightseeing is on the list, Ikuta Shrine is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Kyukyoryuchi Daimarumae Station or Motomachi Station to see more of the area.

A coastal cityscape with modern buildings, a prominent red tower, and a mountainous backdrop.
Photo by 663highland
Open Photo by 663highland

Chuo Ward

Travelers choose Chuo Ward for its waterfront views. Hop aboard the metro at Shinkobe Station or Sannomiya Hanadokeimae Station and check out top sights like Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden.

A forest with autumn foliage, a stone monument, and a pathway.
Photo by 663highland
Open Photo by 663highland

Arimacho

Discover Arimacho, memorable for its hot springs. Popular attractions in Arimacho include Arima Onsen and Kin no yu, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at Arima Onsen Station.

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Suma Ward

If you're spending time in Suma Ward, check out sights like Kobe Universiade Memorial Stadium or Kobe Green Arena and hop on the metro to see more the city at Myohoji Station or Myodani Station.

Popular day trips from Kobe

A bustling street with neon signs, a tower, and traditional lanterns.

Osaka

A bridge with lights, a calm sea, and a sunset sky.

Akashi

A traditional Japanese castle with multiple tiers, surrounded by a stone wall and lush greenery.

Amagasaki

A snow-covered urban street at dusk with buildings and a railway track.
Photo by studio IRONY (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0)

Ashiya

A traditional Japanese building surrounded by lush greenery and a calm pond.

Ikeda

An airplane landing with its landing gear extended, approaching a runway with a mountainous backdrop.

Itami

A densely populated urban area with numerous houses, a curved road, and a bridge.

Nishinomiya

A traditional Japanese castle with multiple tiers and a stone base, surrounded by greenery.

Takarazuka

Frequently asked questions

Is Kobe worth visiting?
Renowned for its culture and history, discovering fun things to do in Kobe is a breeze. Make sure to add Arima Onsen to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Kobe?
When you've checked off popular attractions like Arima Onsen and Kobe Harborland, spend some time experiencing the retail and food options in Kobe.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kobe?
Arima Onsen is one of the top tourist attractions in Kobe and should feature high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Kobe?
Three days in Kobe is more than enough to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Kobe Harborland, Kobe Oji Zoo and Suma Beach are among the top-rated sights. Like to see more? Hang around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots like Osaka.
Is Kobe a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city center, Kobe is a great place to tour on foot. Wander between Kobe Harborland and Kobe Oji Zoo. Then take a stroll through Chuo Ward, located 1 mile from the center, and Sannomiya, which is about 0.1 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Kobe with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all of your group, we've got some excellent ideas for what to do in Kobe with kids.

What to do in Kobe for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or fan of nature, there are loads of things to do in Kobe for adults including Arima Main Road and Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum.
Are there free things to do in Kobe?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around vibrant neighborhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Kobe. If you're stuck for ideas, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Kobe Harborland is a must for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.