Things to do in Kobe

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Kobe Harborland featuring a bay or harbor, modern architecture and night scenes
Nunobiki Herb Park featuring a bay or harbor, landscape views and a city
Arima Hot Springs showing street scenes
Kobe showing a city and street scenes
Kobe showing street scenes and signage as well as a couple

Kobe Attractions

Do you appreciate fine cuisine or shopping? Or perhaps you just prefer to get to know a new travel destination like a real local. When you're in Kobe, it doesn't matter which category you fall in — this buzzing metropolis has all the sights and experiences you could ever hope for.

Explore the best sights in Kobe with some popular tours & day trips, or get through our list of {784 fun activities in Kobe fun activities in Kobe}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can rest easy and channel all your energy into planning the vacation of a lifetime.

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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Arima Hot Springs which includes a garden and a river or creek

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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Kobe Harborland

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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Port of Kobe at night, Osaka, Japan

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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Meriken Park featuring a city, a park and modern architecture

5. 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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Kobe Tower showing a bay or harbor, a city and a high rise building

Recommended things to do in Kobe

Number of things to do
784
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Dreamy Namba Crawl; Sake & Shochu Alchemy: $2
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Kobe

Free Things to Do in Kobe

A trip to Kobe doesn't have to hurt your hip pocket. You can leave your wallet behind if you go to:

Kobe Center for Overseas Migration and Cultural Interaction - Stroll the halls and study the thought-provoking displays and carefully curated collections at this respected museum.

Harborland Park - Give the kids a good time or be a big kid again yourself — this place just screams fun.

Kobe City Hall - If you're impressed by modern design and architecture, add this landmark to your list of must-sees.

Hyogoken Kokan - Detour to this historic site and experience a part of the region's cultural heritage.

Kobe Harborland - Get acquainted with some of the locals and discover the true personality and energy of this wonderful place.

Nunobiki Falls - Simply being beside the water is sure to leave you feeling peaceful and calm.

Kobe Convention Center - Widely known among the locals, this place is worth exploring.

Sannomiya Shrine - Gain a better understanding of local religious beliefs at this holy site.

Mount Maya - Take a break from the concrete jungle and get back to nature at this beautiful attraction.

Higashi Yuenchi Park - Refresh your body, mind and soul by spending time in nature.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Kobe? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Kobe

Arima Hot Springs

Arima Onsen

Bathe in natural spring waters, tour museums, visit shrines and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at this historic resort in the foothills of Mount Rokkō.

Arima Onsen
Kobe Harborland

Kobe Harborland

A one-time freight yard just outside Kobe’s city center is now a great spot to go for retail and entertainment choices.

Kobe Harborland
Port of Kobe

Port of Kobe

Kick back in waterfront parks, explore museums, enjoy animal encounters and admire sweeping city views at this bustling maritime terminal.

Port of Kobe
Mount Rokko

Mount Rokko

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mount Rokko during your travels in Kobe. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Mount Rokko
Rokkosan County House

Rokkosan Ski Area

Hit the slopes in Kobe with a visit to Rokkosan Ski Area. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Rokkosan Ski Area
Meriken Park featuring a city, a park and modern architecture

Meriken Park

This pleasant waterfront park hosts a number of interesting attractions, including a memorial, several museums and varied entertainment centers.

Meriken Park
Kobe Tower showing a bay or harbor, a city and a high rise building

Kobe Tower

See the beautiful views over the port of Kobe from the top of this landmark, which is a well-known symbol of the city.

Kobe Tower
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge featuring a suspension bridge or treetop walkway, general coastal views and outdoor art

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

See the longest suspension bridge in the world, recognized as one of Japan’s most impressive engineering accomplishments.

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Kobe Animal Kingdom

Kobe Animal Kingdom

Why not see the exotic and native animals who live at Kobe Animal Kingdom during your trip to Kobe? While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Kobe Animal Kingdom

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Kobe

Sannomiya featuring road cycling, signage and street scenes

Sannomiya

4.5/5(55 area reviews)

Serving as Kobe's financial, commercial, and entertainment center, Sannomiya boasts the historic Sannomiya Shrine and is a major transportation hub with Kobe-Sannomiya Station connecting various railway systems.

Sannomiya
Kobe Tower showing a bay or harbor, a city and a high rise building

Kobe City Centre

4.5/5(77 area reviews)

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

Kobe City Centre
Kobe showing a city and street scenes

Chuo Ward

5/5(1 area review)

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 Shin-Kobe Ropeway.

Chuo Ward
Arima Hot Springs showing a small town or village

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.

Arimacho
Kobe Water Science Museum in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
Photo by 663highland (CC BY)

Hyogo

4/5(1 area review)

Discover the impressive Hyogo Daibutsu at Nōfuku-ji temple and explore Yanagihara Ebisu Shrine, both easily accessible from Hyogo Station. Shop at Kobe City Central Wholesale Market and Aeon mall for a diverse experience.

Hyogo
Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum featuring a garden and flowers

Higashinada

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Higashinada is well-liked for its bars and museums. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Port of Kobe and Mount Rokko are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Island Kitaguchi Station or Island Center Station to get around.

Higashinada
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Kobe

Tsutenkaku Tower which includes markets, a city and street scenes

Osaka

Photo by Kinuko Hashimoto

Akashi

Photo "Amagasaki" by Ogiyoshisan (CC BY) / Cropped from original

Amagasaki

Photo "Ashiya" by studio IRONY (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by studio IRONY (CC BY)

Ashiya

Photo by The Wayfindings

Ikeda

Itami

Itami

Nishinomiya

Nishinomiya

Photo by Jsama

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.

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