Explore Kobe
Facts & Figures
Kobe has a population of approx. 1.5 million people and is the captial of the Hyogo Prefecture. It is the 7th largest city in Japan and one of the most beautiful and cosmopolitan cities in the country. Kobe forms together with Osaka and Kyoto the Keihanshin Metropolitan Area.
The port (4th largest in Japan) was and is one of the main economic drivers of the city. In 1868 during the Edo period (1603 - 1868) the port was one of the first in the country (besides Hakkodate, Niigata, Nagasaki and Yokohama) to be open for foreign trade. In 1995 the Great Hanshin earthquake destroyed large parts of the city. Huge efforts were taken and Kobe recovered within 3 years.
Explore Ryokans in Kobe >
Ryokans are the perfect way to discover old Japanese culture and traditions.
The city has many things to offer like the famous Chinatown (Nankinmachi), Kitano-cho with its many foreign residences, Kobe Harborland and Kobe Port Tower (108m).
My tip: A great way to enjoy the skyline of the city is a Kobe Harbour Cruise.
My tips for local activities
How about exploring the amazing food scene of Kobe on a personalized food tour with a local guide. Check out this page > for more details.
Most popular attractions in Kobe (ranked by visitor numbers)
Location
Kobe is located at the Osaka Bay within the Hyogo Prefecture on the main island Honshu. The city Osaka is just 33km away.
How to get to Kobe?
- 20min from JR Osaka Station to Sannomiya Station served by JR Kobe Line
