Location: Kobe
Top Things to do in Kobe
Countries
Top 10 Things to do in Kobe, Japan
Famous for its luscious beef and crisp, pure sake, the Japanese port of Kobe is a thriving metropolitan city with an international feel. The sake-brewing season runs from October through April, and that's the best time to take a tour of a kura (the Japanese word for brewery). Visit the Hakutsure Sake Brewery Museum year-round. Naturally, the nightlife here is prime perfection.
Restaurants in Kobe
1. Kobe Animal Kingdom
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 434 reviews
Reviewed By Wiwan - Singapore, Singapore
No wonder this place is rated 1st in Tripadvisor for Kobe. It is so much fun for families with kids. You actually can pet many animals, like rabbits, dogs, cats. The range of animals is unbelievable, and the interaction is much better than going to the zoo. The feeding time for many of the animals is worth to watch.
They closed on Mondays.
2. Mt. Maya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 360 reviews
Reviewed By squirraix - Singapore, Singapore
let me just put it out there - climbing from the base of the mountain starting from shin-kobe (if you only know english/basic japanese) to the top of mount maya is near impossible, as everything/signs are in japanese. you can purchase a detailed map from the information counter at shinkobe - but thats in japanese as well. maybe you might actually reach the top after some explaination(might take maybe like what, 6 hours of hiking to get to the top).
there are 2 kinds of 'ropeways/cablecars'. one is to the herb garden, and the other one is a different one - to mount maya. know which one you are about to take. to go to mount maya, take a bus, 2/18 from the shin kobe station, (ask the information counter) both will lead you to that area, one will lead you to its doorstep but the frequency is of that bus isnt that often.use your gps to find the maya cable car station.(get the tourist discount ticket from the information counter @ shin kobe station, think its 200 yen off. use it at maya Cable Car station.) when you go up mt maya, youll take a cogway first, and then a transfer to the mt maya ropeway/cablecar. coming back down would be vice versa (i paid 1230).
the other ropeway is to herb garden which i did not take because i climbed it.
on this path, you will pass by the Nunobiki Falls first and then to the herb garden.
at the herb garden, there was a few small signs in english that says to the peak of mount maya. but the road was blocked by a meter tall-fence and branches that has alot of spider webs in its path - i figured it might be a close down path and since it was going to be nightfall, didnt want to take any chances.
on mount maya:
Go and night to see the buildings shrine bright with yellow lights.
you are being offered more than 180 degree, probably around 230 degree of unobstructed night vision on 2 viewing platforms.
photos doesnt even do justice to the cool breeze and awesome night skyline that i have seen. sure it was a little crowded, but as it progress later into the night, you can have any spot on the viewing platform to have your picturesque instagram worthy post. if you come in the afternoon, there are places to chill and have a picnic at too!
in may,(the time i visited,) it was 10 degree C up on top. bring fluffy coats!
do spend time to visit the other 2 attractions, the Nunobiki Falls and the herb garden which is nearby as well. a little hike up would be nice if you have the time. can be a romantic date as there are chairs to view the sunset as well as the flowers at the top! :) !
i was sad that i spent an additional 1.2k yen on the machines for the way up - i did consider abandoning the trip to the top since i had to fork out my money but i was so glad i didnt!
3. Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By Kim N
I'll be honest, the true purpose of my visit here was to make my very own pair of chopsticks by hand. They hold workshops during the weekends where you can pay a little extra and make something, so obviously I chose chopsticks. The staff were so nice, especially since I was coming at the very end of the time they had the workshop open, and I really appreciated that. I was helped through every step in making the chopsticks, and I'm so happy to have a souvenir that's actually usable (but you have to let the stain dry for one week!). Outside of the workshop it really is a beautiful museum. I've been living in Kyoto, so I've been surrounded by the temples and shrines that were built in this way thousands of years ago, and it's really amazing to see a museum dedicated to show you how they were built, it's really remarkable. Definitely recommend!
4. Kobe Luminarie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
A festival of light, which has been held in December every year since 1995 as a memorial and requiem of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, and to pray for recovery of the town. Geometric illuminations decorate the squares and streets, and during the festival a corridor of light called the Galleria runs through Nakamachi-dori street. In its heyday the festival attracted more than 5 million visitors but in recent years, due to energy-saving policies and a shortened festival period, it draws between 3 and 3.5 Million.
Reviewed By Daeng D
Though I was surrounded with a huge crowd but the surroundings were full of lights and decorations to give a refreshing feeling of Christmas. Police were there to control the crowd and kept us walked in a direction that they designed for us. The distance was n't too long.
This event alone, I took hundreds of pictures. This is really one of a kind and it's a amazing. My English is too bad to explain but my photos can explain how I felt that night. This event comes only once a year so must not miss it.
There were a lot of food tents nearby.
5. Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden
Overall Ratings
4 based on 848 reviews
Reviewed By Tote919 - Bangkok, Thailand
Easily accessible by ropeway. Huge garden in western style with houses, shops, restaurants, and ancient western style buildings. A lot of trees, plants, flowers and greenery. The food in the restaurant is very good and nicely presented. We love the buffet. Also there are several shops there as well as a number of great photo spots. You will need at least a few hours to walk around.
6. Kawasaki Good Times World
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 293 reviews
Reviewed By Hanan B - Ramat Gan, Israel
Had neither read nor heard about this exhibit. However it is in the same structure as the maritime museum, and included in the ticket. While it is clearly a subjective commercial presentation of Kawasaki's achievements and products, I still found it very interesting and well done.
7. Kobe City Oji Zoo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 540 reviews
Reviewed By JaneBoey - Singapore, Singapore
It's almost never crowded, hence giving everyone a good view and encounter with the animal exhibits. We've never been closer to a panda (behind the viewing gallery of course), as compared to Taipei, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
It also has a petting section for kids to pet rabbits and Guinea pigs.
The zoo has an 'ol-skool' but well-maintained and well-operated amusement park, excellent for the kids.
It was really a great family attraction!
And just a few steps away from the train station.
Highly recommended.
8. Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By Wendy M - Singapore
We visited the institution with a family of four, two kids under ten who know little about earthquakes or tsunami's - we had an excellent English-speaking tour guide who expertly guided us through the story and the exhibits really bringing the history to life.
A very interactive and informative tour, this really is worth a quick half day trip from Osaka on the train. The town itself is also lovely - by the sea and much more mellow than the city, a very lovely detour.
A bonus at the end of the earthquake tour is the 3D film on the tsunami which was incredibly moving and emotional. Although both were very raw and confronting for our kids, I think they really benefited from the education and insights they got from seeing how other people endure hardship and what they do to protect themselves in the future.
9. Nunobiki Falls (Nunobiki-No-Taki)
Overall Ratings
4 based on 256 reviews
Reviewed By lady5000 - Sydney, Australia
I had a lovely sunny day to do this walk and probably took 1&1/2 hours round trip. I took the path and stairs uphill from Shin-Kobe station, through the various levels up to the Observatory/viewing point further up past the falls. Great city views, shady covered Seating, toilets as well. There were people of all ages but the steps are steep so you need to be reasonably fit. There are handrails. I walked back via the roadway which winds down the mountain around past a high school & houses until it returns to Shin-Kobe station. Google maps was handy but as you come down the mountain, you will see the railway line, cross over the rail bridge, turn right following the shinkansen line up to the station.
A lovely break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
10. Kobe City Hall (Observation Deck)
Overall Ratings
4 based on 467 reviews
Reviewed By hiromi_weir - Seattle, Washington
The Kobe City Hall observation deck is free to the public. There is an English speaking guide to answer any questions you might have. They also suggest various sightseeing spots for visitors.
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