Kobe Sightseeing & Attractions
Our top picks of things to see and do
Sorakuen Garden
5-3-1 Nakayamatedōri, Chuo-ku, Kobe
078-351-5155
When you need a break from all the shopping and steak, the Sorakuen is an excellent place to go to chill out and relax your feet and stomach. It is in fact the only traditional Japanese garden in Kobe. The garden is best viewed during the mid-early summer months when the Azaleas and Chrysanthemums are in bloom.
Kitano
3-3-20 Yamamotodori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture 650-0003, Japan
The area of Kitano may or may not be as stimulating for foreigners visiting Japan as it is for the local Japanese, however it is definitely worthy of mention.
As Kobe was one of the first ports to open trade with the west in the 19th century, many of the foreign merchants took up residence in the city. A dozen or so such residences still stand and have been converted into museums ‘homes’. You can visit homes from various countries such as: China, Italy, France, England etc. They are all very grand and impressive.
Kobe Harborland
1-6-1 Higashikawasakicho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture 650-0044, Japan
078-360-3639
Prance along the promenade whilst the cool ocean breeze whisks you into the wide array of shops along the harbor at Kobe Harborland - Kobe’s top shopping and entertainment district. While there are many complexes within this district the largest ones are: The Mosaic and the Canal Garden.
http://www.harborland.co.jp/en/
Meriken Park
5-5 Hatobachō, Chūō-ku, Kōbe-shi, Hyōgo-ken, Japan
Kobe's distinct skyline is housed completely in the waterfront complex: Meriken Park. Here you will find the unmistakable Kobe Tower and Kobe Maritime Museum, both of which light up at night creating a stunning visual. Also in the sky-line is the modest yet acceptible Okura Hotel.
Visitors can ascend the tower for free and look out upon the city, ocean and surrounding areas from the observation decks. There is also a restaurant and revolving cafe should your stomach need filling. Also free of admission is the Maritime Museum, where you can get an insight into the history of the Kobe Port and the various vessels it has berthed.
http://feel-kobe.jp/_en/sightseeing/spot/?sid=88
Chinatown
Whether you're in New York City, San Francisco or Tokyo, visiting a Chinatown is always a lively and interesting experience. And so it is with Kobe's modest yet stimulating Chinatown: vendors peddling in the streets, aromas of authentic Chinese food, etc, etc, etc. Visitors should note that in Kobe they refer to it as “Nankin machi” not as “Chinatown”. Must eats include: Pork buns and Chinese ramen.
The Chinatown is located just north of Meriken Park, and just south of Motomachi station, sandwiched right in between them.