What To Do, See, Eat!

Kobe might just be one of Japan’s most underrated cities.

After exploring Kobe for three days, I can confidently say it deserves far more attention.

Tucked between the Rokko Mountains and the Seto Inland Sea, this cosmopolitan port city is full of things to do and see (and eat!).

From world-famous Kobe beef to centuries-old hot springs, Kobe is full of surprises – and it’s much quieter than its famous neighbours.

So if you’re visiting Japan, and wondering about the best things to do in Kobe, read on!

Why Visit Kobe, Japan?

It’s no secret that Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka have become incredibly overtouristed.

Japan has become a travel darling in the post-pandemic travel boom, and the difference between visiting a decade ago versus earlier this year was clear.

On my trip to Japan earlier this year I was shocked to see how busy all three places had become since my last trip a decade ago.

It was so busy, in fact, that my favourite parts of my Japan trip was spending three days in Kobe!

From designer second-hand shopping to cultural cornerstones like onsens and sake-making, Kobe is a region that has and does it all.

Best of all, it’s got one-quarter of the crowds that the other three major cities do.

So let’s get into my guide to the best things to do in Kobe, plus local travel tips I picked up along the way.

11 Best Things to Do in Kobe, Japan

1. Soak in the Golden Waters of Arima Onsen

Just 30 minutes from central Kobe lies Arima Onsen, one of Japan’s three oldest and most prestigious hot spring towns. Nestled near Mount Rokko, Arima offers two distinct types of mineral-rich baths: kinsen (gold springs), iron-rich and reddish-brown in colour, and ginsen (silver springs), containing radium and carbonate.

These therapeutic waters have attracted emperors, samurai, and poets for over 1,300 years and feature in some of Japan’s oldest literature, including the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan, 720 CE).

We stayed at Tocen Goshoboh, a luxurious historic family-run ryokan known for its golden (kinsen) and silver (ginsen) spring baths. I highly recommend it!

Our Western-style room at Tocen Goshoboh was ideal (hello, massage chair! Perfect for reviving my weary calves after days of doing 20,000 steps), but they also offer traditional tatami rooms. Their public bath is also one of the very few in Japan that has a unique mixed-gender open-air bath (though men and women are still separated by a low rock wall).

Even if you don’t take a dip in the onsen, there’s so much to do in Arima Onsen’s steep alleys.

You can visit Onsenji Temple, sip Arima Cider, and browse boutiques offering beautiful handmade goods, from handcrafted shoes to weave baskets to furniture.

Make sure you try the Arima Senbei! They’re a local speciality: a thin, crispy cracker made with carbonated sparkling hot spring water from the area. Delicious and more-ish, these make a brilliant souvenir. I can’t guarantee you won’t eat them all before leaving Japan, though!

Another super popular thing to do in Kobe (especially when in Arima Onsen) is to actually ride up Mount Rokko in the scenic Rokko Cable Car. It’ll give you amazing views that stretch from Kobe across Osaka Bay. You can have a coffee at the observation deck, Rokko Garden Terrace, or, if you’re going in winter – hit the slopes for a ski session.

2. Try Authentic Kobe Beef (Yes, It’s Worth the Hype)

There’s a reason Kobe beef is world-famous, and one of the best things to do in Kobe is, of course, try authentic kobe beef. Tasting the real thing is an entirely different experience from what’s often marketed abroad as “Kobe-style.”

Authentic Kobe beef comes exclusively from Tajima cattle raised in Hyogo Prefecture, graded for extraordinary marbling measured by BMS (Beef Marbling Score). Only about 7,000 heads of cattle qualify as genuine Kobe beef annually.

I was hosted for an incredible teppanyaki experience at Kobe Kikusui, a family-owned spot that’s been open for over 40 years. Their beef is from Tajima cattle, the only ones certified as true Kobe beef. Judging by the beef marbling score (BMS), what we had was A5. Melt-in-your-mouth quality. (Bonus: 70% of diners here are Japanese locals, a good sign in a city full of tourist traps.)

In general, try and look for places where locals eat. Not all Kobe beef is created equal, and the best restaurants are often humble and family-run.

3. Wander Downtown Shrines and Hidden Forests

Kobe is home to eight shrines, and the most famous, Ikuta Shrine (生田神社), sits in the heart of the city.

It’s actually where the name “Kobe” (formerly Kanbe) originates. Locals come here to pray for love and good fortune, and there’s even a hidden forest behind the main hall.

Have you heard of a “water fortune”? It’s a fun and poetic way to receive your omikuji (fortune) through floating paper. Dip it into water and see your fortune materialise before your very eyes.

I got a fortune that scored me highly across every area of life, which I was obviously thrilled with. See my results below!

4. Discover Japan’s Sake Capital in Nada Ward

Kobe’s Nada Ward produces an astonishing 25% of all sake in Japan and it’s a must-visit region in Kobe.

When people refer to Nada Ward, they’re often talking about Nada-Gogo – the collective name for the historic sake-brewing districts that span eastern Kobe City and neighbouring Nishinomiya City. Together, this wider Nada-Gogo region accounts for around a quarter of Japan’s total sake production, making it one of the most important sake regions in the country and an essential stop when visiting Kobe.

I visited Kikumasamune Brewery, one of the oldest in the region.

Sake brewing here is as intricate as wine-making, using Yamada Nishiki rice (the best in the country) and Miyamizu mineral-rich water. I loved learning about the winter brewing process, the cedar barrels, and the rice-steaming songs passed down over generations.

Try sake tasting in winter if you can; that’s when the breweries are in full production, and you’ll get the most out of the experience. Beyond the big breweries, Kobe has loads of smaller sake tasting bars where you can sample different regional flavours.

Traditional sake brewing is remarkably low-waste: spent rice solids (sakekasu) are used in pickles, soups, and skincare products. Many breweries now focus on organic rice and returning to heritage brewing methods that work with, rather than against, natural seasonal rhythms.

5. Taste Locally Sourced Awaji Island Seafood

Love seafood? Then one of the best things to do in Kobe is try fresh sashimi or have an omakase experience (a type of meal consisting of dishes uniquely chosen by the chef).

Kobe’s proximity to the Seto Inland Sea and Awaji Island makes it a seafood paradise, and Kobe’s sushi scene reflects this exceptional access to fresh, high-quality fish. We went to Kitano Sushi Sow, a beautiful restaurant tucked in a dark building opposite a 7-11. Known for its sake pairings and buttery seafood omakase, everything was sourced locally: octopus from Awaji Island, vine-fed Suma salmon, sweet uni, and even Spanish mackerel that tasted like it was slow-roasted in heaven.

Many chefs also specialise in Edomae-style preparation with red vinegar rice, which creates a distinctive flavour profile you won’t find everywhere.

We had an amazing omakase at Kitano Sushi Sow, which is now closed, but its head and sous chef have just opened Sushi Sugisaki in Chūō-ku, Kobe. Definitely pay it a visit!

Best Sushi & Omakase Restaurants in Kobe:

• Sushi Kissui (Motomaya neighborhood) – The only two-Michelin-starred sushi restaurant in Kobe, and an absolute must for serious sushi lovers. Chef Daisuke Fukuhara opened the restaurant at just 24 years old after four years of training. The name “Kissui” means “absolute” or “without impurities.” The omakase costs around ¥15,000 per person, and they use aged rice that gives a distinct nutty taste that matches the fish beautifully. The menu features 18 sushi courses showcasing the highest quality fish from Toyosu Market, including three cuts of Bluefin tuna. Book well in advance.
• Sushi Josuke (Kitano, near Sannomiya) – The omakase menu consists of eight appetizers and 15 pieces of sushi, with the set menu around ¥13,000. The chef reportedly does 15 hours of prep! Counter seating only (9 seats), creating an intimate, focused atmosphere.

6. Shop Designer & Vintage Fashion Without the Tokyo Crowds

If you love shopping in Japan, then one of the best things to do in Kobe is hit up its many secondhand and independent boutiques.

While everyone’s flocking to Tokyo’s Harajuku or Kyoto’s Gion, Kobe has a thriving secondhand and streetwear scene that flies under the radar. We browsed some great vintage stores tucked between bakeries and jazz bars in the Motomachi and Sannomiya areas.

Some of the other places we visited included Kitano Square, Motomachi Shopping Street (a huge shopping arcade), and Kobe Harborland umie (a shopping mall).

Check out this guide to shopping in Kobe if you want more localised recommendations.

A note on sustainable shopping in Japan: Japan’s vintage clothing market is exceptional quality because the culture takes meticulous care of belongings. I bought some lovely secondhand items throughout my Japan trip that were in almost perfect condition.

7. Take a Day Trip to Himeji Castle

Just under an hour from Central Kobe, Himeji Castle is a must-see. Built in the 14th century, it’s one of Japan’s few original castles that wasn’t destroyed by war or earthquakes. It was cleverly designed for defence. The gates get narrower, stairs are uneven, and there are outposts everywhere.

Here’s a fun and unexpected fact: It’s a sister site to Conwy Castle in Wales!

When we visited, it was exceptionally busy (not only because there was a festival on, but it was a weekend). It was packed with local and international tourists. We could barely walk up the stairs, there were so many people visiting!

Himeji Castle represents sustainable preservation: traditional materials like wood, stone, and plaster are maintained using centuries-old techniques by master craftspeople, ensuring the structure can be continuously repaired rather than replaced. If you’re not great with heights or prefer to admire it from outside – don’t worry about going in, unless it’s a quiet day.

If you do plan to climb up Himeji Castle, arrive early to beat the tour buses and take time to explore the gardens and the nearby Mount Shosha, where The Last Samurai was filmed.

8. Admire Kobe’s Skyline from the Harborland Waterfront & Meriken Park

One of the places I really enjoyed hanging out in Kobe is the Harborland Waterfront.

This is the modern face of Kobe. We grabbed a matcha latte, watched boats sail by, and opposite are Kobe Port Tower, and the open-air Maritime Museum. It’s lively during the day, and looks lovely during golden hour! The harbour is also far less crowded than Tokyo’s equivalents, if you’re looking for a good sunset to view or photograph.

On a related note, we spent a night at the incredible Oriental Hotel Kobe nearby, about a 10-minute walk from Harborland Waterfront. The breakfast alone was worth the booking: Kobe beef croquettes (!!!), soup dumplings, curry bread, and honeycomb straight from the hive. It was really hard to tear us away from breakfast to get to our Himeji Castle tour, I tell you that much!

9. Wander Around Kitano Ijinkan District

Kitano is a must-see in Kobe. It’s a district packed with all sorts of culture, history, and cool things to do. It’s got French bakeries, Indian supermarkets, and even Japan’s oldest mosque (built in 1935) all on one unique street!

This hillside district is full of preserved Meiji-era foreign mansions.  When Kobe became Japan’s first international port in 1868, elegant Western-style residences begin to spring up on the hillside of the Kitano Ijinkan District.

While foreign diplomats and merchants commissioned and owned the houses, many of these elegant residences were actually constructed and often designed by Japanese carpenters and architects who had adapted Western building techniques after the port opened.

We browsed boutiques and ice-cream parlours in Kitano Square, and then went inside Moegi House, the former residence of the US Consul-General, which has lots of historical significance.

It has yellow-green walls, Art Nouveau details, and a stunning view across Kobe. Head up to Weathercock House and Kitano Tenman Shrine for panoramic views and fewer crowds than more touristy photo spots.

10. Experience Kobe’s Jazz Bars and Night Culture

Kobe was the first city in Japan to welcome jazz and coffee culture, and the influence is still strong today. I loved the cosy jazz bars, speakeasies, and laid-back izakayas. It’s where the city really comes alive after dark. Head to Kitano or Sannomiya for intimate spots with live music and late-night sake. The mix of locals and expats makes for a friendly, welcoming vibe.

Jazz Bars in Kobe:

• Sone Jazz Bar (Kitano) – The granddaddy of Kobe’s jazz scene, operating since 1969. Four live sets every night (except Mondays) with traditional to Dixieland jazz. Louis Armstrong famously visited Kobe twice, cementing the city’s jazz legacy.
• Great Blue (Sannomiya) – Just one minute from Sannomiya Station. Owner and pianist Yoshinori Andoh performs nightly with jazz musicians from around Kansai. Open 20 years with reasonable cover charges and food.
• The Cave Kobe (Sannomiya) – A basement bar with serious Beatles vibes. Inspired by Liverpool’s original Cavern Club. Live Beatles cover bands on weekends, plus excellent gin and tonics.

Izakayas in Kobe:

• Okinose (Sannomiya) – Five minutes from Sannomiya Station at Higashi-mon Street entrance. Fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea served in wooden tubs; you choose your fish and cooking method (sashimi, grilled, simmered, or fried).
• Sake Taru (Kobe Port Tower) – The world’s first rotating sake lounge inside the famous red Port Tower. Modern sake bar with chandeliers and stools made from recycled sake barrels whilst you enjoy 360-degree harbour views.

11. Visit Nankinmachi, Kobe’s Chinatown

Kobe’s Nankinmachi Chinatown is compact but lively, known for steamed pork buns, sesame dumplings, and creative fusion snacks. It’s smaller than Yokohama’s Chinatown but feels more authentic and less tourist-oriented. Most international visitors here come from Taiwan, China, and Korea, giving it a genuinely multicultural buzz.

Perfect for an afternoon snack-and-stroll, especially if you’re shopping nearby in Motomachi.

Remember to check out Nankinmachi Square in the centre with its Chinese pavilion and 13 stone statues. It’s a popular photo spot and the main venue for lion dances and dragon dances during Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival. The square was also a filming location for the 2016 movie Wolf Girl and Black Prince starring Kento Yamazaki.

Must-try foods in Nankinmachi:

• Butaman (Pork Buns) – The absolute must-try. Roushouki (founded 1915) is famous for the best butaman in Nankinmachi; they sell around 13,000 buns daily! Shikohroh has equally delicious nikuman without the crazy wait.
• Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings) – YunYun is widely considered the best, especially for their Shanghai-style crispy-bottom dumplings. Daidoko Taiwan Tanpao offers Taiwanese-style soup dumplings (including crab variant) at affordable prices (six pieces for ¥550).
• Gyoza (Fried Dumplings) – Gyoza Daigaku (literally “Gyoza University”) serves perfectly crispy-soft dumplings with juicy pork and nira filling. Minimum order for two people (14 gyoza). Also try Ganso Gyoza-en with their unique miso dipping sauce.

Pro tip: Eating whilst walking is prohibited in Nankinmachi (called arukitabe), so that the narrow streets stay pleasant for everyone. Practice a bit of tabearuki (food-hopping). Stand at storefronts or designated areas to enjoy your food, then move to the next spot.

Visiting Kobe: The Case for Conscious Travel

Japan welcomed a record 36.87 million international visitors in 2024, with Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka bearing the brunt of overtourism.

Visiting Kobe felt like a place where I could wander shrines without jostling for photos, chat with local chefs who weren’t exhausted by tourist season, and experience Japanese culture at a pace that felt sustainable for both traveller and community.

Kobe offers everything the big three cities do: amazing food, local hospitality, and fascinating history, all with a fraction of the crowds.

By choosing destinations like Kobe, we’re not just finding better travel experiences; we’re supporting more balanced tourism that respects local life and infrastructure. So, let’s get onto what to do in Kobe.

Disclosure: Thank you to Kobe Tourism Board for hosting me during this incredible trip. This travel guide and itinerary was created in partnership with Kobe Tourism and they very kindly sponsored my stay. All opinions are entirely my own.

Why Kobe Deserves More Than a Day Trip

Kobe is so much more than “that beef city” or a quick stop between Osaka and Hiroshima.

It’s a city of beautiful balance. Mountains and sea, Japanese tradition and global influence, history and modernity. Beyond soaking in thousand-year-old onsen waters or savouring Kobe beef, one of the best things to do in Kobe is probably just to explore and soak up the relaxed energy here compared to the other major cities.

More importantly, choosing to spend time in cities like Kobe helps distribute tourism more sustainably across Japan.

You’ll have richer experiences, more meaningful interactions with locals, and the satisfaction of knowing your travel choices support communities that genuinely benefit from (rather than suffer under) tourism.

Stay for at least three days in Kobe, if you can. You’ll thank yourself!

Have you been to Kobe? If this was useful, follow for more tips over on my Instagram.

 

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