Kobe

Kobe, the capital of Hyogo Prefecture, has a long history of welcoming outsiders to its shores – it was one of the first ports in Japan to open to trade in 1868 after two centuries of isolation. The results of this open-door policy remain today in its historic foreign settlement area that was once home to European traders, with many of the old mansions lovingly restored and serving as mini-museums or shops.

A diverse city, Kobe has one of Japan’s largest foreign populations, a bustling Chinatown, and numerous restaurants serving cuisines from all over the world. Kobe's charms are both in its natural surroundings – backed by the beautiful Mount Rokko range – and a host of manmade wonders. The Kobe Port Tower, Port and Rokko islands were built up in major land reclamation projects, and the Akashi Kaikyo is the world's longest suspension bridge.

What to see & do in Kobe

what’s around Kobe

Himeji Castle

Where & what to eat in Kobe

10 Great Restaurants in Kobe
The 10 great restaurants in Kobe invite you for a true gastronomic journey as you can find a little bit of everything here. There's certainly no shortage of variety or style among its restaurants. With a sizeable expat population, eating out in Kobe has more of a cosmopolitan feel than other cities of a similar size. From street-side noodle shops to...
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Where to shop & what to buy in Kobe

10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Kobe
The best places to go shopping in Kobe range from modern shopping arcades and malls to quirky shops and luxurious boutiques. In Kobe’s vibrant stores and markets, you’re guaranteed to find unique souvenirs to take home such as heavenly chocolates, Arima sandals, porcelain, or lacquerware items. The Sannomiya district is home to major department stores offering luxury brands, designer clothing, and high-end...
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Where to go & what to do at night in Kobe

10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Kobe
A night out in Kobe can take you to a German beer hall, an izakaya-style record bar, or a jazz club straight out of old New York. The city has always had an international flair, reflected in its abundance of English pubs and a love affair with Western styles of music. In fact, Kobe is considered to be a center...
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Useful information

Kobe Travel Essentials
Before you travel to Kobe, it's a good idea to brush up on some of the travel essentials. Choosing when to travel is a decision best made after the attractions, events and seasons of Kobe. You can save time by preparing in advance how you're going to get around the city to see the sights. Transportation options vary depending on how...
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