What do sake breweries, mountaintop views, ancient hot springs, and world-famous beef have in common?
You’ll find them all in Kobe.
Set between sea and mountains, this city offers more than you might expect.
It’s easy to reach, never too crowded, and packed with food, culture, and character.
Experiences some of the best things to do in Kobe:
Whether you’re into laid-back walks, beautiful views, or tasting something unforgettable, this guide covers 15 great things to do in Kobe that are worth your time.
1) Try authentic Kobe beef at Mouriya Honten
When you visit Kobe, you really have to try real Kobe beef.
Mouriya Honten is one of the most famous spots for this special meal.
The restaurant has a relaxed, elegant vibe.
Chefs cook your beef right in front of you, so you get a true teppanyaki experience.
The beef is well-marbled, tender, and melts in your mouth.
People often say it’s a step above ordinary steak.
You can pick from different cuts, like sirloin or ribeye.
We all have differing tastes, but I found the most expensive stuff to be a bit too oily for my liking.
I took my parents here for their 50th anniversary.
They loved it but my wallet do not.
2) Walk across Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the world’s longest suspension bridge
You can’t visit Kobe and skip the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.
This huge bridge stretches nearly four kilometres over the Akashi Strait, connecting Kobe to Awaji Island.
Since it opened in 1998, it’s held the title of the world’s longest suspension bridge.
Walking across gives you incredible views of the sea and city.
There’s a walkway and even a glass floor where you can look straight down at the water.
If you like impressive engineering, you’ll want to see this.
Nearby, there’s a park and a small museum where you can learn a bit about how the bridge came to be.
3) Explore the Kobe Harborland shopping and dining district
Kobe Harborland sits right by the water, next to Kobe Station.
It’s packed with shops, cafés, and restaurants, all with relaxing harbour views.
Stroll through the Mosaic shopping complex, full of fashion boutiques and quirky shops.
It’s easy to find a souvenir or a sweet treat as you wander.
If you get hungry, there are plenty of places to eat, from casual spots to restaurants with beautiful views of the port.
The Ferris wheel lights up at night and is hard to miss.
Harborland works for families, friends, or solo travellers.
Whether you want to shop, eat, or just take photos by the water, there’s plenty to keep you busy.
4) Visit the Kobe Animal Kingdom zoo and botanical garden
If you love animals and nature, check out Kobe Animal Kingdom.
It’s both a zoo and a botanical garden on Port Island.
You can walk among all kinds of animals, from birds to mammals.
Some live in spaces that feel close to their natural homes.
Sometimes you can get pretty close, or even interact with them safely.
The garden section bursts with colourful plants and flowers.
Benches and winding paths let you explore at your own pace.
It gets busy on weekends, but the vibe stays relaxed and friendly.
5) Discover history at the Kobe Maritime Museum
The Kobe Maritime Museum sits in Meriken Park, right by the water.
Its bright white roof, shaped like ship sails, stands out right away.
Inside, you’ll find ship models and displays about the port’s history.
Interactive exhibits let you learn about shipbuilding and how Kobe grew as a trade gateway.
Most displays have English translations, so it’s easy to follow along.
If you’re interested in boats or Kobe’s past, this museum gives you a closer look at the city’s connection to the sea.
6) Relax in the Arima Onsen hot spring town
Arima Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot spring towns.
It’s tucked in the mountains on the edge of Kobe, making it a peaceful place to unwind.
Here, you’ll find natural hot springs with “gold” and “silver” mineral waters.
These baths are perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.
The town has quiet streets lined with traditional inns, shops, and cafés.
You can stroll around, try local snacks, or shop for souvenirs.
If you want to stay overnight, there are several ryokan, or Japanese-style guesthouses, where you can enjoy dinner and a hot bath.
7) Stroll through the scenic Nunobiki Herb Garden
The Nunobiki Herb Garden sits on the slopes of Mount Rokko, not far from central Kobe.
Take the ropeway up for lovely views over the city and harbour.
Once you’re there, explore themed gardens filled with around 200 different herbs and flowers.
Some areas change with the seasons, so there’s always something new.
Paths wind through the gardens and greenhouses, making it easy to wander at your own pace.
You might spot seasonal blooms, butterflies, or just find a quiet corner to relax.
With fresh air and peaceful views, it’s a great escape from the city buzz.
8) Experience the lively atmosphere at Nankin-machi Chinatown
Step into Nankin-machi, Kobe’s colourful Chinatown in the city centre.
This area has been a hub for the Chinese community since 1868, packed with history and culture.
The streets are always buzzing.
Watch cooks prepare street food like pork buns and dumplings.
Roushouki, a shop from 1915, is famous for its pork buns.
Nankin-machi isn’t huge, so it’s easy to explore on foot.
There are about 100 shops packed into a small area, making it feel lively and a bit crowded.
Try snacks as you walk and check out the bright decorations.
9) Admire art at the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art
The Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art lets you explore Japanese and international art.
It’s in HAT Kobe, a modern area built after the 1995 earthquake.
You’ll find paintings, sculptures, and special exhibitions, many linked to local artists.
The building, designed by Tadao Ando, is impressive on its own.
Walk through spacious galleries filled with natural light.
There’s usually something new, so each visit feels fresh.
Water and greenery surround the museum, making it a peaceful spot to unwind. A
fter the art, check out the outdoor sculptures near the entrance.
10) Enjoy panoramic views from Mount Rokko
Mount Rokko rises just north of Kobe and is the highest peak nearby.
You can hike up or take the cable car, which is easy and popular.
At the top, you’ll find Rokko Garden Terrace, known for its sweeping views of Kobe and Osaka.
Sunset is especially pretty, when city lights flicker on.
There are restaurants and shops at the terrace, so you can relax and grab a meal while soaking in the view.
Some people say the night views here are among the best in Japan.
Don’t forget your camera.
The fresh air and city lights make Mount Rokko a spot you won’t want to miss.
11) Sip sake at Nada Sake District breweries
Head to Kobe’s Nada Sake District to taste some of Japan’s best sake.
The area is famous for clear mountain water and top-quality rice, perfect for brewing.
You’ll find lots of breweries within walking distance of each other.
Some offer guided tours and tastings, so you can try different kinds of sake.
Check out places like the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum to see traditional brewing methods and old equipment.
Even if you’re new to sake, staff are friendly and happy to help you pick something.
You can buy bottles to bring home, too. It’s a nice way to remember your trip.
12) Explore the Former Foreign Settlement area with its historic European buildings
Don’t skip the Former Foreign Settlement area when you’re in Kobe.
This district gives you a glimpse of the city’s international past.
You’ll see Western-style buildings from the late 1800s, built when Kobe opened its port and welcomed people from overseas.
As you wander, you’ll notice grand European architecture mixed with modern buildings.
Many historic structures have been restored.
Some are open to the public, so you can step inside and check out interiors filled with period details.
Cafés, shops, and museums now fill many of these spaces.
13) Visit the Kobe City Museum for local culture insights
The Kobe City Museum is a friendly place to learn about the city’s unique history.
Displays cover local culture, foreign influences, and how Kobe developed over time.
Interactive exhibits and life-like models help you dig into important moments from the past.
You can see how trade with other countries shaped the city and brought new ideas.
The foreign settlement section stands out, showing Kobe’s role as a busy port city.
The building itself feels modern and welcoming.
14) Attend the Kobe Luminarie light festival
If you’re in Kobe in December, the Kobe Luminarie light festival is a must.
It’s located in central Kobe.
It stretches from Motomachi Station, goes through the Former Foreign Settlement, and ends at Higashi Yuenchi Park.
The festival started in 1995 to remember victims of the Great Hanshin earthquake.
Each year, the city lights up with thousands of beautiful lights as a symbol of hope and recovery.
You can walk beneath colourful illuminated arches and through sparkling light tunnels.
The event draws big crowds and has a lively energy.
It’s a great way to experience Kobe’s community spirit and see the city in a new light.
15) Wander around Sorakuen Garden, a traditional Japanese garden
Sorakuen Garden sits quietly right in the center of Kobe.
You can stroll along winding paths, surrounded by trees, ponds, and flowers.
This place follows a classic Japanese garden design.
It’s a great spot to soak in nature and enjoy traditional landscaping.
Stone bridges cross over the water, and small waterfalls trickle nearby.
These touches really add to the calm vibe here.
There’s also an old European-style stable, which always surprises first-time visitors.
Built during the Meiji era, it brings a quirky blend of Japanese and Western influences to the garden.
Sorakuen feels extra magical in spring when azaleas burst into color.
There’s a small admission fee, but honestly, it’s worth it for a peaceful escape from the city buzz.
