Where to stay in Kobe

Where To Stay in Kobe: Best Areas and Hotels

by | posted in: Kansai Japan | 0

Last updated on January 11th, 2025

Whether you’re staying in Kobe for one night or a few nights, there are plenty of hotels to choose from. We’ve compiled this guide to help you make the best decision for you. Here is the accommodation guide when visiting the port city – where to stay in Kobe.

The capital city of Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe is a wonderful place to visit. The charming port city has the perfect mix of international influence and authentic Japanese with loads of art, architecture, and history awaits you. With Japan’s excellent rail network, Osaka and Kyoto are not far away.

Many travelers choose to travel to Kobe for a short day trip before traveling to the rest of Japan. It only takes 20 to 30 minutes train ride (depending on train line) traveling between Osaka and Kobe. In fact, it is not necessary to stay in Kobe, especially if you are only visiting the city’s attractions. However, if you want to experience the unique vibe and see more of what Kobe has to offer, we would recommend staying at least one day in Kobe.

In this accommodation guide, we will cover all types of Kobe options from hostels to luxury hotels for different budgets. Read on to decide where to stay in Kobe!

Accommodation Guide: Where To Stay in Kobe

Where to stay in Kobe? Ideally, the best place for staying overnight in Kobe is the downtown area. Travelers can choose to stay in Sannomiya and Motomachi areas, Kitano areas, and Harbour District. All the locations are easy to access with well-connected with trains and public transport.

Below is the best areas when looking for where to stay in Kobe:

  • Sannomiya and Motomachi Area – Center of the Kobe city and a major public transportation hub.
  • Kitano Area – Close to Shin-Kobe Station to access to JR Shinkansen bullet train and is walking distance to Kitano’s Ijinkan Street and nearby area.
  • Harbour District – A great place to stay in Kobe for visitors who looking for a luxurious stay with a mood of vacationing in a relaxing vibe.

Let’s read on for more detail and the best hotel selection for each area in the below sections.

Sannomiya and Motomachi Area

Sannomiya is the best area to stay in Kobe. It’s the center of the city and a major public transportation hub. It is divided into two areas, north and south which is conveniently divided by Sannoymiya Station. While the Motomachi Station is right next to Sannomiya which is very convenient.

Most of the budget-friendly business hotels in Kobe are located in South Sannomiya. Plus, plenty of departmental stores and shopping streets are located near stations.

Where to stay in Kobe – Sannomiya and Motomachi areas:

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sannomiya Chuo Dori

Room view on Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sannomiya Chuo Dori

High-Range: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kobe Sannomiya Chuo Dori is one of the popular picks when looking for where to stay in Kobe. The newly opened hotel is conveniently located for exploring the city with many shops and restaurants nearby. The room is spacious with a comfortable large bed. Staffs are also well-trained and very professional. Most importantly, the price is reasonable. Everything was extremely, clean, and efficient.

Candeo Hotels Kobe Tor Road

Where to stay in Kobe - Candeo Hotels Kobe Torroad

High-Range: Candeo Hotels Kobe Tor Road is one of the popular pick when looking for where to stay in Kobe. The rooms are clean, modern, and comfortable. Plus, guests can access Japanese hot springs facilities which is a great plus. The best part, the location is excellent and conveniently located nearby shopping stores, restaurants, and local attractions. The Sannomiya Station is about 6 minutes away and Motomachi Station is 3 minutes away on foot.

remm plus Kobe Sannomiya

Where to stay in Kobe - remm plus Kobe Sannomiya

High-Range: remm plus Kobe Sannomiya is one of the utmost luxurious hotels in the city. The rooms are simple and clean with a stunning view. Some rooms can even see both the mountain and sea views. The location is super excellent and located on the Kobe Sannomiya station. So it’s very convenient to access the hotel and walk to the sightseeing places in Kobe. A great choice for anyone on a short stopover when visiting Kobe.

Kobe Sannomiya Union Hotel

Where to stay in Kobe - Sannomiya Union Hotel

Mid-Range: Kobe Sannomiya Union Hotel is my middle-priced recommendation for a comfortable stay in the city. The JR Sannomiya Train Station is about a 10-minute walking distance away and it’s very easy to get to the most important attractions of the city!

Plus, it also offers a free shuttle to the Sannomiya Train Station which is a great plus. The staff is delightful, friendly, and efficient. Breakfast is delicious and offered various healthy and satisfying options. Great value for money.

Brenza Hotel

Best stay at Sannomiya Area - Brenza Hotel

Mid-Range: Brenza Hotel has everything for a comfortable stay. This awesome 3-star hotel is located right in the heart of the neighborhood, close to all the interesting attractions you might want to visit. Many restaurants and stores are located in the area. Perfect for walking around the city to explore.

Besides, the room is very comfortable with great sizing and has all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. The staff is very kind and professional. Good value for money.

UNIZO INN Kobe Sannomiya

Best cheap hotel in Kobe - UNIZO INN Kobe Sannomiya

Mid-Range: UNIZO INN Kobe Sannomiya is one of the best places to stay in Kobe for low rates. The room is clean and simple with all the basic amenities for a comfortable stay. Plus, the property is centrally located and accessible to the major train station. The Sannomiya Station is an 8-minute walk and Shin-Kobe is a 10-minute walk away. You can also walk to the Kitano Ijinkan within 10 minutes on foot.

Kitano Area

Another great area to stay in Kobe is the Kitano area with railway access. The Shin-Kobe Station, one of the stops for the JR Shinkansen bullet train is within walking distance of Kitano. So staying in Kitano would allow you to easily schedule the travel for visiting the Kansai region.

Plus, Kitano’s Ijinkan Street is easily accessible on foot. You may also plan your visit to Kitano’s Ijinkan Street before checking in or after checking out of your accommodations. There are not many accommodations in Kitano area, but still you can find great hotel at good price tag.

Where to stay in Kobe – Kitano area:

ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe

Where to stay in Kobe - ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe

High-Range: ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe is the best place to stay in Kobe for amazing 5-star comfortable. The rooms are clean and comfortable, perfect for a good night’s sleep. The location is excellent and directly connected to Shin-Kobe Shinkansen Station, making it very excellent for travelers who use bullet trains to travel around. Nothing fancy but a comfortable hotel with good facilities.

Hotel Piena Kobe

Where to stay in Kobe - Hotel Piena

High-Range: Hotel Piena Kobe is well-located in a central location. You can easily walk to the Kitano area for a visit. The property is slightly dated but everything is very well-maintained. Room is warm, cozy and comfortable. It is not very spacious but still with a lot of room for baggage, or walking.

Harbour District

If you are a traveler looking for a luxury stay in Kobe, then you should stay as close to the harbor district as possible. This area is immensely popular with couples and family holidaymakers. Many high-range and luxury hotels with breathtaking sea views are located here. A great place to stay in Kobe for visitors who looking for a luxurious stay with a mood of vacationing in a relaxing vibe.

Where to stay in Kobe – Harbor District area:

Hotel Okura Kobe

Room View on Hotel Okura Kobe

Luxury: Hotel Okura Kobe is a popular Japanese hotel with modern amenities. It is located on the waterfront with a view of the harbor or Rokko mountain. It is adjacent to Meriken Park and Kobe Port Tower, and a 5-minute walk from Chinatown or Harborland. Indoor and outdoor play areas for kids are highly appreciated.

Free shuttle bus service from the Sannomiya station is also very helpful for travelers. Extremely comfortable to stay in, especially for families with kids.

Meriken Park Oriental Hotel

Best Hotel - Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel

Luxury: Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel is the best place to stay in Kobe for amazing 5-star comfortable. The rooms are clean and comfortable, perfect for a good night’s sleep. The best part of the room is the view. You’ll definitely fall in love with the view from the balcony over the harbor and mountains.

The property is a 3-minute walk from Kobe’s Meriken Park and the Maritime Museum is just a 5-minute walking distance. Besides, the property also offers a free shuttle to Sanomiya station which is very convenient.

Hotel Meriken Port Kobe Motomachi

Room view on Hotel Meriken Port Motomachi

Mid-Range: Hotel Meriken Port Kobe Motomachi is a very good choice located nearby Kobe Port Harbor at the mid-budget price range. It is a basic business hotel offering clean and comfortable rooms at a very reasonable price. Meriken Park is a short distance away and the Motomachidori station is just a 5-minute walking distance. Many restaurants and shopping stores are located nearby.

Where To Stay in Kobe on Budget

If you are on a tight budget or solo travelers looking for a guests house or budget hostel, here are our recommendations:

Guest House Kobe Nadeshikoya

Where to stay in Kobe on budget - Guest House Kobe Nadeshikoya

Budget: Guest House Kobe Nadeshikoya is conveniently located close to Nankin-machi (Chinatown) with many many shops and eateries. It’s an easy walk to both the Kobe harbor port and Sannomiya.

Budget travelers can get a cozy bunk bed or private rooms at this budget guest house. Everything is absurdly clean. Bathrooms are shared and come with free toiletries. It also offers a shared kitchen and Muslim prayer room.

Kobe Guesthouse MAYA

Budget stay - Kobe Guesthouse MAYA

Budget: Kobe Guesthouse MAYA is a lovely and well-equipped hostel-style guesthouse in a quiet Kobe neighborhood. The property offers private rooms and also dormitory rooms for guests to choose from. The location is great with easy access to the JR line at Nada JR station, and Hankyu station, making it a great base for exploring the area. Highly recommended for the best budget stay in Kobe.

Final Tips on Where to Stay in Kobe

Where is the best areas to stay in Kobe?

We recommended staying in Sannomiya and Motomachi areas, Kitano areas, and Harbour District. All the locations are easy to access with well-connected with trains and public transport.

What is the best area to stay in Kobe for family and kids?

Harbour District is a great place to stay in Kobe for family and kids. Not only are they close to child-friendly attractions, but you are also close to public transportation for getting around.

Why staying in Kobe instead of Osaka?

Generally, hotels are more affordable in Kobe. It is much more affordable than the larger cities within the Kansai region of Japan.

Overview: Best Hotel in Kobe

All in all, we hope this accommodation guide is helpful to you when looking for where to stay in Kobe. The city has many accommodation options to cater to the need and budgets of various travelers. Compared to nearby cities such as Osaka and Kyoto, the accommodation in Kobe is cheaper, and rooms are commonly more spacious.

Personally, I’ll be recommended staying in Sannomiya and Motomachi areas. The Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kobe Sannomiya Chuo Dori is my popular pick in the area. For a little bit upgrade, get a room from Hotel Okura Kobe with a view of the harbor or Rokko mountain in the Harbor area for your holiday gateway in Kobe.

Lastly, traveling to Kobe and other interesting places in the Kansai region? If you are interested, please read about our visit to Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Uji, and Kobe.

Related Kobe travel Stories:

Kyoto and Osaka Travel Stories: 

Best Day trip from Kyoto or Osaka:

How To Get To Kobe - Access and Transport Pass

How To Get To Kobe: Access + Transport Pass

by | posted in: Kansai Japan | 0

Last updated on January 11th, 2025

Here is the complete transport guide on how to get to Kobe with various transport pass to save you some money. We will also explain the transport options for getting to Kobe from Osaka, Kyoto, and even Tokyo!

Located in Hyogo prefecture, Kobe is a beautiful port city with a mix of both Western and Japanese elements in the Kansai region. The city is located close to Osaka and Kyoto, making Kobe a popular day trip destination when visiting the Kansai region.

Thanks to Japan’s excellent rail connections, it is easy to get to Kobe from many of Kansai’s major cities and even Tokyo. Depending on the departure place, there are multiple train lines connecting with Kobe. Travelers can get to Kobe by train to explore the city easily.

In this Kobe transport guide article, we will explain how to reach Kobe from Osaka and Kyoto. Depending on your schedule or budget, the travaler can choose which train line you want to use with transport pass options. Also, we will share how to get around Kobe when visiting the city.

How To Get To Kobe

From Osaka To Kobe

Take note that Kobe’s busiest railway station is not Kobe Station but Sannomiya Station at the city center. If you are planning for visiting Kobe, we recommended starting at the central station, Sannomiya station. This station is the main railway terminal of Kobe and is served by many railway lines including JR, Hankyu, and Hanshin Railway.

The JR train will stop at JR Sannomiya station (三宮駅), while Hanshin and Hankyu Railway’s stations will stop at Kobe-Sannomiya station (神戸三宮駅). The station’s name is slightly different, but there are within the same station. While the shinkansen (bullet train) will stop at Shin-Kobe Station. It is one station away from Kobe-Sannomiya, and the transfer usually takes only 2 minutes.

Motomachi Station (元町駅) is another another busy station with JR and Hanshin rail connected. It is the closest access point to the Motomachi shopping district and to Nanking Chinatown.

From Tokyo to Kobe

Frequent Shinkansen travels between Tokyo and Kobe by the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen in just under three hours. The regular one-way fare from Tokyo to Shin-Kobe is ¥14,420 for a non-reserved seat or around ¥15,000 for a reserved seat. The journey is covered by JR Pass for Hikari trains, but not on Nozomi trains.

Once you at Shin-Kobe station, a short subway ride will take you to Sannomiya Station in 2 minutes.

From Osaka to Kobe

If you are getting to Kobe from Osaka, you can access to Kobe by JR line, Hanshin Railway, and Hankyu Railway from Umeda or Namba. The travel time is about 15 to 45 minutes.

Here is the transportation options:

  • Shinkansen: Hikari trains depart every hour from Shin-Osaka to Shin-Kobe Station by Tokaido-San’yo line. From Shin-Kobe, transfer to JR Sannomiya station in 2 minutes. The journey takes about 15 minutes, and costs ¥2,860.
  • JR Local Line: Trains depart from JR Osaka Station to JR Sannomiya Station on the JR Kobe Line Rapid Train. The journey takes 25 minutes and costs ¥410 one way.
  • Hanshin Line: Trains depart from Osaka-Umeda Station or Osaka-Namba Station to Kobe-Sannomiya Station. The journey takes about 32 minutes at ¥320 and 45 minutes respectively.
  • Hankyu Kobe Line: Trains depart from Osaka-Umeda Station to Kobe-Sannomiya Station. The journey takes 25 minutes and costs ¥320 one way.

Pro Tips: We recommended getting the Hanshin Train Pass if you are planning to travel between Osaka and Kobe.

From Kyoto to Kobe

If you are getting to Kobe from Kyoto, here is the transportation options:

  • Shinkansen: The fastest option where Hikari trains depart every hour from Kyoto Station to Shin-Kobe Station by Tokaido-San’yo line. From Shin-Kobe, transfer to JR Sannomiya station in 2 minutes. The whole journey takes about 30 minutes, and costs ¥2,860.
  • JR Local Train: Special rapid train from Kyoto Station to Sannomiya Station on the JR Kyoto Line Special Rapid. The journey takes 50 minutes and costs ¥1,100 one way.
  • Hankyu Railway: Limited express train departs from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station to Kobe-Sannomiya Station, with one transfer at Juso or Umeda. The journey takes about an hour and costs ¥630.

Pro Tips: From Kyoto to Kobe, JR train is the fastest and without transfer required. But it is also more expensive compared with Hankyu Railway.

Money Saving Transport Pass

There are various transportation option is available for getting to Kobe within the Kansai area. The coverage area also varied depending on which pass you choose.

JR: Shinkansen and Local JR Trains

In fact, the JR train is not so convenient and more expensive when choosing the best transport system to Kobe. But this is also a good deal if you plan for a trip to Kobe with the existing pass. If you have the Japan Rail Pass, the journey from Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka to Kobe by Shinkansen and JR trains is completely covered. Again, take note that Nozomi trains are not covered by JR Pass.

Transport Pass that can use the Shinkansen and JR local trains when getting to Kobe:

Transport Pass that can use the JR local trains when getting to Kobe:

Kansai Thru Pass

Kansai Thru Pass Coverage
Source: Kansai Thru Pass

Kansai Thru Pass: This pass does not cover any JR lines but it covers Hanshin, Hankyu, and Kobe subway. Note that cablecar to the Mt Rokko cannot be used with this pass. Unless you are using the Kansai Thru Pass for visiting other areas, else this pass will not be worth it if you are using it for the trip to Kobe only.

Please refer to the official website for more coverage information.

Hanshin Tourist Pass

Hanshin Tourist Pass Coverage
Source: Hanshin Tourist Pass

Hanshin Tourist Pass: The pass covers only Hanshin Railway. But you can make a trip from either Umeda or Namba to Kobe. The price is only ¥500 and it is way cheaper than a round trip single fare. Best choice for travelers from Osaka to Kobe, and only visit the Kobe downtown area.

Hankyu Tourist Pass

Hankyu Tourist Pass Coverage
Source: Hankyu Tourist Pass

Hankyu Tourist Pass: The pass covers only Hankyu Railway, and best choice for travelers from Kyoto to Kobe, who only visit the Kobe downtown area. The price is ¥700 for 1 day and ¥1,200 for 2 days. This rail pass is way cheaper than a round trip single fare. If you are from Osaka to Kobe and plan to use the Hanshin train for a round trip, a single-fare ticket will be cheaper.

Overall: The Best Way to Get to Kobe

All in all, we hope you have an overall on how to get to Kobe. There are many train systems to help you to access Kobe from Osaka, Kyoto, and even Tokyo. And the best part is there are many transport passes available to help you get to Kobe. Don’t get overwhelmed by multiple train services it is much easier compared to bustling cities such as Tokyo and Osaka.

Lastly, traveling to Kobe and other interesting places in the Kansai region? If you are interested, please read about our visit to Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Uji, and Kobe.

Related Kobe travel Stories:

Kyoto and Osaka Travel Stories: 

Best Day trip from Kyoto or Osaka:

How to travel to Osaka, Kyoto & Nara:

Kobe itinerary Travel Guide Blog

Day Trip to Kobe itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

by | posted in: Kansai Japan | 0

Last updated on January 11th, 2025

Planning a trip to Kobe and looking for inspiration on what are the best things to do in Kobe? To help you make the most of your time, follow this 1-day Kobe itinerary to immerse yourself in what this city has to offer. Here’s the detailed Kobe Travel Guide blog!

Kobe (神戸, Kōbe) is an international port city on Osaka Bay. It has been an important place for trade since Japan reopened the port in 1868 after isolation for over 200 years. Because of its history, the city has a unique atmosphere with Western and Asia cultures.

Kobe is a good city to explore with many interesting to do and see. The city is filled with a variety of shopping, dining, and sightseeing attractions. It is also well-known for its signature marbled Kobe beef. Plus, the location is ideal, not too far from Osaka and Kyoto, and with easy access to public transport. All this makes Kobe a popular day trip destination when visiting the Kansai region.

If you’re visiting Kobe for the first time, then I hope this Kobe travel guide helps you to plan on the Kobe itinerary for 1 day or 2-days. We will share all the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, what to eat, hotel recommendations, and other useful Kobe travels information and tips.

Getting To Kobe

From Osaka To Kobe

Kobe is well-connected with major cities in Japan. It is easy to plan for a day trip to Kobe from Osaka, Kyoto, and other cities in Kansai. It takes only 30 minutes to get there from Osaka by train. Besides, frequent Shinkansen travels between Tokyo and Kobe by the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen under three hours of journey.

Take note that Kobe’s busiest railway station is not Kobe Station but Sannomiya Station and Motomachi Station in the downtown area at the city center. We recommended starting your Kobe itinerary at this central station.

Getting to Kobe:

  • Tokyo to Kobe: Shinkansen (about 3 hours)
  • Osaka to Kobe: Shinkansen (15 minutes, ¥2,860), JR train (20 minutes, ¥410), Hanshin Train (32 minutes, ¥410), Hankyu Train (25 minutes, ¥320).
  • Kyoto to Kobe: Shinkansen (30 minutes, ¥2,860), JR train (50 minutes, ¥1,110), Hankyu Train (60 minutes, ¥630).

Continue read for more detail and transport pass: How To Get To Kobe: Access + Transport Pass

Pro Tips: If you have the Japan Rail Pass, the journey to Kobe by Shinkansen and JR Train is completely covered.

Getting Around in Kobe

Getting Around in Kobe

When you are in the city centre, getting around in Kobe is pretty easy. Most of the attractions in Kobe are clustered in the central part of town and walkable. Travelers can cover many of the attractions on foot. Alternatively, buses, trains, and taxis will allow you to cover more attractions quickly and easily.

Kobe also offers various transport passes for getting around in the city:

  • Kobe Meguri 1-Day Coupon at ¥950 – Unlimited rides on the subways, non-JR trains such as the Hanshin or Hankyu lines, and certain buses around Kobe.
  • City Loop Day Pass at ¥680 – Tourist-oriented loop bus with hop-on and hop-off which runs on a loop around the city’s major tourist attractions, including Kitano-cho, Meriken Park, Chinatown, and Harbourland. A single ride costs ¥260.

Where To Stay

Most of the attractions in Kobe can be visited within one day. So it is not necessary to stay in Kobe. However, if you want to have a more relaxing visit, do hiking around Mount Rokko, or visit Arima onsen town, staying one night in Kobe is also highly encourage.

The downtown area is a great place to stay in Kobe if you are visiting the city area. It’s conveniently located with plenty of hotels, shops, restaurants, bars, and convenience stores. Here is our recommendation for where to stay in Kobe downtown area:

  • Luxury: Hotel Okura Kobe is a popular Japanese hotel with modern amenities. It is located on the waterfront with a view of the harbor or Rokko mountain at Harbour district. Everything is exceptional.
  • High-Range: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kobe Sannomiya Chuo Dori is conveniently located for exploring the city with many shops and restaurants nearby. Spacious room and spotless.
  • Mid-Range: Brenza Hotel has everything for a comfortable stay in Sannomiya area. The location is superb and perfect for walking around the city to explore. Good value for money.

While Arima Onsen is another popular pick when choosing where to stay in Kobe. It is a lovely area and your stay is feature with natural hot spring bath at a traditional Japanese ryokan.

For more accommodation option, continue read on: Where To Stay in Kobe.

Things To Do in Kobe Itinerary

Things To Do in Kobe itinerary

If you only have 1 day in Kobe and you want to make the most of your visit, I recommend the following Kobe itinerary with all the best things to do in 1-Day:

  • Start the Kobe itinerary at Sannomiya-Motomachi Area.
  • Strolling around Kitanocho District.
  • Visit the Kobe Kitano Ijinkan.
  • Taste the Kobe beef.
  • Leisure walk in Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street.
  • Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown).
  • Kobe Port Tower.
  • Night view on Kobe Harborland.

More times? You may consider to visit the Arima Onsen or Himeji Castle.

Tour Recommended: To fully enjoy the must-visit spots in Kobe and don’t miss out on interesting things along the way, we recommend you to take this private tour when you visiting here.

Sannomiya-Motomachi Area

Kobe Sannomiya-Motomachi

First of all, start your Kobe itinerary at Sannomiya-Motomachi area. It is an is an ideal starting point for sightseeing around Kobe after you getting from other cities.

From Sannomiya Station, follow the north side will lead you towards the Kitano area with mountains view. While the south side will lead to the Kobe Harbour port direction and show you the beauty of the sea and shopping street in Kobe.

We recommended proceed to Kitano-cho for the Kobe trip.

Kitanocho District

Kobe Travel Guide - Kobe Kitano Ijinkan

Next, continue your Kobe itinerary by taking a leisurely stroll around the Kitano-Cho district, situated at the foot of the Rokko mountain range. To get there, it’s about 15-20 minutes uphill walk from JR Sannomiya station.

Known as the mountainside of Kobe, Kitano-Cho (北野町, Kitanochō) is the former residential area for foreign merchants and diplomats during the late 19th century. Many Western-style houses called Ijinkan are built on the slope along the hilly street.

Former Residences Houses in Kitano-Cho

Most of the houses are well-preserved, and several of these former residences are open to the public as museums with entry charges. The Weathercock House, Uroko House, and Uroko Museum are among the most popular options. Even if you’re not planning to go inside, it’s nice to take a little wander around.

The Kobe Kitano Ijinkan offers a nice walk with a good mix of different country’s architecture. The atmosphere is filled with a nostalgic atmosphere and serenity. Enjoy the historical architecture or plan to visit one of the former houses.

Kobe Kitano Ijinkan (神戸北野異人館)
Address: Yamamotodori, Chuo Ward, Kobe.
Getting there: Located north of the Sannomiya-Motomachi Station. 15-20 minutes of walking distance.
Website: https://www.kobeijinkan.com/en/

Kobe Kitano Tenman shrine

Kobe Kitano Tenman shrine

The Kitano Tenman Shrine (北野 天満神社) is also located in the area. It is one of Kobe’s major Shinto shrines and is dedicated to academic success. Students often visit this shrine to seek blessings before taking exams.

From the shrine, you can enjoy an overlooking view of Kitano and the old, foreign residences in the area. Additionally, the shrine offers some of the best views in the region.

Starbucks at Kobe

Starbucks in Kitano-Cho

If you don’t feel like paying the entrance fees for any of these places, the Kitano area has many cafes, restaurants, high-end fashion stores, and boutiques to enjoy the colonial atmosphere.

Drop by the Starbucks in Kitano-Cho and grab a cup of coffee. The Starbucks Cafe is housed in a converted former heritage house. Worth a drop-in.

Taste the Kobe Beef

After exploring the Kitano areas, it’s time for lunch! Head back to the Sannomiya-Motomachi area along the hilly path and look for a restaurant to sample the famous Kobe beef.

Kobe itinerary - Taste on Kobe Beef

One of the must-do’s when visiting Kobe is to taste the world-famous best wagyu beef – Kobe beef. The exceptionally tender, well-marbled beef is a type of Wagyu beef from the Tajima strain of Japanese Black cattle. The cattle must be born, fed, reared, and processed in the Hyogo prefecture of Japan.

Try the Kobe beef as a simple steak, teppanyaki-style, sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, or as part of a Korean-style barbecue.

Best place to eat Kobe Beef - Steakland with Teppanyaki-style

In Kobe, there are many restaurants in the city that serve delicious Kobe beef.

Steakland is a popular teppanyaki restaurant where you can select various types of Kobe beef at a decent price. A slight upgrade to taste the Kobe beef is the Kobe Steak Restaurant Mouriya Honten. It is a well-established teppanyaki steakhouse that’s been in business for over 130 years.

Alternatively, Wakkoqu is also a great teppanyaki restaurant for trying Kobe beef.

Steakland Kobe

Where to eat Kobe Beef - Steakland Kobe

We decided to try out the Kobe beef at Steakland Kobe. You will be seated around a large U-shaped teppanyaki table in the restaurant. The chef will prepare and cook the steaks on the teppanyaki grill right in front of you.

Steakland Kobe offers a wide range of Wagyu options for selection. A set meal comes includes with bean sprouts, miso soup, a salad, garlic chips, and rice.

Kobe Beef Set Meal at Steakland Kobe
Kobe Beef Set Meal at Steakland Kobe

The beef was melt-in-your-mouth, juicy, and flavourful. It was absolutely succulent beyond my imagination. The garlic chips were amazing too. A unique Japanese Kobe beef experience and we enjoy the meal.

Related Food blog: Steakland Kobe-kan: Affordable Kobe Beef Teppanyaki

Pro Tips: It is cheaper to have a lunch set rather than a dinner set.

Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown)

Nankinmachi Kobe Chinatown

Kobe Chinatown (also known as Nankinmachi, 南京町) is the central focus of Kansai’s Chinese community. It is a popular place for shopping and dining among locals and tourists. The area was developed by Chinese merchants in the late 1860s when Japan is opened for trade.

Similar to other Chinatowns, Nankinmachi has many Chinese restaurants and street food stalls to choose from. One of the best food places when visiting Kobe. Popular items such as steamed buns (manju), ramen, gyoza, and all kinds of tasty Chinese food at affordable prices.

Nankinmachi / Kobe Chinatown (南京町)
Address: 1 Chome-3-18 Sakaemachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe.
Getting there: 5-minute walk from the east exit of Motomachi Station.

Leisure Walk in Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street

Adjacent to the Nankinmachi is the Motomachi Shopping street. It is a shopping street with long covered pedestrian roads that are full of shops, restaurants, cafes, and boutiques.

Just like the Japanese shopping street, you can find almost everything along the street. Spend some time leisurely exploring and shopping. There are many pharmacies and gift shops where tourists can buy souvenirs back home.

Kobe Harborland

Night View at Kobe Harborland

Lastly, head to Kobe Harborland, a vibrant shopping and entertainment district in the city. It is one of Kobe’s major tourist attractions and Kobe Port Tower is part of the skyline.

The harbor and the surrounding architecture are very interesting. The night view at this location is beautiful, especially when the whole area is illuminated. Stroll along the waterfront with a view of the gorgeous port tower in the background.

There are lots of places to sit and enjoy a coffee and the views or places to grab a bite while out walking around. A lovely place to hang out, especially at night.

Kobe Harborland
Address: 1 Chome Higashikawasakicho, Chuo Ward, Kobe.
Getting there: A 20 minute walk from Sannomiya Station.

Kobe Port Tower

Kobe Tavel Guide - Kobe Port Tower

Standing 108m (354 ft) tall, Kobe Port Tower is a landmark and famous port icon of Kobe. The shape of the Kobe Port Tower resembles the shape of a tsuzumi, a traditional Japanese percussion with a pipe-shaped outer frame. It has over 7,000 LED lights mounted and it is best viewed at night when all the LED lights are lit up.

Travelers also can get up and enjoy the 360-degree city view from the observatory. The tower overlooks the beautiful city of Kobe from 5 observation floors and 3 specialty floors. A ticket to Kobe Port Tower costs ¥700 or it can be visited with a combination ticket with Kobe Maritime Museum for ¥1,300.

Although we didn’t get up, the tower was still very impressive from a distance, standing out bright red with its unique shape.

More Times in Kobe?

One day or half day is good enough to see the city’s attraction followed above Kobe itinerary. But if you’re having more time and planning to visit the natural sights, here is our recommendation:

Arima Onsen (有馬温泉) – Surrounded by gorgeous mountains, Arima Onsen is an ancient hot spring resort town founded over 1000 years ago. It’s one of the three oldest hot springs in Japan and is well-known for its centuries-old bathhouses and natural hot spring. Many traditional ryokans are offering a unique Japanese’stay here. There are also private ryokan that offers bath access with minor charges during the day even if you are a non-staying guest. The  Kin no Yu with its “Kinsen” golden hot spring is the most popular place to soak in its iron-rich brown spring waters. A popular day trip or weekend gateway even for locals.

Getting there: About half an hour bus from Kobe.

Himeji Castle (姫路城, Himejijō) is another popular attraction that is best coupled together with a Kobe itinerary. Along with Matsumoto Castle and Kumamoto Castle, Himeji Castle is considered one of Japan’s three premier castles. It is known as White Heron Castle (Shirasagijo) due to its elegant, white appearance. A world heritage site.

READ MORE: Day Trip to Himeji Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Getting there: JR train from Kobe to Himeji takes only 37 minutes at ¥990.

How Many Days for Kobe?

With proper planning, you can see most of Kobe’s highlights in one day on a day trip to Kobe. But it is also no harm in staying longer in Kobe and immersing yourself in what this city has to offer!

Most travelers will couple up the day trip with Himeji and Kobe as an excursion from Osaka or Kyoto. You may consider staying one night at a ryokan in Arima Onsen to enjoy the hot spring. Arima Onsen is only about 30 minutes bus ride from Kobe downtown.

Final Tips for Kobe Trip

Last but not least, here are some handy Kobe travel tips for your trip:

Is Kobe worth visiting?

Definitely worth it. Kobe is a great place when visiting the Kansai region. The city is filled with a variety of shopping, dining, and sightseeing attractions. The Kobe beef is a must-try when visiting Kobe!

Is day trip to Kobe doable?

You can easily visit Kobe on a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto. The journey is only around an hour or less and it’s totally worth the journey.

What to do in Kobe within one day?

If you’re only planning to be in Kobe for a day trip, plan your Kobe itinerary on the attractions in the city center which include Kitano Ijinkan, Motomachi, Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown), and Kobe Harborland. You can also taste the world-famous Kobe beef during your trip to Kobe!

Overview: Kobe Day Trip

Kobe Day Trip

All in all, we hope your enjoy this Kobe itinerary. The city is impressive and totally different vibe from nearby Osaka or Kyoto. For me, Kobe is one of the best place to go and relax your time with a short visit. You can spend 3 to 4 hours walking around and enjoy the unique atmosphere in the city.

Lastly, traveling to Kobe and other interesting places in the Kansai region? If you are interested, please read about our visit to Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Uji, and Kobe.

Related Kobe travel Stories:

Kyoto and Osaka Travel Stories: 

Best Day trip from Kyoto or Osaka:

How to travel to Osaka, Kyoto & Nara:

Japan Rail JR Pass Guide

A Guide for Japan Rail JR Pass: Budget + Tips

by | posted in: Japan | 0

Last updated on January 11th, 2025

Here sharing my experience and budget tips using Japan Rail Pass from my previous experience in Japan. A complete guide on how to use and maximize the JR Pass. Find out more in this ultimate JR Pass guide.

Japan Rail Pass, better known as JR Pass, is the best travel pass in Japan. It is one of the most powerful public transportation tickets in Japan! With JR Pass, traveling from one city to the other can be done hassle-free. Travelers can easily access several other Japan’s destinations including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Hiroshima, and even Hokkaido by public transport. Most importantly, JR Pass gives you ton of freedom, flexibility, and also cost saving!

Always, when I recommended JR Pass to my friends traveling to Japan, most did not seem convinced to take it. Also, the JR Pass lost a lot of its appeal due to a massive price increase in autumn 2023 due to the lowest fare being ¥50,000 per person for 7 days period – which seems pretty expensive. You’re probably asking yourself: Is the Japan Rail Pass still worth it?

In this Japan Rail Pass guide, I will share with you some of the essential information and guide on buying and how to use the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass). You’ll thank me as it will save you a ton of money on your trip to Japan. Here is the ultimate JR Pass guide.

What is Japan Rail Pass Guide?

Using Shinkansen with JR Pass

Firstly, you want to know what is Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass). The JR Pass is a public transportation pass for foreigners traveling in Japan. This pass allows you to travel on any public transportation under JR Group, which is the largest public transportation network in Japan for 7, 14, or 21 days. This pass is valid on JR trains, local JR buses, and even JR Ferry to Miyajima. Trains also include the Kansai Airport Express Haruka, Shinkansen bullet trains, and the Narita Express.

But the best perk of all is that you can do unlimited travel on Shinkansen (Bullet train) except for Nozomi and Mizuho services. Shinkansen is very fast! Traveling at a speed of 340km/h, you can basically do a day trip between Tokyo and Osaka (about 500 km distance) in under 3 hours!

Also, compared to buying Japan train tickets individually, the JR Pass has the potential to save you a ton of money on your trip!

How Much is JR Pass?

The JR Pass offers unlimited rides on JR trains for one, two, or three weeks. The prices come with 2 types of carriages (Ordinary and Green car):

Japan Rail Pass TypeOrdinary CarGreen Car
7-day JR Pass¥50,000¥70,000
14-day JR Pass¥80,000¥110,000
21-day JR Pass¥100,000¥140,000

** Reduced rates (50% off) apply to children aged 6-11.

Before the massive price increase of October 2023, the Japan Rail Pass would pay off easily for just a few long-distance rides. Now, the JR Pass will pay off only for those traveling very long distances within short time periods. Still, a hefty fee is required for the Shinkansen ride if you have a tight itinerary. Do your smart calculation of how much you can pay off for your train ride with a Japan Rail Pass.

Pro Tips: It is considerably cheaper to buy your JR Pass at your home country. You can check out the latest prices for green and ordinary passes on Klook or Japan Rail Pass for more information.

JR Pass Guide: What You Need to Know

Traveling in Japan with JR Pass
Nozomi and Mizuho are excluded from JR Pass

Before we go in-depth, there are a few quick things you ought to know about the Japan Rail Pass:

  • JR Pass is only for foreigners with short term visitors to Japan (“temporary visitors”). It’s possible to purchase the JR Pass at select major airports and stations in Japan, but the price is much more expensive (10% to 13% higher). So it is advice purchase the JR Pass before arrive in Japan.
  • No all trains in Japan are valid with JR Pass. Although most JR routes including Shinkansen are covered, but most metropolitan routes (other than JR lines) are excluded.
  • JR Pass could not be transferred to another name. Meaning the person using the JR Pass have to be the same as the passport holder. You’ll be asked by railway staff to produce their passports to confirm ownership of the pass.
  • The validity period of the JR Pass is based on calendar days (midnight to midnight) rather than 24-hour periods.

JR Pass Guide: Ordinary Cars vs Green Cars

JR Pass is available selling in two types: Ordinary Cars and expensive Green Cars. So, what’s the difference? In fact, Ordinary Cars resemble second-class cabins while Green Cars are roughly equivalent to first-class cabins.

Here are a few reasons to travel with Green Car in JR Pass:

  • More comfortable – Green cars offer larger seats, more foot space, and are spacious. In the green cars, you’ll get more legroom and wider seats.
  • Less crowded – It will be always less crowded in Green Car compared to ordinary ones. You’ll likely get a more relaxing traveling experience in Japan.
  • Extra luggage storage – Less crowded also means plenty of luggage storage on Green Cars.
  • Better boarding experience – Travelers will be served Hot/cold towels upon boarding, and refreshments on some trains.
  • Choose your seat – All seating in the green car is reserved. You can always choose your seat if you prefer to sit on the aisle or window side.
  • Secure your seat – It is possible that no seat is available during peak traveling time especially Golden Week and sakura blossom season on Ordinary Car. It is unlikely Green Car will run out of all the seats.
  • Utilize your time – Easy to work on a laptop due to the extra space and table room in Green Cars. You’ll be more comfortable working on a laptop along the journey. Besides, green-class cars have power points on each seat, while in ordinary-class cars, power points are only located on the window seats.

While there is the reason for choosing an Ordinary Car in JR Pass:

  • Cost Saving – Ordinary Car is about about 30% less than the Green Car, you’ll save money by buying an Ordinary Car pass. Use the money for more Japanese food!
  • Japan Rail Pass holders even can make seat reservations for JR trains for free (of course seat at Ordinary carriage).

In short, those looking for additional luxury should go for the Green Car in JR Pass!

How To Buy JR Pass?

Exchange MCO for JR Pass
Exchange MCO for JR Pass at designated major JR stations in Japan

JR Pass is available to purchase at any Japan Travel Board (JTB) Agency. You can purchase a JR Pass through Klook or Japan Rail Pass. Visit Klook or Japan Rail Pass for more information.

Take note that when buying a Japan Rail Pass abroad, you won’t receive the pass, but a JR Pass Exchange Order (MCO). This MCO is what you’ll need to pick up your rail pass when you arrive in Japan. Here’s the process when buying a JR Pass online at any JTB Agency:

Before the trip to Japan:

  • Purchase the Japan Rail Pass (Exchange Order) from JTB Agency (example Klook). You will need to fill up the traveler information and select the intended travel date in Japan.
  • Receive an email confirmation once your payment has gone through. Note that this is NOT your Exchange Order, and cannot be used to get your rail pass in Japan.
  • Receive your Exchange Order (MCO) by post. This is the physical document you’ll need to bring with you to Japan. It will need to be exchanged with the actual pass inside Japan within 90 days from the date of purchase.

When arriving in Japan:

  • Bring your passport and MCO to exchange for a Japan Rail Pass at designated major JR stations across Japan, including the JR stations at Narita Airport and Kansai Airport.
  • Pick a validity date. When you’re exchanging for a Japan Rail Pass, you’ll need to pick your first day of travel. It does not have to match the date of issue.
  • Activate your JR Pass by presenting the pass to the staff at the station. You can start utilizing the JR Pass for your train trip to Japan.

Pro Tips: We highly recommended to get the Japan Rail Pass from Klook. It supports Global Mail Delivery which is a great plus. You can just download the Klook app or buy it from their website (click here). Klook has the best conversion rate so far from my personal experience.

Should I Buy JR Pass?

Depending on your itinerary. If you’ll be visiting multiple cities in Japan, then you might want to get a JR Pass. It’ll give you unlimited travel on JR trains for a consecutive number of days of your pass.

Here’s a rough estimate of fare calculation on train fares on popular routes in Japan. See how much can be saved with the JR Pass when compared to the cost of each journey that you’ll need to pay for.

RouteGreen CarOrdinary Car (Reserve Seat)
Tokyo to Kyoto¥10,680¥6,010
Tokyo to Shin-Osaka¥10,680¥6,010
Tokyo to Nagoya¥8,580¥5,120
Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto¥20,220¥11,330
Shin-Osaka to Nagoya¥5,540¥3,740
Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima¥8,570¥5,110
Shin-Osaka to Hakata¥11,880¥6,010

Do your smart calculation to check whether the JR Pass is worth it.

Advantages of JR Pass

Japan Rail Seating

Japan Rail Pass is a huge cost saving transportation pass on long journey travel. Those who have been to Japan, for sure you will know how expensive public transport is in Japan. It is super fast and effective, but at the same time, costly. Please research and get yourself a Japan Rail Pass because it can help you to SAVE A LOT when traveling in Japan. You’ll not only save money and time but will enjoy the convenience of avoiding long ticket queues, language barriers, and other hassles.

If you are traveling to many cities from east to west including Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Tokyo. Traveling 4 times using the Shinkansen through JR Pass is enough to make the pass worth 2.5 times its original amount. Imagine you are maximizing the use of JR Pass for the whole 7 days.

Disadvantages of JR Pass

There are a few disadvantages of the JR Pass. Firstly, it can only be used with visitors under the status of a “temporary Visitors” visa. This means that if you are going to Japan on a working visa, student, or others, you are not eligible to purchase the JR Pass.

Not all public transportation is covered. When traveling in Japan, it is a high chance that you will take other private company trains such as Kintetsu or Keihan Railway, or even the metro station. Unfortunately, those trains are not covered and travelers need to add on additional transportation fees when traveling around.

You can only purchase the JR Pass outside of Japan. Although you can still buy the JR Pass in Japan during your trip, the price is about a 10% to 13% increase. So plan ahead!

Lastly, a minor advantage to me is that the minimum number of days for the JR pass is 7 days. Therefore, you may need to plan your stay in Japan for at least 7 days to use the pass. But this is not the case, some days 4 days is enough to cover the cost of the JR Pass of more than double the actual amount.

Luggage Rules on Shinkansen

JR announced a new luggage rule on Shinkansen on May 2020. With new luggage regulations, each passenger may bring up to two pieces of luggage onto trains free of charge on the Shinkansen. But the luggage must be weighing less than 30kg and overall dimensions with a total of length, width, and height must not exceed 250cm.

For travelers with oversized luggage on affected Shinkansen route, a special seat reservation is required. But rest assured, the seat reservations are complimentary that included on your Japan Rail Pass. But, failure to do so will result in a penalty fee of ¥1,000.

Shinkansen routes that required make a seat reservation with an oversized baggage:

  • Tokaido Shinkansen, which runs between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, and includes a Shinkansen stop in Kyoto.
  • Sanyo Shinkansen, which runs from Shin-Osaka to Hakata, Fukuoka, and includes stops in Himeji and Hiroshima.
  • Kyushu Shinkansen, which runs from Hakata to Kagoshima Chuo.

This luggage rule is affecting the Tokaido Shinkansen (between Tokyo to Osaka), Sanyo Shinkansen (between Osaka to Fukuoka), and Kyushu Shinkansen (between Fukuoka to Kagoshima) Shinkansen. No changes on the remaining Shinkansen, local trains, and subway.

Japan Rail Pass Travel Tips: Do reserve your seats ahead during peak seasons as there are only a limited amount of reserved seats with an oversized baggage area. Tickets are available to book one month in advance.

Travel Tips: How To Save Money with JR Pass?

How to Save Money with JR Pass

Japan’s railway system is so efficient and extensive that it’s easy to travel in Japan by train from other parts of the country. You can check hyperdia.com for train routes and schedules.

If you purchase an individual ticket, the journey can be very expensive. The fare between Osaka and Tokyo is around ¥11,000 yen for a one-way trip. A round trip can cost you around ¥22,000. That is close to the fare of a JR Pass! If you know how to strategize your travel in Japan, you can basically use the JR Pass up to 5 times the actual amount you paid for. Imagine you can maximize the use of the JR Pass for the whole 7 days!

The trick to using the JR Pass is to be based in one city that is centralized and within 3 hours day trip distance from the places you want to visit.

For example, you can be based in Nagoya. The traveling time is approximately 2 hours away from Tokyo and about 3 hours away from Hiroshima. You may also be based in the Kansai region, which would be conveniently central to many interesting places to visit in Japan such as Kyushu and Hiroshima. The advantage of using this method is that you can stay in 1 hotel throughout your visit to Japan without the hassle of check-in and check-out to different hotels and dragging your luggage everywhere. You can travel light every day. Just grab your JR Pass, and Passport, and you are good to go!

Pro Tips: JR Pass is available to purchase at any Japan Travel Board (JTB) Agency. You can purchase a JR Pass through Klook or Japan Rail Pass. Visit Klook or Japan Rail Pass for more information.

Japan Rail Pass FAQ

Can i take shinkansen (bullet train) with JR Pass?

With JR Pass is valid on Shinkansen except for Nozomi trains (the fastest Shinkansen traveling between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka) and Mizuho (the fastest trains along the Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen). But, with the new price, it is possible to ride the trains by purchasing an additional ticket. The cost of the additional ticket depends on the distance traveled. The good news is most Shinkansen including Hikari and Kodama trains accept JR Pass.

How much is the JR Pass?

With the massive price increase of October 2023, a 7-Day, 14-Day, and 21-Day will cost you ¥50,000, ¥80,000, and ¥100,000 on Ordinary Car and ¥70,000, ¥110,000, and ¥140,000 on Green Car respectively.

Is JR Pass valid on Metro or subway?

JR Pass is only valid for public transportation under JR Group. It includes JR trains, Tokyo Monorail to/from Haneda Airport, local JR buses, and even JR Ferry to Miyajima.

Where to buy JR Pass Online?

JR Pass is available to purchase at any Japan Travel Board (JTB) Agency. You can purchase a JR Pass through Klook or Japan Rail Pass. Both are reputation travel agencies with global mail delivery options available.

Overall: Is Japan Rail Pass Worth it?

Japan Rail JR Pass

All in all, we hope this JR Pass Guide is helpful and could enlighten some people about how to save money with this transport pass when traveling in Japan. For those who are traveling to Japan and want to cover a wide area, JR Pass is the most economical means of traveling through Japan by rail.

As a rule of thumb, if you are making at least one round trip long-distance return journey on a shinkansen, it is likely a 7-day JR Pass will be worth the money. If your train journeys are likely to be confined to a specific area of Japan, the full Japan Rail Pass might be overkill. You may consider one of the regional JR Passes. We also share useful tips when planning your itinerary with some other pass. Feel free to check it out.

Traveling to Japan soon? Feel free to check out my trip to Japan for more travel inspirtation:

More Japan Itinerary by region:

  • Kanto Japan – Tokyo, Hakone, Kawaguchiko.
  • Kansai Japan – Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Uji, Kobe.
  • Chubu Region – Nagoya, Takayama, Shiragawa-go, Toyama, Kanazawa, Matsumoto, and more.
  • Kyushu Region – Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Oita, Beppu, Kurokawa Onsen, Aso, Miyazaki, and more.
  • Hokkaido Region – Sapporo, Hakodate, Lake Toya, Asahikawa, Noboribetsu, Otaru, and more.