Theme parks, castles. Dive into Japan’s enigmatic cities.
ABOUT KOBE
Japan’s ‘most liveable’ city, Kobe, runs along the slopes of the Rokko Mountains and down to the shore of Osaka Bay. At first glance, Kobe is a modern, vibrant metropolitan centre, but it doesn’t take long to start to discover the unique personalities of the many villages that made up the old town; Find the original ‘European quarter’, Japan’s longest-established Chinatown, the modern harbour foreshores or, a little further afield, the traditional hot springs at Arima Onsen and the bamboo forests of the Rokko ranges. More than anything, this is a city that invites patient exploration, with new secrets waiting to be discovered every day.
1,528,478
Kobe population
7th
The seventh-largest city in Japan
2000+
Years of city history
600+
Sites and attractions listed on Tripadvisor
ESSENTIAL ATTRACTIONS
Kobe Luminarie
A unique light show that attracts millions of sightseers.
Arima Onsen
A historical and ambient onsen. Experience a piece of premodern Japan.
Kobe Harborland
Modern shopping and dining against a stunning backdrop.
Mt. Rokko
Take the car up to a panoramic view of Osaka Bay.
Kobe Animal Kingdom
Visit a wide range of amazing animals in this lush open air zoo.
FOOD AND DRINKS
Takenaka Meat
Cheap eats loved by locals, try the Kobe beef and croquettes.
Steak Aoyama
Try the world famous Kobe beef in a traditional, family owned steakhouse.
Kampai Sake Tours
Taste centuries of innovation in Kobe’s famous breweries.
Roshouki
Steamed pork buns worth lining up for.
Uwo Sei Main Shop
Fresh delicate Sushi, sit at the bar and experience this local secret.
NIGHT LIFE
Denial
Celebrate the iconic Japanese experience of karaoke. A fun exciting bar full of locals and visitors.
Sake Ichiba
Arima’s unique standing bar that sells exclusive Japanese sake and beers.
New Munchen Kobe Embassy
A small basement brewery that serves a wide range of Japanese beers.
Sone
A classic Japanese Jazz bar open since 1969.
Bridge Kobe
Dance till dawn in Kobe’s news nightclub. Mix with locals and enjoy celebrity events.
GETTING AROUND
BUS
Kobe has an efficient network of buses. You can travel anywhere in the city for a fixed rate of ¥210.
SHINKANSEN
Ride the iconic bullet train – Kobe to Tokyo in only 160 minutes.
SHIN-KOBE STATION
Connects to the Shinkansen network at Shin-Kobe station.
KANSAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The main transport hub for Western Japan, conveniently located an hour away from Kobe
KOBE AIRPORT
Fly within Japan – only 30 minutes from Lexis campus.
BIKE
Kobe is a bike friendly city, join hundreds of locals getting around via bike.
LOCATION & ORIENTATION
Osaka
< 12mins
Nara
< 1hr 20mins
Historical treasures and old pilgrimage routes.
Kyoto
< 30mins
A city of ancient temples and old world mystery.
Tokyo
< 3hrs
A modern metropolis jam-packed with unlimited fun.
Hiroshima
< 70mins
Heritage-listed sites coupled with the rich natural beauty of Japan’s coastline.
Mount Fuji
< 5hrs 30mins
Experience this iconic natural wonder for yourself.
Osaka
< 12mins
Theme parks, castles. Dive into Japan’s enigmatic cities.
Nara
< 1hr 20mins
Historical treasures and old pilgrimage routes.
Kyoto
< 30mins
A city of ancient temples and old world mystery.
Tokyo
< 3hrs
A modern metropolis jam-packed with unlimited fun.
Hiroshima
< 70mins
Heritage-listed sites coupled with the rich natural beauty of Japan’s coastline.
Mount Fuji
< 5hrs 30mins
Experience this iconic natural wonder for yourself.