Can I see Kobe in one day?

Yes, you can enjoy Kobe's highlights in one day. The route covering Nunobiki Falls → Kitano Ijinkan → Kyu-Kyoryuchi → Meriken Park → Kikuseidai lets you experience Kobe's mountains, city, and sea in a single day.

Where should I start for my first visit to Kobe?

Start with Meriken Park and Port Tower area. After enjoying Kobe's iconic scenery, stroll through Kyu-Kyoryuchi and head to Kitano Ijinkan district—this is the classic route.

Where's the best place to enjoy night views?

Kikuseidai (Mt. Maya) offers one of Japan's three best night views and is spectacular. For city-level views, the illuminated Meriken Park and Port Tower area are easily accessible and highly recommended.

KOBE GUIDE 10 | 10 Iconic Views of Kobe That Captured 36,000 Viewers

36,000 views and over 1,000 likes on Threads. This is a compilation of “Kobe’s landscapes” that received overwhelming response.

Let’s start with the classics. Port Tower, Ijinkan, Nunobiki Falls—these iconic Kobe views that everyone should visit at least once. There’s a reason why these spots have been polished as tourist destinations.

10 Selections Tracing Kobe’s Sea, City, Mountains & History

Precisely because they’re classics, these places reveal Kobe’s structure. The geography sandwiched between sea and mountains, the internationalism since the port opening, the proximity of nature and city. Tour this list and you’ll understand why Kobe became what it is today.

Sea’s Dynamism: Meriken Park, Suma Beach, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
City’s Sophistication & Art: Kyu-Kyoryuchi, Kitano Ijinkan District, Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art
Mountain’s Blessings & Spectacular Views: Nunobiki Falls, Kikuseidai
Kobe’s History & Serenity: Sorakuen Garden, Minatogawa Shrine

Whether you’re visiting Kobe for the first time or have been many times, touring these places again might reveal new discoveries.

01. Seaside | Experience the Sea’s Dynamism

The essence of Kobe as a port city lies in the sea. The renovated Port Tower, historic brick warehouses, the world’s largest suspension bridge—each tells Kobe’s maritime story with a different expression.

01 | Meriken Park (Port Tower)

Entering a New Era in 2024: Kobe’s Iconic Symbol

When you think of iconic Kobe scenery, Meriken Park and Port Tower come to mind. The newly renovated Port Tower, reopened in 2024, offers 360-degree panoramic views from its observation floor, overlooking Kobe Port, Mt. Rokko, and Osaka Bay.

During the day, the contrast of blue sea and green Mt. Rokko; at dusk, the beautiful fusion of magic hour sky and port; at night, the fantastical illumination—this place shows completely different faces depending on the time of day, making it perfect as a starting point for Kobe sightseeing.

Many tourists take commemorative photos in front of the BE KOBE monument. To feel Kobe’s “now” as a port city, start here.

Recommended For

First-time visitors who want to “cover the classics first”
Couples wanting to enjoy night view dates
Those wanting to capture Kobe’s symbols in photos

Access

17-18 min walk from Hankyu/Hanshin “Kobe-Sannomiya Station”
20 min walk from JR “Sannomiya Station”
13 min walk from Port Liner “Port Terminal Station”

📍 See detailed information about Meriken Park

02 | Suma Beach (Suma SeaWorld Area)

Fully Renovated June 2024: Traditional Beach Transforms into World-Class Destination

“Suma Beach,” spreading across Kobe’s west side, completed all redevelopment work on June 1, 2024, transforming into Kobe’s new face both in name and reality. With the opening of flagship “Kobe Suma SeaWorld” and western Japan’s first hotel where you can stay while watching orcas—“Kobe Suma SeaWorld Hotel”—the entire area’s value has dramatically improved.

The old image of a “summer-only beach” is now history. Currently, it’s an “Atlantic Resort for all seasons” that attracts many people, combining beautifully maintained promenades, open lawn areas, and a state-of-the-art aquarium.

The calm Seto Inland Sea, the distant shining Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and modern facilities. Here lies the new “way to spend time by the sea” that historic port city Kobe has presented for the next 100 years.

Recommended For

Those wanting to experience Kobe’s “cutting edge” born in 2024
Those wanting to enjoy world-class aquarium and vast beach together
Families and couples wanting to spend all day without getting bored

Access

5 min walk from JR “Suma Kaihin Koen Station”
10 min walk from Sanyo Electric Railway “Tsukimiyama Station”

📍 See detailed information about Suma SeaWorld

03 | Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

World’s Largest Scale: A Bridge of Light Spanning the Sea

Approximately 4km total length. Boasting a scale equivalent to about six Tokyo Skytrees (634m) lined up, it’s one of the world’s largest suspension bridges.

During the day, a white bridge reflected in the blue sea; at night, pearl-like brilliance from illumination.

Both the view looking up from under the bridge and the view of the whole from the opposite shore are magnificent. Viewing from nearby at Maiko Park or Maiko Marine Promenade is recommended.

Cars crossing the bridge, passing ships, and wind blowing through the strait. Here exists “movement” connecting Kobe and Awaji Island. Not static beauty, but a place where you can feel dynamic energy.

Recommended For

Those interested in massive structures and civil engineering
Those wanting to enjoy spectacular views of sea and bridge
Those wanting to stop by while driving

Access

5 min walk from JR “Maiko Station”
5 min walk from Sanyo Electric Railway “Maiko Koen Station”

📍 See detailed information about Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

02. Cityscape | Exploring Sophisticated Streets and Art

Kobe’s streets are rare places where Meiji-era exotic atmosphere coexists with modern sophistication. Gas lamps of Kyu-Kyoryuchi, Western-style houses in Kitano, Tadao Ando’s architecture—each carries a different era while still living in Kobe’s streets today.

04 | Daimaru Kobe & Kyu-Kyoryuchi

Japan’s Most Beautiful Department Store and Gas-Lit Corridors

Kyu-Kyoryuchi flourished as a foreign settlement in the Meiji era. Western-style buildings from that time remain, and when gas lamps light up at night, the streetscape creates the illusion of wandering into a European street corner.

Among them, Daimaru Kobe is known as “one of Japan’s most beautiful department stores.” Classic exterior, marble pillars, Art Deco decorations—it’s a department store with architectural beauty.

Especially at night, when lights illuminate the corridors surrounding Daimaru Kobe, is when this town shines most beautifully. While enjoying shopping, you can experience Kobe’s charm where history and modernity intersect.

Recommended For

Those wanting to stroll through historic architecture
Those wanting to enjoy stylish cafe and shop tours
Couples wanting to enjoy romantic night walks

Access

Right at Kobe Municipal Subway “Kyu-Kyoryuchi-Daimaru-mae Station”
3 min walk from JR/Hanshin “Motomachi Station”

📍 See detailed information about Kyu-Kyoryuchi

05 | Kitano Ijinkan District

Western-Style Houses with Exotic Atmosphere Spreading Beyond the Slopes

Kitano Ijinkan District is synonymous with Kobe. After Kobe Port opened in the Meiji era, foreign residences still dot the slopes.

Many houses like “Weathercock House” and “Uroko House” are open to the public, each showcasing different architectural styles—German, British, French. The experience of touring Western-style houses while climbing slopes feels like time-traveling to Meiji-era Kobe.

Starbucks concept shop “Kitano Monogatari-kan,” renovated from a retro Western-style house, is also popular as a rest spot. Walking the slopes is a bit tiring, but the view you reach is exceptional.

Recommended For

Those wanting to enjoy exotic streetscapes
Those interested in retro Western-style houses and architecture
Those who enjoy walking slopes (comfortable shoes recommended)

Access

15 min walk from various “Sannomiya Station”
Right at City Loop Bus “Kitano Ijinkan” stop

📍 See detailed information about Kitano Ijinkan District

06 | Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art

Tadao Ando’s Geometric Beauty of Concrete and Light

A must-see for architecture lovers—museum designed by Tadao Ando. The exposed concrete building functions as a massive art piece itself.

Don’t miss the deck jutting out to the sea and outdoor “Blue Apple” sculpture. Magic hour—the gradient of dusk sky and sea, and night views—this place shows completely different expressions depending on the time.

Museum exhibitions are substantial, but just experiencing the architectural space itself is valuable enough. Light and shadow, straight lines and curves, concrete and sea—experience Tadao Ando’s geometric world of beauty.

Recommended For

Those who love architecture and art
Those wanting to take photogenic pictures
Those wanting to quietly enjoy art appreciation

Access

8 min walk from Hanshin “Iwaya Station”
10 min walk from JR “Nada Station”

📍 See detailed information about Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art

03. Nature | Enjoying Mountain Blessings and Spectacular Views

Kobe is a city where “proximity of urban and nature” stands out. Famous waterfalls within walking distance from the Shinkansen station, Japan’s three best night views spreading from the summit—this distance is Kobe’s greatest charm.

07 | Nunobiki Falls

15 Minutes Walk from Shinkansen Station: Pristine Forest and Famous Waterfalls Right Next to the City

Just a 15-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station, pristine forest and four waterfalls suddenly appear. Nunobiki Falls, counted among Japan’s three sacred waterfalls, preserves surprisingly untouched nature in the middle of such an urban area.

Four waterfalls flow in succession: Ontaki (male fall), Meototaki (couple falls), Tsuzumigadaki (drum fall), and Mentaki (female fall). Ontaki, with a 43m drop, is particularly spectacular. Trekking while enjoying forest bathing is a surprising hidden gem of Kobe sightseeing.

The ropeway station to Nunobiki Herb Garden is nearby, so you can continue to the mountaintop after seeing the falls. A place where you can feel nature’s richness adjacent to the city with all five senses.

Recommended For

Those wanting to experience the proximity of urban and nature
Those wanting to enjoy light hiking and forest bathing
Those wanting to spend quiet time away from tourist crowds

Access

15 min walk from JR/Kobe Municipal Subway “Shin-Kobe Station”
*About 20 min walk from Nunobiki Falls to Kitano Ijinkan District

📍 See detailed information about Nunobiki Falls

08 | Kikuseidai (Mt. Maya)

Beautiful Enough to Scoop Stars with Your Hands: Pinnacle of Japan’s Three Best Night Views

Observatory at Mt. Maya’s summit, about 700m elevation. The night view from here is one of “Japan’s three best night views,” also called the “10-million-dollar night view” for its overwhelming beauty.

True to its name origin “beautiful enough to scoop stars with your hands,” the sea of lights spreading below—Kobe and Osaka—looks like a starry sky. The carpet of lights continuing from Kobe Port to Osaka Bay to Kansai International Airport never betrays visitors’ expectations.

During the day, panorama of Mt. Rokko greenery and blue sea; at dusk, magic hour when lights begin to illuminate the city; at night, night view like an overturned jewelry box—showing completely different expressions by time, this is a highlight of Kobe sightseeing.

Recommended For

Night view and spectacular view lovers
Couples wanting to enjoy romantic dates
Those wanting to overlook Kobe’s scenery

Access

Right at Maya Cable/Ropeway “Hoshi-no-Eki Station”
*Be careful of last trains for public transport at night

📍 See detailed information about Kikuseidai

04. Heritage | Touching Kobe’s History and Serenity

Away from tourist hustle, touch Kobe’s “Japanese” side. A Japanese garden with Important Cultural Properties and a locally-rooted shrine—here lies Kobe’s true face inherited across generations.

09 | Sorakuen Garden

Deep Green Serenity Remaining in the City Center

Walk a bit toward the mountains from Motomachi and a vast Japanese garden appears. Created on the former residence site of Meiji-era wealthy merchant Kodera Kenkichi, this garden features the Important Cultural Property “Funayakata” and offers seasonal beauty.

A space wrapped in serenity despite being downtown is an oasis during sightseeing. Greenery reflected in the pond, moss-covered stones, trees swaying in the wind—a hidden Kobe gem that makes you forget urban hustle.

Spring cherry blossoms, early summer fresh greenery, autumn foliage, winter snow scenery. This garden showing completely different expressions by visiting season always offers new discoveries. A place where you can quietly experience Japanese aesthetics and historical weight.

Recommended For

Those wanting to spend time quietly in a garden
Those interested in Japanese culture and history
Those wanting to enjoy seasonal scenery like autumn leaves and fresh greenery

Access

5 min walk from Kobe Municipal Subway “Kencho-mae Station”
10 min walk from JR/Hanshin “Motomachi Station”

📍 See detailed information about Sorakuen Garden

10 | Minatogawa Shrine

“Nanko-san” Beloved by Locals: Community-Rooted Shrine

Located in Shinkaichi/Minatogawa area, shrine dedicated to Kusunoki Masashige. Locally called “Nanko-san” with affection, it’s a presence close to local life for New Year’s visits, Shichi-Go-San, etc.

The real, non-touristy Kobe exists here. Shrine serenity, local worshippers, vitality of surrounding Minatogawa shopping street—this area is where you can feel Kobe’s “true face.”

After worship, head to nearby Minatogawa or Higashiyama shopping streets. In shopping streets called “Kobe’s kitchen,” traditional delicatessens, standing bars, long-established Japanese confectionery shops line up, where you can enjoy deep local gourmet loved continuously.

Recommended For

Those wanting to experience real Kobe that’s not tourist spots
Those wanting to taste local shrine and shopping street atmosphere
Those wanting to enjoy local gourmet

Access

3 min walk from Kobe Municipal Subway “Minatogawa Koen Station”
3 min walk from Kobe Rapid Transit Railway “Kosoku-Kobe Station”

📍 See detailed information about Minatogawa Shrine

Model Course | Travel Proposals

Route plans to efficiently yet dramatically experience these “1,000-like” views. Choose according to your travel style.

Route A: The Complete (Full Conquest One-Day Course)

Recommended for Kobe beginners. Experience urban-nature proximity while covering all four faces of Kobe—Ijinkan, garden, bay area, night view—in one day.