Kobe City, Hyogo | A modern city with many historical sites

Kobe is the capital of Hyogo Prefecture. Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is considered one of Japan’s most cosmopolitan and attractive cities. What should you not miss if you travel to Kobe?

Abroad, the name Kobe is especially associated with Kobe beef. This is one of the most premium brands of Japanese beef. But Kobe has been an important port city for many centuries before wagyu became famous in foreign countries. Kobe Port, the second largest trading port in Japan after Nagoya, was one of the first Japanese ports to be opened to foreign trade. That happened in the late Edo Period, and the city has been strongly influenced by foreign cultures ever since.

Attractive Areas

Sannomiya is the biggest downtown district in the city, and Sannomiya station is a hub for many transportation systems. The nearby Kobe Harborland has a nice shopping complex with a romantic atmosphere to enjoy shopping and gourmet food.

While Kobe is a typical modern city, there are still a number of historic sites. Kitano-cho is a historical district where you can find foreign residences from the late Meiji period and early Taisho era of Japanese history. While some of the houses still serve as residences, many are open to tourists, making Kitano-cho one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kobe.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Kobe. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Kobe Area Map