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Kobe: A Hidden Gem of Japan
Nestled between the green mountains and the blue sea, Kobe is a picturesque city that will enchant you with its charm. Located in Hyogo Prefecture of Japan, Kobe is just a short train ride away from Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo, making it an excellent stop on your itinerary. The city is known for its world-famous Wagyu beef, stunning architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Here’s a comprehensive guide to Kobe to help you explore the city to the fullest.
Scenery and Impressions of the City
Kobe is a city of contrasts, with modern skyscrapers, towering mountains, and historic landmarks dotted across the skyline. The most iconic landmark of the city is the Kobe Port Tower, a red steel structure rising 108 meters above the harbor. Here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the sea from the observation deck. Another attraction worth visiting is the Kobe Kitano Museum, a former European-style residence of wealthy foreign merchants that is now a museum showcasing the city’s international heritage.
What We Love and Dislike
One of the best things about Kobe is the friendly and welcoming spirit of the locals here. You can always count on help and advice from the locals, whether you’re lost or need recommendations for good eats. The scenic beauty of the city is breathtaking, and the local cuisine is a gastronomic delight. However, finding budget accommodations can be a bit of a challenge, and some of the attractions can be crowded during peak tourist season.
Average Cost of Living
The average cost of living in Kobe is around $100-150 per day, depending on your eating and accommodation preferences. Local street food can cost between $2 to $10, while mid-range restaurant prices can range from $10 to $30 per meal. If you choose to stay at a budget hotel, expect to pay around $50-70 per night, while luxury hotels and resorts can cost upwards of $200 per night.
Top 20 Points of Interest
1. Kobe Port Tower – 5 Chome-5 Hatobacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0042, Japan – 4.3/5 (Yelp)
2. Kitano Ijinkan Gai – 1-3-20, Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0002, Japan – 4.3/5 (Yelp)
3. Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens – 1-4-3 Kitanocho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 006-0000, Japan – 4.4/5 (Yelp)
4. Kobe City Museum – 24 Kyomachi, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0034, Japan – 4.1/5 (Yelp)
5. Kobe Harborland – 1-2 Higashikawasaki-cho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0044, Japan – 4.3/5 (Yelp)
6. Kobe City Hall Observation Deck – 6 Chome-5-1 Kanocho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-8570, Japan – 4.1/5 (Yelp)
7. Kobe Anpanman Children’s Museum & Mall – 6-8-1 Minatojimaminami-machi, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan – 4.0/5 (Yelp)
8. Sorakuen Garden – 4-7-35 Nakayamatedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0004, Japan – 4.3/5 (Yelp)
9. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge – 4 Maikocho Nishiura, Akashi, Hyogo 674-0052, Japan – 4.4/5 (Yelp)
10. Kobe Beef Steak Ishida Kitanozaka – 1-1-9 Kano-cho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0001, Japan – 4.5/5 (Yelp)
11. Kobe Sannomiya Center Town – 3 Chome-7-1 Sannomiyahigashi, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0021, Japan – 3.9/5 (Yelp)
12. Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown) – 1 Chome-3-18 Sakaemachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0023, Japan – 4.2/5 (Yelp)
13. Shin-Kobe Ropeway – 1 Kannondori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0001, Japan – 4.4/5 (Yelp)
14. Kobe Oji Zoo – 3-1 Ojicho, Nada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 657-0804, Japan – 4.3/5 (Yelp)
15. Kobe City Suma Aquarium – 1-3-5 Wakamiyacho, Suma Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 654-0047, Japan – 4.3/5 (Yelp)
16. Nunobiki Falls – Nunobikiyamacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0000, Japan – 4.1/5 (Yelp)
17. Kobe Nada Gogo Sake Brewery District – Nada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 657-0833, Japan – 4.0/5 (Yelp)
18. Meriken Park – 2-chōme-2 Hatobamachi, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0042, Japan – 4.3/5 (Yelp)
19. Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art – 1-1-1 Wakinohamakaigandori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-0073, Japan – 4.1/5 (Yelp)
20. Kobe City Archives – 5-1-1 Koyochonaka, Higashinada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 658-0042, Japan – 4.2/5 (Yelp)
Top 20 Street Food
1. Kobe Beef Sushi – $20 – Uroko Sushi (1-7-12 Nakayamatedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0004, Japan)
2. Takoyaki Balls – $4 – Crepe Stand (4-4-13 Sannomiyacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0021, Japan)
3. Grilled Seafood Skewers – $5 – Oiwake Grill (3-3-6 Higashikawasaki-cho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0044, Japan)
4. Okonomiyaki – $8 – Sizzle (14-24 Kumochibashidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-0055, Japan)
5. Kobe Beef Burger – $10 – Kōbe Jigyūdō (1 Chome-29-7 Nakaochō, Higashinada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 658-0043, Japan)
6. Kebabs – $5 – Gyu-Kaku Kobe (5-14 Onoedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0012, Japan)
7. Ramen – $7 – Yokohama Ramen (1-15-4 Motomachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0022, Japan)
8. Mochi – $3 – Ichiran (6 Chome-6 Sakaemachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0023, Japan)
9. Fried Chicken – $5 – Torikawa (4 Chome-7-1 Higashikawasakichō, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0044, Japan)
10. Takomeshi – $12 – Nishimura (5-5-10 Kounanchō Kita, Higashinada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 658-0082, Japan)
11. Yakitori – $3 – Torikawa (Same as #9)
12. Fruit Parfait – $8 – Fruit Parlor Momo (3-6-9 Sannomiyacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0021, Japan)
13. Osaka-style Okonomiyaki – $9 – Tsukishima Monjya Kobe (1-6-12 Nakayamatedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0004, Japan)
14. Shabu-Shabu – $30 – Shabuya Kobe (2 Chome-9-16 Sannomiyacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0021, Japan)
15. Takosen – $3 – Maguroya (9-1 Higashisuma, Suma Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 654-0027, Japan)
16. Kobe-style Steak – $40 – Steakland Kobe (8-1-7 Kumochibashidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-0055, Japan)
17. Warabi Mochi – $3 – Arima Nakamoto (Arimacho Kitano, Kita Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-1401, Japan)
18. Kushiage – $4 – Oinohana (1 Chome-12-7 Nakayamatedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0004, Japan)
19. Sobameshi – $7 – Uotami (3-2-2 Sannomiyacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0021, Japan)
20. Onigiri – $1 – 7-Eleven (Multiple locations)
Top 10 Hotels
1. Hotel Monterey Kobe – $100/night – 4.2/5 (Booking.com)
2. Hotel Okura Kobe – $180/night – 4.5/5 (Booking.com)
3. APA Hotel Kobe-Sannomiya – $60/night – 3.9/5 (Booking.com)
4. Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kobe Sannomiya – $95/night – 4.3/5 (Booking.com)
5. Hotel Crown Palais Kobe – $150/night – 4.2/5 (Booking.com)
6. Kobe Tor Road Hotel Sanraku – $80/night – 4.1/5 (Booking.com)
7. Kobe Motomachi Tokyu REI Hotel – $70/night – 4.0/5 (Booking.com)
8. Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel – $200/night – 4.3/5 (Booking.com)
9. Sannomiya Terminal Hotel – $50/night – 3.8/5 (Booking.com)
10. Hotel Pearl City Kobe – $60/night – 3.9/5 (Booking.com)
Top 10 Airbnbs
1. Private Room with Ocean View – $40/night – 4.9/5 (Airbnb)
2. Spacious Apartment in Central Kobe – $70/night – 4.8/5 (Airbnb)
3. Stylish Studio Near Harborland – $50/night – 4.7/5 (Airbnb)
4. Modern Japanese House near Kobe University – $80/night – 4.9/5 (Airbnb)
5. Cozy Japanese-Style Room Near Sannomiya – $30/night – 4.9/5 (Airbnb)
6. Designer Room Near Kobe Port – $60/night – 4.8/5 (Airbnb)
7. Zen Retreat in Kitano Area – $40/night – 4.7/5 (Airbnb)
8. Luxury Condo Near Kobe Station – $100/night – 4.9/5 (Airbnb)
9. Quirky Guesthouse Near Chinatown – $20/night – 4.5/5 (Airbnb)
10. Charming Apartment Near Nankinmachi – $50/night – 4.6/5 (Airbnb)
Top 5 Recommendations
1. Hotel Okura Kobe – This hotel is a luxurious option that offers stunning views of the city and impeccable service.
2. Spacious Apartment in Central Kobe – This Airbnb is perfect for those looking for a home away from home for their stay in the city.
3. Crepe Stand – This street food stand serves delicious and affordable crepes that are perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
4. Sorakuen Garden – This picturesque garden is perfect for a peaceful stroll or a romantic picnic date.
5. Kobe Kitano Museum – This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the city’s international influences.
3-Day Travel Itinerary
Day 1:
– Visit Kobe Port Tower & Harborland
– Have lunch at Oiwake Grill (Try the grilled seafood skewers!)
– Visit the Kobe Anpanman Children’s Museum & Mall
– Have dinner at Kobe Beef Steak Ishida Kitanozaka
Day 2:
– Take a trip to Akashi Kaikyo Bridge for stunning views of the sea
– Visit Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown) for delicious street food and shopping
– Have lunch at Tsukishima Monjya Kobe (Don’t miss the Osaka-style okonomiyaki!)
– Visit the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens and take a stroll through the picturesque gardens
Day 3:
– Visit the Kitano Ijinkan Gai for a glimpse into the city’s international heritage
– Have lunch at Sizzle (Try the Kobe-style okonomiyaki!)
– Take the Shin-Kobe Ropeway to the mountaintop for breathtaking views of the city
– Visit the Kobe City Museum for a deeper dive into the history of the city
Final Rating: 8/10
Kobe is a charming city that truly captures the beauty and essence of Japan. From its stunning architecture to its scrumptious local cuisine, there’s plenty to explore and admire here. Although finding affordable accommodation can be a bit challenging, the friendly locals and breathtaking scenery make it well worth a visit. Overall, I would rate this city 8 out of 10 stars for its unique charm, rich history, and gastronomic excellence.
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