Kobe is the sophisticated, cosmopolitan cousin of Osaka. Sandwiched tightly between the Rokko mountains and the sea, it is a linear city with a distinct European flair. If Osaka is beer and takoyaki, Kobe is wine and cheesecake. It has long been a favorite residence for expats, giving it a bakery culture and jazz scene that feels imported yet distinctly Japanese.
Most of the world knows the name for one reason: the Beef. And yes, eating A5 Kobe Beef here is a rite of passage. It is not dinner; it is a ceremony of fat and fire. But beyond the steak, Kobe is a city of resilience. The 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake devastated the city, but the reconstruction has been miraculous. The port area, Harborland, is breezy and open, dominated by the red hourglass of the Port Tower.
Kobe is a city for strolling. You can hike the waterfalls at Nunobiki in the morning, explore the preserved Western mansions (Ijinkan) in Kitano in the afternoon, and drink highballs in a tiny jazz bar in Sannomiya at night. It feels less frantic than the rest of Kansai—a place to dress up a little, spend a little more money, and enjoy the finer things.
The perfect plan for Kobe:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: The Beef & The Port
- Morning: Meriken Park. See the ‘Be Kobe’ sign and the Earthquake Memorial Park (a section of preserved collapsed harbor). It’s sobering.
- Afternoon: The Main Event: Kobe Beef. Lunch is cheaper than dinner. Book Steak Aoyama (family run, approachable) or Mouriya (classic luxury). Watch the chef cook it in front of you.
- Evening: Harborland. Watch the Port Tower light up. It’s a great date spot.
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: Heights & Herbs
- Morning: Nunobiki Falls. A short hike from Shin-Kobe station. You are instantly in nature.
- Afternoon: Take the ropeway up to Nunobiki Herb Gardens. One of Japan’s largest. The view of the city from the glasshouse cafe while drinking herbal tea is unmatched.
- Evening: Sannomiya. Dive into the narrow alleys under the train tracks for Gyoza. Kobe is famous for miso-dipped gyoza. Try Hyotan.
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: Western Hills & Sake
- Morning: Kitano Ijinkan. The old foreign settlement. Visit the Weathercock House. It feels like Europe. Pop into the Starbucks Kitano—it’s in a registered tangible cultural property building.
- Afternoon: Nada Sake District. Take the train to the east. Visit Hakutsuru or Kiku-Masamune breweries for tastings. This area produces 30% of Japan’s sake.
- Evening: Jazz. Kobe is the birthplace of jazz in Japan. Sone is a legend—live music every night.
Weather
Spring (March-May): Beautiful. The herb gardens are in bloom (18°C).
Summer (June-Aug): Hot, but the sea breeze helps. The fireworks festival in the port is massive.
Autumn (Oct-Nov): Crisp and clear. Perfect for hiking Mt. Rokko (19°C).
Winter (Dec-Feb): Mild. The ‘Luminarie’ light festival in December commemorates the earthquake victims.
Local Customs
- Escalator Side: Like Osaka, stand on the right.
- Fashion: Locals dress well here. ‘Kobe Style’ is a thing—elegant and conservative. Avoid looking too scrubby in Kitano.
- Beef Prices: If a price for Kobe Beef seems too good to be true, it is not Kobe Beef. Expect to pay ¥10,000+ for lunch, double for dinner.
History & Culture
Kobe was one of the first ports opened to foreign trade in 1868. This influx of Westerners created the Kitano district and introduced beef eating to a largely vegetarian Japan. The 1995 earthquake killed over 6,000 people and leveled the port, but the city’s recovery is a testament to Japanese engineering and spirit.
Getting Around & Safety
Three train lines run parallel east-to-west (Hankyu, JR, Hanshin).
- City Loop Bus: The green retro bus hits all tourist spots.
- Walking: North is uphill (Mountains), South is downhill (Sea). You can’t get lost.
- Ropeway: The Shin-Kobe Ropeway is the best way to see the mountain side.
Info for Nomads
Very comfortable. Less chaotic than Osaka. High quality of life.
Workation Vibe
Speed: Excellent. 100+ Mbps.
Cafes: Nishimura Coffee (classic 1948 vibes, velvet seats) and School Bus Coffee Stop (modern, good Wi-Fi).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kobe Beef worth the money? +
Yes, if you appreciate food. It is unlike any other steak—it is rich, fatty, and intense. You don’t need a huge steak; 100g is plenty.
Can I wear jeans to a Kobe Beef restaurant? +
For lunch, usually yes. For high-end dinner places, smart casual is safer. No shorts or flip-flops.
What is Sobameshi? +
A Kobe soul food. Yakisoba (noodles) and rice chopped up and fried together on a teppan. It’s carb-on-carb heaven.