Getting to Kobe

By Port Liner
  • 20 min
  • ¥340

The Port Liner, an elevated train, connects Kobe Airport with Kobe's main railway station, Sannomiya Station, in less than 20 minutes. The one way fare is 340 yen.

By taxi
  • 15 min
  • ¥4,000

A taxi ride into central Kobe costs about 4000 yen.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.

Getting around

Kobe's busiest railway station is not Kobe Station but Sannomiya Station at the city center. Sannomiya Station is served by multiple railway companies, including Japan Railways (JR), Hankyu Railway and Hanshin Railway. The shinkansen (bullet train) stops at Shin-Kobe Station, a short subway ride north of Sannomiya Station.

Distances between the attractions in central Kobe are relatively short, and good walkers can cover many of them on foot. There is also a tourist-oriented loop bus, which connects sites such as Kitano-cho, Nankinmachi, Meriken Park and Harborland with Shin-Kobe and Sannomiya Stations. The bus costs 300 yen per ride, while a day pass is available for 800 yen.

Kobe Airport is located on a man-made island just off the coast of central Kobe and can be reached by the Port Liner from Sannomiya Station in less than 20 minutes for 340 yen.

Special Tickets

  • Kobe Meguri 1 Day Coupon (1000 yen)
    Unlimited use of subways, non-JR trains and some buses around Kobe on one calendar day plus a 800 yen coupon to be used on admission to selected tourist sites. Available at non-JR train stations. There are also extended versions of this ticket that include access to Kobe, e.g. the Hanshin version for 1650 yen that includes unlimited use of Hanshin trains from Osaka or the Hankyu version for 1800 yen which can be used to access Kobe from as far as Kyoto by Hankyu trains.
  • City Loop - Day Pass (800 yen)
    Unlimited rides on the Kobe City Loop bus on one calendar day. A 2-day pass is available for 1200 yen.
  • Subway and Bus Day Pass (1040 yen)
    Unlimited usage of Kobe's two subway lines and Kobe city buses (not including the City Loop) on one calendar day.

Hotels around Kobe

Top rated in Kobe
Budget:
    • HOTEL ALGO
      Mid-range

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Hotel Alg? in Kobe offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and city views. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and free toiletries.

      Dining Experience

      The modern, family-friendly restaurant serves Japanese and European cuisines. Guests can also enjoy a coffee shop and a games room with board games and puzzles.

      Convenient Facilities

      The hotel features a lift, electric vehicle charging station, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include a games room, museums, and hot spring area nearby.

      Nearby Attractions

      Located 23 km from Itami Airport, Hotel Alg? is close to Arima Toys and Automata Museum (a few steps), Zempuku-ji Temple (1-minute walk), and Kobe (500 metres).
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    • Okuno Hosomichi
      Luxury
      Featuring Japanese cuisine prepared by award-winning chef, Tadamichi Ota, set in the Arima Onsen district in Kobe, 900 metres from Stamp Museum, Okuno Hosomichi features free WiFi access in the guest room and free private parking on site. Arima Onsen Station on the Rokko Arima Ropeway is a 6-minute stroll away. Guests can relax and soak in the hot spring bath on site. Each room at this ryokan is air-conditioned and is equipped with a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms have a seating area where you can relax. Slippers are provided for guests' comfort. You will find luggage storage space at the property. Guests can purchase beverages from the drinks vending machine on site. Massage services are offered at a charge. A sauna facility is featured at this accommodation. Mt. Rokko is 2.3 km from Okuno Hosomichi, while Mount Maya is 8 km away. Osaka Itami Airport is 90 minutes away via walk, monorail and train.
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    • Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama
      Luxury
      Taketoritei Maruyama is a non-smoking Japanese-style accommodation featuring natural hot spring baths for private use and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. From its hilltop location a 15-minute walk from Kobe Electric Railway Arima Onsen Station, it offers sweeping views of Arima Onsen. Guests at Maruyama Taketoritei can privately unwind in a hot spring bath, or relax with a massage treatment. Facilities include drinks vending machines, while a free shuttle service is available to/from Kobe Electric Railway Arima Onsen Station and Arima Onsen Bus Stop. Air-conditioned rooms feature a seating area with a tatami (woven-straw) floor and a low table with seating cushions. Some rooms offer beds, while others have traditional futon bedding. All rooms are equipped with an LCD TV, yukata robes and a fridge. The property is a 10-minute walk from the Arima Onsen area. Osakafs Umeda station is a 55-minute bus ride away.
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    • Arima Onsen Tocen Goshobo
      Luxury
      Founded in the 12th century and beloved by Junichiro Tanizaki and other Japanese novelists, Tosen Goshobo is the oldest of the hot-spring inns at Arima. Standing beside the Taki River, it features outdoor hot-spring baths and traditional in-room meals and is a 5-minute walk from Arima Onsen Train Station. The Japanese rooms have traditional futon bedding and a minibar. The 20 rooms at Arima Onsen Tosen Goshobo include tatami (woven-straw) floors and shoji paper screens. Guests can relax at the seating area and enjoy the zen atmosphere with a cup of green tea. Bathing facilities are shared. Right next to the Hankyu Highway Bus station, the ryokan is a 3-minute walk from the Arima Toys and Automata Museum. Zuihoji Park is 900 metres away. Shin-Kobe Shinkansen Station is a 30-minute train ride. Breakfast is Japanese-style with black-bean tofu, and dinner features specialties such as Kobe beef, fresh fish from Akashi-Ura port.
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    • The ORIENT
      Luxury
      Overlooking the beautiful Kobe Harbour, The ORIENT offers luxurious accommodation in the heart of the historic Kyu-Kyoryuchi area. Guests can work out at the free-use fitness centre, or relax with beauty massages at the on-site salon. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Rooms with chic d?cor are fitted with stylish furnishings, and feature a flat-screen TV, a fridge and an electric kettle. The en suite bathroom includes a bath tub and free toiletries. Most rooms boast views of either the harbour or the city. The 24-hour front desk at the Hotel Oriental offers luggage storage services for free. In-room massages can be arranged at an extra charge. A range of items like a DVD player, humidifier and iron can be borrowed from the reception. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from both JR Sannomiya and Motomachi stations. Shin-kobe Shinkansen (bullet train) Station is a 5-minute drive away. Kobe City Museum is situated right next to the hotel, and Meriken Park can be reached within a 5-minute walk. Main Dining by the House of Pacific serves sophisticated Western dishes, while Kanesaka offers delicately prepared sushi. Teppanyaki can be enjoyed at Steak House Medium Rare, and The Bar J. W. Hart lets guests savour cocktails with the gorgeous harbour views.
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    • Hotel La Suite Kobe Harborland
      Luxury
      Located at the waterfront of Kobe Harborland, Hotel La Suite offers spacious rooms with ocean views and a spa bath. It features concierge service, a French restaurant and massage treatments. Free Wi-Fi/wired internet and free videos on demand are available in the rooms. This hotel was selected as one of Top 25 Hotels in Japan by TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award 2013. Luxurious rooms come with a large flat-screen TV, a DVD player and extra long beds. Bathrooms have a TV and a hot tub, some with sea views. Amenities include a bathrobe, a humidifier with aroma diffuser and Phytomer brand bath salt. Guests at La Suite Kobe can lounge on comfortable sofas on the rooftop terrace. The hotel offers laundry and baby-sitting services. Bicycle and laptop rentals are available, and a free internet-PC is provided at the lobby. Creative French cuisine is presented in a decor of soft carpeting and wide windows at restaurant Le Coeur, while cafe Grand Blue serves a wide range of drinks and light meals. Restaurant Kokoro offers contemporary Japanese cooking inspired on traditional dishes. Hotel La Suite Kobe Harborland is a 4-minute walk from Minato-Motomachi Station. It's only a 3-minute walk from Kobe Tower, and a 6-minute stroll from Meriken Park. Kobe Airport is a 15-minute drive away.
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    • Hotel Hanakoyado
      Mid-range
      Offering stylish rooms with shoji paper screens and Western beds, Hotel Hanakoyado is only a 6-minute walk from Arima Onsen Train Station. It features hot-spring baths and a massage service. The air-conditioned rooms at Hanakoyado Hotel include a fridge and tea maker. Each has an attached toilet, and bathing facilities are shared. Arima Toys and Automata Museum is just 100 metres from the ryokan. JR Sannomiya Train Station is a 35-minute train ride away. Reservable baths for private use are available 24/7. Guests can take a break from the baths to go fishing or hike along one of the areafs trails. Meals are served at Shunju Dining Room and feature grilled fish and meats.
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    • Arima Onsen Takayamaso Hanano
      Luxury

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms, mountain or city views, and modern amenities such as free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and work desks.

      Relaxing Facilities

      Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, spa and wellness centre, open-air bath, and a tranquil garden. Additional amenities include a lounge, public bath, and wellness packages.

      Convenient Location

      Located in Kobe, the hotel is 23 km from Itami Airport. Nearby attractions include Tenjin Gensen, Zempuku-ji Temple, and Arima Toys and Automata Museum.

      Guest Satisfaction

      Highly rated for its attentive staff, delicious breakfast, and comfortable rooms.
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    • Koyado Surugatei
      Budget-friendly

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Koyado Surugatei in Kobe offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, tea and coffee makers, bidets, hairdryers, city views, work desks, free toiletries, showers, slippers, TVs, and electric kettles.

      Essential Facilities

      Guests enjoy free WiFi, luggage storage, and parking. The hotel is highly rated for its excellent service and facilities.

      Prime Location

      Located 21 km from Itami Airport, the hotel is near Zempuku-ji Temple (a few steps), Onsen-ji Temple (2-minute walk), Nenbutsu-ji Temple (200 metres), and other attractions. The surrounding area features a hot spring area.
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    • Kobe Guesthouse MAYA
      Budget-friendly

      Comfortable Accommodation

      Kobe Guesthouse MAYA in Kobe offers a hostel experience with free WiFi, air-conditioning, and shared bathrooms. Each room includes a work desk and a shower.

      Convenient Facilities

      Guests can enjoy a lounge, shared kitchen, concierge service, and full-day security. Additional amenities include a hairdryer and bike hire.

      Prime Location

      Located 10 km from Kobe Airport, the hostel is near attractions such as Kobe Center for Overseas Migration and Cultural Interaction (3.5 km) and Mount Maya (16 km). Hiking activities are available.

      Guest Satisfaction

      Highly rated for its friendly host, attentive staff, and convenient location.
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Experiences around Kobe