Staying in Osaka or Kobe

I�fll be coming from Kagoshima on the train and want to know which city makes sense to stay in. I have 2 nights planned in Osaka or Kobe. In Kobe I want to visit the earthquake museum, nada sake district, port/waterfront. While in Osaka I only want to visit a Pokemon Center and it is the starting point of a train to go to Kanazawa.

I know they are 20-30 minutes apart so it�fll be 2 trips vs 3.

So close it does matter. Whichever is cheaper.

Agree that it doesn't really matter. Kobe by a whisker

It seems like you actually plan to tour around Kobe, so in that case, I'd just stay there. As others have said, though, it's not a long train ride between them.

I pick based on where you plan to eat dinner. That way, you can have a late dinner and return to your room sooner. Personally, I like Kobe better.

You plan to visit Kobe, so stay in Kobe.
You are arriving from Kagoshima - they have a Pokemon centre there you can visit. (It's not as big as some of the others I have been to, but still has a reasonable range.)

I visited Kobe back in 2018 and it is a wonderful city. If you have a clear day (no fog or rain) I would recommend you to take the shin-Kobe Ropeway up to the top and enjoy the views. There is a restaurant at the top and a little gift shop with some very good cookies and jams.

Please note there are two Kobe stations in Kobe. If you are planning to be near the shinkansen, please look for a hotel near Shin-Kobe station. The Kobe Station is near the water and is more for local trains. Depends where you want to start off you days at.

You could plan to visit Osaka after 5pm to go to the Pokemon center if you are only going for that. Check the hours, but when I was there is was opened 10am - 8pm. Then plan to get dinner in Osaka. Osaka really comes alive at night!

Whatever you plan, it should be a great trip!

I would definitely stay in Osaka. Good luck!