Kobe One Day Itinerary: Top Attractions and Travel Guide

If you are traveling in Osaka, it's worth taking a day trip to Kobe. Unlike the bustling city of Osaka, the coastal city of Kobe offers a more relaxed and leisurely atmosphere.

Here is a suggested one-day Kobe itinerary from Osaka:

1. Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art (兵庫県立美術館)

Start your journey by taking the Hanshin Electric Railway (Hanshin Line) from Osaka-Umeda Station (大阪梅田駅) to Iwaya Station (岩屋駅). The Hanshin Line offers both express and local trains, to save time, take a mix of both to avoid frequent stops. After arriving, walk to the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, designed by Ando Tadao, and enjoy the artistic masterpieces on display.

📍 1 Chome-1-1 Wakinohamakaigandori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-0073, Japan

2. Sannomiya Station (三ノ宮駅)

At Sannomiya Station, visit the information desk to purchase a package ticket for 2,300 yen. This includes a round-trip subway ride from Kobe to Arima Onsen, admission to Arima Onsen Taiko-no-yu (太閤の湯), and a shuttle bus.

3. Sannomiya Shrine (三宮神社)

Sannomiya Station (三ノ宮駅) is a major transportation hub in Kobe with several nearby attractions. One of them is the Sannomiya Shrine, a small but charming site worth a visit.

📍 2 Chome-4-4 Sannomiyacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0021, Japan

4. Kitano Ijinkan-Gai (北野異人館街)

From Sannomiya Station (三ノ宮駅), either take a bus or enjoy a walk to the Kitano Ijinkan-Gai area. This sloped street is lined with historic consulate buildings, giving you a taste of foreign architecture and ambiance.

📍 Kitanocho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0003, Japan

5. Kobe Chinatown Nankin-machi (南京町)

On your way to Meriken Park, pass through Kobe Chinatown (Nankin-machi). Here, you can experience Chinese culture with vibrant shops and delicious food stalls.

📍 1 Chome-3-18 Sakaemachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0023, Japan

6. Meriken Park

Continue to Meriken Park, where you can visit the iconic Kobe Port Tower (also known as "Be Kobe"). Enjoy the scenic harbor views and the refreshing sea breeze, providing a perfect end to your day.

📍 2 Hatobacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0042, Japan

7. Arima Onsen (有馬温泉)

No trip to Kobe is complete without a visit to Arima Onsen, one of Japan's most famous hot spring areas. In the evening, return to Sannomiya Station and head to Arima Onsen. Many locals recommend Arima Taiko-no-yu (太閤の湯) for a relaxing onsen experience.

📍 Japan, 〒651-1401 Hyogo, Kobe, Kita Ward, Arimacho, 池の尻 2922

This itinerary covers the main attractions of Kobe, allowing you to fully enjoy the city's charm in just one day. Ensure you budget your transportation time wisely and leave room to sample some local food—Kobe is renowned for its wagyu beef!