Kobe Things to Do – Attractions and Must-See

Kobe Things to Do

In Kobe there are so many things to see and do you probably won’t know where to start. No matter where you begin, you’ll quickly learn about Japanese culture, history and see what the locals do for entertainment.

[viator_tour destination=”27432″]

Kobe Harbor

The harbor is one of Kobe’s most popular locations. Here you’ll find Kobe Tower, and the Kobe Maritime Museum, along with Harborland, a shopping and entertainment district with two centers: Mosaic and Canal Garden. There is an amusement park in the Mosaic center. This whole area is beautifully lit up at night and is quite atmospheric.

Meriken Park

Meriken Park, which was devastated in the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, is also located in Kobe Harbor. Where the park once stood has been preserved with its broken concrete, railings, and lamp posts pointing in opposite directions. There is also a touching memorial and an open earthquake museum.

What Else to See and Do

Kobe has many other spots of interest such as Oji Zoo, sake breweries in Nada, Suma Aqualife Park, Arboretum, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (one of the longest suspension bridges in the world) and Goshikizuka Kofun (an ancient burial tomb). Stroll through Chinatown, taste fresh Kobe beef, visit temples and shrines, relax in one of the parks, explore the shops in Motomachi, see the oldest known hot spring area in Japan (Arima Onsen), visit the Anchor on Mount Ikar.

It’s also worthwhile to go to the Seto Inland Sea National Park and take a trip up Rokko Mountain, saying the view is absolutely amazing. The view from Rokko Mountain is absolutely amazing. You’ll see Kobe and its surroundings and as far away as Osaka. The Nunobiki Waterfalls and Nunobiki Herb Garden are also a part of this excursion.

If you visit in December, be sure to see the annual Luminarie Festival. This annual lighting was started to provide some joy to citizens after the 1995 earthquake.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Taste of Tokyo: 13 Japanese Snacks You’ve Just Got to Try
• Video: An Inspiring Taste of Food in Japan
• Japan – What to Pack – Clothing and Supplies Tips

[viator_tour destination=”27432″]

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Kobe.