An Awesome Kobe Day Trip Itinerary For You
You can easily visit Kobe on a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto – it’s around an hour from each. And it’s totally worth the journey. This Kobe day trip itinerary covers all the best things to do in the city.
The most famous thing in Kobe is of course, the beef. Don’t worry, I’ve got a great recommendation for your Kobe itinerary to try it in luxury, and a mid-priced version too. Unfortunately, if it’s ‘cheap’, it’s probably not Kobe. You need to look out for the gold plaque to make sure it’s the real thing.
It’s not just about the beef in Kobe though, there are plenty of fun things to do on your day trip to Kobe, so let’s take a look shall we?
Kobe day trip distances
Osaka to Kobe / Kyoto to Kobe / Tokyo to Kobe
Osaka to Kobe day trip / 31 minute drive / 55 minutes train (320Y)
Kyoto to Kobe day trip / 57-minute drive / 1 hour 4 mins train (420Y)
Tokyo to Kobe day trip / 6-hour drive / 8-hour train (6000Y)
Get the train and arrive into Sannomiya Station. From here you’ll arrive a few minutes’ walk from Nankinmachi Street, and right into the heart of the action.
Disclaimer –
I was in Kobe thanks to the tourism board. All thoughts and opinions my own, of course.
Best Kobe Day Trip Itinerary
If you only have a day in Kobe, here’s what you can fit in to make the most of your day out.
Morning in Kobe
The top sight to see in the centre of Kobe is the Ikutajinja Shrine. This is one of the oldest shrines in all of Japan and in the Chūō Ward of Kobe. It’s 18 centuries old.
It’s now surrounded by cafes and shops but has survived air raids over Kobe during World War and the damage caused by the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995. Young couples hang out here, and the koi pond is worth a little looksee too.
This needs to be on any Kobe day trip itinerary.
This is a great area if you want to add some shopping time to your Kobe itinerary. Nearby Nankinmachi Street is filled with vibrant sights including restaurants and shops. It’s better described as Chinatown. Unfortunately I didn’t get to go, as we were in the midst of the Corona virus during Chinese New Year. But, it’ll be fine by the time you go (hopefully).
If you want swanky shops, then visit the Yokohama Motomachi Street. Here you’ll find high end fashion shops, coffee shops and beauticians too.
Right, enough shopping. Time to check out a museum – the Takenaka Carpenter Tools Museum in fact. One of the most popular museums in all of Japan.