Hanshin Kobe-Sannomiya Station is an underground station in the Sannomiya area of Kobe, which serves the Hanshin Main Line.
The platforms at Hanshin Kobe-Sannomiya Station
This station can be accessed from the south side of JR Sannomiya Station, from the basement level of Mint Kobe shopping mall, or from the basement level of Hankyu Department Store.
Steps and escalators leading to Hanshin Kobe-Sannomiya Station from the south side of JR Sannomiya Station
An entrance to Hanshin Kobe-Sannomiya Station at the Hankyu Department Store
This station has two ticket gates. The gates at the West Exit are larger and open onto the Santica undergound shopping mall. These gates are convenient if you want to go to JR Sannomiya Station, Port Liner Sannomiya Station, Sannomiya Subway Station, Hankyu Railway Station or the Hankyu Department Store.
West Exit ticket gates
The smaller gates at the East Exit are convenient if you want to go to Mint Kobe or the Sannomiya Bus Terminal.
East Exit ticket gates
There are ticket machines at both exits. Above the ticket machines are fare charts that show all the destinations and fares on the Hanshin Electric Railway network.
Ticket machines at the West Exit
The ticket machines are operated by touch screens and have English and Japanese language options. To use them, simply choose the fare for your destination on the screen and put the appropriate amount of money into the machine.
Ticket machines at the East Exit
By the West Exit there is also a Service Center where you can make enquiries about tourist or transport information, and buy commuter tickets, Kintetsu limited express tickets, and Hanshin expressway bus tickets.
The Hanshin Railway Service Center
By the West Exit ticket gates there is also a Station Master’s Office. Ask here if there is a problem with your ticket.
The Station Master’s Office
Platforms
After passing through the ticket gates go down to the B2 basement level to reach the platforms. There are three platforms at this station.
Platforms 1 and 2
Trains running from Platforms 1 and 2 are eastbound services for Koshien, Amagasaki, Osaka Umeda, Namba and Nara.
A local train bound for Osaka Umeda at Platform 1
A rapid express service bound for Nara at Platform 2
A limited express service bound for Osaka Umeda at Platform 1
Trains running from Platform 3 are westbound services for Motomachi, Kosoku Kobe, Shinkaichi, Suma, Akashi and Himeji.
A local train bound for Kosoku Kobe at Platform 3
Through services between Osaka Umeda and Himeji are operated by both Hanshin Electric Railway and Sanyo Electric Railway (also called Sanyo Dentetsu), so Sanyo trains will also stop at this station.
A Sanyo Dentetsu limited express bound for Himeji at Platform 3
Digital signs on all platforms give departure information in English and Japanese.
Departure information at Platform 3
For more detailed information about destinations on the Hanshin Electric Railway network see our full guide to the Hanshin Main Line
Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved.
