Kobe, is a historic port city nestled between the Rokko Mountains and Osaka Bay. With a friendly and cosmopolitan atmosphere, this city is especially notable for the incredible variety of its attractions. Here you can enjoy the best Chinese food in the city’s Chinatown district, stroll among the historic Western-style architecture of the Kitano district, visit a jazz club in Sannomiya, take a leisurely cruise around the Port of Kobe, or relax in the natural hot springs of Arima Onsen.
Where you choose to stay will depend largely on your personal interests, as the city is well-connected both by railway lines and sightseeing buses, so it is easy to get about.
However, some districts of the city do have more accommodation options than others. Here’s a comprehensive guide to each of the main sightseeing districts of Kobe with information on what kind of accommodation is available in each location as well as what you can see and do there.
Table of Contents
Sannomiya Area
Sannomiya is one of the most convenient locations in Kobe with great transportation links, numerous shopping and dining opportunities, and several popular tourist attractions. Sannomiya also has plenty of accommodation options which include budget, medium-range and high end luxury hotels.
Sannomiya is central Kobe’s main transportation hub with several railway stations and bus terminals all clustered closely together. This makes it a great base from which to explore the rest of Kobe. This is also Kobe’s main commercial district with several department stores and the Sannomiya Center Gai shopping arcade located on the south side of the Hankyu and JR railway stations. To the immediate north of those railway stations is the city’s main entertainment district with lots of bars, pubs, jazz clubs and a great variety of restaurants serving both local and international fare. Many of the city’s top Kobe beef steak restaurants can also be found in this area.
Tourist attractions in Sannomiya include Ikuta Jinja Shrine, Sannomiya Shrine and Kobe City Museum.
There are six railway stations in Sannomiya, which are all located very close together. JR Sannomiya Station, Hankyu Kobe-Sannomiya Station and Hanshin Kobe-Sannomiya Station all offer links to other parts of Kobe and to Osaka. The Port Liner Sannomiya Station links Sannomiya with Port Island and Kobe Airport. Of the two subway stations in this area, Sannomiya Subway Station is useful if you want to get to the city’s Shinkansen terminal at Shin Kobe Station or to the Arima Onsen hot spring resort. Sannomiya-Hanadokei Mae Subway Station is useful if you want to get to Kobe Harborland.
The City Loop Bus is a sightseeing bus service which stops at all of Kobe’s major attractions and has stops beside JR Sannomiya Station and the east exit of the Center Gai Shopping arcade. Right beside JR Sannomiya Station is Sannomiya Bus Terminal, which has highway bus and night bus services for other cities.
Luxury
- remm plus Kobe Sannomiya offers modern and comfortable accommodations with innovative sleep-focused design, featuring high-quality bedding and rainfall showers. Located right at JR Sannomiya Station, it provides easy access to shopping, dining, and transportation.
- Hotel Monterey Kobe combines classic European elegance with modern amenities, featuring a beautiful chapel for weddings and events, and a charming decor reminiscent of an old European city. Situated in the heart of Kobe, it offers convenient transportation access, just a short walk from Sannomiya Station and various bus routes.
- The Royal Park Canvas – Kobe Sannomiya offers a stylish and contemporary lodging experience with unique communal spaces designed for socializing and relaxation, including a library lounge and a rooftop terrace.
Mid-range
- Daiwa Roynet Hotel KOBE-SANNOMIYA PREMIER offers upscale accommodations with modern amenities, including spacious rooms, high-quality bedding, and an on-site restaurant. Located in the heart of Sannomiya, it provides easy access to JR Sannomiya Station and multiple subway lines, making it convenient for exploring Kobe.
- Hotel Villa Fontaine Kobe Sannomiya combines contemporary design with comfort, featuring stylish rooms, a relaxing lounge area, and a buffet breakfast. Situated in the vibrant Sannomiya area, it offers excellent transportation links, including proximity to JR Sannomiya Station and various subway lines, ensuring convenient travel throughout the city.
Budget
- Kobe Sannomiya Tokyu REI Hotel offers modern accommodations with a focus on convenience and comfort, featuring well-appointed rooms and an inviting lounge area. Located in the lively Sannomiya district, it provides easy access to JR Sannomiya Station and various subway lines, making it an excellent base for exploring Kobe.
- Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kobe Sannomiya combines contemporary design with practical amenities, including comfortable rooms, complimentary breakfast, and an on-site laundry facility. Situated in the heart of Sannomiya, it offers excellent transportation links, including proximity to JR Sannomiya Station and multiple subway lines.
- KOKO HOTEL Kobe Sannomiya provides stylish and comfortable accommodations, featuring modern rooms and a cozy lounge. Located in the vibrant Sannomiya area, it ensures convenient travel with easy access to JR Sannomiya Station and various subway lines.
Motomachi & Chinatown Area
Motomachi is another commercial district which is just a short walk from Sannomiya and is convenient for Kobe Chinatown, the Motomachi Shotengai shopping arcade, and Kobe’s most popular department store: Daimaru. This area also has a great variety of places to stay including budget hostels and guesthouses, mid-range tourist and business hotels, and higher-end tourist hotels.
Apart from its convenience for Chinatown, one advantage of staying in Motomachi is that you can easily walk from here east to Sannomiya for fine dining and entertainment, or south to the Meriken Park area which is home to Kobe Port Tower and Kobe Maritime Museum.
Motomachi Station is served by the JR Kobe Line, the Hanshin Main Line and the Kobe Kosoku Line making it very useful for getting around Kobe and for visiting other cities such as Osaka, Kyoto and Himeji. The City Loop sightseeing bus also has a stop for Chinatown.
Luxury
- Kobe Motomachi Tokyu REI Hotel is a modern hotel offering comfortable accommodations with contemporary amenities, located in the bustling Motomachi area, providing easy access to JR Motomachi Station and nearby attractions.
- Candeo Hotels Kobe Tor Road is a stylish hotel featuring luxurious rooms, a rooftop spa, and an elegant lounge, situated on Tor Road with convenient access to Kobe’s shopping and dining options as well as public transportation.
- ORIENTAL HOTEL is a historic and luxurious hotel blending classic elegance with modern amenities, located in the heart of Kobe with stunning views of the harbor and easy access to the city’s major attractions.
Mid-range
- Dormy Inn Kobe Motomachi Natural Hot Springs is a comfortable hotel featuring modern rooms and a natural hot spring bath, located in the Motomachi area with convenient access to JR Motomachi Station and Kobe’s attractions.
- Kobe Plaza Hotel is a stylish and centrally located hotel offering contemporary accommodations with easy access to JR Motomachi Station and nearby shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Budget
- Smile Hotel Kobe Motomachi is a budget-friendly hotel offering comfortable accommodations with essential amenities, located in the middle of the vibrant Chinatown area.
- Hotel Meriken Port Kobe Motomachi is a modern hotel featuring contemporary rooms and convenient facilities, situated near the Motomachi district with easy access to JR Motomachi Station and Kobe’s popular destinations.
Kitano and Shin-Kobe Area
The Kitano district is located to the north of Sannomiya and is home to the old foreign settlement quarter, which is known as Ijinkan. The Ijinkan area is one of Kobe’s top tourist destinations, with a high number of beautifully preserved Western-style houses dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. There are a small number of hotels in the Kitano area, which are mostly mid-range or higher-end tourist hotels.
Shin-Kobe Station, the Shinkansen terminal for Kobe is a short walk to the north of Kitano, and a convenient place to stay if you have an early or late departure for one of Japan’s other major cities. Sightseeing attractions around Shin-Kobe Station include the Shin-Kobe Ropeway which takes gondola cars up to the Nunobiki Herb Garden on Mount Rokko. Also nearby are some beautiful waterfalls called the Nunobiki Falls, which can be reached by a 20 minute woodland hike. Shin-Kobe Station is directly connected to the luxury tourist hotel ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe.
Shin-Kobe Station is served by the Sanyo Shinkansen line which provides high speed links to Osaka, Kobe, Himeji, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka. This station is served by the Seishin-Yamate Subway Line which can take you to Sannomiya in central Kobe in just one minute. Visitors who wish to visit the hot spring resort town of Arima Onsen can take the Hokushin Line from this station and change at Tanigami Station to the Shintetsu Arima Line.
Luxury
- ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe is a luxury hotel offering elegant rooms and suites with panoramic city views, a variety of dining options, and extensive facilities including a fitness center and spa. Directly connected to Shin-Kobe Station, it provides convenient access to transportation and Kobe’s major attractions.
The Bay Area
The bay area is home to the breezy waterfront park Meriken Park and the shopping and entertainment complex Kobe Harborland. Some of Kobe’s top luxury tourist hotels are located in the Meriken Park area while to the west of Kobe Harborland you can find some mid-range hotels and budget accommodation clustered around Kobe Station and Kosoku Kobe Station.
In Meriken Park the main tourist attractions are Kobe Port Tower and Kobe Maritime Museum. Kobe Port Tower is a famous Kobe landmark, which is illuminated at night and has observation decks on its upper floors offering splendid views over the city and the bay. Be sure to check out the rotating cafe, and the open-air rooftop deck. Kobe Maritime Museum uses dioramas, model ships, videos and graphics to tell the story of Kobe and its port.
Kobe Harborland is a cheerful shopping and dining complex, which has many fine cafes and restaurants. This area also features the Mosaic Ferris Wheel, which is illuminated in ever-changing colors at night and Kobe Anpanman Children’s Museum, which is based around the popular anime character Anpanman and is a big hit with small children.
Between Meriken Park and Kobe Harborland are docks where you can board one of the many ships that offer sightseeing cruises around the Port of Kobe.
The closest station to Meriken Park is Minato Motomachi Station on the Kaigan Subway Line. For Kobe Harborland the most convenient station is Kobe Station on the JR Kobe Line.
Luxury
- Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel is a luxury hotel offering elegant accommodations with stunning views of Kobe Harbor, featuring multiple dining options and excellent facilities. Located in Meriken Park, it provides easy access to the waterfront and city attractions.
- Hotel Okura Kobe is a prestigious hotel known for its classic luxury and refined service, offering spacious rooms, gourmet dining, and comprehensive amenities. Situated near Kobe Harbor.
- Hotel La Suite Kobe Harborland is a boutique luxury hotel featuring spacious suites with private balconies overlooking the harbor, exquisite dining options, and personalized service. Located in the scenic Harborland area, it offers a tranquil and sophisticated retreat with easy access to shopping and entertainment venues.
Mid-range
- Kobe Port Tower Hotel is a comfortable hotel offering modern rooms and convenient amenities, located near the iconic Kobe Port Tower with easy access to the waterfront and city attractions.
- Kobe Hotel Juraku is a welcoming hotel featuring cozy accommodations and essential facilities, situated close to Harborland complex and JR Kobe Stataion.
- Hotel Crown Palais Kobe is a stylish hotel offering elegant rooms, multiple dining options, and a range of amenities including a spa and fitness center. Located near Kobe Harborland, it provides easy access to shopping and entertainment venues.
Budget
- Toyoko Inn JR Kobe Eki Kitaguchi is a budget-friendly hotel offering practical accommodations with essential amenities, including complimentary breakfast and laundry facilities. Located near JR Kobe Station’s north exit, it provides convenient access to transportation and key attractions in Kobe.
Port Island Area
Port Island is an artificial island in the Port of Kobe that is home to many conference centers and shopping complexes. There are a small number of high-end tourist hotels on this island.
The main tourist attractions on Port Island are Bando Kobe Science Museum and Kobe Animal Kingdom. The science museum has interactive exhibits, workshops, experiment shows and a planetarium. Kobe Animal Kingdom is a botanical garden and zoo, which offers a variety of study talks, interactive performances as well as camel and pony rides
Port Island is also convenient for Kobe Airport, which is a domestic airport handling flights to destinations such as Tokyo, Sendai, Aomori, Sapporo, Nagasaki, Kagoshima and Okinawa.
Port Island is served by the Port Liner transit system which runs directly from Sannomiya and has several stations around the island.
Luxury
- Kobe Portopia Hotel is a luxury hotel offering spacious rooms, multiple dining options, and extensive facilities including a fitness center, spa, and convention center. Located in the Port Island area, it provides easy access to transportation and Kobe’s major attractions.
- Centurion Hotel & Spa Vintage Kobe is a stylish hotel featuring comfortable accommodations, a relaxing spa, and modern amenities. Situated near the waterfront, it offers convenient access to transportation and Kobe’s popular destinations.
Mid-range
- Hotel Pearl City Kobe is a comfortable hotel offering practical accommodations and essential amenities, including a restaurant and banquet facilities, located in the Port Island area.
- Ariston Hotel Kobe is a modern hotel featuring well-appointed rooms and convenient amenities, including dining options and meeting facilities. Situated in the Port Island district, it offers easy access to public transportation and key points of interest in Kobe.
Nada and Higashinada Area
Nada and Higashinada are two neighboring wards located to the east of Sannomiya. This is Kobe’s main sake-producing area with many sake breweries and sake museums located within a walkable distance of each other. Two popular locations are the Kobe Shushinkan Brewery and the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery.
It may be hard to find accommodation in this area as there are only a very small number of budget guesthouses and medium-range hotels. This area is well-served by local rail lines, however, so for most people who want to explore this area, it may be better to stay in nearby Sannomiya — or just across the water on Rokko Island.
This area is served by the Hanshin Main Line and the JR Kobe Line. Which station you use will depend on the brewery you want to visit. For Kobe Shushinkan Brewery, get off at Ashiyagawa Station on the Hanshin Main Line. For Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, get off at Sumiyoshi Station on the Hanshin Main Line. The Rokko Liner runs from Sumiyoshi Station to Rokko Island.
Rokko Island Area
Rokko Island is another, smaller artificial island in the Port of Kobe. Located across from the sake brewing district in Higashinada ward, this island has a small number of attractions and just two tourist hotels: Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers and Hotel Plaza Kobe.
Attractions on Rokko Island include Kobe Fashion Museum with its collection of historical and contemporary fashions and designs; Kobe Artists Museum, which is dedicated to local artists; and the Dekapathos water park, which has a variety of pools, water slides, and restaurants. The Koiso Memorial Museum exhibits the works of Kobe-born artist Ryohei Koiso together with his reconstructed studio.
Rokko Island is served by the Rokko Liner, which runs from Sumiyoshi Station on the JR Kobe Line. Passengers taking the Hanshin Main Line can transfer at Uozaki Station. For Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers and Hotel Plaza Kobe get off at Island Center Station.
Luxury
- Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers is a luxurious hotel located on Rokko Island, offering elegantly designed rooms, multiple dining options, and a range of amenities including a fitness center, spa, and hot spring bath.
- Hotel Plaza Kobe provides comfortable accommodations with modern amenities, featuring panoramic views of the waterfront and dining options. Situated on Rokko Island, it offers easy access to transportation and Kobe’s key destinations, making it an excellent choice for both leisure and business travelers.
Suma and Tarumi Area
Suma and Tarumi are two neighboring seaside resort areas in western Kobe. There are not a lot of accommodation options in Suma, but Tarumi has two top tourist hotels overlooking the sea: Hotel Setre Kobe Maiko and Seaside Hotel Maiko Villa Kobe.
The main attractions in Suma are the golden sands of Suma Beach and the sprawling grounds of the historic Suma-dera Temple. Tarumi has Azur Maiko Beach, which is a popular sunset viewing spot; the ancient (and massive) burial mound of Goshizuka Kofun; and the world’s longest suspension bridge: Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. There is an exhibition center at the foot of this bridge and a walkway on the bridge itself called Maiko Marine Promenade which leads to an observation lounge.
Suma and Tarumi are served by the JR Kobe Line and the Sanyo Dentetsu Main Line. For Hotel Setre Kobe Maiko and Seaside Hotel Maiko Villa Kobe get off at JR Maiko Station or Sanyo’s Maiko-koen Station.
Luxury
- Hotel Setre Kobe Maiko is a boutique hotel offering stunning ocean views, elegantly designed rooms, and a tranquil atmosphere. Located near Maiko Beach, it provides easy access to Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and offers a serene retreat with convenient transportation options.
- Seaside Hotel Maiko Villa Kobe features luxurious accommodations with panoramic sea views, multiple dining options, and extensive facilities including a pool and spa. Situated by the waterfront near Maiko Park, it offers easy access to the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Kobe’s attractions, ensuring a relaxing and picturesque stay.
Arima Onsen Area
Arima Onsen is a charming hot spring resort town hidden away in the green hills of northern Kobe. Easily reached from central Kobe, this is the perfect destination for a relaxing weekend getaway and it has plenty of accommodation options. There are a small number of budget hotels here but as this is a resort destination, you will find a lot more high-end tourist hotels and traditional ryokan inns here, as well as a fair number of medium-range hotels.
Arima Onsen is a historic town with winding lanes leading to temples, shrines, and traditional wooden buildings which have been repurposed as restaurants, cafes, or stores selling local crafts. Attractions include the Toy Museum, the public outdoor hot spring baths of Kin-no-Yu and Gin-no-Yu, and Onsenji Temple, which was first founded in the 8th century.
Arima Onsen is served by the Shintetsu Arima Line. To get there from Sannomiya, take the Seishin-Yamate Subway Line from Sannomiya Subway Station to Shin-Kobe Station, then the Hokushin Line
Luxury
- Arima Onsen Tocen Goshobo is a historic ryokan offering traditional Japanese accommodations with luxurious hot spring baths and gourmet kaiseki cuisine. Located in the heart of Arima Onsen.
- Kinzan is an upscale ryokan featuring elegant rooms, private hot spring baths, and exquisite dining options. It offers a tranquil retreat with exceptional service and convenient access to local sights.
- Arima Grand Hotel is a prestigious hotel offering spacious rooms, a variety of hot spring baths, and multiple dining choices. Situated in the scenic Arima Onsen area, it provides stunning views, top-notch amenities, and easy access to the region’s attractions.
Mid-range
- The Gran Resort Princess Arima is a refined ryokan offering luxurious accommodations, private hot spring baths, and gourmet dining experiences. Located in the picturesque Arima Onsen area, it provides a tranquil retreat with convenient access to local attractions and natural beauty.
- Arima Hot Spring Ryokan Kotori offers traditional Japanese-style accommodations with serene hot spring baths and personalized service. Situated in the heart of Arima Onsen, it provides an authentic and peaceful experience, perfect for relaxing and exploring the historic hot spring town.
Visiting Kyoto or Yokohama?
Are you planning to visit Kyoto or Yokohama as well? We compiled comprehensive guides on where to stay in both cities. Please visit Where to Stay in Kyoto and Where to Stay in Yokohama.
Article by Michael Lambe. Photos by matya1234/pixta (1,3), xiaoping/pixta (2), Kuushinsai/pixta (4), prof255960/pixta (5), papilio/pixta (6), HAPPY SMILE/pixta (7), iatnat/pixta (8), goro2don2ban3/pixta (9), zyuuku/pixta (10). All rights reserved.
