What to do in Kobe

Activities, attractions and tours

A city skyline at night with illuminated buildings, a prominent tower, and a green-lit bridge.
A coastal cityscape with dense high-rise buildings, a harbor, and a distant mountain range.
A narrow street with traditional wooden buildings, a signboard, and a person taking a photo.
A busy urban street with tall buildings, various shops, and a prominent round building with advertisements.
A plate of grilled food, a bowl of soup, and a glass of beer on a red table.

Places to Visit in Kobe

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Kobe attractions from NZ$5, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Kobe tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 946 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Kobe. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

The Universal Studio in Osaka

Universal Studios Japan® Theme Park Admission with Transportation

NZ$233
per adult
72% of travellers recommend
Universal Studios Japan® Theme Park Admission with Transportation
Osaka: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket

Osaka: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket

NZ$22
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Osaka: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket
Full-Day Bus Tour of Kyoto

Kyoto Day Tour from Osaka or Kyoto – Temples, Shrines & Bamboo Forest

NZ$76
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Day Tour from Osaka or Kyoto – Temples, Shrines & Bamboo Forest
teamLab, Floating Resonating Lamps on Oike Lake

TeamLab Botanical Garden Osaka Ticket

NZ$50
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
TeamLab Botanical Garden Osaka Ticket
Hiroshima & Miyajima by Bullet Train from Osaka

Hiroshima & Miyajima by Bullet Train from Osaka

NZ$210
per adult
Hiroshima & Miyajima by Bullet Train from Osaka
Osaka: Dotonbori District Sightseeing Cruise & Beer Discount

Osaka: Dotonbori District River Cruise with Drink Discount

NZ$22
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Osaka: Dotonbori District River Cruise with Drink Discount
3.5h Osaka Night guided Local Bar Hopping, Sake & Karaoke

Osaka Hidden Nightlife Tour: Local Izakayas & Karaoke 3.5hrs

NZ$68
per adult
Osaka Hidden Nightlife Tour: Local Izakayas & Karaoke 3.5hrs
Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto

Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto

NZ$103
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto
Exterior of restaurant at night in Osaka

Absolute Osaka Food Tour

NZ$304
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Absolute Osaka Food Tour
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Most fun & popular experiences in Kobe

Tours & day trips

See all 778 activities
From Osaka/Kyoto: Kyoto and Nara 1-Day Bus Tour

From Osaka/Kyoto: Kyoto and Nara 1-Day Bus Tour

Activity duration is 9 hours
8.6 out of 10 with 101 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$127 per adult
From Osaka/Kyoto: Kyoto and Nara 1-Day Bus TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 343 activities
Osaka Unveiled: A Self-Guided Journey Through Japan's Kitchen

Osaka Unveiled: A Self-Guided Journey Through Japan's Kitchen

Activity duration is 12 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$6 per adult
Osaka Unveiled: A Self-Guided Journey Through Japan's KitchenOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 295 activities
Osaka Food Tour: 15 Delicious Dishes & 3 drinks at 5 Eateries

Osaka Food Tour: 15 Delicious Dishes & 3 drinks at 5 Eateries

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 1185 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$140 per adult
Osaka Food Tour: 15 Delicious Dishes & 3 drinks at 5 EateriesOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 134 activities
Osaka: Wakayama Cat Train, Seafood market, Hot Springs Tour

Osaka: Wakayama Cat Train, Seafood market, Hot Springs Tour

Activity duration is 10 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$105 per adult
Osaka: Wakayama Cat Train, Seafood market, Hot Springs TourOpens in new tab

Spa & wellness

See all 62 activities
Osaka: Wakayama Cat Train, Seafood market, Hot Springs Tour

Osaka: Wakayama Cat Train, Seafood market, Hot Springs Tour

Activity duration is 10 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$105 per adult
Osaka: Wakayama Cat Train, Seafood market, Hot Springs TourOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Kobe

Number of things to do
946
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Osaka: Roaming Internet with eSIM Mobile Data Plan: NZ$5
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Kobe

Stay near popular Kobe attractions

A waterfall surrounded by large rocks, a red bridge, and stone steps leading up to the bridge.

Arima Onsen

8.6/10 (903 reviews)
One of Japan's oldest hot spring resorts, Arima Onsen offers therapeutic "golden" and "silver" waters with distinct mineral properties. Stay overnight in a ryokan to fully experience this ancient swimming culture.
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Our guide on where to stay in Kobe

Find the best Kobe areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Kobe
Learn more about Kobe
A traditional Japanese temple with red and gold accents, a staircase leading up to the entrance, and a clear blue sky.

Sannomiya

Travellers choose Sannomiya for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Sannomiya Hanadokeimae Station or Boeki Center Station and check out top sights like Ikuta Shrine.

A brightly lit tower with the text "Port of Kochi" at the top, a modern building with a curved facade, and a river with a bridge in the foreground.

Kobe City Centre

Travellers choose Kobe City Centre for its captivating waterfront views. Hop aboard the metro at Kyukyoryuchi Daimarumae Station or Motomachi Station and check out top sights like Ikuta Shrine.

A coastal cityscape with modern buildings, a prominent red tower, and a mountainous backdrop.
Photo by 663highland
Open Photo by 663highland

Chuo Ward

You might take some time to check out the waterfront views in Chuo Ward. Spend some time visiting top spots like Ikuta Shrine, and catch the metro at Shinkobe Station or Sannomiya Hanadokeimae Station to see more of the area.

A forest with autumn foliage, a stone monument, and a pathway.
Photo by 663highland
Open Photo by 663highland

Arimacho

Discover Arimacho, memorable for its hot springs. Popular attractions in Arimacho include Arima Onsen and Kin no yu, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at Arima Onsen Station.

A large building with a stepped water feature in front.

Suma Ward

If you're spending time in Suma Ward, check out sights like Kobe Universiade Memorial Stadium or Kobe Green Arena and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Myohoji Station or Myodani Station.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Kobe

A bustling street with neon signs, a tower, and traditional lanterns.

Osaka

A bridge with lights, a calm sea, and a sunset sky.

Akashi

A snow-covered urban street at dusk with buildings and a railway track.
Photo by studio IRONY (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0)

Ashiya

An airplane landing with its landing gear extended, approaching a runway with a mountainous backdrop.

Itami

A densely populated urban area with numerous houses, a curved road, and a bridge.

Nishinomiya

A traditional Japanese temple with a curved roof, wooden gates, and stone lanterns.

Toyonaka

A waterfall surrounded by autumn foliage.

Minoh

A traditional Japanese temple with stone steps leading up to a tiled roof structure surrounded by lush greenery.

Sanda

Frequently asked questions

Is Kobe worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Kobe is explore Arima Onsen. Check this major sight off your to-do list, then experience more of this area's culture and history.
How do I spend a day in Kobe?
Arima Onsen and Kobe Harborland are two good places to kick-start your holiday adventures. Remember to check out the dining and shopping options in Kobe while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kobe?
The top tourist attraction in Kobe is Arima Onsen, so don't forget to put it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Kobe?
You can easily visit leading attractions like Kobe Harborland, Kobe Ōji Zoo and Suma Beach with a three-day stay in Kobe. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Osaka.
Is Kobe a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city centre, Kobe is a good place to explore on foot. Wander between Kobe Harborland and Kobe Ōji Zoo. Then take a stroll around Chuo Ward, located 2 kilometres from downtown, and Sannomiya, which is about 0.16 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Kobe with kids?
Deciding what to do in Kobe with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're travelling with toddlers or teenagers, there are lots of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Kobe for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Kobe, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Arima Main Road or Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum.
Are there free things to do in Kobe?
In Kobe, Kobe Harborland is an unmissable spot for anyone looking to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the local neighbourhoods and parks, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a good way to explore the best free things to do in Kobe.

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