What to do in Kobe

Activities, attractions and tours

Kobe
Kobe
Kobe
Kobe
Kobe

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$2, 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 565 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.

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Kobe

Tours & day trips

See all 442 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
8.4 out of 10 with 86 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$114 per adult
From Osaka/Kyoto: Kyoto and Nara 1-Day Bus TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 184 activities
Kyoto Full Day (8 hours) Ultimate Sightseeing Private Tour

Kyoto Full Day (8 hours) Ultimate Sightseeing Private Tour

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$849 per traveller*
Kyoto Full Day (8 hours) Ultimate Sightseeing Private TourOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 131 activities
Osaka Food Tour - 13 Delicious Dishes at 5 Local Eateries

Osaka Food Tour - 13 Delicious Dishes at 5 Local Eateries

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.2 out of 10 with 17 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$151 per adult
Osaka Food Tour - 13 Delicious Dishes at 5 Local EateriesOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 20 activities
Katsuo-ji, Atago Nenbutsu-ji & Arashiyama Hiking Tour

Katsuo-ji, Atago Nenbutsu-ji & Arashiyama Hiking Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
Price is NZ$100 per traveller
Katsuo-ji, Atago Nenbutsu-ji & Arashiyama Hiking TourOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 16 activities
Universal Studios Japan® Theme Park Admission with Transport

Universal Studios Japan® Theme Park Admission with Transport

Activity duration is 8 hours
6.6 out of 10 with 15 reviews
Price is NZ$308 per adult
Universal Studios Japan® Theme Park Admission with TransportOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Kobe

Number of things to do
565
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Osaka Unveiled: A Self-Guided Journey Through Japan's Kitchen: NZ$2
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Kobe

Discover the most popular places to visit in Kobe

Arima Onsen

Arima Onsen

5/5(4 reviews)

Arima Onsen is one of the more well-known attractions to visit during your trip to Kobe. Discover the hot springs in this culturally rich area.

Arima Onsen
Kobe Harborland

Kobe Harborland

5/5(4 reviews)

A one-time freight yard just outside Kobe’s city center is now a great spot to go for retail and entertainment choices.

Kobe Harborland
Meriken Park featuring a city, a garden and modern architecture

Meriken Park

5/5(3 reviews)

This pleasant waterfront park hosts a number of interesting attractions, including a memorial, several museums and varied entertainment centers.

Meriken Park
Mount Rokko

Mount Rokko

5/5(2 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mount Rokko during your travels in Kobe. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Mount Rokko
Port of Kobe

Port of Kobe

4/5(12 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Kobe with a trip to Port of Kobe. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Port of Kobe
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge featuring art, a suspension bridge or treetop walkway and modern architecture

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

4.5/5(2 reviews)

See the longest suspension bridge in the world, recognized as one of Japan’s most impressive engineering accomplishments.

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Kobe Tower which includes a skyscraper, night scenes and a city

Kobe Tower

4.5/5(14 reviews)

See the beautiful views over the port of Kobe from the top of this landmark, which is a well-known symbol of the city.

Kobe Tower
Kobe Animal Kingdom

Kobe Animal Kingdom

Why not see the exotic and native animals who call Kobe Animal Kingdom home during your holiday in Kobe? While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Kobe Animal Kingdom
Rokkosan Ski Area

Rokkosan Ski Area

Hit the slopes in Kobe with a visit to Rokkosan Ski Area. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Rokkosan Ski Area

Explore areas of Kobe

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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.

Sannomiya
Kobe Tower which includes a skyscraper, night scenes and a city

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.

Kobe City Centre
Kobe which includes street scenes and a city

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.

Chuo Ward
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Photo by 663highland (CC BY)

Hyogo

Hyogo is well liked for its restaurants and museums. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Noevir Stadium Kobe and Osaka Bay are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Shinkaichi Station or Kamisawa Station to get around.

Hyogo
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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.

Arimacho
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Higashinada

Get to know Higashinada and its many features like its bars and museums. You might want to explore sights like Port of Kobe and Mount Rokko, and you can jump on the metro at Island Kitaguchi Station or Island Center Station to get around the city.

Higashinada

 

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

Osaka

Osaka

Photo by Kinuko Hashimoto

Akashi

Photo "Ashiya" by studio IRONY (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by studio IRONY (CC BY)

Ashiya

Itami

Itami

Nishinomiya

Nishinomiya

Toyonaka

Toyonaka

Minoh

Minoh

Photo by Bow .

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.