5 Must-Visit Spots in Kobe: From Famous Sights to Hidden Gems

Japan’s two-century isolation during the Edo period ended with Commodore Perry’s arrival in 1853, leading to the country’s reopening in 1854. When Kobe Port began operating in 1868, the city welcomed waves of foreign visitors and grew into a cosmopolitan hub embracing international cultures. Today, Kobe still preserves many historical Western-style mansions and architectural gems from this transformative era.

Embodying Kobe’s rich Western heritage, the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens is one of Japan’s largest herb gardens, home to around 75,000 flowers and herbs across 200 varieties. Conveniently located near Kobe’s major attractions, the gardens offer more than just leisurely strolls - the high-altitude position provides spectacular panoramas of the entire city.

The Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway runs every 30 seconds, carrying visitors to the summit in just 10 minutes. Along the scenic ride, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of downtown Kobe, the iconic Port Tower, and, on clear days, Osaka and Wakayama. At the mountaintop, German-style buildings surrounded by seasonal blooms house restaurants and cafes, where you can relax and take in the magnificent scenery.

The summit’s Aroma Studio hosts hands-on potpourri-making sessions using herbs and salt, perfect as a natural room fragrance. Choose your favorite scent from 25 essential oils, blend with salt, and add dried herb decorations to craft a personalized mixture. You can take your creation home the same day, and with English instructions provided, international visitors can participate with ease.

Foodies shouldn’t miss The Veranda at Kobe, where gourmet dining comes with awe-inspiring vistas. The first floor features a cafe with a sunlit terrace, perfect for sipping tea or tucking into a meal while soaking in the awe-inspiring surroundings.

Signature menu options include hearty burgers made from 100% Japanese beef served on fragrant rosemary buns, house-blend herbal teas, and seasonal soft-serve ice cream flavors. With English signage throughout the facilities and dining areas, international visitors are more than welcome.

After eating, set about exploring the garden’s winding pathways. Each turn brings new sights and fragrances, from dedicated herb, spice, and vegetable plots to themed flower gardens and climate-controlled greenhouses. Don’t miss the outdoor hammock area, where you can relax while taking in views of Kobe’s cityscape. Finally, check out the original merchandise and authentic Kobe souvenirs at the gondola lift station.

Just a 30-minute drive from Kobe’s central Sannomiya district, Arima Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts, boasting over 1,000 years of history. Among the town’s many treasures, trying your hand at creating “Ningyo-fude” (doll brushes) is a must. These exquisite traditional crafts have been carefully preserved and passed down through generations of skilled artisans, presenting a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage.

These beautiful doll brushes date back around 450 years and hold a delightful secret. Flip the brush upside down, and a tiny doll pops out from the handle. The bamboo shaft is also adorned with intricate silk thread patterns, showcasing the extraordinary skill of the master craftspeople. Beyond their artistry, they are cherished as symbols of fertility and safe childbirth.

At the workshop on the first floor of the Arima Toys & Automata Museum, you can explore the fascinating history of these doll brushes, learn their intricate manufacturing techniques, and uncover the secrets behind their magical mechanisms before crafting your very own version. Once your brush is complete, take time to wander the museum’s remarkable collection of around 4,000 toys and mechanical dolls from across the globe. The workshop welcomes participants aged six and up, and English explanations are available through translation apps, making it the perfect family activity.

The historic Nada Gogo region, stretching along the coastlines of Kobe’s Nada and Higashinada districts and Nishinomiya City, stands as one of Japan’s three premier sake-producing areas. Nada Gogo’s rise to sake-brewing prominence stems from its natural advantages such as the exceptional “Miyamizu” spring water flowing from the Rokko Mountains and the unique geological and climatic conditions of the Ura-Rokko area, ideal for cultivating premium sake rice. Most notably, this region produces “Yamada Nishiki,” revered as the king of sake rice.

Founded in 1751 in the heart of Nada Gogo, Kobe Shushinkan is a brewery complex offering a deep dive into the secrets of sake craftsmanship. The brewery’s flagship Fukuju sake has earned international recognition, including Gold in the Junmai (pure rice sake) category at “KURA MASTER 2025,” a distinguished sake competition judged by France’s top sommeliers. The name “Fukuju” is inspired by Fukurokuju, one of the Seven Lucky Gods associated with good fortune, reflecting the brewery’s heartfelt wish that happiness will reach everyone who enjoys this exceptional sake.

Kobe Shushinkan’s comprehensive tour includes an expert-guided walk through the working brewery, letting you observe centuries-old brewing techniques in action, followed by an exclusive tasting of carefully selected Fukuju varieties. With a multilingual guide, you can fully appreciate the reasons behind the complex, nuanced flavors that have made this sake a celebrated masterpiece.

For those keen to wade deeper into Kobe’s sake culture, Fukuju Brewery, at the heart of Kobe Shushinkan, lets visitors witness the meticulous brewing process, where centuries-old traditions meet innovation. The adjacent brewery shop, Tomyogura, carries the full Fukuju sake line with complimentary tastings to help you discover your perfect match. Be sure to check out their exclusive offerings, including the unique “FUKUJU KEG DRAFT” sold by weight, along with original sake lees confections that make tasty souvenirs.

However, the best of Shushinkan still awaits at Sakabayashi, the on-site Japanese restaurant set within a beautifully preserved wooden brewery building.

This atmospheric dining venue sits gracefully within a Japanese garden that evokes the serene Mt. Rokko foothills. Master chefs serve exquisite kaiseki cuisine using the finest seasonal local produce, house-made tofu, and handcrafted soba noodles, with each dish thoughtfully designed to complement Fukuju’s sake collection.

For the ultimate indulgence, consider the Premium Brewery Tour, available until December 2025. This luxurious package begins with an expert guide sharing fascinating insights into local brewing techniques, followed by an exclusive Fukuju tasting session. The tour concludes with a specially made kaiseki meal centered around regional ingredients, with each course expertly paired with different Fukuju varieties.

Be sure to treat yourself to these exclusive brewery delights, including freshly drawn unpasteurized sake and the famous FUKUJU KEG DRAFT. This is your chance to engage all five senses in a journey through Kobe’s most refined culinary traditions.

Built in 1963 as a landmark for Kobe Port, Kobe Port Tower is a striking architectural achievement. As the world’s first pipe-structured building, it features a distinctive design resembling an elongated Japanese drum. English-speaking staff are available, making it a breeze for international visitors to purchase tickets and explore the tower.

From the observation floor and rooftop deck, you can take in breathtaking panoramic views of Kobe. Stretching out before you are an endless vista of sparkling harbor waters, bustling cityscape, and the majestic Rokko Mountain Range on the horizon. Open until 11:00 PM, with final admission at 10:30 PM, the tower is also a prime spot for evening and nighttime views.

Bask in the ever-changing beauty of the city as it’s bathed in new light with each passing hour. Before leaving, save some time to check out the gift shop, which sells Kobe merchandise perfectly suited to commemorate your visit.

Kobe offers countless extraordinary experiences, allowing you to immerse yourself in Japan’s rich traditions while enjoying stunning scenery. Be sure to savor every moment of the city’s cosmopolitan charm, from dawn to dusk.