Take a day trip from Osaka to the unique port city of Kobe, and even further afield to a hot spring town and an outlet mall
Many people think of Kyoto and Nara as the major tourist spots near Osaka, but Kobe is also a popular travel destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Kobe is a port city that flourished as the maritime gateway to Osaka and the Kansai region. With a population of over 1.5 million people, Kobe is a large city that has a lot to offer visitors, especially because it is where the sea meets the mountains. And there are even rural vistas to be enjoyed.
Sannomiya in central Kobe can be reached in 30 minutes by train from Umeda Station or Osaka Station, the two stations located in the center of Osaka.
From Sannomiya Station, you can use the Kobe City Loop Bus to tour the city and visit various tourist spots.
In Kobe you can enjoy the unique port city atmosphere where Japanese, Western, and Eastern cultures intermingle. Kobe's history is why it has become such a distinctive city.
In 1858, at the end of the Edo period (1603–1868) when Japan was isolated from the rest of the world, Japan signed treaties with various foreign powers, leading to the resumption of international relations.
This brought an end to Japan's long-standing isolation policy.
At that time, Japan opened five ports to foreign countries: Yokohama, Nagasaki, Hakodate, Niigata, and Kobe.
In the Kansai region, which includes the cities of Osaka and Kyoto, the port of Kobe opened as a gateway in 1868, and an enclave for foreign residents was established in the city.
As a result, Western and Chinese cultures blended with Japanese culture, leading to the development of Kobe as an attractive city with its own unique cultural identity.
The charm of Kobe: 1. Simply stylish!
Due to the early settlement of foreigners, Eastern and Western cultures blended, resulting in many unique and stylish buildings. The Kitano area, in particular, features some distinctly beautiful streetscapes.
The charm of Kobe: 2. Delicious food!
Discover Kobe's gourmet food, including Kobe beef and various types of sweets.
The charm of Kobe: 3. Loads of events!
Plenty of events are held throughout the year, including Kobe beef, flower, and music festivals.
Places to visit in Kobe
Ikuta Shrine
Built in 201 AD, before the existence of Kobe as a city, this shrine is rumored to be the ideal place for praying for love. This is because the deity enshrined here is the god of fortune telling, who is believed to be able to strengthen the bonds between two people.
Kitano area
Take in the nostalgic atmosphere of the Kitano area by viewing old Western-style buildings and taking photos of the old foreign mansions. You'll feel like you're taking a stroll in Europe. This area has many attractions, such as the Kobe Trick Art Museum, a white wooden house displaying optical illusions and various 3D images. If you love taking photos, don't miss the chance to visit this place. You could take enough photos to post to your social media account for many months.
There are also high vantage points for taking beautiful photos.
You can get to Kitano on the Kobe City Loop Bus.
Kobe suburbs and surrounds
Arima Onsen
Approximately 30 minutes by bus from the Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal
Arima Onsen is one of the most popular hot springs in the Kansai region.
Staying at a ryokan and enjoying the hot springs is great, but even just strolling around the hot spring town without taking a bath can also be enjoyable.
There are many traditional shops and cafés, and it's worth trying some of the snacks on offer, like senbei (rice crackers).
Be sure to visit Arima Onsen when you're in Osaka or Kobe.
Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlets
Approximately 60 minutes by bus from the Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal. Approximately 30 minutes by from Arima Onsen.
With more than 200 stores, this is one of the largest shopping centers in the Kansai region.
Its main feature is the many outlet stores selling mid-range to high-end products. There is a wide range of top sports brands, as well as jewelry, children s toys, and household goods.
In addition to the already discounted outlet products, there are also additional special offers available.
Tourists can also receive discounts at many of the shops.
