Kobe, Japan - Top 10 Attractions

Top 10 attractions from Kobe, Japan that must be included while touring Kobe City. Attraction images, short description and address. Find details and check more on Things to do in Kobe.

1. Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden And Ropeway

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden And Ropeway The layout of this attraction can be mildly confusing to foreigners: the thing to remember is that this is TWO attractions, a cable car ropeway from the foot of the hill, and the herb garden the cable car takes you to at the top of the mountain.

Address: Japan, 〒650-0002 Hyōgo-ken, Kobe- shi , Chūō-ku , Kitanochō , 1 Chome−4

2. Kobe City Oji Zoo

Kobe City Oji Zoo The 80000 square metres of the zoo are home to around 850 different animals from 150 different species. A pleasant number of the species are quite rare - giant panda, koala, golden snub-nosed monkey, Amur tiger, and snow-leopard. Polar bears, ostriches, monkeys, dolphins, orangutans, lions and penguins help round off the attractions. Kids will enjoy the petting zoo, where the rabbits and goats are quite friendly.

Address: 3-1 Ojicho , Nada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture 657-0838, Japan

3. Sannomiya Center Town

Sannomiya Center Town It would be easy to end up spending an entire day in this commercial complex without realizing where the time has flown. The main attraction here is the Sannomiya Centre Street underground shopping market. 120 establishments ranging from upscale fashion, books, electronics, interior decor boutiques to excellent eateries make this one of the most popular malls in the city.

Address: Sannomiyacho , Chuo- ku , Kobe 650-0021, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

4. Kitanocho, Kobe

Kitanocho , Kobe In 1860, the city of Kobe opened up to foreign traders, after a treaty signed by Japan and several western nations. These merchants established themselves in the Kitano district, and once upon a time there used to be over a thousand western style mansions in this area. Today there are only thirty. Of these, about 20 are open to public visitors as museums.

Address: Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0002, Hyogo Prefecture

5. Ikuta Shrine, Kobe

Ikuta Shrine, Kobe This is one of the oldest and most historically significant shrines in the country. It was built in the 3rd Century AD in worship of the deity (kami) Wakahirume , and is one of the three major shrines established during that period. The shrine is seen as a spiritual center for life and health and it is popular among local athletes who come to pray here before events.

Address: 1 Chome-2-1 Shimoyamatedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture 650-0011, Japan

6. Kobe Port Tower

Kobe Port Tower Completed in 1963, this hyperboloid tower is a classic tourist trap. The tower is 108 meters tall and there is an observation deck at 90 meters, with 360 degrees panoramic views of the city. It looks like an elongated Japanese drum. It is one of the city of Kobe's landmarks. The views from the top look out to Mount Rokko , Kobe, Kobe Port, and out to Awaji Island in Osaka Bay.

Address: 5-5 Hatobacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture 650-0042, Japan

7. Kobe City Hall

Kobe City Hall This beautiful observation hall, on the 24th story of the Kobe City Hall building has two sides. The north side looks out to the Rokko mountain range and the Sannomiya neighborhood . The south side looks over the Kobe Port Tower, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge between Kobe and Awaji Island in Osaka bay. While the view is fantastic during the daytime, the observation deck is also open until the night; and you definitely don't want to miss checking out Kobe all lit up from a hundred meters up in the sky.

Address: Japan, 〒650-0001 Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe, Chuo Ward, Kanocho

8. Kobe-sanda Premium Outlets

Kobe- sanda Premium Outlets North of the city of Kobe you will find this sprawling, charming shopping complex. There are about 260 foreign and local brand shops here selling everything from clothes, antiques, furniture and sporting equipment. The architecture of the place was inspired by the Pasadena complex in Los Angeles, which itself looks like a southern European town. There are also over a dozen seafood restaurants.

Address: 7-3 Kozudai Kita-ku, Kobe 651-1515, Hyogo Prefecture

9. Kobe Animal Kingdom

Kobe Animal Kingdom The name of this attraction can be a little misleading. It is not a zoo, but rather a bird and flower park, although some people now call it an animal cafe. It used to be called the Kobe Botanical Garden.

Address: 7-1-9 Minatojima-minami, Kobe 650-0047, Hyogo Prefecture

10. Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum

Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum Kobe is one of the foremost brewing centers for the Japanese alcoholic drink Sake. And the Hakutsuru is one of the most important breweries in town. Your tour through this delightfully charming traditional building, set inside a modern brewing facility, will be self-guided. Written guides in multiple languages will take you through the traditional sake brewing process, tools, and equipment. 

Address: 4-5-5 Sumiyoshi-minami-machi, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture

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