It is the capital city of Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. This city is considered one of Japan’s most attractive cities. Wedged between the coast and the mountains, this city is long and narrow. Kobe is such a small city, that allows visitors to explore the downtown, seaside, and mountains in a day. Most of the main attractions of Kobe are within walking distance. But one can roam around efficiently, public transportation is also available.
Here are the Best Places to Visit in Kobe
1. Kobe Port Tower
This Port Tower is a landmark in the port city of Kobe, Japan. The amazing sightseeing tower was completed in 1963. The Nikken Sekkei Company designed this port tower. It is a crimson tower built in an hourglass shape resembling a Japanese hand drum, called a tsuzumi. Kobe Port Tower situated in the Central District rises 354 feet above the city. It is known as the symbol of city. The tower features an observation deck with views across the bay and Rokko mountain range. Visitors can even see Kobe’s airport and the Hanshin Expressway. They can enjoy and admire the night-time views with the nightly light show on the nearby Ashaki Kaiko Bridge.
2. Nunobiki Falls
Nunobiki Falls is a set of waterfalls near downtown Kobe, Japan. This fall has important significance in Japanese literature and Japanese art. Nunobiki Falls is considered one of the greatest divine falls together with Kegon Falls and Nachi Falls. This fall has been inspiring poets and writers for many generations. Nunobiki is a set of four separate cascades. The cave behind the waterfall is known as the Palace of the Dragon. This destination offers a quick and peaceful tour of the bustling city. Nunobiki waterfalls comprise four separate falls Ontaki, Mentaki, Tsutsumigadaki, and Meotodaki. Visitors can explore the nearby Shin-Kobe Ropeway and the Nunobiki Herb Garden. They can even simply hike along the scenic pathways nearby and enjoy the fresh air.
3. Kobe Harborland
Kobe Harborland is one of the city’s most popular destinations for visitors and locals. This complex was opened in October 1992. It is a few minutes walk down a pathway from Kobe Port Tower and Meriken Park. The most prominent shopping complex in Kobe Harborland is Umie which consists of three parts Mosaic, South Mall, and North Mall. Visitors can enjoy world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment on Kobe’s stunning waterfront. Harbor Circus and Kobe Hankyu department store are great places to shop. In Mosaic, one can do shopping and dining with a relaxed Mediterranean ambiance.
4. Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art
Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art is a modern and contemporary art museum found along the waterfront in the HAT Kobe district. It was opened in 2002. Designed by the famed architect Tadao Ando, the museum is a good example of his skills. Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art is a stunning building that contains a vast collection of art from Japan and around the world. It hosts exhibitions of paintings, prints, sculptures, and other artwork by both foreign and Japanese artists. The museum also has auditoriums and event space for live music and performing arts. Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art space has a restaurant, cafeteria, and museum shop.
5. Maiko Park
Maiko Park is a seaside recreational area near the base of Akashi Kaiko Bridge. It is extended 3,911 meters, while the bridge’s two main towers are 300 meters high, only 33 meters shorter than Tokyo Tower. The bridge center span alone is 1,991 meters long. The observatory area offers nice views across Akashi Straight and Osaka Bay. Boardwalk Observation Lounge has a cafe, restaurant, and shop selling bridge memorabilia. The Bridge Exhibition Centre nearby provides a full spectrum of information on the Ashaki Kaiko Bridge and other suspension bridges worldwide.
6. Rokko Island
Rokko Island is a man-made island in Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan. This amazing island is located in the southeast region of the Port of Kobe. There are two main forms of public transportation to the island. This island took nearly 20 years to build. It was opened in 1992. Visitors can enjoy a water amusement park, sports and convention facilities, jogging paths, restaurants, cinemas, and museums on this island.