Day trips around Kobe

[hst201]

Am going to be in Kobe for a few days. I have been to Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. So, other than Himeji, are there any other places worth a short day trip (preferably not more than 70-80 mins away by train). Thanks.

 

[cpuer]

Am going to be in Kobe for a few days. I have been to Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. So, other than Himeji, are there any other places worth a short day trip (preferably not more than 70-80 mins away by train). Thanks.

Arima Onsen is near by. Go for a dip and some walk around

 

[lillyelf]

Might be too late, but I know Kobe well. Have you explored the city itself? Otherwise let me know your interests and where you have been and I can make some recommendations.

 

[hst201]

Thanks. Not too late as my trip is only in Dec. Am interested in gardens, traditional crafts and shopping (local Japanese brands).

 

[fatboy9174]

Might be too late, but I know Kobe well. Have you explored the city itself? Otherwise let me know your interests and where you have been and I can make some recommendations.

Hi, I'm planning to do one day trip to Kobe in early Dec. Do u have any recommendation for a 1st timer?

 

[dude123]

Might be too late, but I know Kobe well. Have you explored the city itself? Otherwise let me know your interests and where you have been and I can make some recommendations.

First timer here as well, any recommendation ? I only heard about eating kobe beef there, any famous shop for me to try the beef? ..and also not sure where to go for scenery, must-buy food, etc

 

[lillyelf]

Thanks. Not too late as my trip is only in Dec. Am interested in gardens, traditional crafts and shopping (local Japanese brands).

Not sure what you've done, but maybe you can visit the sake factories at Nada-ku? They are just a couple of stops east of the main city area of Sannomiya. Sorakuen and the Nunobiki Herb Garden are nice though I can't be sure if there will be much to see in December.

If you are going in early December, you may be able to see autumn leaves. The Nunobiki Falls area is quite nice. Other alternative areas are Ohara in Kyoto (a bit of a long trip out from Kobe but really nice when it's the right season) and Minoo Park in Osaka.

If you can tell me where you've been and what you like I can advise better. I would assume that you've already been to the traditional crafts area of Kyoto. Are there any types of crafts or brands that you like? Each city has areas within the city lined with indie shops. Have you visited those?

Hi, I'm planning to do one day trip to Kobe in early Dec. Do u have any recommendation for a 1st timer?

First timer here as well, any recommendation ? I only heard about eating kobe beef there, any famous shop for me to try the beef? ..and also not sure where to go for scenery, must-buy food, etc

Most people go to Steakland for the beef because it's cheap. While it's true that you can have Kobe beef for about 3000 yen there, the experience differs depending on your chef. Too many of my friends had disappointing experiences because of the inexperience of the chef, but if you're on a budget, it remains a good option.

Moriya is a popular choice with people who can afford to spend more. I've never heard a bad word about the place from people who have been there but I've never been there myself. The cost is significantly higher so do your research first.

Personally, I'm a fan of the Kisshokichi group. Lunch sets are reasonable, and the branch I go to 'Red One' at Motomachi is never full so I get served really quickly.
http://www.koubegyuu.com/en/

For a short visit, I do recommend Nunobiki Falls. It's a short walk up the hill near Shin-Kobe station, not too difficult. The area is nice and quiet and makes for a pleasant walk. Then again I am a fan of waterfalls so ymmv. Taking the cable car up to the Nunobiki Herb Garden is quite romantic so if you are going with a loved one, that is an option.

Kobe’s famous souvenirs are its pudding and gaufres (wafer biscuit). You can get plenty of both if you go to the Kitano area (or the Foreign Residences area). It’s where the foreigners used to stay when Kobe was one of the few open ports in Japan. Japanese visitors love the place, but personally I feel it’s slightly overrated. Good for pictures, though. Another souvenir option is Frantz white or matcha chocolate-covered strawberries. There are many shops selling them and I think you can even find them at the airport. If you want even more options I suggest any big department stores (Sogo in Sannomiya, Daimaru in Motomachi). They have huge omiyage areas.

Motomachi is the old shopping street, linking the two modern shopping areas near Sannomiya station and Kobe station. (Note: Kobe station is not the city centre. Sannomiya station is.) I like to walk down this street because there are many old traditional shops, some which have been there for a long time. Chinatown is close to the start of the street as well but I would just do a quick visit for photos.

Also, don’t forget that Kobe is well-known for its sweets and pastries. Cafes are everywhere so you can stop by anytime for a quick cuppa and cake. Some popular ones are Tooth Tooth, Mother Moon Café, a la campagne.

For more information about Kobe, you can check out their English page.
http://www.feel-kobe.jp/_en/sightseeing/

 

[dude123]

Not sure what you've done, but maybe you can visit the sake factories at Nada-ku? They are just a couple of stops east of the main city area of Sannomiya. Sorakuen and the Nunobiki Herb Garden are nice though I can't be sure if there will be much to see in December.

If you are going in early December, you may be able to see autumn leaves. The Nunobiki Falls area is quite nice. Other alternative areas are Ohara in Kyoto (a bit of a long trip out from Kobe but really nice when it's the right season) and Minoo Park in Osaka.

If you can tell me where you've been and what you like I can advise better. I would assume that you've already been to the traditional crafts area of Kyoto. Are there any types of crafts or brands that you like? Each city has areas within the city lined with indie shops. Have you visited those?





Most people go to Steakland for the beef because it's cheap. While it's true that you can have Kobe beef for about 3000 yen there, the experience differs depending on your chef. Too many of my friends had disappointing experiences because of the inexperience of the chef, but if you're on a budget, it remains a good option.

Moriya is a popular choice with people who can afford to spend more. I've never heard a bad word about the place from people who have been there but I've never been there myself. The cost is significantly higher so do your research first.

Personally, I'm a fan of the Kisshokichi group. Lunch sets are reasonable, and the branch I go to 'Red One' at Motomachi is never full so I get served really quickly.
http://www.koubegyuu.com/en/

For a short visit, I do recommend Nunobiki Falls. It's a short walk up the hill near Shin-Kobe station, not too difficult. The area is nice and quiet and makes for a pleasant walk. Then again I am a fan of waterfalls so ymmv. Taking the cable car up to the Nunobiki Herb Garden is quite romantic so if you are going with a loved one, that is an option.

Kobe’s famous souvenirs are its pudding and gaufres (wafer biscuit). You can get plenty of both if you go to the Kitano area (or the Foreign Residences area). It’s where the foreigners used to stay when Kobe was one of the few open ports in Japan. Japanese visitors love the place, but personally I feel it’s slightly overrated. Good for pictures, though. Another souvenir option is Frantz white or matcha chocolate-covered strawberries. There are many shops selling them and I think you can even find them at the airport. If you want even more options I suggest any big department stores (Sogo in Sannomiya, Daimaru in Motomachi). They have huge omiyage areas.

Motomachi is the old shopping street, linking the two modern shopping areas near Sannomiya station and Kobe station. (Note: Kobe station is not the city centre. Sannomiya station is.) I like to walk down this street because there are many old traditional shops, some which have been there for a long time. Chinatown is close to the start of the street as well but I would just do a quick visit for photos.

Also, don’t forget that Kobe is well-known for its sweets and pastries. Cafes are everywhere so you can stop by anytime for a quick cuppa and cake. Some popular ones are Tooth Tooth, Mother Moon Café, a la campagne.

For more information about Kobe, you can check out their English page.
http://www.feel-kobe.jp/_en/sightseeing/

Wow thanks for the details! After seeing thru i tink a day trip wouldnt be enough to cover those area that you mention..i wont be staying at kobe as iv alrdy book accomdation at osaka for whole of my trip..so going kobe for 2days using the jr pass is it feasible n cost saving?

 

[lillyelf]

Wow thanks for the details! After seeing thru i tink a day trip wouldnt be enough to cover those area that you mention..i wont be staying at kobe as iv alrdy book accomdation at osaka for whole of my trip..so going kobe for 2days using the jr pass is it feasible n cost saving?

Lol my suggestions are actually for just a day trip. It's possible to do everything if you just browse through the areas and not visit any specific attractions.

For a one-day trip, my suggestion would be:

Arrive in Kobe 10am
Go up the Nunobiki Falls and/or Nunobiki Herb Gardens

Walk to the Kitano area (about 20 min)

Kobe beef lunch (at Motomachi or Sannomiya)

Shopping (walk from Sannomiya->Motomachi->Kobe Harborland)

Cake and coffee/along the way

Dinner at Harborland area (Umie shopping mall or Mosaic shopping area)

Enjoy the night view around the sea before heading back to Osaka.

For a longer or second visit, there's Mt Rokko Pasture at the top of the mountain, Arima Onsen and the Sanda premium outlets on the other side of the mountain and the Animal Kingdom Park at Port Island towards the sea. If you're here at the right time, the Kobe Luminaire will take place from Dec 2-11. It's a nice light-up.

You don't need the JR pass. In fact, if you stay near a Hanshin/Hankyuu or even Osaka subway station, you might want to look at the Kansai Thru pass. It can cover all non-JR subway lines in and connecting the main cities. The cost is 4000 yen for 2 days or 5200 yen for 3 days. Really worth it cos you can hop in and out of the Kobe subway all day too. It even covers Arima Onsen.

Hope you have a great time in Kobe! I always feel sad when I hear Singaporeans say that Kobe is only good as a stop for Kobe beef or premium outlet shopping. There's so much more to see and do.

 

[dude123]

Lol my suggestions are actually for just a day trip. It's possible to do everything if you just browse through the areas and not visit any specific attractions.

For a one-day trip, my suggestion would be:

Arrive in Kobe 10am
Go up the Nunobiki Falls and/or Nunobiki Herb Gardens

Walk to the Kitano area (about 20 min)

Kobe beef lunch (at Motomachi or Sannomiya)

Shopping (walk from Sannomiya->Motomachi->Kobe Harborland)

Cake and coffee/along the way

Dinner at Harborland area (Umie shopping mall or Mosaic shopping area)

Enjoy the night view around the sea before heading back to Osaka.

For a longer or second visit, there's Mt Rokko Pasture at the top of the mountain, Arima Onsen and the Sanda premium outlets on the other side of the mountain and the Animal Kingdom Park at Port Island towards the sea. If you're here at the right time, the Kobe Luminaire will take place from Dec 2-11. It's a nice light-up.

You don't need the JR pass. In fact, if you stay near a Hanshin/Hankyuu or even Osaka subway station, you might want to look at the Kansai Thru pass. It can cover all non-JR subway lines in and connecting the main cities. The cost is 4000 yen for 2 days or 5200 yen for 3 days. Really worth it cos you can hop in and out of the Kobe subway all day too. It even covers Arima Onsen.

Hope you have a great time in Kobe! I always feel sad when I hear Singaporeans say that Kobe is only good as a stop for Kobe beef or premium outlet shopping. There's so much more to see and do.

Thanks for the suggestion..will follow it! Btw, kansai thru pass can connect to kyoto & nara ? Unlimited ride fo4 5200yen 3days?

 

[lillyelf]

Thanks for the suggestion..will follow it! Btw, kansai thru pass can connect to kyoto & nara ? Unlimited ride fo4 5200yen 3days?

Yup. Link attached for more information.http://www.surutto.com/tickets/kansai_thru_english.html

 

[Deathskull88]

Thanks for the suggestions and tips, will be dropping into the city for half a day during Koyo season.

Am also looking to see if I could spend an additional day there, including visiting the Kobe Municipal Arboretum for some momijigari

 

[dude123]

Yup. Link attached for more information.http://www.surutto.com/tickets/kansai_thru_english.html

Thanks for the info! This is the cheapest pass for connecting osaka-kyoto-nara? Any other choice?

 

[chaotah]

everyday go different shop eat kobe beef

 

[kifo]

Thanks for the info! This is the cheapest pass for connecting osaka-kyoto-nara? Any other choice?

the other choice is to just use an ICOCA card. you may end up saving a few yen if your itinerary does not involves too many train/bus travelling.

 

[hst201]

Not sure what you've done, but maybe you can visit the sake factories at Nada-ku? They are just a couple of stops east of the main city area of Sannomiya. Sorakuen and the Nunobiki Herb Garden are nice though I can't be sure if there will be much to see in December.

If you are going in early December, you may be able to see autumn leaves. The Nunobiki Falls area is quite nice. Other alternative areas are Ohara in Kyoto (a bit of a long trip out from Kobe but really nice when it's the right season) and Minoo Park in Osaka.

If you can tell me where you've been and what you like I can advise better. I would assume that you've already been to the traditional crafts area of Kyoto. Are there any types of crafts or brands that you like? Each city has areas within the city lined with indie shops. Have you visited those?

Most people go to Steakland for the beef because it's cheap. While it's true that you can have Kobe beef for about 3000 yen there, the experience differs depending on your chef. Too many of my friends had disappointing experiences because of the inexperience of the chef, but if you're on a budget, it remains a good option.

Moriya is a popular choice with people who can afford to spend more. I've never heard a bad word about the place from people who have been there but I've never been there myself. The cost is significantly higher so do your research first.

Personally, I'm a fan of the Kisshokichi group. Lunch sets are reasonable, and the branch I go to 'Red One' at Motomachi is never full so I get served really quickly.
http://www.koubegyuu.com/en/

For a short visit, I do recommend Nunobiki Falls. It's a short walk up the hill near Shin-Kobe station, not too difficult. The area is nice and quiet and makes for a pleasant walk. Then again I am a fan of waterfalls so ymmv. Taking the cable car up to the Nunobiki Herb Garden is quite romantic so if you are going with a loved one, that is an option.

Kobe’s famous souvenirs are its pudding and gaufres (wafer biscuit). You can get plenty of both if you go to the Kitano area (or the Foreign Residences area). It’s where the foreigners used to stay when Kobe was one of the few open ports in Japan. Japanese visitors love the place, but personally I feel it’s slightly overrated. Good for pictures, though. Another souvenir option is Frantz white or matcha chocolate-covered strawberries. There are many shops selling them and I think you can even find them at the airport. If you want even more options I suggest any big department stores (Sogo in Sannomiya, Daimaru in Motomachi). They have huge omiyage areas.

Motomachi is the old shopping street, linking the two modern shopping areas near Sannomiya station and Kobe station. (Note: Kobe station is not the city centre. Sannomiya station is.) I like to walk down this street because there are many old traditional shops, some which have been there for a long time. Chinatown is close to the start of the street as well but I would just do a quick visit for photos.

Also, don’t forget that Kobe is well-known for its sweets and pastries. Cafes are everywhere so you can stop by anytime for a quick cuppa and cake. Some popular ones are Tooth Tooth, Mother Moon Café, a la campagne.

For more information about Kobe, you can check out their English page.
http://www.feel-kobe.jp/_en/sightseeing/

Thanks much. Am planning to visit the sake breweries. I take it that we can just turn up and walk in.

Planning to have beef at Setsugekka. Hope it will be gd.

Are the prices at Kobe Premium Outlet attractive? With relative strong yen now compared to a year ago, I thought we may give it a skip.

Will go to Kitano and Motomachi as you suggested.

 

[lillyelf]

Thanks much. Am planning to visit the sake breweries. I take it that we can just turn up and walk in.

Planning to have beef at Setsugekka. Hope it will be gd.

Are the prices at Kobe Premium Outlet attractive? With relative strong yen now compared to a year ago, I thought we may give it a skip.

Will go to Kitano and Motomachi as you suggested.

Many breweries have open museums and such, but some might require you to call ahead to book for a tour. It's best that you check out the breweries' websites and check their opening hours etc.This site offers a pretty good idea of what you can expect.
http://www.savoredjourneys.com/2016/09/visiting-sake-breweries-nada-japan/

I'm not a big shopper so I don't know about the prices at the outlet malls, but considering that they are rather out of the way, I wouldn't recommend going there unless you are very certain you want to buy something. For normal shopping, the department stores and shops within the city should be more than sufficient.

Enjoy Kobe!