Unique Things To Do In Kobe Japan

An Overview Of Kobe

Famed as the origin of world-famous Kobe Beef, Kobe Japan is also known for its popular hot spring resort Arima Onsen, its attractive urban environment and the nearby Rokko Mountain Range. Much of Kobe lounges on a beautiful shoreline with bridge links to Awaji Island and Tokushima. With views and harbors in Osaka Bay, notoriously beautiful urban landmarks and great food, there are many unique things to do in Kobe.

Unique Things To Do In Kobe Japan

Gigantor – Tetsuji 28 Monument

This giant statue of a robot manga character was commissioned to commemorate Kobe’s recovery following a devestating earthquake in 1995.

Notre Dame Kobe

This cathedral isn’t nearly as impressive as the Notre-Dame de Paris in France, but the structure is a popular wedding chapel overlooking the harbor. For casual visitors, the building’s main draw is a colorful fountain show performed at night.

Nankin-Machi

This neighborhood in Kobe is a popular tourist attraction, essentially serving as Kobe’s Chinatown, complete with a bright red temple dedicated to Lord Guan.

Meriken Park

This is a wide waterfront park filled with unique structures, including the twisting spiral of the Kobe Port Tower, the unusual netted architecture of the Kobe Maritime Museum and the haunting, semi-broken memorial dedicated to the victims of the Great Hanshin earthquake. The Port of Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park is especially compelling, with sections of preserved concrete ruins laying broken and slumped in the shallows of port.

Kobe East Park (Higashi Yuenchi)

Those who visit this small park may notice a golden figure lounging on a column, holding a unmoving clock. The clock fell during the Hanshin Earthquake, leaving the timepiece stopped forever at the moment of calamity.

Ikuta Shrine

This is a beautiful Shrine in Kobe, thought to be founded by the Empress Jingū in the early 3rd century. It’s possible one of the oldest shrines in Japan with over 1800 years of history to its story. The shrine has maintained a small bubble of peaceful space around it.

Kobe Luminarie

This is an annual winter light show dedicated to the victims of the Great Hanshin Earthquake. The blazing light performance takes place around Motomachi station, extending from the Former Foreign Settlement to Higashi Yuenchi Park. Often, the event is shorthanded as Luminarie Festival and takes place during the first two weeks of December.

Kobe Masjid

This large mosque otherwise known as the Kobe Muslim Masjid was Japan’s first masjid. After being built in 1935, the structure withstood multiple disasters, serving as a shield during WWII bombing campaigns. The solid building also survived the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995, sheltering numerous displaced families who lost their homes in the destruction.

Kitano Ijinkan-Gai

Kobe served as a major port after Japan opened up, leading to an influx of European merchants and businessmen. Many built Western-styled homes which remain historically potent and well-maintained to this day. Kitano Ijinkan-Gai is home to many of these structures, making this a lovely scenic neighborhood to explore.

Shin Kobe Ropeway Overlook

This is part of a series of lifts which allow tourists to effortlessly rise through the Rokko Mountain chain. The Ropeway, which begins near Shin-Kobe Station offers aerial views overlooking the Nunobiki Waterfall, the Nunobiki Herb Garden and Kobe itself. The Ropeway eventually leads to an observation point which is popular for watching Kobe sparkle at night.

Nunobiki Stream and Waterfall

Found in the low mountains near Kobe, this hiking area passes a narrow, swift stream and tumbling waterfall in Kobe. The full route following the stream is beautiful, including sights such as the Nunobiki Dam, Gohonmatsu Waterfall, Nunobiki Falls and several small shrines. The hike is mostly uphill and areas are somewhat steep.

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens

This is a large and beautiful botanical garden filled with flowering bushes, herbs alongside a small gift shop.

Mount Maya and Mayasan Historical Park

Located in an abundance of fresh air and nature, Mayasan Tenjoji offers excellent views and various structures scattered about of foot trails. The mountain area can be reached via ropeway or hiked towards. In the area, visitors can spot the Remains of Tenjoji Niomon Gate, a small Shinto shrine and the Kikuseidai Observation Deck overlooking Kobe. This is one of the best hiking areas around Kobe.

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