How to Spend a Day on a Day Trip to Kobe from Kyoto

Last updated 2025/4/24

Kobe is a lovely port city not far from Kyoto. It’s famous for its mountain and ocean views, tasty food (especially Kobe beef), peaceful parks, and stylish streets. You can easily explore Kobe in one day and experience something different from Kyoto.

Let’s dive into the perfect itinerary for your day!

Take a Train to Sannomiya Station (Central Kobe)

Travel Time: 30 to 50 minutes
Departure Station: Kyoto Station
Arrival Station: Sannomiya Station (main city center)

Train Options:

JR Special Rapid Service (JR Kobe Line) – About 50 minutes, covered by the JR Pass
Shinkansen (to Shin-Kobe Station) – About 30 minutes, faster but more expensive
Hankyu Line (via Juso Station) – Budget-friendly option from Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station

Tip: Leave Kyoto between 7:00 and 8:00 AM to have a full day in Kobe.

終極 JR 通行證 – 自由暢遊全日本

Available 2025/4/26

最低 $490 起/人

Start with a Relaxing Breakfast in Sannomiya

Once you arrive, take it easy and grab a light breakfast or coffee before sightseeing.

Café Options:

Nishimura’s Coffee – Elegant, old-style café with fresh pastries
Blue Bottle Coffee Kobe – Stylish café with quality drinks and light breakfast sets
Modernark Pharm Café – Vegan-friendly café with smoothies and healthy plates

Visit the Kitano Ijinkan District – Kobe’s Foreign House Area

Walking Time: 15–20 minutes uphill from Sannomiya Station

Kitano was home to foreign residents in the 1800s. You’ll find beautiful old Western-style houses and quiet streets with mountain views.

What to See:

✔ Weathercock House – Famous house with a red roof and city views (entry ~¥500)
✔ Moegi House, English House, and others – Some are now museums
✔ Street art, souvenir shops, and small galleries
✔ Kobe Mosque – First mosque in Japan, near Kitano

Tip: You can get a ticket set to visit 2–3 houses for a lower price.

Walk Back Down and Explore Sannomiya Shopping Streets

Kobe’s downtown is full of shopping arcades, small local shops, and trendy spots.

What to Do:

✔ Visit Center Gai – Kobe’s main shopping street
✔ Walk through Tor Road – Stylish area with boutiques and cafés
✔ Stop by Ikuta Shrine – A peaceful, red Shinto shrine right in the city center

Enjoy Lunch in Kobe

There’s something for everyone—from famous Kobe beef to tasty noodles and vegetarian meals.

Recommended Restaurants:

Steakland Kobe-kan – Affordable Kobe beef lunch sets (very popular)
Kobe Plaisir – Upscale restaurant with top-quality beef and great service
Kobe Motomachi Bekkan – Local dishes like soba and tempura

Vegan / Vegetarian Options:

Modernark Pharm Café – Vegan rice bowls, curries, and cakes
Sanctuary Café – Vegan meals and drinks in a peaceful setting
Chaya – Japanese-style vegetarian meals (inside Daimaru department store)

Walk to Nankinmachi – Kobe’s Chinatown

Walking Time: 10 minutes from Sannomiya

Kobe’s Chinatown is one of the best in Japan. It’s lively, colorful, and full of delicious snacks and fun photo spots.

What to Do:

✔ Try street food: steamed buns, fried dumplings, sesame balls
✔ See the Chinese gates and the small temple
✔ Look for gifts, toys, sweets, and tea

Head to Meriken Park – Kobe’s Harbor Area

Walking Time: 15–20 minutes from Chinatown

This open area by the sea is peaceful and modern. It’s great for walking, resting, and enjoying the view.

What to See:

✔ Kobe Port Tower – Observation deck with city and sea view (¥700)
✔ Maritime Museum – Learn about ships and Kobe’s history
✔ BE KOBE sign – Great photo spot
✔ Sit by the water and relax, especially in the afternoon