Top 10 Things to DO in KOBE Japan & Kobe Beef Spots | WATCH BEFORE YOU GO

@Paolo fromTOKYO

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Explore Kobe beyond its famous beef, with a guide to shopping streets, scenic views from Mount Rokko, relaxing onsen, and diverse culinary experiences including ramen, gyukatsu, sukiyaki, and akashiyaki.

1 plan · 16 places · 3 experiences

Plan · 15 places · Kobe, Japan

Kobe City Day Trip: Shopping, Views & Beef

“Kobe is most well-known for Kobe beef, but there's actually a lot more to do here. From Osaka, it's only about a 30 to 45-minute train ride, making it a great day trip or weekend trip to visit Kobe as well. This video covers some things to do in Kobe as well as where to eat some Kobe beef.”

1
Kobe Motomachi Shotengai
Business park · Kobe
3.9Closed
Creator's voice
One of Kobe's many covered shopping streets, offering a local shopping scene with a variety of shops and restaurants. It's all within walking distance from Sannomiya Station.
Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street, 1～6丁目の一部 2 Motomachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0001, Japan
2
Sannomiya Center Gai
Kobe
Creator's voice
A large covered shopping street in Kobe, part of a plethora of shopping streets scattered throughout the city. It's convenient for shopping even on rainy days.
Kobe Sannomiya Center Gai Shopping St, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
3
Ikuta Road
Kobe
Creator's voice
A shopping street in Kobe, known for its covered area, making it suitable for walking around even when it's raining.
Ikuta Rd, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
4
Sankita
Teppanyaki restaurant · Kobe
4.7 (2,177)Open · until 10:30 PM
Creator's voice
One of Kobe's shopping streets, offering a covered area for comfortable browsing regardless of the weather.
Kobe Beef MIYABI Sankita Store, プラチナビル 1 Chome-2-7 Kitanagasadori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0012, Japan
5
Tor Road
Kobe
Creator's voice
A shopping street in Kobe, part of the city's extensive network of covered shopping areas.
Tor Rd, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
6
Kobe Beef Ramen Yazawa
Ramen restaurant · Kobe
4.3Open · until 11 PM
Creator's voice
A unique ramen spot that combines ramen with Kobe beef. The broth is made from A5 Kobe beef bone and Kyoto vegetables, taking 16 hours to mature. It's a great option for enjoying Kobe beef without going to the most expensive places.
Kobe beef Ramen Yazawa, センタープラザ西館 142-4, 2 Chome-11-1 Sannomiyacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0021, Japan
- Creamy Shio Ramen with Kobe Beef Rare Steak — This creamy shio ramen comes with Kobe beef rare steak, miso, and Kobe beef 'shigure-ni' (simmered beef) on the side. The broth is surprisingly light and refreshing despite its creamy appearance, with onions adding a nice spring flavor. Dip the rare Kobe beef into the hot broth briefly to avoid overcooking it.
- Kobe Beef Sushi · ¥800 — You can order Kobe beef sushi on the side. There are three levels: economy (red), chutorro (middle fatness), and akami (sirloin). I went for the 800 yen option, which was a rich piece of meat with beautiful marbling. Add some wasabi on top for an extra kick.
Experience · 1 place
Take the cable car up Mount Rokko for panoramic views
I love this place! From Sannomiya Station, it's about a 20-25 minute journey to the base of the Rokko cable station, then a beautiful 10-minute ride up the cable car to the observatory. Once at the top, you're on top of the world, with stunning panoramic views of Kobe and Osaka. You can see how Kobe is surrounded by the ocean. Locals use 'mountainside' (north) and 'seaside' (south) for directions here. It's beautiful during the day, but also a romantic sight at night when the city is all lit up. You could easily spend half a day here exploring the observatory, restaurants, botanical garden, or even a ropes course.
7
Hyoe Koyokaku
Japanese inn · Kobe
4.4 (20)
Creator's voice
A hotel in Arima Onsen with a 700-year history, offering several different onsen options and serving beautiful kaiseki meals. It's known as one of the top three onsen in Japan. You can reach Arima Onsen by bus from Sannomiya or Kobe Station in less than an hour.
Hyoe Koyokaku, 1904 Arimacho, Kita Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-1401, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Indulge in an in-room kaiseki dinner at Hyoe Koyokaku
One thing I truly loved was the in-room kaiseki dinner experience at Hyoe Koyokaku. It's a classic 'ryokan' meal, meaning you get a little bit of everything served in small dishes, often with seasonal ingredients. There's so much food, including seafood, soba noodles, and various appetizers. The highlight is definitely the Kobe beef, known for its fine textured meat fibers and marbling. I like my beef a little rare, so I don't cook it all the way through, but the lady says to cook it on the hotter parts. It's one of the most tender pieces of beef I've ever had, absolutely tremendous and mind-blowing. You just have to come here to taste it for yourself.
- Kobe Beef Shabu-shabu — The kaiseki dinner includes select quality Kobe beef, known for its fine texture and marbling. It's thinly sliced and cooked at your table, allowing you to control the doneness. I prefer it a little rare, but the server can guide you. It's incredibly tender and flavorful, melting in your mouth.
8
Kyukyoryuchi
Subway station · Kobe
3.9 (56)
Creator's voice
This foreign settlement was constructed when Kobe opened its international port in 1868, designed by British civil engineers. Although 70% of the buildings were destroyed in WWII, Kobe City preserved the remaining ones as cultural properties. It's now home to luxury brands and Western cafes, and Japanese locals enjoy walking here as it feels very much like a Western country.
Kyūkyoryūchi-Daimarumae Station, 3-chōme-2 Sannomiyachō, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0021, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Relax in the traditional onsen and private baths at Hyoe Koyokaku
The onsen at Hyoe Koyokaku are pretty dope, with traditional Japanese stylings. They even have private baths for those who like to keep it private, which is so relaxing. The water is supposed to be really good for your skin. It's such a nice day to be in the onsen. You can also walk around the area, as there are many walking trails if you're into hiking and want to see some nature. It's a good place to get away from the city and relax a little bit. I even found where the original onsen water comes from, just steaming out of the ground, right next to a temple. It's a great place to just walk around and explore.
- Private Onsen Bath — Hyoe Koyokaku offers private baths for those who prefer a more secluded onsen experience. These traditional Japanese-style baths are incredibly relaxing and a great way to unwind away from the city.
- Arima Onsen Street Food — Don't forget to check out the street food in the Arima Onsen area during your stay. I tried a fluffy, slightly indented snack that I initially thought would be cheesy, but it wasn't, which was still pretty good. It's always worth trying the local street food.
8
Kyukyoryuchi
Subway station · Kobe
3.9 (56)
Creator's voice
This foreign settlement was constructed when Kobe opened its international port in 1868, designed by British civil engineers. Although 70% of the buildings were destroyed in WWII, Kobe City preserved the remaining ones as cultural properties. It's now home to luxury brands and Western cafes, and Japanese locals enjoy walking here as it feels very much like a Western country.
Kyūkyoryūchi-Daimarumae Station, 3-chōme-2 Sannomiyachō, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0021, Japan
8
Kyukyoryuchi
Subway station · Kobe
3.9 (56)
Creator's voice
This foreign settlement was constructed when Kobe opened its international port in 1868, designed by British civil engineers. Although 70% of the buildings were destroyed in WWII, Kobe City preserved the remaining ones as cultural properties. It's now home to luxury brands and Western cafes, and Japanese locals enjoy walking here as it feels very much like a Western country.
Kyūkyoryūchi-Daimarumae Station, 3-chōme-2 Sannomiyachō, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0021, Japan
9
Kobe Chinatown Nankinmachi
Tourist attraction · Kobe
3.9 (489)Closed
Creator's voice
One of Japan's three major Chinatowns (along with Yokohama and Nagasaki), Nankinmachi is a must-visit spot in Kobe, especially for street food. It's a smaller street compared to Tokyo's Chinatown but offers many takeout shops and all-you-can-eat restaurants. The area was rebuilt in the 1970s after being burned down during WWII.
Nankinmachi, 1 Chome-3-18 Sakaemachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0023, Japan
- Peking Duck Wrap — I had this Peking duck wrap for breakfast, straight off the steamer. The duck was cut fresh, served with cucumber and a sweet sauce. It's delicious, with flavorful meat, crunchy veggies, and a sweet sauce that balances everything out. It's almost like a Chinese burrito.
10
Gyukatsu Tei
Syokudo and Teishoku restaurant · Kobe
4.7 (3,769)Open · until 10 PM
Creator's voice
A small shop hidden in the basement of the San Plaza shopping mall. While it doesn't serve Kobe beef, it's highly recommended for a quick gyukatsu (beef cutlet) fix. You get three different sauces: demi-glace, ponzu otoshi, and spicy tomato, plus an onsen tamago (soft-boiled egg) sauce.
GYUKATSU KYOTO KATSUGYU Kobe Sannomiya Center Plaza Store, センタープラザ東館１Ｆ 1 Chome-9-1 Sannomiyacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0021, Japan
- Gyukatsu Set — The gyukatsu here is fantastic: still red in the middle, with nice, tender, juicy, moist meat on the inside and a crunchy shell on the outside. You can dip it into various sauces like demi-glace, ponzu otoshi, onsen tamago, or spicy tomato. Dipping it in egg and putting it on rice creates a perfect combination, a little piece of happiness with every bite.
11
Kobe Harborland Umie
Shopping mall · Kobe
4.1 (6,565)Closed · opens tomorrow 10 AM
Modern harborfront shopping mall on 3 levels, with international brands, food outlets & free Wi-Fi.
Kobe Harborland umie, 1 Chome-7-2 Higashikawasakicho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0044, Japan
12
Kobe Harborland Mosaic
Shopping mall · Kobe
4.2 (1,953)Closed · opens tomorrow 10 AM
Creator's voice
Located in Kobe Harborland, this area is littered with restaurants, open spaces, and shops. It has a relaxed, Odaiba Dex-like feel, perfect for getting some food and enjoying the ocean views. You can find famous places like Eggs 'n Things and Starbucks here. There's also an Anpanman Museum, a Ferris wheel, and a biking playground for kids.
Kobe Harborland umie Mosaic, 1 Chome-7-2 Higashikawasakicho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0044, Japan
- Matcha Tiramisu — If you've seen my Kyoto video, you know about the matcha tiramisu, and you can also get it here in Kobe at Mosaic.
- Concert Jazz Teppanyaki Dinner Cruise — From the harbor, you can see the Concert boat, which offers a two-hour jazz teppanyaki dinner cruise. It's pretty dope!
13
Meriken Park
Park · Kobe
4.3 (4,422)Closed
Urban waterfront park featuring an observation tower, an earthquake memorial & a maritime museum.
Meriken Park, 2-2 Hatobacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0042, Japan
14
Kobe Beef Sukiyaki Ishida
Steak house · Kobe
4.8 (2,264)Closed · opens tomorrow 11:30 AM
Creator's voice
A restaurant where you can enjoy Kobe beef prepared in various ways, including shabu-shabu, yakiniku, or sukiyaki. All tables are in 'koshitsu' (private rooms), perfect for families or friends who want privacy. They also have a bell server system for convenience.
Kobe Beef Steak Ishida.Main-Shop, ２TAKAIビル 3F 1 Chome-21-21 Kitanagasadori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0012, Japan
- Kiwami Sukiyaki Set · ¥2400-¥4600 (for sirloin) — I ordered the Kiwami set, which is the most popular Kobe beef sukiyaki set in this restaurant. It comes with 140 grams of thinly sliced Kobe beef sirloin and shoulder, vegetables, appetizers, raw eggs, and grated yams for dipping. The server cooks the first round of beef for you, dipping it in a mix of sake and soy sauce. Grab the beef as soon as it browns to avoid overcooking. The beef is incredibly tender, a slice of heaven, with fatty juices melting in your mouth. Mixing the salty sukiyaki sauce with the smooth raw egg mellows out the taste to perfection.
15
Akashiyaki Kikucho
Takoyaki restaurant · Kobe
3.6 (102)
Creator's voice
This place serves akashiyaki, which is Kobe's version of takoyaki, but it's different. It's served on a sushi plate with a dashi broth for dipping. It's more like a fluffy, airy pancake than regular takoyaki. It's generally a drinking place, opening at 5 PM and closing at 3 AM, making it perfect for a long night out with friends.
Japan, 〒650-0044 Hyogo, Kobe, Chuo Ward, Higashikawasakicho, 1 Chome−6−2 菊兆ハーバーランド店
- Akashiyaki — Akashiyaki is Kobe's unique version of takoyaki. It comes as a blank, fluffy ball served on a sushi plate with a dashi broth. You dip it into the dashi, and it gets moist and breaks apart easily. It's much fluffier and airier than regular takoyaki, almost like a pancake. You can also add a sweet takoyaki sauce on top before dipping it into the dashi soup for a stronger taste.

Also in this video

16
Mount Rokko
Mountain range · Kobe
4.5
Creator's voice
Offers the best panoramic view of Kobe and Osaka. It takes about 20-25 minutes from Sannomiya Station to the cable car base, followed by a 10-minute cable car ride to the observatory. You can enjoy the view during the day or at night when the city lights up, making it a romantic spot. The area also has restaurants, a botanical garden, and a ropes course.
Mount Rokkō, Arimacho, Kita Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-1401, Japan

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