Kobe is a beautiful city located in the Kansai region of Japan, known for its picturesque harbor, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural history. As an international tourist, there are several ways to access Kobe depending on your location and preferred mode of transportation. In this blog post, we’ll cover the best ways to get to Kobe from overseas.
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Fly into Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka
One of the most popular ways to access Kobe is by taking a flight to Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka, which is located about an hour away from Kobe. From the airport, you can take the JR Haruka Express train to Sannomiya Station in Kobe, which is the main transportation hub in the city. However, you have to transfer trains a few times and this can be troublesome, especially with a suitcase.
The easiest option is to take the highway bus from the airport into central Kobe, which also takes about an hour. The bus costs ¥2000 one way or ¥3300 for a return ticket. You can view the bus schedule here.
Another unique way to get into Kobe from Kansai Airport is to use the High Speed Bay Shuttle. This ferry is a 30 minute ride across the bay to Kobe Airport.
Fly into Itami Airport (ITM) in Osaka
Itami Airport, also known as Osaka International Airport, primarily serves domestic flights within Japan. If you’re traveling from another Japanese city or have a connecting flight from an international destination, you can fly into Itami Airport. From there, take the New Tram from Itami Airport to Hotarugaike Station, then transfer to the Hankyu Takarazuka Line to Juso Station. Finally, switch to the Hankyu Kobe Line to get to Sannomiya Station in Kobe. The entire journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. There is also a highway bus available which makes it easier.
Fly into Kobe Airport (domestic flights only)
At the time of writing, Kobe Airport is currently a domestic airport only. However, there are reports that this could change in a few years with short international flights to Asia.
Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo
If you fly into Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda airports, getting the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Shin-Kobe Station takes around 3 hours. Consider buying a JR Pass for your travels through Japan.
Arriving by cruise ship or ferry
Kobe’s strategic location on the Seto Inland Sea makes it an attractive destination for cruise ships traveling through East Asia. If you’re considering a cruise through the region, many itineraries include a stop at the Port of Kobe. Once your cruise ship docks, you’ll be within easy reach of many of Kobe’s attractions and public transportation options.
There are also international and domestic ferry services that connect Kobe with other cities in Japan and neighbouring countries. If you choose to arrive in Kobe by cruise ship or ferry, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful coastal views while conveniently accessing the city’s attractions and public transportation. Make sure to check the schedules and availability of these services in advance to plan your journey accordingly.
Getting around Kobe
Once you arrive in Kobe, the city is easy to navigate by foot or public transport. As Kobe is nestled between the mountains to the north and harbor to the south, it makes knowing which direction to walk quite easy.
Kobe Tourism Smart Passport
The Kobe Tourism Smart Passport is a convenient way to access up to 49 facilities in Kobe over 1 or 2 days. You can purchase the Kobe Smart Passport here.
Explore on Foot or Take a Bus
From the base of the mountain at Shin Kobe station to the port, it’s roughly 4km. This make Kobe an easy place to explore on foot. The main sightseeing destinations and museums in the city can be accessed. From Nunobiki Herb Garden down to Meriken Park.
There are many convenient bus service, including the Kobe Sightseeing Loop bus and the articulated Port Loop bus that circles the city center, stopping at all the major tourist destinations within central Kobe.
Nearby Cities
Kobe sits within an hour to Himeji, Osaka and Kyoto which makes it a great central location to stay for your visit to the Kansai region of Japan. Kobe is served by Jr, Hankyu and Hanshin lines. You can by special passes to help your travels such as the Hankyu Tourist Pass.
Kobe is a great destination for tourists, with plenty of delicious food, beautiful scenery, and a rich cultural history. With several options for transportation, it is easy for international visitors to access this vibrant city and experience all it has to offer.
