Kobe in One Day: What To See In One Day In Japan

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Kobe, located in the Kansai region of Japan, is a city that offers a unique blend of modern and traditional cultures, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and beautiful natural scenery. Whether you have a full day to explore or just a few hours, there are plenty of things to see and do in Kobe. Of course, Kobe is renowned for its world famous Kobe beef but there are plenty of other things to do beyond this 🙂 

Here are three full-day itineraries that will help you make the most of your time in the city. Of course, this is an itinerary to CRAM AS MUCH AS possible into one day so if you would like more time to explore certain things, just remove a few things in between to leave yourself plenty of time to take a look at the others. 

Itinerary 1: Historic Sights and Architecture

• 9:00 AM: Start your day by visiting the Ikuta Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Kobe. This shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and well-preserved architecture, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Japanese history.
• 10:00 AM: After visiting the Ikuta Shrine, head to the Kobe Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Japan and a symbol of Kobe’s cosmopolitan culture. This mosque is a great place to learn about the city’s multicultural heritage and to experience a different side of Kobe.
• 11:00 AM: Finish your morning by visiting the Kitano-cho district, a beautiful neighborhood filled with European-style architecture. This district is a great place to take a leisurely stroll and admire the stunning architecture, including the former foreign settlement and the red-brick warehouses.
• 12:00 PM: Stop for lunch at a traditional Japanese restaurant, such as a soba noodle restaurant or a sushi restaurant, to try some of Kobe’s famous cuisine.
• 1:00 PM: After lunch, visit the Kobe City Museum, which offers a great opportunity to learn about the city’s history and culture.
• 2:00 PM: Head to the Meriken Park, a beautiful park located along the harbor that offers stunning views of the sea and the city.
• 3:00 PM: Visit the Kobe Port Tower, a modern tower that offers 360-degree views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
• 4:00 PM: Visit the Kobe Fashion Museum, a museum that showcases the history and development of fashion in Kobe.
• 5:00 PM: Finish your day by relaxing in a traditional Japanese hot spring, such as the Arima Onsen, a hot spring resort located just outside of Kobe.

Itinerary 2: Food Food Food and Animals

• 9:00 AM: Start your day by visiting the Kobe Central Wholesale Market, one of the largest markets in Japan. This market is a great place to sample some of Kobe’s freshest produce, including the famous Kobe beef. This is great as a breakfast thing or just simply switch this around and arrive here around lunch time to have some delicious Kobe beef. Alternatively of course you can simply just book a restaurant in for dinner but visit the market anyways. 
• 10:00 AM: After visiting the Kobe Central Wholesale Market, head to the Nankin-machi district, also known as Kobe’s Chinatown. This district is a great place to try some of Kobe’s best Chinese cuisine, including delicious dumplings and noodles.
• 11:00 AM: Finish your morning by visiting the Kobe Kitano Wine Museum, a museum dedicated to the history and production of wine in Kobe. This museum is a great place to learn about the city’s rich winemaking heritage and to sample some of Kobe’s best wines.
• 12:00 PM: Stop for lunch at a traditional Japanese restaurant, such as a soba noodle restaurant or a sushi restaurant, to try some of Kobe’s famous cuisine.
• 1:00 PM: After lunch, visit the Kobe Animal Kingdom, a zoo that offers a great opportunity to see a variety of animals from around the world.
• 2:00 PM: Visit the Kobe Oji Zoo, a beautiful zoo that is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, tigers, and gorillas.
• 3:00 PM: Head to the Sake Breweries, where you can learn about the process of making sake and try some of Kobe’s finest sake
• 4:00 PM: Visit the Kobe Municipal Fruit and Flower Park, a park that is home to a variety of plants and flowers, as well as a beautiful greenhouse.
• 5:00 PM: Finish your day by visiting a traditional Japanese sweets shop, such as the Nakamura-ya, which offers a variety of traditional Japanese sweets and confections.

Itinerary 3: Natural Beauty and Adventure

• 9:00 AM: Start your day by visiting the Mount Rokko, a beautiful mountain that offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside. You can take a scenic cable car or hike up the mountain to reach the summit.
• 10:00 AM: After visiting Mount Rokko, head to the Nunobiki Herb Garden, a beautiful garden that is home to a variety of plants and flowers.
• 11:00 AM: Finish your morning by visiting the Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets, a shopping mall that is home to a variety of high-end stores and designer brands.
• 12:00 PM: Stop for lunch at a traditional Japanese restaurant, such as a soba noodle restaurant or a sushi restaurant, to try some of Kobe’s famous cuisine.
• 1:00 PM: After lunch, visit the Kobe Nunobiki Waterfall, a beautiful waterfall that is surrounded by a lush forest.
• 2:00 PM: Head to the Naka-no-se, a beautiful beach that is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
• 3:00 PM: Visit the Kobe Adventure World, an amusement park that offers a variety of thrill rides and attractions.
• 4:00 PM: Visit the Kobe Animal Kingdom, a zoo that offers a great opportunity to see a variety of animals from around the world.
• 5:00 PM: Finish your day by visiting a traditional Japanese tea house, such as the Ippodo Tea Shop, where you can sample some of Kobe’s finest tea and enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Conclusion:

Kobe is a city that offers a wealth of things to see and do, from its rich history and architecture to its delicious cuisine and stunning natural scenery. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s traditional culture, sampling its delicious food, or taking in its breathtaking views, there’s something for everyone in Kobe. With these three full-day itineraries, you’re sure to make the most of your time in the city and create lasting memories.