Kobe is a subdued city known for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Kobe?
You should plan to spend around $129 (¥19,219) per day on your vacation in Kobe. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $54 (¥8,035) on meals
- $14 (¥2,035) on local transportation
- $124 (¥18,543) on hotels
A one week trip to Kobe for two people costs, on average, $1,800 (¥269,066). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$900
¥134,533
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2 Weeks
Per person
$1,800
¥269,066
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One Month
Per person
$3,857
¥576,570
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One Week
For a couple
$1,800
¥269,066
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2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,600
¥538,132
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One Month
For a couple
$7,713
¥1,153,140
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Kobe cost?
A one week trip to Kobe usually costs around $900 (¥134,533) for one person and $1,800 (¥269,066) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Kobe on average costs around $1,800 (¥269,066) for one person and $3,600 (¥538,132) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Kobe will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Kobe on average costs around $3,857 (¥576,570) for one person and $7,713 (¥1,153,140) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Kobe expensive to visit?
Kobe is a small yet inviting city that captivates travelers with a mix of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Kobe has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $57 (¥8,538) per day, mid-range travelers spend $129 (¥19,219) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $233 (¥34,839) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Kobe.
Within Asia, Kobe is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Kobe is generally more expensive than most.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Kobe Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Kobe?
The average Kobe trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Kobe travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Kobe cost?
Kobe on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$27
(¥4,056)
|
$62
(¥9,272)
|
$119
(¥17,717)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$6
(¥911)
|
$14
(¥2,035)
|
$24
(¥3,593)
|
Food 2
|
$24
(¥3,635)
|
$54
(¥8,035)
|
$91
(¥13,615)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$10
(¥1,565)
|
$24
(¥3,578)
|
$46
(¥6,844)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-6
(¥283-850)
|
$4-13
(¥656-1,968)
|
$9-26
(¥1,307-3,922)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget in Kobe is important. While you might think you can save money by cutting expenses, traveling comfortably requires a bit more spending for most people. Think about your favorite vacation activities and ideal travel style. Staying in a resort or comfortable hotel, along with sightseeing and dining out are generally what many people prefer. Your travel preferences will determine how much you'll end up spending on your trip.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $57 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Fortunately, Kobe has plenty of hostels such as Guesthouse Maya and Ini. Kobe Hostel & Cafe Bar. At hostels like these, you can find cheap accommodation in a dorm as well as a social atmosphere, but with very little amenities. Food is a key highlight for everyone who visits Kobe, but budget travelers often stick to street food or cook in their hostel, which means they might not fully appreciate the local culinary offerings.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. A trip to Kobe wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $129 per person, per day.
In Kobe, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Oriental Hotel Kobe is a fantastic option for families, and Hotel Okura Kobe is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Kobe here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $233. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the city means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Exploring Nada Sake Breweries Kobe Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Kobe
In Kobe, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $105 and peak summer season rising to an average of $196. Prices typically range from $43 to $558, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Kobe for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $124 (¥18,543). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $62 (¥9,272) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Kobe? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Kobe include:
- Hotel La Suite Kobe Harborland starting at $239
- Oriental Hotel Kobe starting at $102
- Arima Grand Hotel starting at $180
- Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel And Towers starting at $89
- Hotel Okura Kobe starting at $60
With Kobe's good public transit system, you can stay further out of the city and save on accommodations, though commuting could take more time and cost you more in transit fees.
By avoiding the peak summer season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Kobe
Kobe has a solid public transit system that covers many major attractions. While there is a subway system, it's not particularly useful to tourists. There is a bus service that operates a line that targets tourists. If you're looking to save time and money, public transit is a great choice as long as it's close to your destination. Taxis and rideshares are also available throughout town.
Kobe has walkable areas that can facilitate your exploration of various attractions. It's relatively easy to walk around many parts of the city, although some areas are quite hilly. You can walk from Shin-Kobe Bullet Train Station to the water in about half an hour.
Public Transit: (good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $14 (¥2,035) per person, per day, on local transportation in Kobe. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Kobe is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$14
¥2,035
If you're driving, check that your hotel has parking available.
In Japan, trains are one of the fastest and lowest cost means of transportation. Getting a Japan Rail Pass can save you money if you plan to stay for several days or more. Regional and nation-wide passes are available, usually for the number of days of your choice.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private departure transfer from Kobe City & Arima Onsen to Kansai Airport for $95 details
- Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Arrival Private Transfer for $40 details
- Private Transfer from Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe Cruise Port for $44 details
How much does it cost to go to Kobe? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Kobe will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Kobe
You can't miss the fantastic food in Kobe. Make sure you carve out some time to enjoy all the local tastes. Most people immediately think of Kobe beef when they think of this city, but there are also many other specialties around town. You'll find good sushi as well as akashiyaki, which are octopus dumplings. The city long served as a major port for Japan, so there is a strong Chinese influence over the cuisine. In particular, you should try the chuka ryori (a Chinese dumpling).
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Kobe can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Kobe is $54 (¥8,035) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$54
¥8,035
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Kobe is around $54 (¥8035) per person, with previous travelers spending from $24 to $91. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Kobe are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $16
- Lunch: $8 to $21
- Dinner: $16 to $38
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
Being a city of Japan, noodle and rice dishes make up the core of cooking and cuisine. Sobameshi, for example, is a dish of pan-fried noodles and boiled rice that is very unique to Kobe. Others include a beef dish called bokkake, a griddlecake made up of vegetables and meat or seafood held together with batter called Nagatayaki, and a boiled sand eel dish called kugini. Kobe is also abundant with sweets and breads, with many cafes and bakeries serving the baked goods with tea. Other specialties include sake and Kobe wine. Kobe beef is also is a delicacy renowned for its flavor, tenderness, and fatty, well-marbled texture, and can be prepared as steak, sukiyaki, shabu shabu, sashimi, and teppanyaki. There are plenty of dining options available throughout the city, especially in Sannomiya and Kobe's Chinatown, Nankinmachi.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Bring a water bottle instead of buying beverages everywhere. It helps the environment, too.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Kobe, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Sushi and Kobe Beef Cooking Class for $147 details
- Kobe Private Food Tour with Local Guide for $92 details
- Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour for $215 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Kobe
It's not surprising that visitors come to Kobe, as it offers food, museums and attractions, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Kobe typically cost an average of $24 (¥3,578) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$24
¥3,578
Commemorating the 1995 earthquake, Kobe has an Earthquake Memorial Museum that educates visitors on earthquakes and disaster prevention. Meriken Park near the harbor front has a memorial to the devastating earthquake a collection of modern art installations and fountains, the Kobe Port Tower, and Kobe Maritime Museum. Also nearby is Kobe Harborland, a shopping and entertainment district with a number of shopping complexes, re-purposed warehouses, and the Gaslight Street which is lit up in the evenings by old-fashioned gas street lamps and electric lights. Another notable landmark of Kobe on the waterfront is the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge which stretches between Kobe and Awaji Island, and exists as the longest suspension bridge in the world.
If you want to escape the buzz of the city and get a little closer to nature, Sorakuen Garden is a great place to escape right at the center of Kobe. It is a traditional Japanese landscape garden that was once part of the residence of Kodera Kenkichi, a former mayor of Kobe, but was opened to the public in 1941. Mount Rokko is another great place to take a step back and enjoy the views. It is the highest peak in the Rokko mountain range, offering spectacular panoramic views of the cities below especially during sunset. If this is not enough of an escape, you can also retreat to the Arima Onsen on the other side of the mountain. It is a famous hot spring resort town with bathing opportunities amidst mountain scenery.
For great views of the city from above, check out the Shin-Kobe Ropeway which departs from the Shin-Kobe Station and lifts tourists up the southern slopes of the Rokko mountain chain. As it ascends, it passes by the Nunobiki Waterfall and the Nunobiki Herb Garden, giving a nice aerial view of both, though they are also worth a visit from below. Take a pleasant hike to the waterfalls and enjoy the aromas of the 40-acre herb garden complete with greenhouses, exhibitions, and a restaurant.
Other attractions within the city include museums like the Hyogo Museum of Art and the Kobe City Museum.
Shopping:
You won't want to miss out on the shopping here. It's fun and convenient to shop here, as the best shopping districts are easy to access from the train stations.
Sannomiya is a hub of transportation and shopping in the city, but also check out Kobe Harborland for its diverse stores and high energy.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Kobe. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- 4-Hour Multicultural Kobe Walking Tour with Genuine Kobe Beef for $172 details
- KOBE, SHIOYA, a quaint fishing town walking tour for $97 details
- Private tour - Experience Kobe's Best Gems with a local host for $78 details
Nightlife Budget in Kobe
In Kobe, you can find some nightlife options, but it isn't as lively as in other more popular tourist spots. The nightlife scene is a bit subdued, but that doesn't mean you won't find local bars, karaoke, and live music venues where you can hang out. Many visitors enjoy having a chill night out with a drink in a laid back setting.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $8.78 (¥1,312) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Kobe per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$8.78
¥1,312
Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.
When enjoying the nightlife, stay alert and cautious, as you may attract the attention of pickpockets or other criminals. It's best to stay with a group of people you trust.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Kobe. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- KOBE Sake brewery PRIVATE walking tour with Local guide for $86 details
- Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe for $84 details
- Private Sake Tour and Tasting at a Kobe Brewery for $80 details
Traveling in Kobe
Kobe, Japan
Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.
Neighborhoods & Around
The biggest downtown district in Kobe is called Sannomiya. In addition to being a major shopping hub, it is also the center of many transportation systems in Kobe. Sannomiya Station is a home base in the city for JR West, Hankyu Railway, Hanshin Electric Railway, Kobe Municipal Subway, and Kobe New Transit.
Kobe's Chinatown, Nankinmachi, is another locus for activity packed with shops, restaurants, and food stands that sell popular items such as steamed buns (manju), ramen, tapioca drinks, and many other Chinese dishes. The two main streets of the district meet at a small central plaza and are always busy with tourists.
Another notable district includes Kitano-cho which is home to a number of former mansions of merchants and diplomats, called ljinkan. Many are open for touring while the surrounding neighborhood offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, and boutiques.
Then there is Kobe's Nada district, Japan's top sake (rice wine) producing region. Here you will find a number of sake breweries and museums.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.