Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Kobe?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Kobe?

Many travelers spend one to two days in Kobe during their visit. After all, the under-rated city has plenty to explore such as the restaurant scene, shopping, and the famous sights and museums.

Kobe is a port city on the Osaka Bay. It's often overlooked by tourists, but those who pass through will enjoy the harbor front neighborhoods and the views of the surrounding mountains. The city also has a cable car and hot springs.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Kobe? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is 3 days enough time in Kobe?

With three days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Kobe has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Kobe as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the restaurant scene, shopping, and the famous sights and museums at your own pace, as this medium sized city offers a variety of fun activities for . We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.

How to spend 3 days in Kobe

Shopping in Kobe is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. 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.

The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. 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).

A few tour suggestions include:

Sake Tasting at Local Breweries in Kobe ($87)
1-Day Kobe Highlights Tour including Sake Tasting ($174)

The public transit in Kobe is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. 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.

Perhaps the most famous spot in Kobe is Kobe Harborland, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. 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.

You'll find a few good museums and historic landmarks here, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. Check out the view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower and visit the high energy area of Kobe Harborland. The Disaster Reduction Museum and the nearby Human Renovation Museum are both fascinating to visit as well. Also check out the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art and Rokko Island.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Kobe.

Is 4 days enough time in Kobe?

Four days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Kobe, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. The restaurant scene, shopping, the famous sights and museums, and the big city activities on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Kobe as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding areas.

Kobe, Japan

How to spend 4 days in Kobe

With 4 days in Kobe, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

Kobe is large enough to spend at least a full day exploring the local neighborhoods, attractions, and activities found around town. It's a relatively large port city that has a diverse and cosmopolitan atmosphere. It also makes a good base for exploring other nearby cities.

A few tour suggestions include:

Kyoto Tour All included with Cruise Port Pick up from Kobe ($170)
Private Transfer from Kobe Cruise Port to Kobe Airport (UKB) ($44)
Private Transfer from Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe Cruise Port ($48)

Is 5 days enough time in Kobe?

Five days is more than enough time to see everything that Kobe has to offer. After all, it's not such a huge city. Many visitors prefer to spend one to two days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the restaurant scene, shopping, the famous sights and museums, and the big city activities at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.

How to spend 5 days in Kobe

If you have more than 5 days in Kobe, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

After you've explored most of Kobe, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Kobe, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.