Leisure / Hobbies Spots in Central Kobe City Area

  • Kobe Harborland
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    4.0
    1947 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hyogo Pref. Koubeshi Chuou-ku Higashikawasakichou 1
    A variety of entertainment facilities stand side by side in Kobe Harborland, including stores, restaurants, amusement attractions, and hotels. A stroll through the area gazing out over the sea in daytime is pleasant, but the illuminated nightscape is also fun to enjoy. On weekends, a flea market and numerous other events are held here as well.

    This is 3 stops away from Sannomiya Station. If you have a Kansai Pass, going to Harbor land is included in your ticket. It’s my second time in Kobe but first time to explore this part of Japan. It’s...

  • Kobe Animal Kingdom
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    4.5
    608 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hyogo Pref. Koubeshi Chuou-ku Minatojimaminamimachi 7-1-9
    An all-weather theme park located on Port Island in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture. Its predecessor was the Kobe Flower and Bird Garden, a facility which brought guests in contact with flowers and birds. The park contains numerous greenhouses and outdoor exhibition spaces where tropical flowers bloom in profusion. Numerous varieties of animals and birds are also allowed to roam the park freely, or can be view up close in special exhibits. Visitors can enjoy getting close to and even feeding rare birds, capybara, alpacas, and penguins. The impressive bird show and dog performances are a must-see. The park’s seasonal buffet can be enjoyed by all ages, from children to senior citizens, making it well-received with families.

    Really fun experience, much better than we expected. We needed something fun for our son who has been a trooper the past few days. This was really great. There are a few animals who look a bit...

  • Maiko Park
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    4.0
    175 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hyougo Pref. Koubeshi Tarumi-ku Higashimaikochou 2051
    A municipal park with an exotic atmosphere opened in 1900. The park is located at the foot of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge a five-minute walk from Maiko Station on the JR San'yo Main Line as well as Sanyo Electric Railway Maiko-koen Station. Maiko Beach is known for its spectacular white sands and green pines as well as its commanding view of Awaji Island and has been praised in poem and song since ancient times. Today, some 1,800 pines grow in a grove in the area. Various historic structures restored or rebuilt to their full glory stand on the park's grounds and are open to the public, such as the Former Residence of the Kinoshita Family, an early modern Japanese home built in the tea ceremony arbor style; and the Former Residence of Sanji Muto, a Western-style home built in the Colonial style.

    The bridge hangs over this park. Why was this park built, just to gobble up more budget? Devastating!

  • UCC Coffee Museum
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    4.0
    241 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hyogo Kobe-shi Chuo-ku Minatojimanakamachi 6-6-2

    The UCC Coffee Museum explains the history of coffee both from a world perspective and from its arrival from Brazil over a hundred years ago. There is also a coffee tasting corner and a gift shop...

  • Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum
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    4.5
    155 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hyogo Kobe-shi Chuo-ku Kumochicho 7-5-1
    This museum is Takenaka Corporation’s corporate museum located in Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture. It is Japan’s only museum that features collections and exhibits on the theme of carpenter tools. The permanent exhibits feature carpenter tools that supported Japan’s construction in the past and introduce the skill and wisdom of the carpenters who wielded them, not to mention the culture surrounding architecture and trees. There are models visitors can touch as well as touch panel picture scrolls, allowing visitors to enjoy the displays using all five senses. Special exhibits focused on architecture and design are opened several times a year.

    If you appreciate wood working quality and skills then you will love this museum. Some of the works are so perfect, so beautiful, you can only just admire the level of craftsmanship. To combine these...

  • Kobe Suma Rikyu Park
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    4.0
    157 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hyogo Pref. Koubeshi Suma-ku Higashisuma 1-1
    This is the municipal public park maintained on the site of the former imperial gardens (Suma Rikyu Park) in Suma Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, and there is the main park and a botanical garden located on a hillside which commands a view over Osaka Bay. In the main garden, there is a European style plaza with a water fountain which is reminiscent of the former imperial residence and a “Rose Garden of Princes and Lords”, you can enjoy a refined tea time in the rest house which has been fashioned in a palatial image. The flowers of the four seasons such as the irises, camellias, tree peony and plums are beautiful, and the autumn colors of “Midori Taki (green waterfall)” is also a must see. There are field athletics and a children’s playground in the park, and even bringing the children with you, one can enjoy spending all day there.

    The park has a distinguished history, as the word “rikyu” suggests. The word means a palace for pleasure, and it used to be owned by Imperial Household. Since the ancient times, Suma was well known...

  • Kobe City Museum
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    4.0
    184 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hyogo Pref. Koubeshi Chuou-ku Kyoumachi 24
    Located in Kobe City, Kobe City Museum was opened in 1982. The building that houses the Museum was originally constructed to serve as the Kobe Branch of the former Yokohama Specie Bank; some extension work was undertaken when it was redeveloped to house the Museum. The building is registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property; it was the last building project completed by the famous architect Sakurai Kotaro. There are around 70,000 items in the Museum’s collections, including National Treasures; the items include archeological finds, works of art imported into Japan from Southeast Asia and Europe during the Edo period and earlier, art related to Kobe, the “Portrait of St. Francis Xavier” and other famous artworks, etc. Besides the Museum’s permanent exhibitions, several thematic exhibitions are held every year.

    The museum is amazing if you’re interested in Kobe’s history. The first floor is free. If you don’t speak Japanese well, you won’t have to worry since they have all English subtitles when projecting...

  • Kobe Maritime Museum and Kawasaki Good Times World
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    3.5
    97 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hyogo Pref. Koubeshi Chuou-ku Hatobachou 2-2
    "The Kobe Maritime Museum, which features a large roof with a white space frame structure evoking the image of sails of a sailing ship running across the ocean and sea waves, opened in 1987 as the ""commemorative project of the 120th anniversary of the opening of the modern Port of Kobe"" under the concept of ""Kobe, starting from the sea and the port, sails for the future"". Visitors can experience the structure of ships, the fascination of cruise ships, port facilities, and the history and future of the sea, ships, and ports. The ""past"", ""present"", and ""future"" of the sea, ships, and ports are introduced in an easy-to-understand manner through the real objects, diorama models, videos, and graphics, etc., showing how ports and cities have changed with the times. Attached to the museum is the ""Kawasaki Good Times World"" that opened in 2006. It is a corporate museum of Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group, which has been working together with the Port of Kobe since the opening of the port."

    Went there to visit. This is truly a place to enrich your knowledge of ports, ships and technology. When we passed by it at night, it looks very beautiful.

  • Mint Kobe
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    4.0
    83 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hyogo Pref. Koubeshi Chuou-ku Kumoidori 7-1-1
    This is a composite building owned by “Kobe Shimbunsha” located directly beside Sannomiya Station, and the brilliant mint colored building facade is a landmark. The lower floors from the first-floor basement to the ninth floor is a commercial zone, and a great number of shops such as fashion, cosmetics, lifestyle miscellaneous goods, gourmet, supermarket and Tower Records have opened up here. The ninth floor is an 8-screen cinema complex “OS Cinema’s Mint Kobe”. It is always crowded with shoppers being one of Sannomiya’s most popular destinations.

    Multi story shopping centre close to train and bus stops,lots of restaurants and cafes on the upper floors with a good assortment of food styles,open for lunch & dinner. There is movie theatre a...

  • Kobe Sports Park
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    4.0
    86 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hyogo Kobe-shi Suma-ku Midoridai
    "This large sports park is situated on the northwest side of Kobe City. The park's vast, lush grounds encompass sports facilities such as Kobe Universiade Memorial Stadium, which served as a National Athletic Meet venue; and the domed Green Arena Kobe gymnasium. The park is also a famous destination for flower viewing, exploding with the blossoms of some 50 thousand canola plants in spring and 100 thousand cosmos in autumn. Park areas such as Boken no Kuni (""Adventure Land""), outfitted with an ultra-long slide and health-promoting playground equipment; and Shizen no Kuni (""Nature Land""), which has long slides built on the side of a mountain, bustle with families and children throughout the year."

    オリックス・バファローズの試合観戦に訪問しました。アクセスは公園内に駅がある神戸市営地下鉄が圧倒的に便利だと思います。

  • Sorakuen Garden
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    4.0
    117 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hyogo Pref. Koubeshi Chuou-ku Nakayamatedori 5-3-1
    A Japanese garden in the style of a path around a central pond which includes a waterfall, stepping stones, stone bridge, and pond on spacious 20 thousand square meter grounds. The garden is famous for its azaleas in spring and fall foliage in autumn. Originally the garden in the principle home of Kodera Taijiro, a retainer of Sanda Domain, the garden was started in 1885 and completed in the late Meiji period. Visitors can enjoy scenery blending Western and Japanese sights, including a great camphor tree said to be 500 years old; the Old Hassam Residence, an Important Cultural Property moved here from the Ijinkan-gai area; the only remaining original river pleasure boat in Japan, and a team room.

    We had this place all to ourselves on a rainy afternoon. I loved the paths, waterfalls, and bridges. A great place to quietly reflect. 300 yen is a good price, but it could have been a bit bigger...

  • Bando Kobe Science Museum
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    3.5
    53 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hyougo Pref. Koubeshi Chuou-ku Minatojimanakamachi 7-7-6
    A science museum with a domed, rooftop astronomical observatory located a three-minute walk from Minami Koen Station on the Kobe New Transit Port-liner Line. Through exhibits that involve not just looking but getting hands on, even adults can have fun here while learning about science. The museum's planetarium, the only one in Kobe City, screens special shows on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays. The planetarium's original programs are also well-reviewed. The museum's exhibition rooms are filled with appropriately themed, interactive exhibits and experiment shows are held at the museum at set times each day. The museum's science library contains some 20 thousand volumes on space and science.

    fun for kids .. and especially teenagers who are interested in science experiments and human biology ... very informative ... but closes very early .. 4:30 pm they rush you out ... and mostly all is...

  • Kobe Anpanman Children’s Museum and Mall
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hyougo Pref. Koubeshi Chuou-ku Higashikawasakichou 1-6-2
    A hands on experience museum located within Kobe Harborland where you can experience the world of the TV animation character “Soreike! Anpanman”. Anpanmen and his friends are there to welcome you at the museum during opening hours. There is a stage show held every day at the “Yanase Takashi Theater”. In addition, there are performances held by Anpanman and his friends on the first floor of the shopping mall. Also, there are hands on events which children and parents can enjoy together and also seasonal events held such as “Jam Ojisan’s (Uncle Jam’s) Bread Factory” and “Batako’s Handmade House”.
  • Meriken Park
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hyogo Pref. Koubeshi Chuou-ku Hatobachou
    The park was created by reclaiming the space between Meriken Wharf and Naka-Tottei Pier, where Kobe Port Tower stands. Many buildings with distinctive designs, such as the Kobe Maritime Museum and hotels, make it one of the most representative landscapes of the Port of Kobe. It is also a popular night view spot with lights and illumination.
  • Sumaura Sanjo Yuen Park
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    4.0
    54 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hyougo Pref. Koubeshi Suma-ku Ichinotanichou 5-3-2
    An amusement park located close to Sanyo Electric Railway Sumaura-koen Station. Reached by riding the Sumaura Ropeway, the park has a variety of facilities, as well as a rotating observation tower and observatory which command views of area scenery like the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. Visitors can also enjoy barbecuing with an advance reservation depending on the season. The park serves Yamahiko and Umihiko wine patterned after the colors of the ropeway's gondolas. With facilities like a small children's playground and mini car land, the park is a perfect play destination for children. There's a flower promenade and plum forest for adults. A cafe in the observation tower serves a variety of seasonal items.

    昭和の匂いがプンプンします。山陽電鉄の駅直結です。ケーブルかー乗車口までビル2−3階分程階段を上がります。次は古き良き時代そのもののカーレーター。展望台はゆっくり回転します。リフトで奥に行き、登って行くと登山ルートに入るので要注意です。お子さんが居る方はお弁当持参でのんびりと楽しめそうですよ。兎に角、眺めが最高でした。

  • Kobe Harborland umie
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hyougo Pref. Koubeshi Chuou-ku Higashikawasakichou 1-7-2
    A shopping mall located in Kobe Harborland a five minute walk from JR Kobe Station comprised of three buildings-the North Mall, the South Mall, and Mosaic. Together, the three buildings host over 200 establishments, including large fast fashion shops, a food court, and an electronics retail store. The facility is airy and green, offering a view of the sea. There is also a promenade along a canal, and a giant Ferris wheel, giving visitors the chance to enjoy sights befitting the Kobe area in this popular tourist destination.
  • Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Exhibition Center
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    4.0
    37 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hyougo Pref. Koubeshi Tarumi-ku Higashimaikochou 4-114
    A science museum located next to the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Maiko Park a five-minute walk from Maiko Station on the JR San'yo Main Line and Sanyo Electric Railway Maiko-koen Station. The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the world and this museum presents the technologies involved in its construction using models, videos, and informational panels. One of the museum's exhibits is an actual 1/100th scale model (40 meters in length) used to test the bridge's properties in a wind tunnel; here visitors can also watch experimental simulations. The museum's 360-degree VR corner lets visitors experience what it's like to perform a safety check on the bridge.

    Some small exhibition in every level i think, a restaurant, small ice cream kiosk, small shop selling souvenirs, a deck you can see the view of Akashi port and surrounding, and the main attractions...

  • Kobe Bunka Hall
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    3.5
    17 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hyougo Pref. Koubeshi Chuou-ku Kusunokichou 4-2-2
    A community hall located close to Okurayama Park a one-minute walk from Kobe Municipal Subway Okurama Station and an eight-minute walk from Kosoku Kobe Station on various private rail lines. The hall is used for a variety of events, including orchestral concerts, movie screenings, and ballet and traditional rakugo comedic storytelling performances. The hall is also used as the venue for the Kobe International Flute Competition held once every four years. In addition, the facility's large and medium halls can be rented out and raffles are held to determine who may rent these between one year and two months in advance. There is a fellowship of the hall club which can be joined by those interested which includes perks such as advance ticket purchasing opportunities.

    古いホールですが、後方の席からでも舞台が見やすいです。 大ホールに入るには大階段を上がりますが、エスカレーターあるのに何故動かさないのか謎です。高齢の観客が多いコンサートだったので、大変そうでした。

  • Restaurant and Live Jazz Sone
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    4.5
    49 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hyogo Kobe-shi Chuo-ku Nakayamatedori 1-24-10
    A long-standing jazz club on Kitanozaka founded in 1969. Look for the brick facade. Guests enjoy live jazz and excellent cuisine. The shop's very welcoming to the younger generation as they want to introduce them to jazz music. Their Afternoon Jazz Live takes place on Sundays lets you take in genuine jazz performances at a reasonable price with a drink included. Their popular Happy Time Dinner Set Plan includes the fee for the first show, a meal, and a drink for those who arrive by 6 p.m. on weekdays.

    This is the best standard jazz bar in Kobe. Entrance is very reasonable (for Japan) at 1200 yen and beers about 700. The local musicians are of the highest order, (bar the singers who are often very...

  • Kobe International House
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hyougo Pref. Koubeshi Chuou-ku Gokoudori 8-1-6
    "A multiuse facility connected directly to Sannomiya Station via the Sannomiya underground shopping mall. The facility's International Hall is frequently used to host live music concerts as well as high school and university student recitals and events. The hall has seating on floors one through three and can accommodate up to 2,100 spectators. The facility also hosts cafes, boutiques, and other establishments; SOL, an area used to hold workshops; and rentable conference rooms available for meetings as well as training sessions and lectures. In the summer, a beer garden is held in the rooftop garden, the first in the area to be produced by ""plant hunter"" Seijun Nishihata."

Hyogo Areas

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Hyogo prefecture stretches from the north coast to the south coast on the western end of the popular Kansai region, encompassing verdant mountains, urban beaches, and fantastic historical sights. The prefecture’s main attractions lie along the south coast at Kobe, the prefectural capital, a pretty harbor city best known for its production of the renowned Kobe beef, and Himeji, the home of Himeji Castle, one of the country’s most beautifully preserved feudal castles, perched magically atop a hill.

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