One-Day Trip to Kobe: A Romantic Stroll in a Harbor Town

If you're visiting Kansai, be sure to set aside at least half a day for Kobe. If your trip is filled with sightseeing and shopping, it can be quite tiring. Kobe offers a chance to return to the essence of travel: watching the sea, daydreaming, and relaxing. Itinerary: In the morning, head to Kitano Ijinkan Street, home to a collection of diverse Western-style buildings, creating a unique international atmosphere. Stroll through the area, visit the Weathercock House and Moegi House, and learn about Kobe's history after it opened as a port. Tickets cost approximately JPY 500–1000 per person. There are also many unique shops along the way where you can buy souvenirs. Around noon, move to Nankinmachi, Kobe's Chinatown, where you can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine. From dan dan noodles to steamed buns, there's something for everyone at affordable prices, averaging JPY 500–1500 per person. In the afternoon, visit Kobe Harbor and admire the beautiful seascape. You can ascend the Kobe Port Tower for a panoramic view of the harbor (tickets cost approximately JPY 700 per person). Nearby, you can ride the Mosaic Ferris wheel for JPY 800 and enjoy the city scenery as you slowly ascend. In the evening, arrive at Motomachi Shopping Street, a shopper's paradise with a wide variety of fashion brands and specialty stores. When you're tired of shopping, take a break at a street-side cafe and try Kobe's unique Rokkosan Pasture ice cream, known for its rich, milky flavor. Travel Tips: —Download transportation apps like Japan Transit Planner in advance for easy access to bus and train schedules. —Kobe's public transportation mainly consists of buses and trains. Consider purchasing a one-day pass for approximately JPY 1500 to save on travel expenses. —Kobe is not a large city, so you can also ditch the navigation and enjoy a city walk all day long. When you get tired, head to a seaside cafe at Kobe Harbor, daydream, enjoy some desserts and a cup of coffee, and recharge before continuing your exploration.