If you plan to go to Osaka during your trip to Japan, be sure to hop on the train to Kobe for the day. It’s only a 40 minute ride from the Shin-Osaka Station and it’s well worth the time. If you have the JR Pass, you can use that to get there.
There is so much to see in Kobe and there is one thing you must eat. The highlight of my trip to Kobe: Kobe Beef. I have never tasted something so delicious in my life (but more about that later). I just wandered around, but if I go back, I think it would be cool to see what kind of things a local would plan for me!
One Day In Kobe
Visit The Nunobuki Herb Garden
Depending on the time of year you visit you can see Kobe differently. In the spring you can check out some cherry blossoms. If you visit in the fall the leaves change colors. In the summer you can see beautiful flowers. There is a gorgeous green house that houses exotic plants and herbs. The view is probably the best part, oh and maybe the lavender ice cream.
Take The Ropeway to Mount Rokko
Mount Rokko is the highest peak in Kobe. You can see all the way to Osaka from the summit. There are a ton of things to do while you’re up there. You can go to the botanical gardens, a garden terrace and more. Grab a local beer in the cafe at the top and sit by the window for a truly spectacular view.
Chow Down On The Most Delicious Melt In Your Mouth Kobe Beef
I had one of the best meals of my life in Kobe. We were originally meant to go to one of the “Top 5 Best Kobe Beef Places” in Kobe, but we didn’t even think to make reservations. So, I turned to trusty TripAdvisor and found a place to eat. We ended up at Tor Road Steak Aoyama. The family run restaurant was one of the best places I’ve ever been. Our meal was prepared by the father and son, we were served by the mother who also explained the whole meal to us and when we paid, the grandmother (who must have be 90 years old) made the transaction.
We ordered a set meal, that came with about five courses. We ordered one sirloin and one filet. They each cost 6,500 Yen. We started off with a delicious cream soup that the family has been making for over 50 years — WOW, it was so tasty I literally licked up everything out of my bowl. We had a seafood (Sashimi, shrimp, etc.) course followed by a fresh salad. And then the good part came (okay, who am I kidding, it was all good). We were given fresh vegetables, texas toast, rice, and then what everyone is waiting for: mouthwatering, smooth like butter Kobe beef. I will never have a more tender piece of meat in my life. I didn’t know what steak was like until I had it in Kobe.
Check Out Ikuta Shrine
This shrine was one of my favorites in all of Japan. It’s so colorful and smack dab in the middle of the busy city. There’s also a pretty little wooded area near the back where you can take cover from the heat.
See The Waterfront
You should go to the waterfront at night so you can see it lit up. You will be amazed at how beautiful it is.
Ride The City Loop Bus
Purchase a ticket from the train station when you arrive. It costs about 660 yen for a ticket. You can use it all day to get to different hot spots around the city.
Headed to Japan? Read about Tokyo and Hakone.
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