Hotels and accommodation in Kobe-shi from AU$29

A Brief Overview of Kobe

Kobe is a city located between the sea and the Rokko mountains. The capital of Hyogo Prefecture, it is one of the ten largest cities in Japan and is considered the most attractive city in Japan. Encompassing the old provinces of Settsu and Harima, Kobe succeeded as a port city. Long home to international trade in Japan, this cosmopolitan city has an interesting history and distinctive architecture.

One of Kobe's unique features is its famous harbor that has been around for centuries. The city's port was among the first to open to foreign trade in the 19th century along with the ports of Yokohama, Hakodate, Nagasaki, and Niigata.

One of Kobe's eye-catching attractions is the towering landmark Kobe Part Tower. It was designed by the Nikken Sekkei Company, a Japanese architecture firm known for works such as the Tokyo Skytree and Barcelona's redesigned Camp Nou, which is the largest stadium in Europe.

What Does Best Known For Kobe

With its rich urban and natural environment, Kobe consistently ranks among the easiest cities to live in Japan.

If there is one food that represents Kobe, it is definitely Kobe beef. Derived from locally farmed Tajima cattle, this marbled, tender, and rich-tasting beef has been recognized and revered internationally.

As Kobe is located between the mountains and the ocean, the city offers an array of breathtaking views when viewed from the Kobe Port Tower. There is also a shopping center at Kobe Harborland that is no less attractive with a charming panoramic view of the city lights at night when riding the Kobe-Nunobiki Cable Car.

How to Get to Kobe from Australia

For those of you who have prepared an itinerary to Kobe from Australia, you need to take note of the following explanation. Traveling to Kobe from Australia can only be done by airplane due to the long distance. Australians can enter and stay in Japan visa-free for a maximum of 90 days.

You can leave from several international airports available in Australia, such as from the cities of Sydney Kingsford Smith, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide. Book a flight to Kobe in Japan. The flight length is between 12 to 17 hours, depending on the time and number of transits.

After arriving at Kobe Airport, you need to go through customs and immigration checks. Then ensure your travel documents are prepared and complete any required arrival declarations.

Weather in Kobe

Compared to other seasons, fall is the best time to visit Kobe because the weather is the most comfortable. Kobe in the fall is simply stunning. By September, the hot days of summer have passed, then fall arrives and in early November is the start of winter. Familiarizing yourself with these things before you leave will definitely make your itinerary to Kobe a pleasant one.

Because Kobe is protected from the cold north wind by Mount Rokko and the water temperature of the Seto Inland Sea is relatively high, it creates a mild winter.

Here are the details of weather in Kobe Japan:

• Spring: March to June, with an average temperature of 10°C to 17°C.
• Summer: June to September, with an average temperature of 24°C to 30°C
• Fall: September to December, with an average temperature of 16°C to 24°C
• Winter: December to March, with an average temperature of 3°C to 7°C.

Transportation in Kobe

Kobe is equipped with a variety of transportation that can be accessed to various regions and abroad with ease. There are many different types of transportation available in Kobe. Here are several transportation options available in Kobe.

• Road transport: Buses, cars.
• Rail transport: Train.
• Air travel: Kobe Airport by All Nippon Airways and Skymark Airlines
• Ferries

Accommodation in Kobe

1. ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe

ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe is located in Nada-ku, just 11.48 km from Kobe Green Arena and 21.79 km from Nakafuto Station. Super quality service coupled with excellent facilities will make your stay a memorable experience. A must-try facility when staying here is the fitness center, in addition to a bar, swimming pool, and free WiFi.

2. Kobe MerikenPark Oriental Hotel

Kobe MerikenPark Oriental Hotel is famous as one of the spots with the most beautiful night view in the Kobe Bay area. Staying at this unique hotel with a design similar to that of a luxury cruise ship will give you the best experience of your time in Kobe. Inside, each room features a balcony with modern furniture and open air space, and each floor has a Corner Suite Room.

3. Kobe Portopia Hotel

A large hotel with 746 rooms, 13 restaurants and bars, a swimming pool and spa, and fitness facilities. From Kobe Portopia Hotel, you can see a beautiful view of the streets of Kobe and Osaka Bay. In fact, the top floor of this hotel is often used as a spot for wedding processions or other events.

4. Kobe Minato Onsen Ren - Adult Only

A modern Japanese-style hotel equipped with an onsen and accessible via a free bus from Kobe-Sannomiya Station. This hotel is recognized as a facility that promotes wellness. Kobe Minato Onsen Ren, is recognized for its onsen, which is said to have many health benefits. Guests staying here may have the opportunity to see live cooking at the buffet-style restaurant.

5. Hotel Piena Kobe

Known for its romantic atmosphere and proximity to Kobe's famous restaurants and spots, Hotel Piena Kobe will make it easy for you to enjoy the best of Kobe. Facilities include, guest rooms with flat-screen TV, air conditioning, refrigerator, Free WiFi.

Tourist Destinations in Kobe

1. Kobe Harborland

Only about 500m away from Kobe Station, Kobe Harborland is within walking distance. It is a shopping center filled with culinary, fashion, entertainment, and some lodging outlets. You will be treated to a street view of Kobe Gaslight Street at night. Then, in the morning, you can stop by Meriken Park to enjoy the ocean view and romantic sunrise.

2. Rokko and Maya Mountains

About 40 minutes away from the city center, you can see Mount Rokkosan and Mount Mayasan against the backdrop of Kobe. Visitors can stop by the farm to interact with farm animals such as goats and sheep. There is also the Rokko Garden Terrace where you can enjoy the view from the height of Mount Rokkosan. There is also the Rokkosan Country House, a fun hangout spot surrounded by trees on Mount Rokko. And finally, the Maya View Line also provides a cable car line from the foot of the mountain to the top of Mount Maya.

3. Arima Onsen

Located to the north of Mount Rokkosan, at an elevation of 400m and about 30 minutes from the center of Kobe. This is the oldest hot spring area in Japan, and it is even one of the three hot springs in Japan with the best hot spring water quality. There are two types of hot spring water: Kinsen (golden hot spring water) and Ginsen (silver hot spring water). The golden hot water contains iron sodium chloride which is believed to cure muscle and joint pain, skin pain and chronic eczema. Meanwhile, silver hot water is believed to cure functional arterial circulation disorders, symptoms of high blood pressure, and appetite disorders.

Food Specialties in Kobe

1. Kobe Beef

Kobe beef is the main hunt for tourists coming to Kobe, as it is delicious and always sought after despite its high price. You will find the famous Chinatown near Motomachi Station, Nankingmachi. There is a famous stall called "Burger Van" that you can enjoy.

2. Akashiyaki

Similar to takoyaki, the shape and composition vary from place to place. Unlike takoyaki, akashiyaki has a smoother and softer texture. The fillings inside include broth, seaweed, and katsuobushi. So, when eating it, you have to be careful because the soft contents can melt and spill in your mouth.

3. Taimeshi

Made from sea fish and placed on rice with ginger and seaweed. Taimeshi has a unique flavor as it is mixed with various spices and the broth absorbed by the rice as the fish cooks.

4. Sobameshi

Sobameshi is served with rice and yakisoba sauteed together and flavored with plenty of Japanese sauce. It is an interesting spectacle to see the yakisoba being cut into pieces on an iron hot plate with a metal spatula. Toppings usually include beef tendon and konjac jelly in a mixture of sweet and spicy stew, offal, and kimchi.

Travel Tips in Kobe

Due to the different weather and climate, you need to check the weather information before you start traveling. Sunscreen is a must to protect your skin from the air and weather, and a folding umbrella is also a must-have item in case it rains on the way.

It would also be a good idea to purchase a public transportation card to make traveling in Kobe easier. Don't forget to bring extra cash just in case.

The excitement in Kobe can always be surprising and you should visit it at least once in your lifetime. Traveling to Kobe is even more fun by booking accommodations at Traveloka. Enjoy the easy and attractive promos here.