Lookout Tower, Lookout

Kobe Port Tower is the most famous building in Kobe and the symbol of the entire city. The slender red tower stands 108 metres high right in Meriken Park and from the observation deck you can see Harborland, the harbour and the surrounding mountains that enclose the city from the north. The tower's architecture is intended to resemble the traditional Japanese tsuzumi drum. The tower is surrounded by 32 steel poles to welcome ships returning to…

City Quarter, Historic building, Lookout

Kitano is a historic district on a hillside above downtown Kobe, best known for its well-preserved late 19th-century houses of Western merchants and diplomats. Unlike most Japanese cities, you'll see European architecture, cafes in old villas and a quieter atmosphere than in the bustling city centre, the harbour or even the nearby cities of Kyoto or Osaka. Read also: 👉 O ur tips on where to stay in Kobe Is Kitano worth a visit? Short…

Botanical garden, Lookout

Nunobiki Herb Gardens are large botanical gardens on a hillside above Kobe, reached by gondola from the city centre. It's one of the most pleasant places in Kobe for a quiet walk, views and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and often surprises with how quickly it can be reached from Sannomiya Central Station or, better still, Shin-Kobe Shinkansen Station. Read also: 👉 O ur tips on where to stay in Kobe 👉 The best views in Kobe…

Lookout, Cable car, Mountain, Temple

Mount Maya (698 m above sea level) is, in my opinion, the best vantage point over Kobe and together with Mount Rokko it is one of the places from where you can see the whole city, the harbour and Osaka Bay. The view from the top of Kikuseidai is considered one of the best night views in all of Japan and I just have to agree! Read also: 👉 O ur tips on where to stay in Kobe 👉 The best views in Kobe Is Mount Maya worth a visit? Short…

Lookout, Mountain

Mount Rokko is the most famous mountain area above Kobe and one of the best places to go for views, nature and a quieter atmosphere outside the city. Unlike Mount Maya, it's not just one viewpoint - there's a larger area up there with several viewpoints, restaurants and walking opportunities. Personally, though, I much preferred the views of Mount Maya, which also has the beautiful Tenjo-ji Temple. Read also: 👉 O ur tips on where to stay…