The exotic port city of Kobe City in Hyogo Prefecture is easily reached in just 30 minutes by train from Osaka. The city has a refined sense of style that sets it apart to some extent from Osaka or Kyoto, making it a perfect luxury destination for sophisticated travelers.
This legendary hot spring town is an easy trip, roughly an hour from Kobe Airport by public transportation or 30 minutes from the Shinkansen stop of Shin-Kobe Station. “Kinsen” and “Ginsen” are the two renowned types of hot springs that make the area truly special.
Kin no Yu / Gin no Yu
These two public baths offer the chance to indulge in Kinsen and Ginsen respectively. At Kin no Yu, soak in the auburn waters of the viscous Kinsen; at Gin no Yu, sink into a clear, colorless, smooth flowing bath of Ginsen. Set tickets are a great way to enjoy both.
| WEB SITE https://www.instagram.com/arima.spa4/ Business hours 8:00-22:00 (admission until 21:30) Regular holiday The second and fourth Tuesdays of the month (open on national holidays, closed the following day), January 1 |
| WEB SITE https://www.instagram.com/arima.spa4/ Business hours 9:00-21:00 (admission until 20:30) Regular holiday The first and third Tuesdays of the month (open on national holidays, closed the following day), January 1 |
One of the essential pleasures of Arima Onsen is enjoying local delicacies while leisurely exploring the area. Coming out of Arima Onsen Station, you step right onto a path lined with restaurants and souvenir shops. Taste local delicacies and treats, from the famous carbonated crackers and local beers, to soft serve ice cream, perfect after a dip in the hot springs.
“Miyamizu,” the ground water ideal for sake brewing, and “Yamada Nishiki,” the reputed “king of sake rice,” have synergized to make Kobe’s Nada Gogo region one of the top sake brewing areas in the Kansai region since the Edo period (1603-1868). Even today, numerous historical sake breweries dot the area. Many offer tours, sake tastings, and the chance to purchase sake, so look for your favorite sake and take a tour to see how it’s made.
Hakutsuru Sake Brewery, founded in 1743, is one of the most famous sake breweries in Nada. The admission-free museum features life-size mannequins illustrating the sake brewing process, and free tasting of three types of sake. Exhibition explanations are also available in 15 languages via 2D codes.
| WEB SITE https://www.hakutsuru.co.jp/community/shiryo/ Business hours 9:30-16:30 Regular holiday New Year holidays, Obon holidays (mid-August) |
Learn about the history and heartfelt dedication of Sakuramasamune, a long-established sake brewery founded in 1625. The gallery and shop are complemented by authentic Japanese cuisine and liquors at the brewery dining hall “Sakuraen,” as well as the sake bar “Sanbaiya” that allows tasting of up to three glasses per person.
| WEB SITE https://www.sakuramasamune.co.jp/sakuraen/sakuraen_index.html Business hours 10:00-22:00 (Restaurant 11:30-15:00, 17:00-22:00 / Sanbaiya 17:00-22:00 *For both, last order is 1 hour before closing. / Shop 10:00-19:00) Regular holiday Tuesdays |
Kobe nightlife also offers boundless choices! In the center of town, the vast array of eateries lining the streets of Sannomiya and Motomachi thrum with energy late into the night.
The port city of Kobe has welcomed Western culture for a long time, and is dotted with drinking establishments of all kinds, from traditional “authentic” watering holes to tiki bars and Irish pubs. Friendly bartenders are ready to recommend the cocktail just right for you. Even those new to the scene will feel right at home!
Over drinks at a bar or dinner, revel in a nightscape like no other, with the illuminated Kobe Port Tower and Kobe Maritime Museum along the bay!
