The stunning scenery of Kobe, shaped by its history as a port town, captivates visitors both day and night. In this article, I’ll guide you through some of the city's most beautiful spots and share my favorite Kobe foods!

Travel back in time to Meiji-Era Kobe at Kobe Brick Warehouse

The two existing Kobe Brick Warehouse buildings are rare examples of British-style architecture, featuring bricks imported from the UK. They have been designated as a scenic resource by the city of Kobe.

My first stop was the brick restaurants and shops along the seashore, just in front of Kobe Harborland, near JR Kobe Station. These exotic buildings were originally used as warehouses for storing cargo that arrived in Kobe. Built in the late 1890s, the Kobe Brick Warehouse gives visitors a glimpse into the Japan of that era.

One of my favorite spots was the incense store, Arima Koshindo Kobe Brick Warehouse, which showcased works from incense makers on Awaji Island—Japan's largest producer of incense, and where I reside.

Inside Arima Koshindo Kobe Brick Warehouse, where the fragrance of traditional Japanese incense fills the air.

The imposing, warm bricks are visible from inside the store as well. Known for their heat-resistant and heat-retaining properties, these bricks help create a comfortable environment throughout the year. Kobe Brick Warehouse is an ideal spot for a relaxing day out—whether you're strolling through the area, taking in views of the town and port, or shopping in the various stores. Benches along the seafront offer the perfect place to pause and enjoy the view. There are also days when food trucks visit and flea markets are held.

A shop-lined street in Harborland’s umie Mosaic. It was a Saturday when I visited, and the street was bustling with people.

Take an aerial stroll over kobe on the Mosaic Big Ferris Wheel

Mosaic Big Ferris Wheel, offering a bird’s eye view of Kobe from 50 meters up

Thrilled to see the Big Ferris Wheel for the first time!

At Kobe Harborland, I also rode the Mosaic Big Ferris Wheel. The ride lasted about 10 minutes. The view of Mt. Rokko and the modern cityscape of Kobe from the Ferris wheel was so wonderful that I wished I could have enjoyed the aerial view a little longer.

Kobe Port Tower which reopened in 2024 following renovation

The red tower, visible from the Ferris wheel, is the Kobe Port Tower. Known as the "Beauty of Iron Towers" for its elegant drum-shaped exterior, it has been a beloved landmark of Kobe since it was established in 1963.

During the day, visitors can see the Mosaic Big Ferris Wheel shining in the blue sky like the sun, but at night, you can witness it illuminated with about 120,000 LEDs.

This Elvis Presley statue was relocated to Kobe in 2009 when the Rock and Roll Museum (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) was closed.

There are many other attractions at Kobe Harborland. In front of Culmeni, you’ll find a bronze statue of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll. It’s said that only three official statues of Elvis exist in the world—one in Memphis, one in Hawaii, and this one in Kobe. Since its relocation from Tokyo in 2009, the statue has become a must-see spot for Elvis fans.

Kobe Anpanman Children's Museum and Mall also had Anpanman characters to show visitors around.

As you walk around, you'll also spot Japanese children's superhero Anpanman characters at your feet. Nearby is the Kobe Anpanman Children's Museum and Mall, which was packed with families.

Lunch was at my favorite gyoza dumpling spot Gyoza Restaurant Akaman Sannomiya!

This cozy 12-seat restaurant is constantly crowded with customers. In addition to Sannomiya, there is also a branch in Motomachi

For lunch, I visited Gyoza Restaurant Akaman Sannomiya. Despite being small, it’s one of Kobe’s most well-known Gyoza dumpling restaurants. On the day I visited, there was a long queue, and after waiting for about 30 minutes, I finally went inside.

Their small size allows you to easily finish two servings.

The restaurant’s menu consists solely of gyoza dumplings and beverages. The ordering process is unique, requiring a minimum of two servings per person for the first order. Additional orders are allowed for a minimum of two servings per group of two on weekdays, but not on Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays. Be sure to order carefully to avoid ending up wanting more!

The vegetable-based filling is seasoned with garlic and ginger, offering a refreshing and flavorful bite. The dipping sauce can be customized to your taste by mixing miso sauce with chili pepper and soy sauce. In Kobe, it's common to enjoy gyoza with miso sauce.

I think the gyoza at Akaman are the best I have ever eaten. If you come to Kobe, be sure to try them for yourself!

Head to Maya Viewline Kikuseidai for a “10 Million Dollar Night View”

Maya Viewline Kikuseidai at dusk. The city starts to twinkle as the sky changes color.

Next, I took the Maya Viewline cable car and ropeway up Mt. Maya. My destination was the viewing platform, “Kikuseidai,” located at the summit, 700 meters above sea level. The name “Kikuseidai,” written in Japanese kanji characters, means “star scoop pedestal,” because the night sky is so close to the viewing platform that it feels like you could reach out and gather the stars with your bare hands. From there, you can enjoy the “Ten Million-Dollar Night View.”

Conductor signaling the operator with a hand signal.

First, I took the cable car from the foot of Mt. Maya to Niji no Eki Station. Inside the cable car, the conductor was positioned where I could see him clearly. The hand signals exchanged between the driver and conductor were so fascinating that I couldn’t look away.

Cable car tracks surrounded by autumnal leaves

From Niji no Eki Station, you transfer to the ropeway to reach the final destination, Hoshi no Eki Station. From the window of the ropeway, I could truly appreciate how high up I was. The view was breathtaking, with the city blending seamlessly into the trees adorned with vibrant autumnal leaves.

After getting off the ropeway, you can see the autumnal leaves and the city of Kobe below.

The people heading to Maya Viewline Kikuseidai were of all ages and nationalities. I was touched by the kindness of an elderly gentleman who noticed I was traveling alone and kindly offered to take my picture.

I arrived at Maya Viewline Kikuseidai at about 3:30 p.m. While waiting for the sunset, I…

If I had to name this view, it would be "Kobe Starry Nights"!

The night view is truly spectacular! The view extended from Kobe to Osaka Bay, the Kii Peninsula and Awaji Island on the opposite shore. The name “Kikuseidai” was derived from the fact that it feels like you could reach out and gather the stars with your bare hands. Depending on the weather, you may be able to see the stars in the night sky and the stars on the ground twinkling together.

The counter seats by the window at CAFE702 offer a clear view of the nightscape.

I enjoyed fried chicken and French fries at CAFE 702, located on the second floor of Hoshi no Eki Station at the top of Mt. Maya, all while taking in the stunning night view. The restaurant was warm and cozy, making it the perfect spot to relax and unwind.

Different from photos, sketches are a unique way to record your travels.

I also captured my trip to Kobe through sketches. I’m sure that someday, when I look back on them, I’ll feel inspired to visit the city again. I hope they can also serve as a helpful reference for my friends planning to visit Kobe.

Spots

Kobe Brick Warehouse

Address: 1-5-5 Higashi Kawasaki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo

Phone: 078-360-3333（Weekdays 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.)

https://kobe-renga.jp/

Mosaic Big Ferris Wheel

Address: 1-6-1 Higashi Kawasaki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo (umie Mosaic)

Phone: 078-382-7100（Kobe Harborland umie)

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Closed: Open all year round (with occasional holidays)

Tickets: Regular gondola 800 yen per person

https://umie.jp/features/mosaickanransya

Kobe Port Tower

Address: 5-5 Hashiba-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo

Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. (last admission at the entrance gate is 10:30 p.m., stores on the 2nd floor of the observation deck are open until 10:00 p.m.)

Closed: Open year-round (occasionally closed for maintenance and private events)

Admission: 1,200 yen per adult (observation floor + rooftop deck)

https://www.kobe-port-tower.com

Kobe Anpanman Children's Museum and Mall

Address: 1-6-2 Higashi Kawasaki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo

Phone: 078-341-8855

Opening hours: 10:00 am. - 6:00 p.m. (last admission to the museum 5:00 p.m.) *Varies depending on the day.

Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays (occasionally closed for maintenance)

Admission: 2,000 - 2,500 yen (free admission to the store mall)

*Please purchase a "date/time-specific web ticket" to enter the museum (priority is given to web sales)

*Prices and opening hours vary depending on the date of your visit.

Gyoza Restaurant Akaman Sannomiya

Address: 2-2-1 Kitanagasadori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo

Phone: 078-331-0831

Opening hours: 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (last order 7:30 p.m.) *Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 p.m.

Closed: Wednesdays

Maya Viewline Kikuiseidai

Address: 2-2-2 Mayasan-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo

https://kobe-rokko.jp/nightview-3/

Maya Viewline (Maya Ropeway, Maya Cable. Car)

Fare: 1,560 yen per adult (round trip, Maya Cable Station - Niji no Eki Station- Hoshi no Eki Station)

Please check the following site for access information.

https://koberope.jp/ja/maya