1. Kobe Harborland
Kobe Harborland is a huge shopping and entertainment district in Kobe and the location of the much loved Kobe Port Tower. It is also a popular dating spot for people looking for romantic cafes, restaurants, and other amusements. For people looking for a good day of shopping, there are two big shopping complexes, namely the Mosaic and Canal Garden.
2. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is, with a length of almost four kilometers, the world's longest suspension bridge. Opened in 1998, it spans the Akashi Strait (Akashi Kaikyo) between Kobe and Awaji Island and is part of the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway, one of three expressways which connect Honshu with Shikoku.
3. Shin-Kobe Ropeway
Shin-Kobe Ropeway is one of three services that lifts tourists up the southern slopes of the Rokko mountain chain. The ropeway departs from next to Shin-Kobe Station, Kobe's shinkansen station. As it ascends, it passes by the Nunobiki Waterfall and the Nunobiki Herb Garden, giving a nice aerial view of both. The highlight of the ride lies in the observation deck located just beside the top station, which offers spectacular views of Kobe and is a popular night view spot.
4. Kobe Maritime Museum & Kawasaki Good Times World
Many people want to explore the history of a city when they visit. If this sounds like you, be sure to add the Kobe Maritime Museum and Kawasaki Good Times World to your itinerary. This interesting museum focuses on the history of Kobe including its role as a port. The building features a collection of high-quality ships and exhibition of the old-school maritime museum. The museum is located in Meriken Park near the seaside of Kobe.
5. Kitano-cho
Kitano-cho is a city district at the foot of the Rokko mountain range where many foreign merchants and diplomats settled after the Port of Kobe was opened to foreign trade in the second half of the 19th century. More than a dozen of the former mansions, known as Ijinkan, remain in the area and are open to the public as museums.
6. Arima Onsen
Arima Onsen is a famous hot spring town within the city limits of Kobe but on the opposite side of Mount Rokko from the city center. The town lies in a natural mountain setting, yet is close enough for Kobe and Osaka residents as an easy and popular day trip or weekend getaway.
7. Kobe Chinatown
Nankinmachi is a popular tourist attraction and shopping and dining district. Two main streets run through the district, meeting each other at a small plaza in the center. They are packed with shops, restaurants and food stands that sell popular items such as steamed buns (manju), ramen, tapioca drinks and various other Chinese dishes, many of which have been Japanized to a certain degree.
8. Mt. Rokko
Mt. Rokko offers a very beautiful panoramic view. It is possible to shop and dine while enjoying the view from the observatory, as the area also boasts a restaurant and several souvenir shops. There are also some other attractions that you can enjoy around Mount Rokko, such as Rokko Snow Park, Rokko International Musical Box Museum, Rokko Garden Terrace, and Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden. It is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for a little exercise on a cool day.