On your next holiday, why not invite that special someone to enjoy the night views, history, and nature of Kobe? Kobe is full of delights, from the sparkle of the city with its exotic cityscape and port ambience, to scenic parks, mountains with wonderful views, the sea, and hot springs...
There are plenty of dramatic scenic spots in Kobe. Relax as you explore this fascinating place. From classic destinations to hidden gems, the choice is yours.
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Kobe Port Tower
Stunning night views of the waterfront
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Kobe Port Tower is the long-standing symbol of Kobe. Known as the "Beauty of Steel Towers" for its graceful red form, this tower is a key part of Kobe's waterfront scenery. (Note that the observatory and other facilities inside are undergoing renovation in preparation for reopening in the summer of 2023.)
It’s even more photogenic when the lights are turned on at night. A projection mapping show by a local art project is another spectacular feature. Kobe Port Tower is definitely worth a visit for couples.
Location: 5-5 Hatobacho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 650-0042, Japan
Phone: +81 (0)78-391-6751
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Higashi Yuenchi
An updated city park known as the venue of Kobe Luminarie
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Higashi Yuenchi (Kobe East Park) is a vast park in the centre of Kobe. Noted for its hanadokei (flower clock) and monuments to the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, the Kobe Luminarie illumination event was conceived to pass on the memory of the earthquake to future generations. Many people visit at the time of this event.
Originally an athletic park for foreigners adjacent to the Kobe Settlement, it now serves as a place for citizens to gather and relax as well as a venue for various events. Spring 2022 also saw the opening of the new "Kodomo Hon no Mori Kobe" (KOBE Children's Book Forest) library. Currently undergoing redevelopment, the park is expected to become a new landmark in Kobe.
Location: 6-4 Kanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 650-0001, Japan
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Sumaura Park
Enjoy Kobe's perfect blend of mountain and marine scenery
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Sumaura Park in Kobe is a famous scenic spot for cherry blossom viewing. Someiyoshino cherry trees bloom here and there in the park, providing gorgeous views while strolling or picnicking, or from the ropeway. At the top of the mountain is Sumaura-Yuen, an amusement park with a retro atmosphere.
You’ll also find Suma Marine Fishing Park on the adjacent seashore. Take a stroll around Suma Beach to enjoy the cafes and restaurants that line the promenade.
Location: 4-4-3 Ichinotani-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 654-0076, Japan
Phone: +81 (0)78-731-2520
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Arima Onsen
Long-running inns perfect for a stay with your special someone
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Arima Onsen is an highly-renowned traditional spa resort in the Kansai region. Considered to be the oldest of its kind in Japan, its natural hot springs have a range of beneficial effects and have been popular ever since the Heian period (794—1192). With many hotels and ryokan (traditional Japanese-style inns), Arima Onsen is one of Hyogo Prefecture’s most outstanding tourist spots.
With its retro atmosphere, this hot spring resort offers a refreshing break from everyday life, and is ideal for couples looking for a getaway. It’s located close to Sannomiya, Ashiya, and Takarazuka, making it a superb base for a trip with easy access. Why not stay here and at the same time enjoy sightseeing in the natural beauty of Mt. Rokko, perhaps during the seasons of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves?
Location: Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 651-1401, Japan
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Maiko Marine Promenade
A marine promenade and café with superb views
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Located in Maiko Park, Hyogo Prefecture, the Maiko Marine Promenade is an observation spot where visitors can observe up-close the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, which is the world's largest suspension bridge. A circular promenade allows visitors to fully enjoy the scenery of the Akashi Strait.
The Maruki-bashi log-bridge passageway, located 47 metres above the sea, gives visitors a thrilling experience. Try it out as a couple for a really exciting date. Afterwards, you can relax in the café attached to the bridge and enjoy locally grown food.
Location: 2051 Higashimaiko-cho, Tarumi-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 655-0047, Japan
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm (closed on 2nd Monday of the month from October—March)
Phone: +81 (0)78-785-5090
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Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge
The world's largest suspension bridge shows off Japan's technological prowess
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Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the world’s largest suspension bridge, spans the Akashi Strait, linking the Honshu and Shikoku islands. Completed in 1998, a decade of work went into the construction of the bridge. Standing under a clear blue sky or in the reddish hues of sunrise and sunset, the bridge is a remarkable sight. The contrast with the night view is exceptional.
You might also want to experience the “Bridge World” tour that allows you to step inside the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. The panoramic view from the highest point of the main tower, which is 300 metres above the sea, is pretty stunning!
Location: 4 Higashimaiko-cho, Tarumi-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 655-0047, Japan
Phone: +81 (0)78-784-3396
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Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens
A soothing mountaintop escape surrounded by the scent of flowers
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Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens offers a garden with a splendid view accessible by a ropeway. Beautiful scenery abundant with seasonal flowers and greenery awaits you, making it a delightful place for a date as a couple. The romantic architecture of the building, inspired by an old German castle, is perfect too.
On a warm day, why not relax in one of the hammocks set up throughout the park? Night views of Kobe unfold from the observation plaza at night. At the restaurant, you can enjoy original cuisine made with plenty of freshly picked herbs.
Location: 1-4-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 650-0002, Japan
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm (except for holiday period in February). The observation area alone stays open until 8.30 pm when the site is open at night.
Phone: +81 (0)78-271-1160
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Sorakuen Garden
Fill your heart with the flowers and greenery of this landscaped Japanese garden
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Sorakuen Garden is the only Japanese-style garden among the urban parks found in Kobe City. In addition to the Houseboat used by the feudal lord of Himeji for pleasure cruises on the river in the Edo period, the Kodera Stable and Hassam House, both Western-style buildings dating back to the Meiji period, are important cultural properties and highlights of the garden.
The on-site café is another nice touch. Here you can have lunch or afternoon tea while admiring the seasonal views of the garden. There’s even terrace seating for use on warmer days. Dining and wedding facilities are also available on a fully reserved basis.
Location: 5-3-1 Nakayamatedori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture 650-0004, Japan
Open: From 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Thursdays)
Phone: +81 (0)78-351-5155
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Mt. Maya
A classic Kobe spot for both dating and hiking
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Mt. Maya boasts a remarkable night view. You can take the cable and ropeway to "Maya View Line Kikuseidai" in the evening. (Note that the ropeway doesn't operate on Tuesdays.) Overlooking the city from the observatory, the night view is unbelievably dazzling.
Natural beauty abounds in the mountains, making hiking a popular pastime here. Fit couples may want to trek along the mountain path, passing by the ruins of the old Tenjoji Temple, the Kobo Shimizu spring, Tengu Iwa (Tengu Rock), a large cedar, and other landmarks along the way.
Location: Mt. Maya, Nada-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 657-0104, Japan
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Venus Bridge
Discover the perfect spot for a romantic walk at night
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Venus Bridge is a locally popular scenic spot for evening and night views. This figure-of-8-shaped loop bridge connects Kinseidai in Suwayama Park to the observatory at the top of the hill. The entire area is recommended for dates, especially given that there’s a Key of Love Monument installed in one corner of the observatory, where couples pledge their love by hanging a key.
With restrooms and a car park, it’s an excellent choice as a stopover. You could quite easily spend a pleasant here evening with the sparkling city of Kobe in the background.
Location: Suwayamacho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 650-0006, Japan
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