Many wonderful sightseeing attractions are located near Hotel Okura Kobe such as the exotic Former Foreign Settlement, lively Nankin-machi (Kobe's Chinatown), Kitano Ijinkan where timeless Western buildings still stand, Port Tower and Harborland near the water. Spend an enchanting day strolling around the city and at night admiring the scintillating city lights.
2min. walk- A vast water front park with many of its wonders visible south of Hotel Okura Kobe from museums to memorials. "Fish Dance" an astonishing structure created by renowned architect Frank Gehry in 1987 to commemorate Kobe Port's 120th anniversary is located at the north entrance of the park. Located in the center of the park is the vividly colored "Bell of Orutanshia" which was created to memorialize the first Kobe Fashion Festival in 1990.
3min. walk- Kobe Port Tower is the world's first landmark pipe structure tower that symbolizes Kobe. Its one of a kind unique shape is impressive to say the least. Visitors enjoy the panoramic views from the observation deck. Kobe Port, the city of Kobe, Mt. Rokko during the day and in the evening, a million-dollar night view awaits you.
7min. walk- Nankin-machi, Kobe's Chinatown is one of the three biggest in Japan. Nearly 100 restaurants and shops are in business offering Chinese cuisine, snacks commonly sold at food stands and Chinese sundries. It is fun just to walk around this lively Chinatown.
5min. walk- This area retains retro western style buildings. Visitors are always intrigued by its exotic townscape. It is also a popular shopping town with the latest styles and your favorite name brand shops.
10min. walk- This excellent architectural structure has six columns of Doric style in the frontispiece. The museum's collection includes historical documents that have been designated as National Treasures, Namban Art, and the glass collection. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, various art museum exhibitions of the world are often held.
15min. walk- Harborland is a large commercial complex enjoyed by visitors of all ages, offering shopping, gourmet foods, a movies theater and an amusement park. Please be sure to stop by Kobe Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall.
30min. car & walk- Walking up the gentle slope from Sannomiya towards the mountain will take you to Kitano Ijinkan-gai, a district where non-Japanese built their residences after the opening of the Port of Kobe in 1868. Unique and exotic buildings such as Weathercock House, with the weathercock on its triangle-shaped roof create a mood that brings you back to former days.
17min. walk- Sorakuen is a Japanese garden which used to be part of the Kodera Taijiro residence, father of former mayor of Kobe, Kodera Kenkichi. Its construction started in 1885 then completed in 1911. Sorakuen was named after a phrase from an ancient Chinese book "I Ching." In January of 2006, Sorakuen became a Registered Monuments of Japan. This 19,566 square-meter garden has a central pond, stone pathways around it, stepping stones, stone bridges, streams and a waterfall, all giving the atmosphere as if you were in a deep mountain.
- The largest restaurant ship in Japan. Cruise around Kobe Port while savoring outstanding French cuisine with Mediterranean flare. An array of exquisite dishes are prepared with the freshest seasonal ingredients shipped from around the world. In the evening, a million-dollar night view of Kobe can be enjoyed from the sea, and a beautifully lit up Akashi Kaikyo Bridge awaits your wonderment. Luminous Kobe 2 is the only cruise ship in Kobe Port that will sail under Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.
- After departing Kobe Port, Concerto takes you to Osaka Bay toward Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. Their restaurants offer superb dining experiences. Enjoy live musical entertainment including piano performance that is sure to generate memorable cruise experience.
- Fantasy is a sightseeing cruise ship that makes a 45-minute tour in/out of Kobe Port. Passengers enjoy the view of Kobe from this ship that sail off toward Kobe Airport. Fantasy is the only cruise ship that travels under Kobe Bridge that connects Port Island and Kobe Airport. The choice way to enjoy a Kobe cruise in a short period of time.
20〜30min. Car- Nadagogo is a famous sake producing region covering the east side of Kobe (Nada Ward & East Nada Ward) and Nishinomoya, where fine quality mineral water and superb brewer's rice produce exquisite sake. Nadagogo are five groups of sake breweries: Imazu-go, Nishinomiya-go, Uozaki-go, Mikage-go, and Nishi-go. At each brewery, visitors enjoy the scene where traditional Japanese architecture and modern factory with the latest sake brewing equipments coexist.
30min. Train- One of Japan's three oldest hot springs, Arima Hot Springs are known as an annex to Kansai, where Toyotomi Hideyoshi is said to have made many visits in the 16th century. It is about 30 minutes by train from the center of Kobe. Arima's hot springs have a long history and its townscape has an old Japanese elegance. Arima has two kinds of springs: Kin-no-yu (gold spring) and Gin-no-yu (silver spring.)
30min. Car- Mount Rokko is about 1 hour from the center of Kobe. Cablecars go up to the top of the mountain and the bus connects you to the various attractions in the mountain. Mount Rokko has popular hiking courses enjoyed by people of all ages. Kobe is said to have one of the three most beautiful night views in Japan. The night view of Kobe from the summit of Mount Rokko is a must see beauty.
20min. Train- 140 shops line up in the full-scale waterfront outlet mall Marinpia admiring Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. Carefully selected items of various name brands can be purchased at outlet prices.
25min. Train- Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is the world's longest suspension bridge that links Kobe city and Awaji island. Its total length is 3,911m, and the enteral span, 1,991m. It is also known as the Pearl Bridge, as it resembles a strand of pearls, and it lights up to many beautiful combinations of colors. The bridge's illumination glowing in the darkness of the sea is a true marvel.
40min. Train- Himeji Castle is registered as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The castle is frequently known as Shirasagi-jō ("White Heron Castle") because of its brilliant white exterior and its resemblance to a heron taking flight. For over 400 years Himeji Castle has remained intact with its beautiful architecture. The walls of the castle are covered in bright white plaster. Its 5-story castle keep has 7 floors inside. The keep and three smaller subsidiary towers form a cluster of towers. From Kobe to Himeji is approximately 40 minutes by train. Discover the essence of Edo (old Tokyo) in Himeji's castle town.
