'''K?be''' (____) [http://www.feel-kobe.jp/english/] is one of Japan's underappreciated cities. A cosmopolitan port city with an international flavor, hemmed in by Mt. Rokko, it constantly comes up number one in expatriate rankings of the best place to live in Japan.
Understand
A port in what would become K?be was established as a concession to western powers in 1868, during the time when Japan was opening to the world. Nagasaki and Yokohama had already begun serving foreign ships nine years earlier. Today, a synagogue, a Chinatown, and European architecture mark K?be as a place where foreigners and foreign culture first arrived in Japan.
On January 17, 1995 an earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter Scale occurred at 5:46AM JST near the city. The quake killed 6,433, made 300,000 homeless and destroyed large parts of the port facilities and other parts of the city. It was one of the most costly natural disasters in modern history. The earthquake notably destroyed the Hanshin Expressway, an elevated freeway which dramatically toppled over: within Japan, the earthquake is known as the Great Hanshin Earthquake (or the Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake). In the last 10 years, the city has recovered completely, but lost some of its ship traffic.
K?be's core, and central business district, surrounds Sannomiya station, rather than Kobe Station. Sannomiya station has a tourist information office well-stocked with area maps. The Japanese characters for Sannomiya station on Japan Railways (_O_m_{) differ from the Sannomiya station on other railways (_O_{).
Get in
By plane
'''Kobe Airport''' (_______`, '''UKB''') [http://www.kairport.co.jp/], built on reclaimed land in front of the harbor, opened in February of 2006. The airport handles domestic flights only: both Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) have flights to Kobe from Tokyo Haneda, Sapporo, Sendai, Okinawa, and Kagoshima. ANA also offers service from Niigata, while JAL has flights from Kumamoto. A new low-cost airline, Skymark [http://www.skymark.co.jp/en/index.html], is offering cheap flights to and from Tokyo.
From Kobe Airport, the Port Liner light rail runs about every 10 minutes, reaching Sannomiya in less than 20 minutes (¥320) for easy connections to the Japan Rail (JR), Hanshin, Hankyu and subway lines. From there, a small trip on the subway will link you to the Shin-Kobe bullet train station (¥200). If coming ''from'' Sannomiya to the airport, be sure to board a train marked "Kobe Airport", as some head to the Kita Futo branch line instead.
The nearest international airport is Kansai International Airport. The fastest way to get there is on the Kaijo Access [http://www.kobe-access.co.jp/] high-speed ferry from Kobe Airport, which runs every 45 minutes or so, taking 29 minutes one-way (¥1500). However, if coming from central Kobe, it's nearly as fast and less of a hassle to take the Airport Limousine bus. Airport buses cost ¥1800, and the run to Sannomiya takes 65 to 75 minutes depending on whether the bus travels directly to Sannomiya or stops first on Rokko Island. Alternatively, the JR Rapid Express connecting at Osaka about as fast and more dependable. By JR, the ride costs ¥2410 and lasts 90 minutes, taking the ''Kanku Kaisoku'' (________) rapid to Osaka station and changing there to the ''Shin-kaisoku'' (_V____ - Special Rapid) that runs to both Sannomiya and Kobe stations.
Finally, if you land at Itami Airport in Osaka, airport buses run to Sannomiya in 40 minutes and cost ¥1020.
By train
The nearest station on Japan's high-speed ''shinkansen'' network is at '''Shin-Kobe''' station.
From Tokyo station, Shin-Kobe is 2 hours, 50 minutes away via ''Nozomi'' (¥14670); 3 hours and 20 minutes via ''Hikari'' (¥14270; no charge with the Japan Rail Pass). From Shin-Kobe station, take the Seishin Yamate subway line one stop to Sannomiya (¥200). If you are traveling light you can walk as well.
From Osaka, there are several ways to arrive in Sannomiya:
Trains on the '''Hankyu''' and '''Hanshin''' private lines depart respectively from Hankyu-Umeda and Hanshin-Umeda stations. The ''Tokkyu'' (___}) express takes roughly half an hour to reach Sannomiya (\310).
'''Hanshin''' trains also operate to Kobe from Namba station. ''Kaisoku Kyuko'' (_____}_s) trains depart every 20 minutes, reaching Sannomiya in 45 minutes at a cost of ¥400. In some instances you may have to change trains at Amagasaki.
The best option via JR is to take the ''Shin-kaisoku'' (_V____ - Special Rapid) or ''Kaisoku'' (____ - Rapid) service that departs from '''JR Osaka''' station, running to Sannomiya in 20 and 26 minutes, respectively (¥390, no charge with the Japan Rail Pass).
From Kyoto, Sannomiya is 50 minutes away from the main train station via ''Shin-kaisoku'' (¥1050; no charge with the Japan Rail Pass). You can also make the run to the area in 30 minutes via bullet train, but it is more expensive, and if you have the rail pass, you can only take one train every hour without changing trains (the ''Hikari'' that runs through to Okayama).
From the '''central area''' of Kyoto (near Gion and the shopping district), you can reach Sannomiya in 70 minutes via Hankyu limited express, changing once at Juso station (¥600). Hankyu trains depart from the Kawaramachi and Karasuma stations.
Kintetsu trains run from the historical city of Nara to Sannomiya station on the Hanshin line via Namba. Direct trains leave every 20 minutes, reaching Sannomiya in 75 minutes at a cost of ¥940.
By bus
Traveling to Kobe by bus can result in significant savings when compared to train fares.
The '''JR Bus Group''' [http://www.kakuyasubus.jp/kanto_kansai/index.html (Japanese Website)] is a major operator of the routes from the Tokyo area to Kansai. Buses operate via the '''Tomei Expressway''' (to/from Tokyo Station) or the '''Chuo Expressway''' (to/from Shinjuku Station).
Other bus companies offer trips between Tokyo and Kobe, but it should be pointed out that seat reservations for JR Buses can be made in train stations at the same "Midori-no-Madoguchi" ticket windows used to reserve seats on trains.
The following services are available: ''(Current as of January, 2009)''
Daytime buses from Tokyo
Daytime buses only run as far as Osaka Station; there are multiple departures daily to Osaka from Tokyo and Shinjuku stations. You can then take a regular JR train from Osaka to Sannomiya. Expect the bus ride to be approximately 8 1/2 hours to Osaka, and the train ride 20 minutes by shin-kaisoku from Osaka to Sannomiya, for a total of \6540 (compared to \9030 if taking all local trains).
Nighttime buses from Tokyo
The nighttime bus service from Tokyo to Kansai is called '''Dream'''. This route name has several variants.
The '''Seishun Dream Kobe''' makes two round-trip runs on the Tomei Exprssway from Tokyo station. Both runs stop at the Sannomiya Bus Terminal and Kobe Station. The first southbound bus leaves Tokyo at 9:20PM and makes a pick-up stop at Shinjuku Station (10:00PM) before running directly to Kobe. The second bus leaves Tokyo at 10:30PM and runs via Kyoto Station. The return buses leave Kobe station at 9:40PM (via Kyoto Station) and 10:10PM (discharging at Shinjuku en-route). ¥5000 each way. The bus offers 4-across seating (2x2) with limited amenities.
The '''Dream Kobe''' makes two round-trip runs on the Tomei Expressway from Tokyo Station. Both runs stop at the Sannomiya Bus Terminal and Kobe Station. The first southbound bus leaves Tokyo at 10:10PM and runs via Osaka Station. The second bus leaves Tokyo at 10:40PM and makes a pick-up stop at Shinjuku Station (11:20PM) before running directly to Kobe. The return buses leave Kobe station at 9:10PM (discharging at Shinjuku en-route) and 9:50PM (via Osaka Station). ¥8690 each way; ¥1000 discount on most departures if ticket is purchased 5 days in advance. The bus offers wider, comfortable 3-across seating (1x1x1) and offers more amenities such as blankets.
Note that the Japan Rail Pass is not valid on the Tokyo-Kobe bus route. As with taking a daytime service, you can take an overnight bus to Osaka (covered under the pass) and then transfer to train service for the final leg of the journey.
Other bus operators
Another bus provider on the Tokyo-Kobe route is '''123bus''' [http://www.123bus.net/]. An advantage over the JR Buses is that the 123bus website offers bus descriptions and booking services '''in English'''. However, many services from this company do not allow you to carry large luggage (e.g. suitcases) with you. It is best to confirm with the company whether or not there will be space for luggage before making your booking.
By boat
A number of ferry services are available from Kobe, including routes to:
Takamatsu: Jumbo Ferry, 078-327-3111. 3 1/2 hours; ¥1,800.
Kitakyushu: Hankyu Ferry, 078-857-1211 [http://www.han9f.co.jp/17english%20site/e-index.htm]. 12 hours; ¥7,400+.
Oita: Diamond Ferry, 078-857-9525. 12 hours; ¥8,800+. Also stops at Matsuyama.
Beppu: Kansai Kisen, 06-6572-5181 [http://www.kanki.co.jp/foreign/about.htm]. 12 hours; ¥8,800+. Also stops at Matsuyama.
Okinawa: Maruei Ferry, 078-857-3901. 3 days; ¥18,800+. Also stops at Miyazaki.
Shanghai: Japan-China Ferry, 078-321-5791 (Japan) or 021-6326-4357 (China). 45 hours; \20,000+.
Tianjin: China Express Line, 03-3537-3107 (Japan) or 022-2420-5777 (China) [http://celkobe.co.jp/english/unkou.html]. 50 hours; \22,000+.
Get around
By train
If you are planning to travel beyond city limits you might want to consider using the tickets from '''Surutto Kansai'''. For use in West of Japan include Kobe ,there are some other useful tickets:
A rechargeable smart card, '''ICOCA''', is used on rail, subway and bus networks in Kansai area,Okayama,Hiroshima,Nagoya (Kintetsu) and Tokyo (JR East). These cards are available at vending machines at these rail stations, and cost 2000 yen, which includes a 500 yen deposit that will be refunded when the card is returned at JR West Station.
The Hankyu (___}), Hanshin (____) and JR lines cross K?be in a west-east direction, and provide the cheapest and fastest way to travel across town. Each of these three lines have their own station located around the busy central Sannomiya shopping district and each provide access to different points of interest.
For visitors with a Japan Rail Pass, JR will be of the most use. ''Shin-kaisoku'' (_V____ - Special Rapid) trains stop at both Sannomiya and K?be stations and provide the best way to travel west towards Akashi and Himeji or east towards Kyoto and Osaka. Boarding a ''Futsu'' (____ - Local) from either Sannomiya or K?be stations will allow you to easy access to Motomachi (for Nankin-machi and Meriken-park) Nada (for the sake brewing district and museums) Rokkomichi (for buses to Mt. Rokko) and Sumiyoshi (for the Rokko Liner to Rokko Island).
The Hankyu and Hanshin lines are of less use to tourists but you may be forced to use them to visit certain sights. Koshien Stadium, home of the baseball team the Hanshin Tigers, is easily accessible from Hanshin Koshien Station and both lines provide service to Shinkaichi for transfer to the private Kobe Dentetsu line and access to the famed Arima Onsen hot-spring district.
By subway
K?be has two subway lines. The '''Kaigan Line''' runs along along the coast, and the '''Yamate-Seishin Line''' runs toward the mountains. Both are more expensive than ordinary trains and unlikely to be of use for the traveler, except when connecting to Shin-K?be, the station located north of the city where the Sanyo Shinkansen stops. The small jaunt between Shin-Kobe and Sannomiya costs ¥200. If you want to explore Kobe, there is a one-day-pass for both lines (1________; Ichinichijoshaken), costing ¥800 (kids: ¥400) or subway plus bus for ¥1000 (¥500).
North of Shin-Kobe station, the Yamate subway runs over the '''Hokushin Express Line'''. Trains run 7.5 km under ground and terminate at Tanigami Station, from which you can transfer to the '''Shintetsu Arima Line''' for Arima-guchi Station and Arima Onsen.
:WikiPedia:Kaigan Line
:WikiPedia:Seishin-Yamate Line
By light rail
The automated '''Port Liner''' links Sannomiya to the reclaimed port district south of the city, and continues over the Kobe Sky Bridge to Kobe Airport. Likewise, the '''Rokko Liner''' links the Rokko Island area to JR Sumiyoshi station.
By bus
Kobe has a comprehensive city bus system, which is often your best choice when travelling to areas located north of the city, away from the predominately east-west running train and subway lines. Schedules and boarding locations can be obtained from the tourist information office below JR and Hankyu Sannomiya stations.
The city also operates a loop-line tourist bus that travels around scenic spots and famous tourist locations in Kobe including the Kitano Ijinkan streets, Nankin-machi and Meriken Park. These distinctive old-fashioned green buses can be boarded are 15 stops between the Shin-Kobe area and Harborland and cost 250 yen for a single loop or 650 yen for a day pass. Boarding locations are indicated by green and red signs on the side of the road. Buses run at 15-20 minute intervals and one loop takes approximately 70 minutes.
By ropeway
Kobe has several ropeways that travel up Mount Rokko. One that is near a major station is the '''Shin-Kobe Ropeway''', a 5-minute walk from Shin-Kobe station. The ropeway, reputed to have one of Kobe's best scenic views, runs up to the Nunobiki Herb Park. Adults ¥550 one-way, ¥1000 round-trip. Combination tickets are also sold which include the Nunobiki Herb Park (see below).
On foot
K?be is thin in the north-south direction, but long in the west-east direction. Since much of it is built on a hill, a reasonable itinerary is to take the bus up the hill, and walk down.If you get lost, find the mountains or the harbour. The mountains are on the north, and the harbour_fs on the south.
See
Kobe's main attraction for the Japanese is its concentration of '''Western-style houses''', some dating back to the days when Kobe was opened for foreign trade in 1868. Europeans who grew up in similar scenery may find them less fascinating.
'''Ijinkan''' (___l__) (''walking distance from either Sannomiya or Shin-Kobe stations'') K?be's number-one attraction is the Ijinkan or Barbarian Houses. These are 19th-century residences of Kobe's foreign traders, clustered in the Kitano area.
'''Kyu-kyoryuchi''' (_______n), near Motomachi station (Hanshin Line or JR Line). This is where foreign consulates and trading companies built their offices. Several 19th-century buildings have been converted into restaurants and shops. Notable buildings include '''Chartered Square''', once the Chartered Bank branch and the '''15th Building''' (_\______), once the American consulate. The area is also packed full of high-fashion boutiques like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Fendi.
'''Meriken Park''' (_____P___p_[_N) near the harborfront has a poignant memorial to the devastating Hanshin Earthquake in 1995, which killed 6,433 people. '''Kobe Tower''' nearby is the unofficial symbol of the city and offers a viewing pavilion (¥600).
'''Fruit Flower Park'''(_t___[_c_E_t_____[_p_[_N), 35 min by bus from Sannomiya, Open daily is 10 AM to 6 PM (except on_@holidays). Phone: 078-954-1000. This park is surrounded by a lot of flowers and greenery. Many people hold their wedding ceremonies here every year. In spring, the park becomes even more beautiful as about 10,000 tulips bloom. The Hotel Fruit Flower is near the park, which is visited by many families.
'''Chinatown''' (______ ''nankinmachi'') was the original settlement of Chinese merchants. Today, it is rather touristy though it offfers some "Japanised" versions of Chinese food such as pork buns (___\__ ''buta-manj?''). Its architecture is still rather pleasant though.
'''Nunobiki Herb Park''' (_z___n_[_u__) is a 40-acre garden located on Mount Rokko. It is accessible by the Shin-Kobe Ropeway, located near Shin-Kobe station. It features over 200 varieties of herbs, as well as greenhouses, exhibitions, and a restaurant. Admission for adults, which includes the round-trip ride on the Ropeway, is ¥1200.
K?be is a well-known center of '''sake production''' and many sake breweries are in the Nada (__) area, and have tours or museums open to the public. You can pick up a map of the sake breweries at the tourist information office in Sannomiya.
'''Sawa-no-Tsuru Museum''' (____________) (''10-minute walk from Hanshin ?ishi station _____w''). 078-882-7788. Open daily 10 AM to 4 PM, closed Weds. This museum is probably the best of the bunch, with an informative multi-level exhibit partly labeled in English, and a well-stocked gift shop. Free entry, but no free sake.
'''Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum''' (''walking distance from Hankyu Mikage station ___e_w or Sumiyoshi station _Z_g_w''), 078-822-8907. Open daily 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, closed Mon. This museum is located inside a former brewery, and features traditional tools, dioramas and English-language videos to explain the sake-making processes. At the end, you can sample some sake, which is non-pasteurized, presumably because it doesn't have to travel far from the factory. Write your name on a piece of paper provided by the guard and return that at the end. Free entry, free sake.
'''Hamafukutsuru-Ginjo Brewery and Shop''' Open daily 10 AM to 5 PM, closed Mon. 078-411-0492. Reportedly, Hamafukutsuru offers factory tours, rather than just a museum.
Do
'''Mt. Rokko''' (_Z_b_R Rokko-san) and its '''Rock Garden''', the first an easy cable car trip for suitable romantic evenings, the second a light day's hiking with an excellent view. The view over the glittering expanse of Osaka Bay is canonized as one of the Three Great Night Views.
'''Kobe Collection''' (_____R___N_V____). [http://www.kobe-collection.com/] Fashion event. Held Twice a year (Aug-Sep, Feb-Mar) in Kobe since 2002. Popular with young women.
'''Kobe Jazz Street''' (_____W___Y_X_g___[_g). [http://www.kobejazzstreet.gr.jp/history/english.html] Famous Jazz event in Japan. Held every October at jazz bars and hotels in Kobe since 1981.
'''Chicken George''' [http://www.chicken-george.co.jp/] One of the most famous place with live music in Japan. Near Sannomiya station.
'''Nunobiki Falls'''[http://hometown.infocreate.co.jp/en/kinki/kobe/midoko-e.html] is one of three of Japan's most important waterfalls. A 15 minute walk up Mt. Rokko from Shin Kobe station.
Buy
K?be's shopping is clustered around the Sannomiya train station and the Center-Gai shopping arcade leading off from it. Many of the unassuming little cafes and specialty shops in the arcade in fact have histories tracing back well over a hundred years.
'''Piazza K?be''' (_s_A_U____) and '''Motok? Town''' (___g_R_[_^_E__) are the two names of essentially one long arcade where all manner of second-hand goods are sold. These stores are underneath the JR lines, running from Sannomiya station, past Motomachi Station, to K?be Station. Motoko sells a variety of things such as books, clothes, shoes, accessories, knives, lighters, toys...... You can get heaps of things.
'''Harbor Land''' (''adjacent to Kobe station''). This is a modern shopping and dining area, developed on the edge of the Kobe Bay.
'''MOSAIC'''. Kobe_fs playground. There are restaurants, bars, a movie theatre, a shopping market, an amusement arcade and a little amusement park. Harbour cruises are offered, some of which go as far as the '''Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge'''.
Books
'''Random Walk''' [http://www.bookshop.co.jp/kobe/] (''Center-Gai shopping arcade close to Motomachi station''). 078-332-9200. Open daily 10 AM to 8 PM. Wide selection of english books and magazines. No japanese books!
'''Junkudo''' (''7th floor of the big DAIEI building in front of Sannomiya station''). 078-252-0777. Open daily 10 AM to 9 PM. Huge bookstore with big selection of english books and magazines.
'''Junkudo''' (''5th floor of JR Sumiyoshi station''). Open daily 10 AM to 9 PM. Huge bookstore.
Eat
Kobe has a large number of restaurants offering international cuisine.
K?be is known worldwide for its '''Kobe beef''', exquisitely marbled, very fatty and very expensive beef. Recommended for a splurge, but expect to pay close to ¥10,000 per head. At the opposite end of the culinary spectrum is ''sobameshi'' (______), a concoction of fried rice and noodles mixed together, which is cheap, filling and pretty much unique to Kobe.
'''Nankinmachi''' (''walking distance from Sannomiya station''). Cheap eats can be found in K?be's Chinatown.
'''Sky Buffet''', [http://www.buffet.jp/sky/index.html]. It_fs a little bit hard to find (''several blocks south of Sannomiya Station, but it_fs the tallest building one street over on your left''), but at 24 floors up, the view is quite impressive especially at night and definitely worth the troubles of finding it. The food_fs a reasonably good mix of cultures and well priced.
'''Alain Chapel''', [http://www.portopia.co.jp/en/dining/alainchapel.html]. It_fs a branch of ''Alain Chapel'' (France,Lyons. a 3 stars restaurant).'''Kobe Portpia Hotel''' 31 floor.
'''Grill Ippei''' (_O________). Specializes in ''y?shoku'', or Japanized Western dishes. Specialities include ''Ebi furai'' (breaded shrimp), ''kaki furai'' (breaded oyster), hamburger steaks and ''tonkatsu'' (pork cutlets). There are several branches near Sannomiya station, Motomachi station and elsewhere.
Drink
K?be's specialty are ''tachinomiya'', literally stand-and-drink bars.
'''New Muenchen Kobe Taishikan''' (_j___[_~_____w_________g__), Sannomiya-cho, 2-chome, 5-18 (''on Ikuta Road a block south of Center-Gai, about 3 blocks south of the JR tracks, under 10 min. by foot from either Hankyu, Hanshin, or JR Sannomiya station''), tel. 078-391-3656, [http://r.gnavi.co.jp/fl/en/k015502/]. Open 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, lunch hours are 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. A long-time Sapporo Beer brewpub and restaurant newly rebuilt after the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995 that serves seasonal brews and dishes as well as the timeless favorites of German and Japanese beer halls. Bar service on ground floor, table service on higher floors. Capacity 540. Beers range around ¥550-950, food ranges around ¥750-1500.
'''Sone''', 1-24-10 Nakayamate-dori (''in Kitano just north of Sannomiya station''), tel. 078-221-2055, [http://kto.co.jp/new/modules/booklists/viewcat.php?cid=24&orderby=titleD]. Not only an excellent place to relax with a drink, Sone also happens to be one of the best jazz clubs in Kansai.
'''Pizza Kitchen (PK)''', 1-12-4 Nakayamate-dori (''at the intersection with Kitano-zaka, just north of Sannomiya station''), tel. 078-333-0350, beer 600 yen, pizza 1000 yen, free wireless internet access for customers.
Sleep
K?be has a wide variety of accommodation, ranging from love hotels near Shin-Kobe to luxury hotels by the waterfront.
If you don't find hotel, you can move to JR Osaka Station for 21 min. 390 yen.(From JR Sannomiya station.)
'''Kobe Harborland New Otani''', 1-3-5 Higashi-kawasaki-cho, Chuo-ku, tel. 078-360-1111, [http://www.newotani.co.jp/en/kobe/index.php]. A member of the prestigious New Otani chain. While not quite swanky as its Tokyo flagship, the location near JR K?be station is good and internet rates can be had for around ¥10,000 a night (plus taxes).
'''Hotel Tor Road''', 3-1-19 Nakayamate-dori, Chuo-ku, tel. 078-391-6691, fax 078-391-6570, e-mail htorroad@oak.ocn.ne.jp. Convenient location in the heart of Kobe's main shopping and dining area between Sannomiya and Motomachi train stations. New Muenchen Tor Road beer cellar right next door. Singles ¥7500-9000, doubles/twins ¥15,000-19,000.
'''Kobe Bay Sheraton''', 2-13 Koyocho-naka , Higashinada-ku, tel. 078-857-7000,or 1-800-325-3535 (from U.S. only), [http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=772&language=en_EN]. The location is in Rokko-island near Island-center station (Rokko Liner Line).35,000 Yen (But other stay plans available).
'''Kobe Kur Haus (_____N_A_n_E_X)''', 3-10-15 Ninomiya-chou , Chuo-ku, tel. 078-222-3755. Near Sannomiya station (Hankyu,Hanshin,JR Line) for 8 minutes. It is hot spa and capsule-type hotel (tube hotel). It has a floor exclusive use for women.3,300 to 4,600 yen.
'''Ninomiya Ryokan (___{____)''', 1-10-6 Kotonoo-chou , Chuo-ku. Near Sannomiya station (Hankyu,Hanshin,JR Line) for 6 minutes.single 4,000 yen.
(Near Sannomiya Station,there are several hotels like this.)
'''Kobe Kitano hotel (_____k___z_e__)''', 3-3-20 Yamamoto-dori , Chuo-ku. Near Sannomiya station (Hankyu,Hanshin,JR Line) for 15 minutes.Twin room From 26,250 yen. , [http://www.kobe-kitanohotel.co.jp/en/index.html]. It's owner and chef was a cook at Le Relais Bernard Loiseau (a restaurant in France, Michelin 3 stars restaurant),this hotel's plan include dinner and breakfast.In Kitano-area.
Get out
'''Arima Onsen''', a hot-spring town located on the other side of Mt. Rokko
'''Nishinomiya''', Situated between Kobe and Osaka, '''Mount Kabutoyama''' makes a nice getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
'''Takarazuka''', Famous for its all-female dance troup, the '''Takarazuka Revue'''
'''Osaka''', If Kobe wasn't enough to satisfy your shopping needs, Osaka will certainly fulfill your needs
'''Kyoto''', the true cultural capital of Japan
'''Awaji Island''', Connects to the '''Akashi Kaikyo Bridge''', the world's longest suspension bridge, 10 km far to the West. (10 minutes by train.)
'''Himeji''', a nice city with Japan's most beautiful well-preserved castle, is a 30 minute train ride away.
'''Okayama''', a beautiful city, home to one of the top three gardens in Japan and the birthplace of the famous '''Momotaro''' tale
'''Kurashiki''', a charming stroll through old Japan, lined with local shops and museums