Not a lot of things to do in Kobe so it’s probably only worth spending a night or two or even coming over from Osaka for a day.
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden
Park at the bottom (Parking near Nunobiki Herb Garden Ropeway, Bottom Station, on Toucan’s Map of Kobe) then take a gondola up, it’s about 10-15 minutes up to the top. This is okay but as far as sweeping city views go it’s pretty ordinary. There’s a few nice pieces of garden on the walk way down to the half way cable car station but nothing to rave about. It’s really just a nice walk with not too much to do. Spend an hour or two there and that’ll be enough, it’s probably one of the most well-known things to do in Kobe but don’t get too excited about it because it’s pretty underwhelming.
Nunobiki Herb Gardens
Himeji Castle
Another castle in Japan – hooray! Not really in Kobe, about 60m from the city, Himeji Castle is probably only worth a visit if you’re really struggling for things to do in Kobe. Nice, without setting the world on fire. If you’ve been to any other castle in Japan, Himeji Castle probably isn’t going to excite too much. Having said, if you’re looking for things to do in Kobe and don’t mind the drive, it’s a pretty relaxing way to spend the morning. For more information about Himeji Castle, check out their website here.
Himeji Castle
Suma Aqualife Park
Another aquarium in Japan – hooray! Yes, when you have a boy who is in love with sea creatures, you need to visit every aquarium at every city you go to. I don’t know how many aquarium’s we’ve been to in Asia, but it’s got to be well over 30. The Suma Aqualife Park is a bit old and run down, nothing that great but if your kids are even 1/10th into sea creatures as ours, they’ll have a good time. No doubt Gobbler will have something more to say about it in his Toucan’s Tips for Kids.
Suma Aqualife Park
Kobe Harborland
Kobe Harborland is a mall a few minutes from the Hotel La Suite Kobe Harborland. If you’re after a Prada bag or some ponsy Dolce and Gabbana jeans, you’re not going to find them here. This is small town Japan mall, quite a few restaurants, loads of ice cream shops and what I call SUDN shops, basically shops with Shit You Don’t Need. There’s 3 parts to the mall, go to the part by the harbour which is basically one street like a little market, not sure if that’s part of Kobe Harborland or called something else.
Kobe Harborland