10 Hidden Gems In Kobe

Arima

Cherry blossoms, fireflies, and locally brewed beer – what more could you want from an alpine town overflowing with ancient hot springs, tucked into one of the most pristine and breathtaking mountain ranges in Japan? Hidden gems in Kobe don’t get much better than that. Arima – only a 30-minute train ride in mountains – boasts one of the oldest (and in my opinion one of the best) onsen (hot spring) in all of Japan. While the golden onsen water is said to be a rejuvenating treatment for skin, the fresh mountain air, walkways that wind between leafy forest and ancient wooden houses and the atmosphere in this quintessentially Japanese mountain town are good for the soul. Spend half a day here defrosting your toes in the free public springs, or splash out on entry into one of the private onsens and enjoy locally brewed Rokko beer. Arima is a wildly popular weekend getaway for city dwellers, so it might be well worth the loot to dodge the crowds and book into one of the hotels that open their baths to the public during lunchtime. They are costly but provide a better environment to relax and some hotels throw in lunch as part of the package. This not to miss experience is one of the top things to do in Kobe in winter or summer, as well as part of the perfect one-day itinerary.

Suma

Situated in one of the nine wards of Kobe is this stretch of white sandy beach. I’d like to tell you it’s pristine, but it’s not. In fact, out of season, it’s pretty nondescript, fairly dirty beach. There are, however, some factors that make it unique though, and worthy of mention in this list. One of these factors is the massive Sumadera Temple complex – really unique with its Nepalese style temples and some jaw-dropping garden features. From nearby you can catch a cable car to the top of the mountain, giving you a great view of the Askashe suspension bridge – the longest suspension bridge in the world. The other factor that puts Suma on the map is the same that attracts tourists to the Kansai region all through summer when this stretch of beach transforms into a giant beach party, full of pop-up beach bars, restaurants, and dance clubs. The atmosphere is electric, with girls and guys sunbathing, drinking and partying, excellent beer, ice-cream, and mouthwatering hotdogs always close at hand. Afterward, the bulldozers roll in and flatten it, but between the beginning of July and the end of August, this is a great spot for a party.

Akashi

A city in its own right, but well-connected by train, Akashi is less than a 15 minute ride away from Kobe, and almost entirely unknown to tourists. The train ride offers a nice view of the seaside and Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, a suspension bridge which links Kobe to the Japanese mainland. To the locals Akashi is also well known for its large fish market located on Uonotana Street, which you can walk down to catch sight of seafood so fresh it is likely still flapping around. If you’ve been to Osaka you’re probably familiar with the famous takoyaki balls of batter with soft octopus inside. Akashi has its own spin on this favoured delicacy called akashiyaki, commonly eaten with a thin broth. Other good attractions in the area are the Akashi Castle, with a pretty park that just explodes in tones of pink and white during cherry blossom season, and a craft brewery that – while you can’t actually enter the brewery – sells good craft beer.

Shinkaichi Higashiyama Shoutengai

Photo credit: 663highland, Wikipedia

Of all the unusual things to do in Kobe, this one is probably is the realm of the sleazier attractions. A widely patronized downtown entertainment area, Shinkaichi is more popular among the local Japanese populace and is probably where you ought to head if you are looking for a true reflection of the local drinking scene, packed as it is with cinemas, izakaya pubs, karaoke parlors and restaurants packed to the rafters with delicious ramen and gyoza. Among the bars and eateries, you’ll catch sight of a true Kobe slice of life, with an active music scene and stores that display a quirky amalgam of Japanese pop culture. At night it can be a fairly dodgy area but totes an abundance of happening bars, as well as the main red-light district which is not generally frequented by foreigners. If you do stumble to this part of town head to the blues and jazz clubs in the area that play host to the well-established jazz scene, with a popular jazz festival taking place here on an annual basis.

Meriken Park

While the waterfront area that is Meriken Park, overlooking Kobe Port, is not hidden and is well-known among travelers, the night time appeal of this attraction is largely unknown. Kobe Harborland, a stone's throw from Meriken park, is a shopping and entertainment district that falls between JR Kobe Station and the waterfront of Kobe port, offering excellent retail and culinary options by day, as well as bars and other amusements come nightfall. It’s the impressive illumination, however, of the entire area which is artfully lit up to create a romantic evening atmosphere and dazzling viewpoint for couples and tourists alike. The view stretches from Meriken to Harborland and back again, equally beautiful from either side looking at the other, the large KOBE sign ever illuminated in the distance.