Luxury holidays in Kobe

In Japan’s Osaka Bay, Kobe balances deep-rooted history with cosmopolitan charm. Its 19th-century Kitano district preserves Western-style mansions, and the city remains tethered to tradition through Arima Onsen’s hot springs and Ikuta Shrine’s sacred grove. Harborland is a modern waterfront of seafood eateries, museums and open-air amusements. And just outside the city, Mount Rokko’s stellar bay views await those who ascend by cable car.

When to go

Spring paints the city in cherry blossoms, peaking in early April. When autumn arrives (September to November), cooler climes set the stage for temple visits amid vibrant foliage.

Getting there

  • Planes

    Most international flights land in Tokyo and from there, it’s a three-hour journey to Kobe on the Nozomi train. Alternatively, you can reach central Kobe from Osaka’s Kansai Airport in just over an hour.

  • Trains

    The bullet train from Tokyo takes you to Kobe in just under three hours. Alternatively, Osaka Bay is well connected by train and it takes 20 minutes to reach Kobe from the bay’s namesake city.

  • Automobiles

    Between trains, taxis and transfers, there’s no need to hire your own set of wheels while you’re in Kobe.