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.