Last updated on October 9th, 2023 at 09:52 am

Where to Stay in Kobe (神戸) For Your First Epic Visit to Japan

It is written that Kobe, Japan is only worth a day trip visit from Osaka and Kyoto.

I say how dare they. Have they ever been to Sannomiya?

The magnificent port city of Kobe, in its own right, is a city that deserves at least several overnight stays. And on this post, I’ll explain why Sannomiya is the best area to stay in Kobe along with a couple of affordable hotels I’ve stayed in.

Not long ago, I visited a full week in Kobe moving around three neighborhoods and staying in three different hotels. From my experience Kobe hotels are a lot more affordable than larger cities within the Kansai region of Japan.

Especially while I was in Sannomiya and discovered the reasons why it’s such a perfect location. It’s the center of Kobe and a major public transportation hub.

Kobe is a Fantastic Jump Point to Visit Other Prefectures of Japan’s Kansai Region

Most travelers make the choice of staying in Osaka or Kyoto first. And then visiting nearby cities like Nara, Kobe and then Himeji which is the furthest city from the rest mentioned. That’s not a bad choice, Osaka is also a great city to visit for a first time trip to Japan.

Instead I’m making the case that Kobe is a great city as a base to explore other parts of Japan’s Kansai region. Especially when you don’t have a lot of time.

This is especially true when you’re flying out of Kansai International Airport (KIX). Traveling from Kobe to KIX is fast and affordable. From central Kobe where we were staying it only took us one hour to reach Kansai International Airport.

If you stay in Sannomiya you won’t have a hard time traveling or rush to the airport since it is so near.

Ferris wheel at Kobe Harborland — Ferris wheel at Kobe harborland…

5 Reasons Why Kobe is Such a Great City to Check Out for Your First Visit in Japan

Kobe is located in Hyogo prefecture in Kansai region. It only takes 20 to 30 minutes train ride (depending on train line) to Osaka and train fares cost 300 yen to 400 yen.
Kobe hotels are more affordable compared to Osaka and Kyoto. And way more affordable compared to Tokyo. Below are a selection of fine affordable family friendly hotels I recommend.
Kobe is a historic city where many foreigners used to live in the Kitano-cho (北野町, Kitanochō) district. You’ll certainly enjoy the city’s history and natural beauty starting with Mount Rokko to Sorakuen Garden and on to Arima Onsen for hot springs. There’s more to see along Nankinmachi (南京町), Kobe’s own little Chinatown. There’s plenty of sights and attractions in Kobe to round out an amazing vacation in Japan.
Kobe beef. Need I say more?
It only takes roughly one hour travel between Kobe and Kansai International Airport.

Best Way to Travel to Kobe from Kansai International Airport And Back

Yes, it only takes 1 hour to travel from Kobe to KIX airport and vice versa. Here’s a post I wrote about traveling from central Kobe to KIX airport using the convenient Bay Shuttle. There are photos with directions on that post that will help you navigate and find the right area to catch the shuttle boat to the KIX.

Map of KIX and Kobe Airport — A short 30 minute ride from on ferry shuttle from Kobe Airport to Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Bay Shuttle Kobe-Kansai Airport Fare 2023:

Adults 1880 yen (one way) – 3060 yen (round trip)
Children ages 6 – 11 940 yen (one way) – 1530 yen (round trip)

But great news! While I was lookin up the current fare price for Kobe-Kansai Airport Bay Shuttle. I saw a big discount for tickets.

Discounted Fare for Foreign Tourists Until March 31st, 2024:

Adults 500 yen (one way)
Children ages 6-11 250 yen ( one way)

To reserve your fares and check ferry schedule take a look at their website, credit cards are accepted. This is a special deal only available to foreign tourists.

This is the biggest discount I’ve ever seen…

But here’s a heads up. Japan’s typhoon season starts end of August to early September. So you’ll want to check the weather forecast or plan around this time to avoid travel delays.

How to Get to the Bay Shuttle from Kobe’s Sannomiya Station

At JR Sannomiya Station look for signs near the east gate leading to Kobe Portliner Sannomiya Station. Adult fare is only 330 yen and the ride. Look for the train heading to Kobe Airport which is the terminal station. The ride only takes 20 minutes.

Portliner Station is where you catch the train to the bay shuttle ferry at Kobe airport…

Kobe Port Liner Sign — Kobe Portliner train is located at the east gate. You will see plenty of signs leading to the station…

Now that you know the reasons why I think you should stay longer in Kobe for your first epic visit to Japan, let’s get down to the nitty gritty. You’re home away from home.

My 4 Favorite Hotels Are located in Kobe’s Chuo Ward in Sannomiya

And all the hotels I recommend in Sannomiya are close to 6 train stations:

JR / Sannomiya station
Hankyu Railway / Kobe-Sannomiya station
Hanshin Railway / Kobe-Sannomiya station
Kobe Port Liner / Sannomiya station
Kobe Subway Seishin-Yamate line / Sannomiya station
Kobe Subway Kaigan line / Sannomiya-Hanadokeimae station

With so many train stations you can easily catch one for day trips around the Kansai regions. I used the JR train to visit Himeji for a day.

Plus Nearby Things to See and Do in Kobe

Sannomiya, the center of Kobe’s city
Meriken Park located on the bay of Kobe with its signature iconic red, cylindrical 108 meter-high Port Tower
Kobe Harborland has a seaport shopping center right next to Meiken Park. If traveling with young children check out Anpanman Children’s Museum & Mall.
Kobe Maritime Museum also located within Meriken Park
Nanking Machi is Kobe’s vibrant Chinatown

My Favorite Hotels in Sannomiya

Sannomiya is the heart of Kobe City. It is divided into two areas, north and south which is conveniently divided by Sannoymiya Station.

Hotels in South Sannomiya from my experience is where you’ll find the most budget friendly hotels in Kobe.

My recommended hotels all have free internet wi-fi as most hotels in this day and age should. And it’s fast with easy connection. I chose a few of these mostly because of the larger than average Japanese hotel room sizes.

Except for the capsule hotel which was mainly done out of fun and experience. Overall, my select pick of these four hotels in Sannomiya will ensure you have a comfortable, enjoyable stay.

The rates I provided are based on season. And also two persons per room, except for capsule hotel of course.

Kobe Caspule Hotel Seki Exterior — the b Kobe

1. the b Kobe Hotel – $75USD (Check rates and read reviews on agoda.com)
This is the first hotel I’ve ever stayed in for my first trip to Kobe. And I’ve been back ever since. The reason is simple. Their rooms are larger than the average Japanese hotel room. With 14 sq. meters of space my wife and I can stay in comfort without bumping into our luggage.

2. Kobe Capsule Hotel Seki – $30USD (Check rates and read reviews on agoda.com)
What kind of Kobe hotel review will this be if I don’t include one Japan’s famous capsule style hotels. I stayed here while I was traveling solo a few years back. It’s fun, comfortable and clean. Most importantly cheap. Though awhile ago it’s been converted into mens’ only capsule hotel.

3. APA Hotel Kobe Sannomiya – $75USD (Check rates and reviews on agoda.com)
I always rave about APA chain of business classed hotels. This is my go to hotel option whenever I’m in Japan and I don’t know which hotel to stay in. This particular APA hotel has a buffet breakfast option that cost $10USD extra. Which is a very good deal.

4. Hotel Villa Fontaine – $65USD (Check rates and read reviews on agoda.com)
I stayed at this hotel because all of my favorite budget hotels in Kobe were either fully booked or didn’t have double rooms to share with my wife. But when I got my room here I was totally happy. A superior double room is 18 sq. meters. Hotel Villa Fontaine is very popular today and one of the best affordable hotels in Kobe with terrific reviews.