Kōbe

Kōbe is one of Japan’s most cosmopolitan cities, sitting where the mountains meet the sparkling waters of Osaka Bay. Ever since Japan opened its doors to the world in the 1800s, traders and travelers from across the globe have sailed into this busy port, giving Kōbe a wonderfully international character that you can still feel today. Wander up to Kitano-cho and you’ll find beautiful old Western-style houses that foreign merchants once called home, standing just a short distance from an ancient Shinto shrine that has welcomed visitors for over a thousand years.

Kōbe is also a city for people who love great food — and its name is known by food lovers everywhere thanks to its legendary, melt-in-your-mouth beef, which is considered among the finest in the world. With a buzzing waterfront lined with restaurants and a giant Ferris wheel, lush hilltop gardens reachable by cable car, and even giant pandas at the local zoo, Kōbe has an irresistible energy that manages to feel both excitingly modern and beautifully timeless.

Kōbe Puzzle Set

City illustration + map puzzle, shipped to your door.

Available in 110, 252, 520 and 1,014 pcs

From $44.99

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Quick fact

Kōbe is a major port city on Osaka Bay and has been an important center for international trade since Japan opened to the world in the 19th century.

Fun fact

Kōbe is so famous for its incredibly tender, marbled beef that 'Kobe beef' is now one of the most sought-after and expensive meats in the entire world!

Landmarks

Kobe Harborland

This lively waterfront area is full of shops, restaurants, and a giant Ferris wheel, all reflected beautifully in the waters of Kobe Port.

Kitano-cho Foreign Settlement

Wander up the hill to find charming old Western-style houses called 'ijinkan' built by foreign traders who made Kobe their home over 150 years ago.

Nunobiki Herb Garden

Reached by a scenic cable car, this hilltop garden is filled with hundreds of fragrant herbs and flowers with stunning views over the city and sea below.