Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano

Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano:Overview & History

Spanning across the historical Settsu and Harima Provinces, Kobe has prospered as a port town since antiquity. Following Japan opening its borders at the end of the Edo period (in the 19th century) and settlements being established for foreign nationals in the Kitano district, many people have come from abroad to settle in Japan, promoting the spread of western customs in the area. Kobe is known as an international city of trade with sophisticated clothing, food, housing, and culture. Although the city suffered significant damage from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995, it has now been restored and prospers just as it was before the earthquake.

Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano:Area Introduction

Kobe has Mt. Rokko towering behind it to the north, and the wide open Osaka Bay to the south. In addition to the bustling terminal station of Sannomiya with service for JR and private railways, Kobe is home to many wonderful locations, such as Kitano featuring many western-style houses, and the bay area in front of the Port of Kobe.

Sannomiya Surrounding Areas

Sannomiya is the heart of Kobe, and is renowned as a fashion district. The area is bustling with people of all ages, and features some long-standing establishments including the Sannomiya Center Gai Shopping Street and Daimaru Kobe.

Kitano Surrounding Areas

Kitano is home to many western-style houses built in the 1880s by overseas architects. Currently, 15 of these buildings are open to the public as Ijinkan (former residences of foreign nationals). This hilly area has many cafes and variety stores—why not take an unguided walk around and see what you can find?

Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano:Must-See Events

Mid-April: Infiorata Kobe

Infiorata is an event where flowers are used to create pictures on streets and in squares. This event has been held in various places across Europe for a long time, and began to be held in Kobe in 1997. It has now become an annual event that decorates Kobe every spring.

November to March: KOBE Romantic Fair

In winter, Kobe is adorned with many romantic illuminations. With Kobe Luminarie, Kobe Illuminage, the Nankin-machi Lantern Fair, among other events, various locations across the city are lit up beautifully at night.

Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano:Access

Access from Kansai International Airport to Kobe

From Terminal 1 or 2 of Kansai International Airport, or from the pier, take the high-speed boat called the Kobe-Kansai Airport Bay Shuttle. In about 30 minutes, you will arrive at the pier of the Kobe Airport Kaijo Access Terminal on Port Island, where Kobe Airport is located.

Access from Osaka International Airport to Kobe

From Osaka International Airport, take an Airport Limousine Bus. In about 40 minutes, you will arrive at Kobe Sannomiya Station.

Access from Osaka Station to Kobe

Ride on the JR Kobe Line from JR Osaka Station, and you will arrive at JR Sannomiya Station in about 30 minutes. Alternatively, ride on the Hankyu Kobe Line from Hankyu Umeda Station, and you will arrive at Kobe-sannomiya Station in about 30 minutes. Alternatively, ride on the Hanshin Main Line from Hanshin Umeda Station, and you will arrive at Kobe-Sannomiya Station in about 30 minutes.