Kobe sits between the Rokko Mountains to the north and the Seto Inland Sea to the south. The mountains help block the cold northern winds, while the relatively warm sea keeps winter temperatures milder overall. Strong coastal gusts may blow in from Awaji and the Akashi Strait, but this airflow also helps reduce summer heat buildup across the city.

With long daylight hours and moderate humidity, Kobe offers a comfortable environment for travelers. The city center around Sannomiya is well-connected by trains, subways, and buses, making it easy to get around. Even on days when the weather isn’t ideal, there are plenty of indoor attractions to explore.

Kobe has a Seto Inland Sea climate, which means winters are relatively mild and dry with stable weather. Compared to the wetter, monsoon-influenced winters seen in many parts of East and Southeast Asia, the difference in humidity is especially noticeable. With the Rokko Mountains blocking cold northern winds, Kobe often feels more comfortable in winter than nearby Kyoto or Osaka.

While the city itself rarely sees snow, northern Hyogo areas such as Kinosaki and Tajima follow a Japan Sea climate—cold, snowy, and known for heavy winter snowfall. If you plan to visit these popular spots, be sure to pack proper winter clothing before heading out.

December averages 8.6°C (47°F), with daytime highs around 12.2°C (54°F) and lows near 5.7°C (42°F). Sunny days are common, and the gentle daytime warmth feels pleasant, although temperatures can swing between mild and noticeably cool as the month approaches its end.

By December, you’ll want a coat with a thicker lining. On active days or when temperatures swing higher, you may find yourself warming up quickly, so a functional jacket with an insulated inner layer and a wind- and water-resistant outer shell is ideal for handling Kobe’s changeable winter weather.

Indoor heating on trains and in shops can feel strong, so layering is the best approach. Adjust your clothing as needed for comfort. If you plan to wear skirts, a pair of warm, thicker tights will help keep your legs comfortable.

For many travelers, the highlight of Christmas in Japan isn’t the food or shopping but the illuminations. While light-up events across Asia can be lively, Kobe’s annual KOBE Luminarie is on an entirely different level and truly worth seeing in person. First held at the end of 1995 to honor the victims of the Great Hanshin–Awaji Earthquake, this memorial illumination has since become a December tradition. Each year, the Former Foreign Settlement and Higashi Yuenchi Park glow with intricate light displays that carry a quiet, heartfelt atmosphere rather than a commercial one. Even photos alone convey a sense of serenity.

The event usually runs for about ten days and attracts large crowds from across Japan and abroad. During the illumination period, traffic controls and one-way walking routes are in place, so be sure to follow the station signs and staff instructions as you make your way through the displays.

Himeji Castle, another must-visit destination near Kobe, also hosts its own winter illumination: the Himeji Otemae-dori Illumination. The grand Otemae Street linking Himeji Station to the castle is decorated with vibrant, colorful lights, creating a spectacular approach to the UNESCO World Heritage site. In 2025, the event is set to be directed by world-renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii, with 250,000 multicolored bulbs glowing in harmony with the castle’s evening lighting. Parts of the street become pedestrian-only during the event, making it an unmissable winter experience.

January is Kobe’s coldest month, but recent warm-winter trends have pushed the average high above 10°C (50°F). Except on days when a cold front hits, you may not even need gloves or a scarf. Snow is rare in central Kobe, and it almost never accumulates. Rainfall is also minimal at just 16 mm, about one-seventeenth of the city’s rainiest month, May.

The air is very dry, which can lead to itchy skin or chapping, so carrying lotion and lip balm is highly recommended. The dry cold can also irritate the throat and respiratory system, so wearing a mask outdoors and rinsing and washing your hands when you return are simple ways to help prevent colds.

January brings the coldest air of the season, and even in a warm winter it can still feel quite chilly. A heat-retaining base layer paired with a shirt, wool sweater, and a thicker long coat or down jacket is essential.

If you prefer wearing skirts, warm tights and boots help keep your legs comfortable. For men, a single pair of trousers is usually enough. Be sure to carry winter accessories like a scarf, gloves, and a knit hat so you can stay warm throughout the day.

From Sannomiya Station, head north and you’ll quickly arrive at Ikuta Shrine, dedicated to a deity associated with good relationships. Many young couples and locals visit for their New Year’s prayers. The shrine is also famous for its mizu-mikuji (water fortune), where you place your fortune slip into the spring water within the grounds and watch the writing gently appear.

Since the shrine sits right in the city center, it’s easy to continue your day with a meal or some shopping after your visit.

Another great January highlight is Arima Onsen, one of Japan’s three oldest hot spring towns. Every year on January 2, the town hosts the Arima Onsen Iri-zome Ceremony, held in gratitude to Okuninushi-no-mikoto, Sukunahikona-no-mikoto, and the monk Gyoki, who helped revive the area. In 2005, this tradition was designated as a Kobe City Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.

During the ceremony, Arima’s geiko dress in classic white garments and perform the traditional yunomi ritual dance as “hot spring maidens,” a custom that dates back to the Edo period. It is one of the region’s most meaningful New Year celebrations and a rare chance to experience long-standing onsen culture.

February averages 8.7°C (48°F), with highs around 12.1°C (54°F) and lows near 5.6°C (42°F). Temperatures are similar to January, and daytime highs still climb above 10°C (50°F). However, windy days become more frequent, which makes the air feel colder. While central Kobe stays fairly mild, areas closer to the Japan Sea—such as Toyooka and Tajima—are much colder and see heavy snowfall, so adjust your clothing depending on where you plan to visit.

February is also peak flu season. When visiting crowded attractions or riding enclosed trains, stay alert and consider wearing a mask. Washing your hands, rinsing, and avoiding exhaustion are simple ways to help keep your immunity strong.

February temperatures are similar to January, so the same outfit approach works well: a heat-retaining base layer, a shirt, a wool sweater, and a long coat or down jacket. While central Kobe rarely drops below freezing, you’ll notice many women switching to long pants for extra warmth. A scarf or gloves is still useful for early mornings and evenings, when the chill is more noticeable.

Motomachi’s Nankinmachi is Kobe’s famous Chinatown, filled with Chinese restaurants, specialty shops, and plenty of street foods like steamed buns and xiaolongbao that you can enjoy while strolling. It is always lively with visitors.

Since 1987, Kobe’s Chinatown has celebrated the Lunar New Year with the Nankinmachi Spring Festival, featuring parades, lion dances, and other performances along its festive streets. After enjoying the food and energy of the event, take a short walk toward the Former Foreign Settlement to experience a blend of Lunar New Year charm and classic Kobe atmosphere.

If you want to experience winter skiing, Rokko Mountain Snow Park is one of the most popular artificial ski areas near Kobe. From Sannomiya Station, it takes only about 35 minutes to reach, which means you can spend the morning shopping in stylish malls and be on the slopes by the afternoon. It is hard to find another place with this level of convenience.

The park is designed so even first-timers can enjoy the snow, offering full rentals for skis, boards, and winter clothing. You can arrive empty-handed and still have a great time playing in the snow.

Recent years have brought milder winters, and you’ll notice fewer people in heavy down jackets around Kobe, making the city even more comfortable for sightseeing. From the grand illumination events and the solemn atmosphere of New Year shrine visits to the lively Lunar New Year celebrations in Nankinmachi, you can enjoy plenty of outdoor fun without worrying about extreme cold.

*Data referenced from the Japan Meteorological Agency (MLIT).