Kobe has a variety of entertainment spots, including museums, shopping facilities, Chinatown, etc. However, some people may be planning to have fun in Kobe but are unsure of which entertainment spots to go to.
If you know the recommended places to have fun in Kobe, you can make a plan that suits you and have fun all day with your family, friends, or partner.
In this article, we will introduce five popular entertainment spots in Kobe, such as Rokko Musical Box Museum ＆ Gardens MORINONE, Rokko Garden Terrace, and Kobe Bay Cruise, and introduce the characteristics and charms of each. If you are planning to have fun in Kobe, please refer to this article.
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Rokko Musical Box Museum ＆ Gardens MORINONE
Rokko Musical Box Museum ＆ Gardens MORINONE is one of the most popular play spots in Kobe. Take Rokko Sanjo Bus and get off in front of the museum, and you can access it in about 1 minute on foot. If you want to relax and play in the forest while listening to the sounds of birds and water, please visit us.
"Rokko Musical Box Museum ＆ Gardens MORINONE" where adults and children can have fun together
Rokko Musical Box Museum ＆ Gardens MORINONE is a place where you can enjoy nature throughout the seasons. It opened in 1994 as a museum that exhibited and played music musical box and other mechanical instruments, and is now popular as a place to play surrounded by the nature of Mt. Rokko. Adults and children can enjoy activities such as Musical Box Workshop and eating at the cafe.
Play spots at Rokko Musical Box Museum ＆ Gardens MORINONE
Introducing the play spots at Rokko Musical Box Museum ＆ Gardens MORINONE.
Musical Box Workshop
Rokko Musical Box Museum ＆ Gardens MORINONE has a studio where you can make music boxes and other musical box. In the assembly experience, you can deepen your knowledge about musical instruments while making musical box with your own hands. The staff will provide detailed explanations and support, so there is no need to worry even if it is your first time.
You can experience making musical box by choosing a song and a case, assembling it using screws, and attaching a mascot.
Forest Cafe
Mori no Cafe is a semi-self-service cafe and restaurant that offers a menu that is conscious of local production and consumption and a sustainable society.
In addition to the seats inside the restaurant, you can also sit on the terrace in the garden, where you can relax and enjoy the sounds of the birds and the wind.
SIKI Garden～ The Path of Sounds～
SIKI Garden～ The Path of Sounds～is a natural garden where you can see the natural expressions of Mt. Rokko. You can enjoy about 300 different types of plants that change with the seasons. Outdoor concerts are also held regularly, so you can enjoy nature using all your senses.
(Reference: "Rokko Musical Box Museum ＆ Gardens MORINONE" / https://www.rokkosan.com/museum/)
Rokko Garden Terrace
Rokko Garden Terrace is one of the best viewing spots in Japan. You can see Akashi Strait and Kansai International Airport, and you can enjoy various views depending on the angle and time of day. It is located right after getting off Rokko Sanjo Bus at Rokko Garden Terrace. It is also a good idea to visit Rokko Musical Box Museum ＆ Gardens MORINONE introduced earlier.
"Rokko Garden Terrace" where you can see a spectacular view
At Rokko Garden Terrace, you can enjoy a panoramic view. There are different viewing spots with different atmospheres, such as Lookout Tower and Lookout Terrace, so you can enjoy the view while taking a walk. We also recommend visiting at night to enjoy the beautiful night view.
Play spots at Rokko Garden Terrace
Rokko Garden Terrace features a unique observation deck and an English garden.
Rokko-Shidare Observatory
Rokko Shidare is an observation deck that combines views with art. It is shaped like a large tree, and when you go up you can feel the sunlight shining through the frame. Designed by Hiroshima-based architect Hiroshi Sanbuichi, it is gaining popularity as a place where you can experience nature and art.
English Garden
The English Garden is a British-style garden where you can enjoy the natural atmosphere. There is a "cottage garden" modeled after the garden of a country mansion, and a "meadow garden" where plants bloom like in a grassland, so please take a leisurely stroll.
(Reference: Rokko Garden Terrace / https://www.rokkosan.com/gt/)
Kobe Brick Warehouse
The Kobe Brick Warehouse is a recommended playground for those who want to enjoy a stroll along the sea and shopping. It is accessible on foot from JR Kobe Station and Harborland Station on the Kobe Municipal Subway Kaigan Line, so there is no burden of transportation.
Kobe Brick Warehouse: A place with an exotic atmosphere
Kobe Brick Warehouse is a space created by renovating a place that was used for storing luggage. There are various shops, a promenade along the sea, a plaza, and many play areas, so it is fun for both adults and children.
Kobe Brick Warehouse play spots
Below, we will introduce some fun spots at Kobe Brick Warehouse.
Shop Area
The Kobe Brick Warehouse consists of two buildings, with a variety of shops lined up inside. There are not only restaurants, but also unusual shops such as incense and designer stationery stores, so be sure to take a look around.
Harbor Walk
Harbor Walk is a seaside promenade that continues to the former Kobe Port signal station. Enjoy a stroll with friends, loved ones, or family while feeling the sea breeze. We also recommend taking a leisurely stroll while taking photos at the photo spots.
Kobe Brick Warehouse Square
Kobe Brick Warehouse Square is an area where you can relax under the blue sky. Events such as flea markets are held regularly, so if you're interested, why not join in?
(Reference: "Kobe Brick Warehouse" / https://kobe-renga.jp/)
Kobe Bay Cruise
The Kobe Bay Cruise is a short cruise where you can enjoy a stroll on the sea. It's a short 40-45 minute cruise that takes you around Kobe Port at your leisure. If there are seats available, you can board the cruise on the day, so if you want to see the Kobe cityscape from the sea, this is a must-visit.
"Kobe Bay Cruise" where you can enjoy the Kobe sea
On the Kobe Bay Cruise, you can board the "Royal Princess," one of the largest sightseeing boats in the Kansai region, or the "Gozabune Atakemaru," a boat modeled after the one built by Tokugawa Iemitsu. Either way, you can enjoy views of Kobe's cityscape, including Kobe Harborland and Port Island.
Highlights of the Kobe Bay Cruise
Below are some highlights along the route.
Kobe Harborland
Kobe Harborland is an amusement facility along the sea. From the route, you can see stylish buildings and a Ferris wheel.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries
The Kobe Bay Cruise also passes through an area lined with Kawasaki Heavy Industries cranes, as well as a floating dock that is used as a repair and inspection facility for special vessels such as submarines.
Kobe Port First Breakwater East Lighthouse
This lighthouse has the name "Kobe Port" written on it in large letters. It would be a good idea to take a photo here as a memento of your Kobe Bay Cruise.
Kobe Bridge
Kobe Ohashi Bridge is an arch bridge that connects the Port Terminal and Port Island. Its striking red color makes it a popular photo spot. If you ride the Royal Princess, you can go under the Kobe Ohashi Bridge.
(Reference: Kobe Bay Cruise / https://kobebayc.co.jp/)
Kobe's Chinatown, Nankinmachi
Kobe's Chinatown, Nankinmachi, is a popular playground where you can enjoy Chinese food and tea. It is popular as one of the three largest Chinatowns in Japan, along with the Chinatowns of Yokohama and Nagasaki, so be sure to visit. It is a 5-minute walk from Motomachi Station on the JR Kobe Line and Hanshin Electric Railway, or a 7-minute walk from Kencho-mae Station on the Subway Yamanote Line.
Nankinmachi: Enjoy food and tea
Nankinmachi stretches over an area of about 270 meters from east to west and 110 meters from north to south. It is characterized by a row of not only authentic Chinese restaurants, but also general stores, souvenir shops, and guest houses. Enjoy eating and shopping while walking through the exotic streets.
Highlights of Kobe's Chinatown and Nankinmachi
We've picked out some popular shops in Nankinmachi and would like to introduce them to you.
Records of Lao Xiang
Lao Xiang Ji is a very popular pork bun shop. The secret to its deliciousness is the "skin" that wraps the pork, and you can enjoy the harmony of the meat and skin. It is not uncommon to have to queue, so make sure you visit with plenty of time.
Kobe MILK
Kobe MILK is a specialty store for fresh almond pudding. They use local ingredients such as milk from the foot of Mt. Rokko, so you can enjoy the fresh taste of their pudding. Try the unexpected combination of almond tofu and pudding.
Houei
Houei is a restaurant where you can enjoy the very popular braised pork burger. They also have a wide range of other menu items such as meat shumai and xiaolongbao, so it can be enjoyed by both adults and children.
(Reference: "Nankinmachi" / https://www.nankinmachi.or.jp/)
summary
This time, we have picked out and introduced some popular play spots in Kobe. There are museums where you can play in the forest, and cruises where you can enjoy a stroll on the sea, so be sure to check them out.
If you want to get some exercise and have fun, we recommend Greenia, one of the largest Obstacle parks in Japan. There are unique Obstacle and zip slides, so you can have fun with your family and friends. There are also restaurants and barbecue areas, so please come and visit us.
(Reference: "Greenia" / https://www.rokkosan.com/greenia/)
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