Kobe has a variety of photo spots, including botanical gardens, museums, and Obstacle parks. Some people may want to take a walk with their family or friends, bringing along a camera, and take a memorable photo.
In this article, we will introduce six photogenic spots in Kobe, such as Rokko Cable Car and Kitano Ijinkan-gai. We will introduce a variety of spots, including areas where you can take photos of retro-style buildings and facilities where you can take photos of Kobe's beautiful night view from the rooftops, so please use this as a reference.
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Rokko Cable Car
Rokko Cable Car is a cable car with a retro and classic design. It connects Rokko Cable Shita Station and Rokko Sanjo Station, and takes you through the greenery to the top of the mountain.
The interior of the bus is also attractive, with seats made of natural wood and a glass roof, allowing you to relax and enjoy the view of Mt. Rokko. From the top of the mountain, you can also take the "Rokko Sanjo Bus" or "Rokko Maya Sky Shuttle Bus" to travel around the viewing spots.
Rokko Cable Car: The charm of its retro train body
Rokko Cable Car has multiple types of carriages: Classic type carriages 1 and 3, and Retro type carriages 2 and 4. The Classic type, decorated in the traditional festival colors of red and green, and the Retro type, modeled after the old Kobe City Tram, have different charms, so be sure to take photos of them.
Photo spot of Rokko Cable Car
There are many photo spots around Rokko Cable Car, such as Rokko Sanjo Station and Rokko Cable Shita Station. Be sure to take a memorable photo.
Rokko Sanjo Station
Rokko Sanjo Station is an Art Deco style station building with a distinctive modern design. It opened in 1932 and still remains in its original form, with its dignified atmosphere making it very popular.
In 2000, it was recognized as one of the "100 Best Stations in the Kinki Region," and in 2007, it was recognized as a "Modern Industrial Heritage Site." If you like the retro atmosphere of the early Showa period, be sure to stop by to take some photos. We also recommend taking a photo with the "Rokko Sanjo Bus," which has an attractive, classic-style body.
Rokko Cable Shita Station
Rokko Cable Shita Station is a station building designed to look like a mountain hut. Its large triangular roof is attractive and it is also a popular photo spot. Be sure to take a photo before heading to the top of the mountain on Rokko Cable Car.
In fact, the current station building is the second generation, and was constructed in the same style as Rokko Sanjo Station when it opened in 1932. It was destroyed in the Great Hanshin Flood of 1938, but was rebuilt in its current form, and is still beloved by many people today.
(Reference: Rokko Cable Car / https://www.rokkosan.com/cable/)
Kitano Foreigners' Houses
Provided by: Kobe Tourism Bureau
Kitano Ijinkan-gai is a popular photo spot lined with exotic buildings. You can take photos of Meiji and Taisho period architecture while walking along the hilltop overlooking the sea. It is a 10-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station or a 15-minute walk from Sannomiya Station on the Hankyu Kobe Line, so be sure to visit.
Kitano Ijinkan: Experience foreign cultures
In addition to the historical foreign-style houses, Kitano Ijinkan-gai is also home to art museums, coffee shops, shrines, and more. You can enjoy a stroll while experiencing foreign culture and taking photos.
Photo spot of Kitano Ijinkan
Here are some photo spots around Kitano Ijinkan.
Yamate No.8 Building
Yamate Hachibankan is an attractive Tudor-style Western-style building. It was built in the late Meiji period as the private residence of Mr. Sansen. The interior of the building is decorated with sculptures and artworks by Rodin, Bernard, Bourdelle, and others. One of the most popular exhibits is the "Saturn's Chair," which is said to grant wishes when you sit in it.
British Pavilion
The British Pavilion is a colonial-style Western-style building. The interior of the building is decorated with fabrics by William Morris, a proponent of the Arts and Crafts movement. You can wear an Invincible Cape or Deerstalker to tour the building and enjoy taking commemorative photos.
Denmark Pavilion
The Danish Pavilion is a facility that introduces Nordic history and culture. You can see a replica of a Viking ship and the study of fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen.
(Reference: "Kitano Ijinkan" / https://www.kobeijinkan.com/)
Whirlpool Cruise
The whirlpool cruise is a cruise where you can experience the world's largest whirlpool. It departs from Fukura Port on Awaji Island and takes about 60 minutes to visit photo spots such as the Onaruto Bridge and the Naruto Strait. Enjoy the spectacular views with your family and friends.
"Whirlpool Cruise" where you can take photos around Awaji Island
If you take the whirlpool cruise, you can see the huge whirlpools with a diameter of about 20 meters up close. Since you pass very close to where the whirlpools are generated, you will be able to take some impressive photos. The small island with the historic site is also a popular photo spot.
Photo spots for the whirlpool cruise
Here we will introduce the main photo spots on the whirlpool cruise.
Naruto Strait
The Naruto Strait is a strait between Magosaki, Ogeshima, Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture, and Kadosaki, Awaji Island, Minami Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture. It has been selected as one of the 100 most scenic spots in Japan, and is a popular photo spot.
The main features of this strait are the deep waters in the center and the fast currents. Enjoy an exciting cruise and beautiful scenery.
Onaruto Bridge
Onaruto Bridge is a large suspension bridge spanning the Naruto Strait. The whirlpool cruise runs under the Onaruto Bridge. You can take pictures of the rarely seen view from below and the dynamic scenery of the bridge spanning the strait.
(Reference: "Uzushio Cruise" / https://www.uzu-shio.com/)
Rooftop terrace Sorafune Kobe
Sorafune Kobe is one of the most popular spots for people who love photography and cameras. You can take photos of the Kobe cityscape from the deck on the rooftop of the main building of the Kobe Portopia Hotel. You can enjoy photography both during the day and at night, but the daytime session requires a reservation, so make sure to make a reservation in advance.
"Sorahune Kobe" where you can take photos of the city of Kobe from the rooftop
At Sorafune Kobe, you can take pictures of Port Island, Kobe Airport, and more, from a height of about 110 meters above ground. Depending on the weather, you may even be able to see the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Kansai International Airport, and Awaji Island. We also recommend visiting at night to take pictures of the beautiful night view.
Photo spot of Sorafune Kobe
If you go to Sorafune Kobe, be sure to take photos of the beautiful city of Kobe and the Rokko mountain range.
A 360-degree view
At Sorafune Kobe, you can enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view. Looking around, you can take pictures of the Kobe cityscape and Kobe Bridge. At night, you can take pictures of the lights of the city and Harborland. Surrounded by the gentle light of the rooftop deck, you can enjoy taking photos in an emotional atmosphere.
Drone photography is also available as an option.
If you make a reservation in advance, you can also request drone photography. You can rent out the rooftop deck of Sorafune Kobe exclusively and enjoy drone photography for a few minutes. If you want to take pictures of the spectacular view from the sky, be sure to apply for this option.
(Reference: "Sorafune Rooftop Terrace Kobe" / https://www.portopia.co.jp/sorafune/)
Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden
Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden is a facility that takes advantage of the cool climate to cultivate a variety of plants. In addition to plants native to Rokko, you can also enjoy cold-climate plants and alpine plants from around the world. There are about 1,500 species of plants in the garden, so if you want to take photos of flowers and plants, this is a must-visit.
Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden: Enjoy the seasonal scenery
At Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, you can enjoy seasonal scenery such as early spring flowers, fresh greenery in early summer, and autumn leaves. The garden is made up of areas with different atmospheres, such as a rock garden and a wetland plant area, so you can take a wide variety of photos. There are also cafes and general stores related to plants, so you can enjoy a leisurely meal and shopping.
Photo spot at Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden
The photo spots at Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden are as follows.
Rock Garden
The Rock Garden is an area where you can photograph alpine plants in a natural environment. It has been designed to resemble a rocky alpine landscape, and a variety of alpine plants are cultivated here.
Forest area
The forest area is lined with many different kinds of tall trees. You can take photos of flowers such as dogtooth violets in spring and bamboo lilies in the rainy season while walking among the trees. It is also popular with people who want to enjoy forest bathing while enjoying the seasonal scenery.
Tall grassland
The Tall Grassland is an area where colorful flowers bloom. You can photograph about 50 kinds of plants, including mountain lilies, Japanese citrons, and the endangered Japanese quince.
(Reference: "Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden"/ https://www.rokkosan.com/hana/)
Kobe Maritime Museum
Kobe Maritime Museum was built in 1987 as a commemorative project for the 120th anniversary of the opening of Kobe Port. In 2020, it was renovated with the theme of "The History of Kobe and Its Ports," and visitors can experience the history and future of the sea, ships, and ports through various exhibits. The large roof, which resembles a sailing ship and waves, is also attractive, so be sure to go and take some photos.
Kobe Maritime Museum: Experience the history of the sea and ships
The Kobe Maritime Museum is divided into areas such as Kobe Port Discovery and Kobe Port History, where you can deepen your knowledge about ships and ports through exhibits and hands-on content. Kawasaki Heavy Industries' "Kawasaki World" is also located next door, so you can enjoy a wide range of activities.
Photo spot at Kobe Maritime Museum
Below are some photo spots at Kobe Maritime Museum.
Kobe Port Discovery
Kobe Port Discovery is an area where the projection mapping "Kobe Port Opening 150th Anniversary Theater" and model ship routes are exhibited. Not only are models of Western sailing ships and cargo ships on display, but there are also interactive devices that allow you to learn about ships that are active in the port. The 3D photo spot where you can take commemorative photos with trick art is also popular.
Kobe Port History
Kobe Port History is an area where you can learn about the history of Kobe Port since it opened. Through various hands-on content, you can learn about the role of ships and the work that goes on at the port.
For example, in the ship-handling simulator, you can experience the work of a navigator while watching a video that recreates the Port of Kobe. In addition, in the gantry crane simulator, you can experience lifting a container loaded on a ship with two levers. It's also a good idea to take pictures while playing with your children.
(Reference: Kobe Maritime Museum / https://kobe-maritime-museum.com/)
summary
This time, we have introduced a carefully selected list of photo spots in Kobe. There are various types of spots, such as facilities where you can take photos while walking in nature, and facilities where you can view the Kobe cityscape from a rooftop, so please choose one that suits your taste.
If you want to take a memorable photo while exercising, we recommend Greenia. Greenia is one of the largest Obstacle parks in Japan, and offers a variety of attractions, including water and aerial Obstacle. There are many photo Obstacle, so you can enjoy it with your family and friends.
(Reference: "Greenia" / https://www.rokkosan.com/greenia/)
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