As a stop on the San’yo Shinkansen line along with local and regional lines, Kobe can be accessed via multiple stations and a range of services. On this page you will find the following information:
Kobe can be enjoyed as a day-trip from nearby or Osaka or as an overnight or multi-day visit. One of Japan’s most important and historic port cities, Kobe is proud of its maritime past. One of the first ports to open to foreigners following the Meiji Restoration of the 19th century, Kobe’s story blends Japanese and international influences including the historic Kitancho and Nankinmachi districts, along with the Nada district – one of Japan’s most highly-acclaimed ‘sake’ localities. For more about just what’s waiting for you in Kobe, see our ’15 Things to Do Around Kobe & Where to Stay’ page.
Where Is Kobe?
Kobe is a port city located around 35km / 40 minutes drive to the west of Osaka. The two cities are connected by the San’yo Shinkansen running from Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Kobe Station – taking only 12 minutes, there are frequent services everyday – or rapid and local services running from Osaka Station to JR Sannomiya Station – taking between 20 to 40 minutes, depending on which you choose. As such, Kobe can be enjoyed as a day-trip from Osaka or by staying overnight to enjoy the city’s many attractions. When coming from further away including Kyoto, Nagoya and Tokyo, Kobe is just as easy to reach thanks to the Tokaido Shinkansen line - which runs from Tokyo Station via Nagoya, Kyoto and other major stations - connecting to the San'yo Shinkansen line at Shin-Osaka Station, with many direct services running onto Shin-Kobe meaning that passengers do not need to transfer trains.
How To Get To Kobe
In this section you will find information how to reach Kobe from the following starting points:
OSAKA / KANSAI AIRPORT / HIMEJI / HIROSHIMA / KYOTO / NAGOYA / TOKYO / NARITA AIRPORT / HANEDA AIRPORT / NAGANO / KANAZAWA
We endeavour to keep this information as up-to-date as possible and in recognition that most international visitors will be using the train network to move around Japan, most directions are for using the trains. If there is alternative option i.e. express or local bus, that is notably faster or economical, we also include that information.
FROM OSAKA / between 12 to 40 minutes
Reaching Kobe from Osaka is quick and easy. The San’yo Shinkansen runs from Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Kobe Station – 12 minutes / JPY1520 – with frequent services throughout the day. Alternatively, rapid and local services run from Osaka Station to JR Sannomiya Station in Kobe, taking 20 to 40 minutes / JPY410.
FROM KANSAI AIRPORT / 95 minutes
The easiest way to reach Kobe by train from Kansai International Airport is to take the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service to Osaka Station – 65 minutes – and then switch to the JR Special Rapid Service bound for JR Sannomiya Station – a total journey of 95 minutes / JPY1740. Alternatively, you can take train services from the airport to Shiniamiya Station and then transfer to services to Osaka Station and then onto JR Sannomiya Station in Kobe, or go via Namba and Umeda Stations in Osaka. Each route takes around 95 minutes and costs roughly the same therefore, in terms of ease and only having to transfer services once at Osaka Station, we suggest following the first recommendation.
FROM HIMEJI / between 15 to 40 minutes
Himeji Station is another stop on the San’yo Shinkansen line, making it quick and easy to reach Kobe from there. Regular services throughout the day run between Himieji and Shin-Kobe, taking 15 to 25 minutes / JPY2750. Alternatively, rapid services running on a standard rail line take around 35 minutes / JPY990 to reach Kobe Station and 40 minutes / JPY990 to reach JR Sannomiya Station from Himeji.
FROM HIROSHIMA / between 70 to 110 minutes
From Hiroshima Station, services on the San’yo Shinkansen line take between 70 to 110 minutes (depending on which service you choose) / JPY9670. There are regular services throughout the day.
FROM KYOTO / 25 minutes
Kyoto Station is a stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, allowing travelers to use direct services from Kyoto to Shin-Kobe Station. Regular services run throughout the day, connecting the two stations in around 25 minutes / JPY2870.
FROM NAGOYA / between 60 to 75 minutes
Nagoya Station is also a stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. Services from Nagoya run regularly throughout the day, taking around 60 to 75 minutes / JPY7470 to reach Shin-Kobe Station.
Best Selling
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail
- Spots:
- NagoyaKiso Valley
- Pick-up:
- Nagoya
- Drop-off:
- Nagoya
FROM TOKYO / between 160 to 200 minutes
As the terminus of the Tokaido Shinkansen line, Tokyo Station is a convenient starting point from where to reach Kobe. Frequent services depart Tokyo throughout the day, taking 160 to 200 minutes / JPY14,420 to reach Shin-Kobe Station.
FROM KANAZAWA / approx. 180 to 190 minutes
From Kanazawa Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tsuruga Station, switch to the Limited Express 'Thunderbird' bound for Shin-Osaka or Kyoto, and then transfer to the Sanyo Shinkansen to Shin-Kobe – a total journey of around 150 to 170 minutes / JPY 10,410.
Small Group
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Tedori Gorge, Hakusan White Road and Shirakawago Village
- Spots:
- KanazawaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Kanazawa
- Drop-off:
- Kanazawa
15 Things To Do Around Kobe & Where To Stay
Sitting on Osaka Bay and within easy reach of its larger neighbor, Kobe is often overlooked by international visitors as they move from the more popular destinations of Osaka and Hiroshima. Those who do head to Kobe discover a vibrant city, much of which can be explored on-foot including its historic districts of Kitanocho and Nankinmachi, the modern bay and harbor district, or a little further afield, and the ‘sake’ district of Nada. Our ’15 Things to Do Around Kobe & Where to Stay’ page has some great suggestions of what’s on offer there and the best areas to stay including accommodation listings.
Best Tours Around Kobe
Discover the highlights of Kobe with our guided tours featuring the spectacular views from the Nunobiki Ropeway, the rich sake-making heritage of the Nada brewing district, and the historic thermal waters of Arima Onsen. Ascend Mount Rokko in a panoramic cable car to take in sweeping city and bay vistas, then immerse yourself in centuries of brewing tradition with tastings at renowned local distilleries. Complete your journey with a relaxing retreat in one of Japan's oldest and most celebrated hot spring towns.
Plan Your Visit To Japan
Heading to Kobe using the rail system is quick, easy and comfortable. Unfathomable in its size and efficiency, moving around the country by train opens-up all regions of Japan for exploration. Our ‘Plan Your Visit’ page has everything you need to know about visiting Japan – from tips on the best time to travel, times to avoid, entering and exiting the country, money matters, staying connected, accommodation, staying safe and healthy and plenty more to ensure that you get the most out of your time here.
