A trip to Kobe wouldn’t be complete without savouring its culinary crown jewel – Kobe beef. This superlative wagyu beef variety, derived from the Tajima strain of Japanese Black cattle, is prized for its delicate fat marbling that melts in your mouth with an unmatched buttery-rich flavour. For the full experience, Kobe beef is best enjoyed teppanyaki-style, where you can see the meat expertly grilled right before your eyes.

Go up the iconic Kobe Tower and soak in 360-degree panoramic views from the glass-walled, open-air rooftop deck. This towering 108-metre structure cuts a striking figure in the port city’s skyline, with its intricate red lattice façade and hourglass shape resembling the traditional Japanese drum, tsuzumi. Visit at night to catch the tower lit up in dazzling colours, casting sparkling reflections on the harbour.

No place in Kobe captures the modern pulse of the city quite like Sannomiya, a shopping and entertainment hub bustling with nightlife, diverse eateries and underground malls. Immerse yourself in the cosy atmosphere of a local izakaya or shop to your heart’s content at the Sannomiya Center Gai – a sprawling arcade shopping street lined with an eclectic mix of fashion boutiques, lifestyle shops and cafés.

As one of the first Japanese cities to welcome international trade, Kobe has a unique cultural mosaic. In the Kitano-cho area, you’ll find many historic Western-style homes built for foreign merchants, known as “Ijinkan”. Among them, the Weathercock House stands out – a graceful neo-baroque residence built in 1904 by a German architect, complete with its distinctive weathervane. Step inside to explore elegant interiors and admire the views that stretch from the rooftops of Kitano to the sea beyond. It’s a quiet, character-filled corner of Kobe that feels both timeless and vibrant.

Set against the Rokko Mountains and overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art is a striking building designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando. The museum opened in 2002 as a symbol of cultural renewal following the earthquake, with the building’s clean lines and open spaces inviting quiet reflection. It houses a collection of over 10,000 works – spanning Japanese and international artists – to offer something for every sensibility. Outside, the iconic playful Green Apple monument adds a whimsical touch to the contemplative atmosphere.

Seamlessly fusing marine life and art under one roof, Kobe Port Museum bills itself as a “theatrical aquarium”, inviting visitors into a multi-sensory experience shaped by a mesmerising interplay of digital and stage art. The aquarium is divided into unique themed zones – including a scenic Japanese garden, the depths of a mysterious cave, an enchanting forest and the underwater world – taking you on an immersive journey while you admire the vast collection of live sea creatures and terrestrial animals.

Soar above the city on the Kobe Ropeway and arrive at the Jardin des Herbes de Kobe (Nunobiki Herb Gardens), nestled in the scenic Nunobiki hills. This tranquil escape offers panoramic views of Kobe and Osaka Bay, with seasonal blooms and aromatic herb gardens to delight the senses. It’s a peaceful retreat just minutes from downtown – perfect for a slow walk, a quiet moment or a photo that captures it all. Don’t miss the Nunobiki Waterfall tucked into the hillside for a hidden piece of nature that feels worlds away.

In Kobe Harborland, the Anpanman Museum is a colourful, interactive world made just for kids – featuring live shows, playful zones and Jam Ojisan’s Bakery, where character-shaped breads like Anpanman and Currypanman emerge fresh from the oven. Just steps away, the Kobe Ferris Wheel offers gentle rides and sweeping panoramas of the bay, making it a perfect stop after exploring the nearby Mosaic and Umie malls.

Take the scenic Rokko Cable Car for sweeping views from Tenran Observatory, especially stunning at sunset. Once at the top, explore the area with buses that take you to areas like the Rokko Garden Terrace, Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden and even a musical box museum, or visit in winter for skiing with a view. In autumn, the Rokko Meets Art Festival transforms the mountain into an open-air gallery of installations and performances.

Spanning nearly four kilometres between the city of Kobe and Awaji Island, the Ashaki-Kaiyo Bridge is both a vital transport link and a photogenic landmark. After sunset, the magnificent suspension bridge becomes illuminated in hues that change with the seasons. Once every hour from dusk until midnight, it transforms into a spectacular light display of rainbow colours. While there's no public pedestrian passage across the bridge, adventure seekers can join a guided tour that takes them along a section of the maintenance path followed by an elevator ride to the top of one of the 300-metre towers.