HazelDiary

Just a short train ride from Osaka or Kyoto, Kobe makes for a perfect day destination. Known for its succulent Kobe beef, scenic harbourside views, and rich blend of Japanese and Western influences. We visited Kobe during our recent trip to Osaka, Japan.

Read more: [JAPAN TRAVELS] A Day Trip to Kobe – What to See, Eat and Do in a Day

Here is how you can make the most of a full day in Kobe:

From Osaka: Take JR Special Rapid Service from Osaka Station to Sannomiya Station ( ~approximately 25 minutes)

From Kyoto: Take JR Special Rapid Service from Kyoto Station ( ~approximately 50 minutes).

Tips: Purchase your Kansai Railway pass here.

Take the Shin-Kobe Ropeway up the hill to reach the Nunobiki Herb Garden. Enjoy the panoramic views of Kobe City, seasonal flowers and herbal foot baths. Perfect spot for a relaxing stroll amidst nature. We didn’t pre-purchase our tickets and had to join the queue to buy them on the spot. There are actually two separate lines—one for those with pre-purchased tickets and another for walk-in purchases. It’s advisable to pre-purchase to skip the longer queue. Or you can choose to hike all the way up.

Alternatively, you can pre-purchased the ticket with cheaper rate via the link here.

Entry ticket is required : 1,800 YEN ( Round-trip ropeway + Garden admission)

No visit to Kobe is complete without tasting the world-famous Kobe Beef. Head to Steakland Kobe near Sannomiya Station for an affordable yet authentic teppanyaki experience. Being the first timer who visited Kobe, Steakland Kobe is apparently the entry level for the visit. There are also many other nice kobe beef restaurants to choose from.

Established in 1873, this long-standing shop has earned quite a reputation. They offer a wide variety of items, but I opted for their korokke — it was freshly fried, hot, and incredibly crispy. The filling, made of mashed potatoes, ground beef, and onions, was smooth and flavorful. It’s easy to see why this historic shop remains so popular!

After lunch, head to the Kobe waterfront and take a leisurely walk around Meriken Park. Snap photos with the BE KOBE sign and admire the contemporary design of Kobe Maritime Museum and the iconic Port Tower. You can also purchase the entry ticket to Port Tower to be at the very top view of the city.

Location: 10 minutes walk from Samnomiya Station

Head back toward the city to visit one of Kobe’s oldest Shinto shrines. Ikuta Shrine is a peaceful spiritual spot nestled in the heart of the city and is dedicated to the deity of love and relationships. Or you can opt for a day tour service to explore Port of Kobe, Kitano Ijinkan-Gai, & Mt. Rokko within the same day.

Location: 1 Chome-2-1 Shimoyamatedori, Chuo Ward
Admission: Free

Round off your day with a stroll through Nankinmachi. Kobe’s vibrant Chinatown. Expect street food galore from pipping hot nikuman (pork buns) to xiao long bao, and other delicious bites. It is the perfect place to snack, shop for souvenirs and soak in a lively atmosphere.

Wrap up your Kobe day trip and catch the JR train back to your base city. If you have extra time, enjoy a sunset view from the train or grab a coffee near the station before heading back.

Kobe is more than just premium beef. It is a charming city with a unique cultural blend, scenic beauty, and culinary delights. Whether you are into history, food or just a relaxing stroll by the sea. Kobe has something for every traveler.

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Mark your calendars! Expo 2025 Osaka, a once-in-a-lifetime event celebrating innovation, sustainability, and cultural exchange, will be held on Yumeshima Island in Osaka, Japan. Running from 13 April to 13 October 2025, the World Expo will gather countries, organizations, and companies from around the world under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”

Read more: [JAPAN TRAVELS] Expo 2025 Osaka: How to Book and What to Expect?

If you’re planning to attend, here’s everything you need to know about how to book your tickets and what to expect!

All admission tickets for Expo 2025 are issued as e-tickets and can be conveniently purchased through the official ticket sales website using a smartphone or computer. Upon purchase, a QR code will be provided for scanning at the entrance.

For those in Japan, printed ticket vouchers are also available at convenience stores, though these must be exchanged for e-tickets prior to entry.

After securing your ticket, you’ll need to select a specific date and time for your visit through the official website, as part of a crowd management system designed to enhance the overall experience.

Given the high expected turnout, it is recommended to book your tickets early to secure your preferred visit dates.

Booking Steps:

1. Purchase Your Ticket
   • Tickets can be purchased through the official website or Klook ( Pre-purchase is available now)
   • After purchase, you’ll receive a PDF file and a 10-digit Ticket ID via email.
2. Register Your Ticket ID
   • Create an account and log in to the official ticketing website.
   • Register your EXPO ID and Ticket ID to access the reservation system.
3. Make Reservations
   • Participation Date Reservation:
     • Opens 6 months prior to your intended visit date.
   • Pavilion Reservations:
     • Opens 3 months prior to your visit date.
     • You can amend up to 3 times, so plan wisely!

TIPS: Pavilion access includes three types of reservation windows:

① First Lottery – Available 2 months before your visit.

② Second Lottery – Opens 7 days prior.

③ Vacation Reservation – Available 3 days before on a first-come, first-served basis.

By Train:

• Hop on the Osaka Metro Chūō Line and alight at Yumeshima Station.
• It’s a short walk from the station to the expo grounds.

By Bus:

Shuttle buses are available from the airport and selected stations to the Expo site. You can conveniently pre-purchase your bus tickets through https://app.kansai-maas.jp/, where you’ll also find the bus timetable to help you plan your journey in advance.

Also, do take note on the venue access for the respective transportation to EXPO.

What to Expect at Expo 2025 Osaka?

Expo 2025 will feature national pavilions from over 150 countries, each showcasing technological advancements and innovative solutions. For instance, the Japan Pavilion will focus on robotics, artificial intelligence, and renewable energies, while the United States Pavilion will highlight innovations in sustainability, public health, and space exploration. ​

The Expo’s theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” emphasizes creating a sustainable and inclusive future. Attendees can anticipate interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and discussions on global challenges. The event aims to foster international collaboration and provide insights into the future of various industries

Visitors can anticipate a variety of attractions, including:​

• Innovative Pavilions: Each participating country will present its unique vision for the future, offering immersive experiences and cutting-edge technologies.​
• Cultural Performances: A diverse lineup of performances will highlight global traditions and contemporary arts.​
• Culinary Delights: An opportunity to savor international cuisines, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the participating nations.​
• Sustainability Initiatives: The Expo will emphasize sustainable practices and showcase eco-friendly innovations aimed at addressing environmental challenges.​

For a comprehensive guide and the latest updates, visit the official Expo 2025 website: ​Expo 2025

• Book early to secure your preferred date and pavilion slots.
• Keep your EXPO ID and Ticket ID handy at all times.
• Stay updated on travel restrictions, weather, and local tips as the date approaches.

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We were searching for 2D1N stay in Kyoto for our recent trip to Kyoto and finally decided on 22 Pieces. 22 Pieces hotel is in Minami Ward, a neighbourhood in Kyoto, Japan. The hotel is approximately 4 minutes’ walk from Kyoto station.22 Pieces is a 22-room inn that stands quietly in a quiet residential area. A studio-type room with an area of ​​34 to 36 m2 and a kitchen has 3 single beds and 1 sofa bed.
It is available for 2 to 4 people. We booked via here instead of their official website. Read More

Amanohashidate (天橋立) is one of Japan’s three scenic views. Amanohashidate, the meaning is referred to roughly bridge in heaven and is a 3.6-km-long, pine tree covered sand bar. It spans across Miyazu Bay on the Tango Peninsula, northern Kyoto Prefecture. We decided to take a free and easy day trip to northern Kyoto during our recent trip to Kyoto. If you prefer a tour instead, you can consider this pre-purchase day trip tour here. Read More

We made our way to Pokemon Café at Nihonbashi for our lunch but it was fully reserved. In fact, the whole month of December is fully booked. So, if you are heading there, please make your reservation to avoid any disappointment. So, we saw this old Showa building that caught our attention. It was lunch time and we saw people queuing for it and so we decided to give this place a try. Read More

During my trip to Tokyo, Japan, E & I had the opportunity to experience kaiseki dining experience at Soujuan Kaiseki, Keio Plaza Hotel. My last visit to Keio Plaza Hotel was 2 years back where we experienced the Japanese Tea Ceremony session. Time flies indeed! Read More

I was invited by JPassport a week ago to attend Tottori Night at Japan Rail Café. Japan Rail Café is located at Tanjong Pagar Centre and easily accessible via Tanjong Pagar MRT station. It was my first time visiting Japan Rail Café although it has started operating since last year. The café has 3 sections which include retail corner, café area and also JTB counter. Japan Rail Café is operating by East Japan Railway Company gives buyers to purchase exchange orders for JR passes before their trips. Read More

Yes! Fugu (pufferfish or blowfish) and this time I get to try it in Tokyo, Japan. My first experience was at Fugu Fine Fugu Kaiseki Restaurant in Singapore. Torafugu Tei is a chain of restaurant specializes in fugu dishes in Japan. We were attracted to the restaurant because of the live puffer fish tank displayed. And finally we decided to go for it on the last night in Tokyo (if I remembered correctly). Read More

During my December trip to Tokyo, Japan, I spent half a day at Harajuku/ Omotesando area for a food search. Both areas are centrally-located neighbourhoods in Tokyo. It is my first time to Japan and I am enjoyed every moment here. Omotesando is one of the luxury neighbourhoods in Tokyo where luxury brands are located along the streets. There are amazing modern architecture buildings that are worth taking a shot. Read More

It was a wonderful foodie trip to Tokyo, Japan last December. We were there for a week with no pre-planned itinerary. We did have lotsa fun exploring the places. One of my favourite food places is Gyukatsu from Gyukatsu Motomura. This is highly recommended Japanese food to eat in Tokyo. Read More