landmark
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
World's longest suspension bridge spanning 3,911 metres across the Akashi Strait between Kobe and Awaji Island.
17 km · about 20 min drive
AsiaJapanHyōgo
Kobe
Hyōgo, Japan · Asia
About Kobe
Kobe works well as a base: 20 minutes from Ashiya, 31km from Osaka Castle.
Kobe is in Hyōgo, Japan, with about 1.5 million people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Ashiya, about 12 km away.
Where to Stay in Kobe
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Kobe?
Within an hour or so of Kobe: Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (17 km), Universal Studios Japan (23 km), Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (23 km), Dotonbori (29 km).
Are there any good drives near Kobe?
The nearest famous roads are Philosopher's Path, Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail and Uradome Coast.
Where is Kobe?
Kobe is in Hyōgo, Japan, about 12 km from Ashiya.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 1,525,152
- Continent
- Asia
- Country
- Japan
- Region
- Hyōgo
- Timezone
- Asia/Tokyo
- Coordinates
- 34.6913, 135.1830
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in Japan
Japan Helpline (24h English assistance): 0570-000-911. An International Driving Permit (1949 convention) is required to drive.
Full driving guide for JapanTags
Worth the detour from Kobe
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
Universal Studios Japan
Osaka's blockbuster theme park featuring world-class rides, the Wizarding World, and Super Nintendo World.
23 km · about 25 min drive
landmark
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
One of the world's largest public aquariums in Osaka featuring a massive Pacific Ocean tank with whale sharks.
23 km · about 25 min drive
landmark
Dotonbori
Osaka's dazzling neon-lit entertainment and street food district along the Dotonbori canal, famed for its giant animated signs.
29 km · about 35 min drive
restaurant
Jiyuken
An Osaka institution open since 1910, serving meishi curry with the rice already mixed through the sauce and a raw egg on top, to be stirred in with Worcestershire sauce.
29 km · about 35 min drive
castle
Osaka Castle
A Japanese castle that played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century, set among sprawling urban parklands.
31 km · about 35 min drive
castle
Himeji Castle
Japan's most spectacular castle, known as the White Heron for its brilliant white exterior, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
48 km · about 55 min drive
ancient ruins
Tomogashima
An uninhabited island off Wakayama covered in overgrown red-brick Meiji-era artillery forts, tunnels and magazines. Reached by a short ferry from Kada; the batteries are linked by footpaths.
48 km · about 55 min drive
Driving roads near Kobe
3 named roads, passes and coastal drives within 150km.
- 67 kmPhilosopher's PathA peaceful stone-paved canal path lined with hundreds of cherry trees, connecting major temples in Kyoto's eastern hills.
- 73 kmMount YoshinoJapan's most famous cherry blossom viewing spot with over 30,000 trees covering an entire mountainside in waves of pink each spring.
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