Kobe Overview
Kobe, officially Kobe City , is the capital city of Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. With a population of around 1.5 million, Kobe is Japan's seventh-largest city and the third-largest port city after Tokyo and Yokohama. It is located in the Kansai region, which makes up the southern side of the main island of Honshū, on the north shore of Osaka Bay. It is part of the Keihanshin metropolitan area along with Osaka and Kyoto. The Kobe city centre is located about 35 km (22 mi) west of Osaka and 70 km (43 mi) southwest of Kyoto.
Kobe Key Statistics
Population1521707
Area552230000 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés177 / 42 / 352
Practical Essentials for Kobe
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
City Hall Website
Official permits, taxes, public records and all resident-services for Kobe.
Visit ↗Getting Around Kobe
Kobe Main Station & Rail Lines
新神戸 (Shin-Kobe)
Train Travel to Kobe
Kobe is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Kobe
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Kobe
Cover Your Trip to Kobe
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Kobe
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Kobe
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Kobe
¥5,200,000*est
Median household income / year
95*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Kobe
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Kobe
When was Kobe founded?
Kobe was founded on April 1, 1889.
How old is Kobe?
Kobe is roughly 137 years old.
What is the population of Kobe?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 1,521,707.
What is the land area of Kobe?
Kobe covers roughly 552230000 km².
What is the main railway station in Kobe?
The primary hub is 新神戸 (Shin-Kobe).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Kobe?
The city has roughly 177 parks, 42 museums and 352 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Kobe expensive to live?
Kobe is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Kobe?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Kobe?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Kobe has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Kobe?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Kobe?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Visit the official site ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Kobe?
Kobe hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Kobe?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Kobe?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Kobe?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Kobe?
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