By Kobe and Osaka: Japan’s two treasured cities
Two gems of Japan’s Kansai region await travelers with exciting culture and history. Their history is closely intertwined with the cultural and economic development of Japan. Each city has a long history, and many historical events and cultural significance have shaped their image over the centuries. Discover the magical world of Kobe and Osaka with me and the Victoria Residential Ship.
The Perfect Kobe Day Trip
Kobe’s history dates back more than 4,000 years, and the city has developed as an important trading center over the centuries. In 1868, the city opened to foreign trade after the country’s borders had been closed for more than 200 years.
1) Try the delicious Kobe beef!
First on the list of Kobe attractions, one of the most famous and valuable types of meat in Japan, which is considered the most delicious meat in the world
Unless, of course, you don’t eat meat, if you do, skip to the next recommendation
Kobe is famous for its wagyu beef, which is arguably the real treat for premium steak lovers around the world.
Kobe beef is made from the meat of Japanese Tajima buffaloes. The unique quality of the meat is ensured by the special keeping and feeding methods of the buffaloes. These animals are kept on a refined diet and in a stress-free environment, which contributes to the extraordinary taste and texture of the meat.
The main characteristic of Kobe beef is its rich marbling, its flavor has rich, nutty and sweet tones, while its texture is silky and crumbly.
Kobe beef is not just a meal, but a gastronomic experience worth trying once in your life.
Tip: the best Kobe Beef Restaurant in Kobe
- Kobe Steak Restaurant Mouriya
- Kobe Beef Ishida
- Aragawa
Kobe Private Food Tour with Local Guide
2) Ikuta Shrine: Kobe’s historical and religious center
One of Kobe’s oldest and most important shrines, visited by followers of Japan’s ancient religion, Shintoism. The shrine dates back more than 1,800 years and serves as the cultural and spiritual center of the city.
Ikuta Shrine is said to have been founded in the 3rd century AD by Wakahirume no Mikoto
In the shrine’s courtyard is the famous „Renai Kitai no Ishi” stone, which visitors often touch in the hopes of having their love wishes come true.
Admission and opening hours: open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., generally free to visit, including the main shrine building and surrounding gardens.
3) Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden: located on the slopes of Mount Nunobiki (MT. Rokko)
The spice gardens contain more than 75,000 plants and herbs from all over the world. There are also special thematic gardens here, such as a rose garden, a lavender garden, and a spice garden. The impressive panorama and the famous Nunobiki Waterfall make the herb garden truly special. The experience is further enhanced by the spectacular Ropeway.
The Nunobiki waterfall is one of the city’s most beautiful natural attractions. The area around the waterfall is rich in flora, lush forests and rocky landscape. A stunning waterfall consisting of 4 main sections that showcases the power and beauty of nature.
Entrance fees and opening hours: open every day, usually from 9:30 a.m. to late afternoon. The entrance fee for adults and children is available at the same price and can also include the use of the ropeway, you can see my special offers on the link below
4) Let’s explore the port of Kobe
Once the Victoria Residential Ship has arrived in Kobe’s stunning harbor, it’s time to explore this vibrant and culturally rich area. If you didn’t arrive in Kobe aboard the VCL, it’s still worth exploring the port, which offers a unique blend of modern culture, stunning architecture and gastronomic delights.
Admire the iconic Kobe Port Tower, a 365-foot-tall tower with multiple observation decks that offer 360-degree panoramic views of the city, harbor, and Mount Rokko
Entrance fees and opening hours: it is open all year round, the entrance ticket is about 700 Yen for adults
Tip: the best time to visit Port Towe Lookout is before sunset.
The Kobe Maritime Museum and Kawasaki Good Times World museums offer rich insights into the city’s maritime traditions and industrial innovation. The Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park recalls an important event in the city’s history, commemorating the victims and heroes of the 1995 earthquake.
Entrance fees and opening hours: every day except Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., last entry at 4:30 p.m. entrance tickets are around 600-700 Japanese yen
Tip: a combined ticket is also available, which offers entry to both museums at a discounted price
5) Nankin-machi: the colorful world of Kobe’s Chinatown
The city’s famous Chinatown is Nankin-machi, which developed after the port opened to foreign trade in 1868. This small area is full of shops and restaurants where you can taste dim sum, Peking duck and many other mouth-watering dishes. The entrance to the quarter is marked by ornate Chinese gates (paifongs).
Tip: if possible, visit the neighborhood in the evening, when lanterns and lights illuminate the streets
Kobe: Top Tours and Attractions
Mt. Rokko View, Kitano Ijinkan & Arima Onsen Day Tip
Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting Sake
5 memorable sights in Osaka
Osaka, Japan: where neon lights, avant-garde fashion meet Zen temples, picturesque forests and narrow lantern-lit alleys. Osaka’s history is a rich kaleidoscope of Japanese history and culture, offering a harmonious blend of modern and traditional elements.
- Get up High in Osaka:
If you want to enjoy the stunning view over the city, if you like to go up high and see the city from a bird’s eye view, then visiting one of the following locations is essential for you
- Umeda Sky Building: the 173-meter-high „floating garden” observatory (Kuchu Teien Observatory) offers a fantastic 360-degree panorama of Osaka
Tip: the view is especially beautiful at night, when the lights of the city offer a dazzling sight
Buy your ticket to the Umeda Sky Building online
– Harukas 300: Japan’s tallest „building” 360 degree view from the top floor. Entrance to the observatory on the 16th floor is free, but you have to pay about 1,800 yen to visit the upper deckhou
———— See Harukas 300 contact information and tickets
– Tsutenkaku: which is a symbol of Osaka culture and history. Its name means „skyward tower” in Japanese. The lower lookout point is at a height of 84 meters, while the upper lookout point is at 94.5 meters.
Tip: One of the particularly exciting attractions of the tower is the TOWER SLIDER, a slide that starts from the 22nd floor of the tower, i.e. from a height of 60 meters. The special feature of the slide is that visitors slide through a transparent tube, so they can admire the view.
It is worth booking a ticket in advance because it is a very popular tourist attraction, you can get your Tsutenkaku entrance ticket here
2) Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street:
The special atmosphere of the street is given by the mixture of modern architecture and traditional Japanese style. Known as Osaka’s ‘new world’, its iconic street is home to contemporary shops, food vendors and outdoor games. At night, all shop windows are lit up with bright lights, which gives the feeling of life in Osaka.
3) Shitenno-ji Temple:
one of the most significant and oldest Buddhist temples, which is an important part of the city’s historical and cultural heritage. Shitenno-ji is named after the „Four Kings of Heaven”, who are the protectors of the world according to Buddhist tradition. The 5-story pagoda, which is the symbol of the temple complex and the site of Buddhist relics. The temple is surrounded by a traditional Japanese garden, suitable for meditation and relaxation.
Entrance fees: the outer temple can be visited for free, but it is worth paying about 300 yen to see the 5-story pagoda. Entrance to the garden is also about 300 yen, and to the Treasury, which houses ancient scriptures and paintings, you have to pay about 500 yen
Tip: don’t forget to get the temple’s unique stamp, it’s common in Japan for people to queue up in front of temples and shrines to give visitors the Goshuin (a traditional Japanese stamp). Buy a goschuin-cho in town and collect goshuins together.
Extra tip: Show your fellow passengers your Goshuin seals on board the Victoria Residential Ship, these stamps with intricate calligraphy and distinctive red seals are not only beautiful souvenirs, but also a testament to your travels in Japan’s sacred places.
4) Osaka Castle (Osaka’s best attraction)
The castle is one of the best-known and most visited historical landmarks in the city of Osaka. Originally built by warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the late 16th century, the castle was intended to serve as the center of a newly unified Japan. The imposing castle stands on its own island, surrounded by a deep moat. The neighborhood is characterized by beautiful gardens, on weekends the locals gather in the gardens, listen to live music and relax and meditate.
Skip the line: book your Osaka Castle tickets online
Visitor Information: The city’s most popular site, follow these tips to make the most of your visit
- attractions: inside the castle there are historical objects and an observation deck on the 8th floor
- entrance ticket: about 600 yen. I recommend that you buy tickets in advance
Osaka Castle Tower Guided Tour
- opening hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (extended during cherry blossoms and summer)
Tip: take some photos next to the castle wearing a traditional kimono
5) America – mura (Osaka’s most popular attraction)
In short, Amemura is a lively and youthful neighborhood in Osaka, The place became famous from the 1970s, when American fashion and culture began to spread in this area. The place is ideal for learning about modern Japanese urban life and alternative fashion. It is worth exploring the small streets and shops and enjoying the unique atmosphere of the place.
The Magic of Osaka: Exclusive Tours with Get Your Guide
Hotspots and Hidden Gams Guided Walking Tour
Tennoji, Osaka: Authentic Sushi Making Experience
The best cafes and restaurants in Osaka
In Osaka, street food is king, and you can find sweet and savory delicacies on every corner. In fact, the city is so popular for its cuisine that it has been called the “Gastronomic Capital” of Japan.
Be sure to try the Takoyaki (an iconic Osaka dish), which consists of small balls of alalku dough balls filled with octopus, scallions, tempura crumbs and ginger. Okonomiyaki means „you cook what you like”, this Osakan pancake is actually a salty dish full of cabbage, meat and seafood.
Learn more about this popular food tour in Osaka
Kobe and Osaka stand out as fascinating cities in Japan’s cultural and gastronomic landscape. Kobe is world famous for its delicious beef and offers rich historical and natural attractions such as Ikuta Shrine and Nunobiki Herb Garden. With its unique street food culture, Osaka’s ‘Kitchen of Japan’ attracts foodies and offers a vibrant nightlife and historical sites such as Osaka Castle. Both cities offer rich experiences for those looking for a deeper insight into Japan’s diverse culture and flavors. Passengers on the Victoria Residential Ship are truly lucky to have the opportunity to visit the fascinating cities of Kobe and Osaka on the adventure of a lifetime.