Kobe is easily accessible with multiple transport options depending on where you’re coming from. Situated on the northern shore of Osaka Bay, with Osaka to its east, Kobe is well-connected by rail, air, and ferry services.
Kobe’s Central Railway Hub: Sannomiya Station
The main railway station in central Kobe is Kobe-Sannomiya Station, though it is often referred to simply as Sannomiya Station, depending on the rail company. This major transport hub serves as a terminal for multiple lines, including JR, Hankyu, Hanshin, Port Liner, and the Kobe subway, making it the most convenient access point for travellers exploring the city.
From Osaka
Thanks to its proximity to Osaka, Kobe makes for an excellent day trip, with numerous local rail lines connecting the two cities in just 20 to 30 minutes.
By Shinkansen (Bullet Train):
- The JR Shinkansen links Shin-Kobe Station with Shin-Osaka Station, continuing on to Tokyo.
- However, from Osaka city centre, taking the Shinkansen is not the most efficient option—while the train ride itself is just 10 minutes, you’ll need to transfer between Osaka, Shin-Osaka, and Shin-Kobe before reaching central Kobe’s Sannomiya Station. In most cases, a local train is the better choice.
By Local Train:
- From JR Osaka Station, take the JR Special Rapid Service directly to JR Sannomiya Station (~20 minutes, ~400 yen).
- Alternatively, Hankyu and Hanshin Railways offer routes from Umeda Station to Kobe-Sannomiya Station. These are slightly longer but also slightly cheaper.
- Umeda Station is adjacent to JR Osaka Station in the Umeda district of Osaka.
From Tokyo
By Shinkansen:
- The Nozomi Shinkansen covers the Tokyo–Kobe route in 160 minutes, costing just under 15,000 yen.
By Air:
- Several airlines operate flights from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to Kobe Airport in Osaka Bay.
- Airfare is often cheaper than the Shinkansen, but many travellers prefer the train due to its convenience and speed.
From Kansai International Airport (KIX)
The nearest international airport to Kobe is Osaka’s Kansai International Airport (KIX), located on the southern side of Osaka Bay.
By Ferry & Train:
- A ferry connects Kansai Airport to Kobe Airport in ~30 minutes.
- From Kobe Airport, the Port Liner train takes ~8 km to reach Sannomiya Station.
Getting to Kobe from Other Parts of Japan
Kobe is well connected to the rest of Japan via the Sanyo Shinkansen, which runs between Osaka and Fukuoka (Hakata). The city’s Shinkansen station, Shin-Kobe, is located just north of central Kobe. Direct access from Tokyo is available via the Tokaido Shinkansen, but if you’re coming from cities further north, such as Sendai or Sapporo, you’ll need to transfer at Tokyo Station. If you’re arriving by bullet train, you’ll likely need to transfer at Shin-Kobe for local transport into the city.
From Shin-Kobe Station to Central Kobe:
The quickest way to reach Kobe-Sannomiya Station from Shin-Kobe Station is by taking the Seishin-Yamate subway line, which takes just two minutes. Alternatively, local buses and taxis are available outside the station.
From Other Cities via the Shinkansen:
- From Tokyo: The Nozomi Shinkansen takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes to Shin-Kobe. The Hikari service is slightly slower but covered by the JR Pass.
- From Hiroshima: The trip takes around 1 hour on the Shinkansen
- From Fukuoka (Hakata): Travel time is 2 hours and 20 minutes via the Shinkansen.
Getting to Kobe from Kobe Airport
Kobe has its own domestic airport, Kobe Airport (UKB), located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay. While the airport primarily handles domestic flights, it provides a convenient gateway to the city from many further Japanese cities.
From Kobe Airport to Sannomiya:
- The Port Liner monorail offers the most direct connection to central Kobe, taking about 18 minutes to reach Sannomiya Station. Taxis are also available, but the train is typically faster, cheaper and more convenient.
