10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Kobe

Sannomiya is literally the hub of activity in Kobe, being the main connection point for nearly all the subway lines in the city. Its lively streets are lined with department stores and shopping arcades, while the area under the elevated rail tracks connecting Sannomiya Station to Motomachi has two shopping arcades with a number of used-goods shops and stores geared towards the young and trendy.

Heading south from Sannomiya Station, you'll find Flower Road, an attractive tree-lined street. Connecting Flower Road with Motomachi is Sannomiya Center, an arcade packed with boutiques, snack food shops, and restaurants. Along Motomachi shopping street and in Motoko shopping arcade are some antique and souvenir shops stocked with traditional Japanese dolls and lacquerware.

Kyu-kyoryuchi (Old Foreign Settlement) is a shopper's paradise for those seeking luxury brands and a touch of history. In this historic neighborhood, you’ll find flagship stores of Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Gucci, and many more renowned brands lining the streets. If you’re into Japanese design, don't miss Beams House, a haven for high-end Japanese fashion labels.

In the prestigious department Daimaru Kobe, you can explore its vast selection of high-end fashion, cosmetics, homeware, and gourmet food. After your shopping spree, refuel at a sophisticated restaurant or enjoy a leisurely coffee break at a chic café. While sipping your green tea, you can admire the beautifully preserved Western-style buildings from the 19th century.

Mitsui Outlet Park Marine Pia Kobe is part of the Japanese Mitsui Outlet chain. This Kobe branch is set on the waterfront with great views out across the bay to the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. There are about 70 shops selling brand-name designer clothes and other trendy items at discount prices.

Some 12 restaurants offer a pleasant meal and a break from shopping in a marina setting. To reach the outlet mall, take the train to Tarumi Station on the JR line.

With its variety of stores, entertainment options, and stunning location, Kobe Harborland is a one-stop shop for an enjoyable shopping and leisure experience in Kobe. The main mall here is Umie, a vast shopping mall complex offering waterfront restaurants, specialty shops, and a mix of international and Japanese brands.

In Harborland, you'll find established department stores like Harbor Circus and Culmen. Dotted throughout the area are stores selling unique items like Kobe-specific souvenirs, handmade crafts, vintage clothing, and local art. If you want to take a break from shopping, you can savor delicious meals at restaurants with spectacular views or grab a coffee at cozy cafés.

AEON Mall Kobe Minami is located by a riverside on an island in Kobe, which makes visiting this massive mall a different thrill compared to other typical urban malls. One of the highlights here is the AEON Grocery store, a collection of household goods, craft beer and a wine corner, as well as an absolute treat of fresh, ready-to-eat foods.

Other shops within AEON Mall Kobe Minami also cover all the bases of things you’ll need, from sports goods to fashion, and even a VR game corner where you can spend a few fun hours. Whether you’re visiting here by yourself or with family, AEON Mall Kobe Minami is a great spot to hit while in Kobe.

Sunshine Wharf Kobe is one of the city’s premier shopping and dining destinations. Situated in a scenic spot along the waterfront, it has a great variety of stores and services providing essential homewares and electronics, including Daiso, Yamada Denki, and Sports Depo.

There’s also a small selection of fast-food and family restaurants, so you can get a quick bite to eat during your visit. Sunshine Wharf Kobe also famous as home to the world’s longest monkey bars, spanning a remarkable 492 ft. You’ll find Sunshine Wharf Kobe just a 10-minute walk from Ōgi Station.

Motomachi Shopping Street has a unique atmosphere that is both upscale and kawaii (the Japanese word for “cute”), with Western influences. You can find various stores selling art, bags, accessories, and sporting goods, as well as beauty salons, barbershops, and much more. When you need a break between shopping, grab a drink or food from one of the numerous bars, cafes, and restaurants along Motomachi.

The biggest event here is the bi-annual sales in February and September when you can grab fantastic deals. To reach Motomachi, take the train to JR Motomachi Station or Hanshin Motomachi Station.

Mint Kobe is a high-rise shopping mall in the heart of Kobe. You can find almost everything here, from clothing and cosmetics to electronics and kitchenware. A movie theater complex on the top floor frequently showcases Hollywood movies in English with Japanese subtitles.

After a couple of hours of shopping, you’ll be ready to relax in one of the mall's diverse eateries. Some restaurants offer excellent cityscape views from their window seats. The mall is located opposite the Sannomiya station, making it easily accessible no matter the weather or time of day.

Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlets is an American-style shopping complex modeled after the Los Angeles suburb of Pasadena. With 220 outlet stores to visit, grab your comfiest shoes and get ready for a retail adventure. Serious shoppers can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the outlets selling top Japanese and Western brands.

There are also a couple of eateries when you need to rest and refuel. Make sure to bring your passport to enjoy tax-free purchases. The shopping complex is located north of Kobe and can be reached by automobile or a direct bus leaving Shin-Kobe Bus station. The bus journey takes approximately 50 minutes.

Kobe BAL is a stylish shopping mall that combines fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and food in the center of the Motomachi district in downtown Kobe. You can find top Japanese brands MUJI, Musil Ryohin, and Baum, as well as international luxury brands such as Swarovski, Ron Herman, and Polo.

There is also a handful of eateries where you can pick a coffee and snacks or sit down to enjoy a relaxed meal. To reach Kobe BAL, take the subway to Motomachi station and then walk east for 5 minutes.