10 Best Places in Kobe for Family Trips

Mt. Rokko is one of Kobe’s essential leisure activity destinations. Spring and summer are the best seasons for working up a sweat climbing the mountain, immersed in flowers and greenery. In autumn, you can take in the vistas of autumn leaves spread out across the mountain. In winter, snow parks are open for skiing, snowboarding, and playing in the snow.

Mt. Rokko is famous for its stunning night views. From its peak, you can admire the gorgeous view of the Kansai metropolitan area bathed in dazzling lights. The observatory itself is illuminated, too, creating a fantastic atmosphere at night.

Michi-no-Eki Kobe Fruit & Flower Park Ozo is a roadside station with a pleasant market featuring freshly harvested foods from nearby farmers. Seasonings, breads, and locally brewed sake products round out the selection, making it a fun place for shopping. From summer to autumn, visitors can pick peaches, grapes, and other fruits in the orchards.

There are also facilities including an amusement park, bathing pool, hot spring, dog park, barbecue facilities, and a hotel, all of which are very family-friendly. Horse riding, extensive flowerbeds, and illuminations add to the appeal.

Kobe Harborland is a prime spot where you can get a real feel for the port city vibes of Kobe. Based around a shopping mall, there are a wide variety of restaurants, movie theaters, and amusement facilities. Just strolling around the area, feeling the sea breeze and catching a glimpse of the sightseeing boats passing by is sure to excite your senses.

The landmark of the area is the Giant Ferris Wheel, offering a bird’s-eye view of Kobe. Be sure to check out the Dokin’s Heart Café Gondola, decorated with an illustration of Dokin-chan, a character from the Anpanman series.

Meriken Park is located on Kobe's waterfront and attracts many tourists. When in Kobe, make sure you take a commemorative photo in front of the photogenic "BE KOBE Monument". Kobe Port Tower and Kobe Maritime Museum are other must-visit spots for a typical Kobe photo.

Also check out the Port of Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park, which is a symbol of Kobe as a city damaged by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. Photo panels show the damage and impressive recovery process from the devastation brought about by the earthquake that occurred in 1995.

Dekapathos is a family-friendly water park in Kobe. Starting from the summer, visitors can enjoy playing in the water to their heart’s content. The park features a streaming pool, wave pool, water slides, and a play area for small children. Relaxing in the spa pool is another terrific way to spend the day.

For an additional fee, unwind in the “Luxury Zone” where you can find shade and special tents. Alternately, you can set up your own pop-up tents free of charge in the open lawn area.

Rokkosan Athletic Park GREENIA invites outdoorsy families to enjoy 164 different types of athletic activities in the natural surroundings of the park. Each athletic activity varies in its difficulty level, so everyone from little children to grown-ups can choose whatever best suits them.

One of the most popular attractions during summer vacations is the above-water athletic activity in the “Wonder Water Striders” area. It takes a lot of concentration for children and adults alike to avoid falling into the pond. Be sure to bring a spare set of clothing! You can also take advantage of the barbecue area, which is fully equipped with items for rent.

Reminiscent of the good old days, Sumaura Sanjo Amusement Park is an old-fashioned amusement park that’s big on nostalgia. Take the ropeway and then the ”Carlator” to visit the observation tower. The revolving observatory, which was especially popular in Showa-era Japan, features an antique jukebox, game machines, and a coffee shop corner.

Consider opting for the hiking trail (the sightseeing lift is a one-person ride for ages 3 and up). With a full range of old-fashioned experiences such as a cycle monorail, a miniature automobile land, a playground for small children, and a fountain, you will feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.

Kawasaki Good Times World is a corporate museum of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. located inside Kobe Maritime Museum. With its technology experience zone where visitors and children can explore, touch, and learn, it’s packed with the history and technology of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, which has contributed to Japan's monozukuri (manufacturing) miracle throughout its 120-year history.

With real motorcycles, bullet train automobiles, and helicopters on display, as well as a variety of interactive facilities, this is a must-see for children who love all kinds of vehicles. Each exhibit is full of ingenious features that will make you keen to learn more.

Kobe Anpanman Children’s Museum & Mall is one of 5 facilities nationwide operated by the same group. On the first floor is a free admission area with stores and restaurants, while the paid museum is housed on the first floor. The museum features a variety of play equipment and exhibits that reproduce the world of Anpanman, as well as craft workshops and stage performances.

The mall features food and beverages with motifs based on the characters from the anime. Don't miss Uncle Jam’s Bakery, which offers a wide variety of familiar character breads, just like Uncle Jelly and Batako’s handmade bread.

Renowned as a scenic spot since ancient times and with easy access from Shin-Kobe Station, Nunobiki Falls is a popular destination among tourists. From Isagobashi Bridge, which is designated as a National Important Cultural Property, walk along the promenade until the first waterfall, Mentaki, comes into sight after about 5 minutes. Further along the trail, you’ll reach Tsutsuumigataki Falls, Meoto Falls, and the stunning Ontaki Falls.

Near the Ontaki Falls, a rest area is available for visitors to take a break while viewing the waterfalls. Oh and don't miss the exceptional autumn leaves. If you have time, it's also well worth visiting the observatory at the far end of the falls. There you’ll find a stunning panoramic view of Kobe.