Best BBQ Spots in Kobe

Jul 19, 2021

Best BBQ Spots in Kobe

Summer is here, which means the chance to head outside and eat in the open air. The BBQ may not be quite as popular in Japan as it is in the West, but many still relish the chance to heat some meat and vegetables over the coals and have themselves a bit of a party. Kobe, famed for its prime beef, is a fine location if you want to indulge in a spot of outdoor grilling. Although many of the city’s parks and gardens are reserved for picnics, there are a few public places where you can BBQ. Here are the best spots.

Azur Maiko Park

This glorious coastal park in west Kobe is close to Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and includes an 800-meter long artificial beach. The BBQ area is on the beach and is big enough for small social gatherings, although it cannot be used for commercial purposes. With an abundance of other facilities on offer in the park, this is the perfect setting if you want to combine a BBQ with a swim, a nice seaside stroll, or even a round of golf.

BBQ facilities are open from September to June each year, closed only for a few days at New Year. They are free, but you need to book at least 24 hours in advance, and it’s done on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll need to bring along your own food and all equipment, including a portable grill with a stand. Only a fire bucket and tongs are available for rent. There are no large rubbish bins on-site, so make sure you take your rubbish with you! If you’re traveling by public transport, the park is a 7-minute walk from Maiko station.

Website: https://kobe-park.or.jp/azur/english.html

Okura Park

Okura Park is another beach park in a beautiful setting located between Kobe and neighboring Akashi and also in view of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. Although the park is generally quieter than Azur Maiko, it has more extensive BBQ facilities and is suitable for larger gatherings. This makes it ideal for birthday parties and celebrations. You need to book in advance and can choose from two options. The first is the bring your own food and drink option where you rent the stove and tongs. For this, adults pay 1,500 yen, and children pay 700 yen (preschoolers get in for 300 yen). The second option includes food as well as additional equipment such as chopsticks and dishes. You pay a set entrance fee of 300 yen plus choose from a menu plan costing anywhere between 2,500 – 5,000 yen. Booking is available in 3-hour time slots. The closest station is Asagiri station.

Website: http://okura-beach.jp/

Kobe Fruits and Flower Park

A slightly more tricky park to get to but worth the excursion for BBQ fans, Kobe Fruits and Flower Park is on the outskirts of the city. If you don’t have your own transport, you’ll need to take a train to Oka station, and it’s a 15-minute bus ride from there. The park is part of a family-friendly complex that includes a hotel and an amusement park, and fruit and flower gardens. This place is slightly different because it is most well-known for its tented BBQ restaurant that can accommodate up to 1,500 people. Set menus are priced at 1,900 yen. However, seasoned BBQ aficionados will be pleased to hear that you can use the stove and equipment to bring your own food and drink for a private gathering. The carry-on fee is 1,000 yen per person. The fully air-conditioned venue is all-weather, so suitable for all seasons.

Website: https://hotel-fruitflower.jp/food

David Pursehouse from Kawasaki, Japan, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons