Winter Days Out in Kobe

Dec 12, 2019

Winter Days Out in Kobe

With many people on holiday from work, school or college over the Christmas winter period, it’s an excellent opportunity to look at things to do in the Kobe area if you fancy getting out of the house. There are many attractions in the city that are suitable for children, couples or even individuals if you have a spare few hours on your own. Here are a few suggestions for winter fun.

Relax at an onsen

What more delightful a way to warm yourself up on a cold winter’s day than visiting a Japanese hot spring (onsen)? The Arima Onsen, located not too far from Mount Rokko, is one of the most renowned in Japan and attracts visitors throughout the year. You can soak up the treatment from different types of spring waters, including Kin-no-yu (gold bath) and Gin-no-yu (silver bath), with both said to offer a cure for muscle and joint problems.

You can make a day of a visit to Arima as there are also plenty of dining options as well as evening entertainment, including Geiko performances.

Website: https://visit.arima-onsen.com/

Sample some traditional Japanese sake

Kansai is home to one of Japan’s primary sake-producing regions in Nada. Here, the favorable conditions and good quality rice mean that it has become a hub for different varieties of the national drink. There are many breweries in Nada open to the public, where you can learn about brewing techniques, buy souvenirs, and also sample some of the brews. Definitely a great way to warm the cockles on a cold winter’s day!

Websites:
http://www.hakutsuru.co.jp/english/
https://enjoyfukuju.com/en/
https://www.kikumasamune.com/
http://www.sakuramasamune.co.jp/

Enjoy winter sports at Rokko Snow Park

Mount Rokko National Park is one of Kobe’s top winter attractions. Open year-round and offering a range of activities and splendid panoramic views, it is popular in winter due to the family-friendly snow park, the only skiing facility in Kobe. In addition to skiing and snowboarding opportunities for all abilities, there are many other attractions to enjoy, including an observatory, a restaurant, and a children’s play park.

Website: https://www.rokkosan.com/ski/en/

Have a family day out at Kobe Harborland

Fancy a bit of wintertime shopping and maybe picking up a few bargains in the seasonal sales? Head down to Kobe Harborland. This shopping and entertainment complex located close to Kobe Port contains over 200 shops of all varieties. In addition, there are children’s’ amusements, including a big Ferris wheel, a museum dedicated to the Anpanman character, and a selection of restaurants and cafes.

Website: https://www.harborland.co.jp/

Sample some culture at the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Arts

If you fancy a spot of culture, this municipal art gallery that opened in 2002 could do the trick. It’s a three-story building that includes sculptures, prints, and paintings, among other kinds of art. The modern minimalist style of the building’s architecture was the brainchild of the Japanese architect Tadao Ando.

Website: http://www.artm.pref.hyogo.jp/eng/

そらみみ (Soramimi) [CC BY-SA 4.0], from Wikimedia Commons