Sannnomiya, Kobe has much more than just eating Kobe beef. There are many places you should visit like famous shrines, buildings and so on. I would recommend you some places
Sannomiya, Kobe
Sannomiya station is located in Kobe city, Hyogo, Japan. You could say that it’s a center of sightseeing of Kobe.
It’s a port city and has been a big part of import/export with other countries for long years.
What to See / Do in Sannnomiya?
As many of you might know, Kobe beef is famous, however there are also many places to check!
Sightseeing by Walk
You might know that you can walk around in many of big cities in Japan, around Sannnomiya station is also one of them. However, there are some steep hills so I went there with my sneakers on.
Ikuta Shrine
Ikuta Jinja shrine is easy to access, about 10 mins walk from Sannomiya (三宮、さんのみや) station, you can find Ikuta shrine. You can find the big vermilion colored Torii gate.
It was built in year of 201, it’s been there for over 1800 years already.
This shrine doesn’t look that big, although, there are many things to check out.. many Torii gates, and also a small forest named “Ikuta no Mori” (Forest of Ikuta) with lovely pond.
Matchmaking
This shrine is famous for “En musubi” which is matchmaking that’s one of reasons why many people come here to pray. You should try Mizumikuji, you can buy a paper and put it flow on the pond, and wait.. the letters will be appeared.
Information for Ikuta Shrine
- Opening Hour : 7 am – 5 pm
- Entree : Free
Kobe Muslim Mosque
This is the oldest Muslim mosque in Japan which was built in 1935. You can have a view inide, even if you are not a muslim. Some girls talked to me there when i visited, and taught me some stuff about this mosque.
It is beautiful so check it out ❤
Starbucks Coffee Kitano
Do you know that Starbucks Japan has some special designed shops in Japan? This is one of them, and looks very different from other Starbucks.
They renovated an old western style house for their shop, but still you feel that it is house like stairs, beautiful furniture, wallpaper, decorations, and so on.
It is very popular place to visit, there might be a lot of people, but I would highly recommend you even just stopping by.
Kitano Ijinkan
There are western (mainly colonial) style old houses in Kitano area, since there were many non-Japanese people living in this area as a merchant before.
Many of the houses / buildings were destroyed during WWⅡ, and also the big earthquake in 1995 but still there are some left.
This might not be interesting for some of you from Europe.. although there are also many kinds of restaurants.
You need to pay for entrance fee if you go inside, but it is free looking from outside.
I found the Official Map, so check it out!
Kitano Tenman Shrine
It was built in 1180 by Kiyomori Taira, enshrines Michizane Sugawara. You need to go (long) stairs to get there, but the view from this shrine is beautiful!
There is a statue of cow, and it says you should touch it especially a part where you want to cure something or get better.
Information for Kitano Tenman Shrine
Opening Hour : 7:30 am – 5 pm
Entree : Free
Merikaen Park / Harbor Land
Meriken park is a seaside park, Harbor land is a part of seaside where you can find a lot of shops, restaurants, etc. It’s perfect for sunny days to enjoy sea breezes and beach vibes!
- Kobe Port Tower
- Be Kobe monument
- Bricks Warehouse
- Mosaic Ferris Wheels
- Kawasaki World
One of good things about sightseeing in Sannomiya area is most of places above is free to enter! Hope you enjoy sightseeing around Sannomiya station! 🙂
