Are you traveling to Kobe and looking for exciting things to do? Maybe you’ve heard about the world-famous Kobe beef? Well, come have a beef-tastic time with me as I share a few amazing places to visit in Kobe!
I was super lucky to take a one-night trip to Kobe and dive deeper into this beautiful city. One thing I loved about this tour was that every destination was somewhere I wouldn’t have chosen on my own—some places I didn’t even know existed! So, if you’re like me and want insider tips on where locals go, this guide is for you. Trust me, you’ll have a cow of a time exploring Kobe!
To see some of my other adventures in Japan, check out these articles:
1)Youkai Watch! Come Hunt Demons In Fukusaki City!
2)Adventure Time? An Adventure in Adventure World!
Our first stop was Rokkosan, where we visited a working cattle farm that raises Tajima cattle—the origin of Kobe beef. Our tour guide, Yoshi-san, gave us a fantastic tour and lecture (don’t worry if you don’t speak Japanese; he translated everything perfectly!).
Before entering the farm, we had to wear hazmat suits to protect the cows from outside bacteria and diseases. It was so much fun—it felt like a scene out of Monsters Inc., especially when we walked through the cleansing machine!
Once inside, we learned what makes these cows so special and how they’re raised to produce the most luxurious Kobe beef. We also had the chance to ask lots of questions about cattle farming and the fascinating process of preparing beef for the table.
Next, we headed to Ganso Gyozaen for a gyoza-making lesson. This family-run restaurant was founded by the man who introduced gyoza to Japan from China! (Fun fact: While gyoza is hugely popular in Japan, it actually originated in China. 😉) Now, his grandon happily operates this restaurant.
At our table, we made gyoza, learned about the different ways to serve them, and even got a glimpse into the cultural differences between Chinese and Japanese cuisine. The owners, a husband-and-wife team, were so charming and hilarious—you’re guaranteed to have a blast here. Plus, the gyoza was absolutely delicious!
I also can’t recommend it enough because we got to try Kobe beef gyoza dumplings! I’m not sure, but I think Kobe beef dumplings are rare.
📍Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel
After our gyoza adventure, we checked into the Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel for a quick rest. The hotel was stunning, and the perfect place to recharge before the next part of our trip.
Dinner
From there, we went to a wonderful eight course dinner prepared by Chef Kurosaki. We also got the family registry of the beef that we ate which shows just how pure, premium, expensive the beef was. I’ve never seen something like that where they actually give you the family history of the beef, but it was very interesting.
We also got a PowerPoint lesson on Kobe beef in the very beginning when we sat down, so it was interesting to see the different grades of beef and how they serve it. I’ll just leave a few pictures here for you to see how amazing the food is. You really won’t know until you try and taste it for yourself
Free time
After dinner, we had free time to explore the area. My friend and I dressed up and headed to the executive lounge for some wine and hors d’oeuvres. We couldn’t resist snapping photos of the gorgeous nighttime view. Just look at our view!
Breakfast
The next morning, we indulged in an incredible international breakfast at the hotel, which was included in our tour package. From traditional Japanese dishes to global favorites, the selection was nothing short of amazing. As a foodie, I can say with my full chest that this was quite the experience haha.
This is the tour that my friend and I went on.
Even if you don’t book this exact tour, I highly recommend visiting the places I mentioned. You’ll gain insights and experiences that you might not discover on your own. I promise you’ll have the best time!
I hope you enjoy your time in Kobe as much as I did. While Kobe beef is world-famous, I wonder how many people actually explore Kobe in depth 🤔. From hidden gems to iconic spots, there’s so much to see and do. This tour package is guaranteed to show you a whole new world haha. It is also guaranteed to make your stomach VERY happy lol.
If you plan a trip, start with the Sannomiya area and branch out from there. Trust me, you’re in for a cow-licking good time! 🐮
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