Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kobe is a city in Japan known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, scenic harbor, and rich culinary traditions. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.5 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 85 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 JPY ≈ 0.0069 USD (as of April 2025), ATMs widely accept international cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe |
| 🔌 Power | 100V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include SoftBank, NTT Docomo, and AU. prepaid SIM cards available at airports. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks like Shinsei Bank and Mizuho Bank are expat-friendly. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, monthly rentals, and serviced apartments across the city. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, contactless payments widely accepted (Suica, PASMO cards). |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, monthly rental platforms, and serviced apartments are available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable options include K's House Kobe and Guesthouse K.U.U. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Kobe Harborland offers a scenic area with shops, restaurants, and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Nikitai area has a balance of coworking spaces, cafes, and residential options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kobe Coworking offers flexible desk options and networking events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kobe Yamato Coffee offers good Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups through Kobe International Community Center. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Events organized by Kobe Shimbun and local expat forums on Facebook. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | JapanTaxi app is popular for on-demand transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Kobe City has bike rental services like Kobe Bike Share. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Suma Beach is the nearest beach, only 30 mins away by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | All Nippon Airways (ANA) offers flights to regional cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Japan Airlines (JAL) connects to various global destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Good access to the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kobe Station and Sannomiya Station serve as main transport hubs. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | ICOCA card offers access to trains and buses across Kansai. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains connecting Kobe to Osaka, Kyoto, and Himeji are frequent and efficient. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kobe University Hospital is a leading medical facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Kobe Yoga offers various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym Kobe provides extensive workout facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin laundries are available throughout the city, with notable ones in Sannomiya. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Demae-can are popular food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kobe Beef is the must-try local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Narayana offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Patisserie offers delightful Japanese sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Arima Onsen markets provide fresh local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Rakuten and Amazon Japan offer a range of online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services like Seiyu and Aeon deliver groceries to your doorstep. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nankinmachi (Chinatown) features vibrant nightlife with bars and izakayas. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Kobe Beer is the local brewery known for its craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Kobe Wine House offers local and international selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors around Kobe’s Chinatown serve delicious local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Kobe is home to many international restaurants, including Italian and Indian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Kobe Port Tower and the Ikuta Shrine are iconic attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Kobe City Museum showcases the city's history and art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Kitano district features preserved Western-style houses from the late 19th century. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Kobe Mosque is Japan's first mosque. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Kobe Luminarie is an annual light festival held in December. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Kitano area is famous for its historic architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Kobe Bunka Hall hosts various performances and concerts. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Motomachi Shopping Street features local shops and eateries. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Jazz clubs in Sannomiya are famed for live performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore graffiti and murals in the harbor area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking studio 'Kobe Food Scene' offers classes focusing on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Kobe Gallery showcases contemporary artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Kobe Old Grand Mer can be seen along the waterfront. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Kobe's history reflects a blend of Japanese and foreign influences due to its port status. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Rokko offers hiking trails and stunning city views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kōbe City is near the Setonaikai National Park. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Rokko Island has dedicated cycling paths and scenic walkways. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Nunobiki Herb Park overlooks the city and bay. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Hyogo Prefectural Awaji Island Park is a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Yamate Park allows small bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Yamato Transport provides reliable parcel delivery across Japan. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Apple Store Kobe offers repair services for Apple devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Ping Pong clubs are available, especially in student areas. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Private language schools in Kobe, such as Kobe Language Center, offer Japanese classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Kobe City Library has quiet areas for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Kobe International Community Center offers resources for expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Akihabara in Sannomiya has several gaming lounges and arcades. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino gaming is not legal in Japan, but pachinko parlors are widely available. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥600,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥24,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥400,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥16,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥550,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥33,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥350,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥21,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥500,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥40,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥300,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥24,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23.2% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Strict rules apply to foreign companies in Japan. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on the assessed value of properties. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% for purchasing properties. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Expatriates can benefit from tax treaties, reducing double taxation. |