Forum
Analytics
Kobe, Japan π―π΅
#479
,
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| ποΈ City | Kobe is a city in Japan known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, scenic harbor, and rich culinary traditions. |
| π₯ Population | Approximately 1.5 million |
| π» Internet Speed | Average download speed of 85 Mbps |
| πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 JPY β 0.0069 USD (as of April 2025), ATMs widely accept international cards. |
| π° Tap Water | Drinkable and safe |
| π Power | 100V, 60Hz, π Type A/B sockets |
| πΆ SIM Card | Providers include SoftBank, NTT Docomo, and AU. prepaid SIM cards available at airports. |
| π³ Banking for Expats | Major banks like Shinsei Bank and Mizuho Bank are expat-friendly. |
| π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, monthly rentals, and serviced apartments across the city. |
| π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, contactless payments widely accepted (Suica, PASMO cards). |
| π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, monthly rental platforms, and serviced apartments are available. |
| ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Affordable options include K's House Kobe and Guesthouse K.U.U. |
| ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Kobe Harborland offers a scenic area with shops, restaurants, and attractions. |
| ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Nikitai area has a balance of coworking spaces, cafes, and residential options. |
Working and Networking
| π’ Best Coworking Space | Kobe Coworking offers flexible desk options and networking events. |
| β Best Cafe for Work | Kobe Yamato Coffee offers good Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. |
| πΌ Networking Events | Regular meetups through Kobe International Community Center. |
| π₯ Social Events for Expats | Events organized by Kobe Shimbun and local expat forums on Facebook. |
Transportation
| π Best Taxi/Ride App | JapanTaxi app is popular for on-demand transportation. |
| π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Kobe City has bike rental services like Kobe Bike Share. |
| ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Suma Beach is the nearest beach, only 30 mins away by train. |
| βοΈ Top Regional Airline | All Nippon Airways (ANA) offers flights to regional cities. |
| βοΈ Top International Airline | Japan Airlines (JAL) connects to various global destinations. |
| π£οΈ Highway Access | Good access to the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway. |
| π Main Train/Transit Hub | Kobe Station and Sannomiya Station serve as main transport hubs. |
| π Public Transport Passes | ICOCA card offers access to trains and buses across Kansai. |
| βοΈ Regional Travel | Trains connecting Kobe to Osaka, Kyoto, and Himeji are frequent and efficient. |
Health and Wellness
| π₯ Best Hospital | Kobe University Hospital is a leading medical facility. |
| π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Kobe Yoga offers various classes for all levels. |
| ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym Kobe provides extensive workout facilities. |
| π§Ί Laundry Services | Coin laundries are available throughout the city, with notable ones in Sannomiya. |
Food and Drink
| π± Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Demae-can are popular food delivery services. |
| π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Kobe Beef is the must-try local specialty. |
| π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Narayana offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| π« Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Patisserie offers delightful Japanese sweets. |
| π Affordable Shopping Spots | Arima Onsen markets provide fresh local produce. |
| π E-commerce/Online Store | Rakuten and Amazon Japan offer a range of online shopping options. |
| π Grocery Delivery | Services like Seiyu and Aeon deliver groceries to your doorstep. |
| πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Nankinmachi (Chinatown) features vibrant nightlife with bars and izakayas. |
| π» Local Brewery | Kobe Beer is the local brewery known for its craft beers. |
| π· Wine Bars | Kobe Wine House offers local and international selections. |
| π² Street Food Stalls | Street vendors around Kobeβs Chinatown serve delicious local snacks. |
| π Popular International Cuisine | Kobe is home to many international restaurants, including Italian and Indian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Kobe Port Tower and the Ikuta Shrine are iconic attractions. |
| ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Kobe City Museum showcases the city's history and art. |
| π° Historical Sites | The Kitano district features preserved Western-style houses from the late 19th century. |
| π Religious Sites | The Kobe Mosque is Japan's first mosque. |
| π Annual Events | Kobe Luminarie is an annual light festival held in December. |
| π¨ Cultural Districts | The Kitano area is famous for its historic architecture. |
| π Theater Venues | Kobe Bunka Hall hosts various performances and concerts. |
| ποΈ Local Markets | Motomachi Shopping Street features local shops and eateries. |
| πΌ Music Scene | Jazz clubs in Sannomiya are famed for live performances. |
| π¨ Street Art | Explore graffiti and murals in the harbor area. |
| π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Cooking studio 'Kobe Food Scene' offers classes focusing on local cuisine. |
| π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Kobe Gallery showcases contemporary artists. |
| π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Kobe Old Grand Mer can be seen along the waterfront. |
| π΄ Local Heritage | Kobe's history reflects a blend of Japanese and foreign influences due to its port status. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| π Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Rokko offers hiking trails and stunning city views. |
| ποΈ National Parks Nearby | KΕbe City is near the Setonaikai National Park. |
| π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Rokko Island has dedicated cycling paths and scenic walkways. |
| π Scenic Viewpoints | The Nunobiki Herb Park overlooks the city and bay. |
| π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The Hyogo Prefectural Awaji Island Park is a great spot for birdwatching. |
| π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Yamate Park allows small bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Yamato Transport provides reliable parcel delivery across Japan. |
| π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Apple Store Kobe offers repair services for Apple devices. |
| π Table Tennis Spots | Ping Pong clubs are available, especially in student areas. |
| π§βπ« Language Classes | Private language schools in Kobe, such as Kobe Language Center, offer Japanese classes. |
| π Libraries & Study Spots | Kobe City Library has quiet areas for studying. |
| ποΈ Community Centers | Kobe International Community Center offers resources for expats. |
| πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Akihabara in Sannomiya has several gaming lounges and arcades. |
| π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino gaming is not legal in Japan, but pachinko parlors are widely available. |
Business
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯600,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = Β₯24,000,000) |
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯400,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = Β₯16,000,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯550,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = Β₯33,000,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯350,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = Β₯21,000,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯500,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β₯40,000,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯300,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β₯24,000,000) |
| πΌ Corporate Tax | 23.2% |
| π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| π¦ Tax System | Progressive tax system based on worldwide income. |
| π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| π§Ύ VAT | 10% |
| π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Strict rules apply to foreign companies in Japan. |
| π Property Tax | Yes, based on the assessed value of properties. |
| π Property Transaction Tax | 6% for purchasing properties. |
| π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Expatriates can benefit from tax treaties, reducing double taxation. |