Kobe, Japan 🇯🇵
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kobe is a vibrant port city located in the Hyogo Prefecture of Japan, known for its scenic waterfront, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.5 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 150 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 JPY ≈ 0.007 USD; major banks include MUFG and Mizuho |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 100V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include SoftBank, NTT Docomo, and AU |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards widely accepted; consider open accounts at Shinsei Bank or Mitsubishi UFJ |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include serviced apartments, guesthouses, and Airbnb listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, contactless payments widely accepted in stores and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies like Sakura House offer flexible leases. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Kobe Sannomiya R2 Hostel provide affordable dormitory options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kobe Coworking offers a vibrant community and strong internet connectivity. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de Lune provides a comfortable atmosphere with Wi-Fi and power outlets. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events at Kobe International Community Center for expat networking. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Kobe Meetup Group hosts events for English speakers and expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | JapanTaxi and Uber operate in the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Kobe City Bike provides rental stations across the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Suma Beach, accessible via a short train ride. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | ANA (All Nippon Airways) for regional connections. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways operate international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Sannomiya Station serves as the main railway hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | ICOCA card for easy access to trains and buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains (JR and Hanshin) connect Kobe with Osaka and Himeji. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kobe University Hospital, offering comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Kobe Yoga Studio offers various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness clubs like Anytime Fitness are easily accessible. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin laundries such as Dry Cleaning Kobe available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Demae-can are popular options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kobe beef, renowned for its exquisite taste and texture. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Mamechawan, a dedicated vegan restaurant in the city. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie de Sweets offers delectable pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Kobe Sannomiya District features a variety of budget-friendly markets. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Japan is widely used for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services like Yamato Transport provide efficient grocery delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kitano-cho and Sannomiya are the hotspots for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Kobe Beer offers tastings and brewery tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine and Bar provides a fine selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Kobe Chinatown offers diverse street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Intercontinental restaurants can be found throughout the city. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Kobe Port Tower and Meriken Park are essential attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art showcases modern Japanese art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Kobe's Ikuta Shrine is one of the city's oldest Shinto shrines. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Michael's Church, showcasing diverse architectural styles. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Kobe Luminarie Festival held every December is a notable event. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Kitano-cho, known for its historic foreign residences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Kobe Bunka Hall for various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Kobe Morning Market offers local produce and seafood. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Jazz cafes like Jazz On Top popular among music lovers. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Kobe has several areas showcasing vibrant street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Sakura Cooking School provides traditional Japanese cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery Doi exhibits local and international artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Kobe's Ijinkan area features preserved Western-style houses. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Kobe is known for its unique blending of Western and Japanese cultures. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Rokko Mountain Range offers numerous hiking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Setonaikai National Park is accessible with scenic views. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Rokko Garden Terrace has beautiful paths for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from Mount Rokko is breathtaking, especially at sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Suma Aqualife Park features diverse wildlife and birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Appropriate areas in Rokko for bonfire activities. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Yamato Transport provides reliable delivery services throughout Japan. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Yamada Denki offers repairs for electronic devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Various parks like Higashiyama Park have public table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Kobe International School offers Japanese language classes for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Kobe City Library is a quiet place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Kobe International Community Center for cultural exchange and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game Bar A-BOX specializes in console and tabletop games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Okinawa offers various gaming experiences, though casinos are not currently legalized in the main cities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥550,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥22,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥400,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥16,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥500,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥30,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥380,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥22,800,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥450,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥36,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥350,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥28,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23.2% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, specific rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on assessed values. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% for property purchases. |