A Weekend in Kobe – Sea Breezes & City Lights

#cityplaybook Kobe is the kind of city that feels like a perfect weekend escape. With the ocean on one side and mountains on the other, it offers both scenic beauty and a relaxed urban vibe—all within easy reach. I started my day at Meriken Park, where the sea breeze, open space, and public art made for a perfect slow morning stroll. Just nearby is the Kobe Port Tower, standing tall and proud with great views from the top. For this trip, I stayed at Hotel Okura Kobe. The location is fantastic—close to the waterfront and filled with classic elegance. After checking in and taking a breather, I headed out for one last view of the city… …from Kikuseidai, a lookout point on Mt. Maya known for its “ten million dollar night view.” And yes, it lives up to the name. The sparkling skyline and harbor lights were the perfect way to wrap up the day. Why I recommend Kobe: ・It’s compact but packed with charm—seaside parks, stylish shops, and cozy cafés ・You get both ocean and mountain views in one day (plus some incredible night scenery) 📍Kobe City, Hyogo, Japan #kobe #japantravel #weekendgetaway #merikenpark #porttower #hotelokurakobe #kikuseidaiview #citybythesea #urbanescape #perfectweekend