Best Time to Visit Kobe

The best times to visit Kobe are during spring from March to May and autumn from September to November. In addition to favorable weather, there are stunning seasonal scenes and various cultural activities, attracting countless visitors. 

See More: Kobe Weather

In spring, Kobe enjoys a warm and pleasant climate, and the rainfall is at a moderate level, making it a perfect time to visit. Plus, the sakura blossom will be dotted around the whole city, adding a special sense of Japanese romance. Unlike other major tourist cities, like Tokyo or Osaka, Kobe receives relatively fewer tourists even in the peak sakura blossom season, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scene in a more relaxed atmosphere. In addition to natural scene, the Kobe Festival is held every May, featuring colorful parades, international performances, and delicious food stalls. 

Sakura Blossom in Spring

From September to November, Kobe also experiences mild and comfortable weather, with reduced rainfall compared with the wet summer, making it another excellent time to explore Kobe. The colorful fall scene is one of the highlights during the season. In Mount Rokkō, you can admire a stunning landscape full of yellow and red leaves. Take impressive photos at Ikuta Jinja, combining the natural scene and traditional Japanese architecture. Besides, the Fireworks Festival and the art festival Rokkō Meets Art take place during this period. 

Fall Foliage View

Also OK Time to Visit Kobe

Early Summer: June 

The first half of June is often overlooked but surprisingly enjoyable. The rainy season has not arrived, and the summer heat has not hit Kobe yet, either. Thus, Kobe has slight rain and pleasant temperatures during this period, perfect for sightseeing. 

As for the second half month, it depends. Entering the second half of June, Kobe receives increasing rainfall and becomes relatively wet. If you prefer sunny and dry climate, this period may be not very recommended. However, if you don’t mind the rain, you can still have good travel experience with the right plan: There are not many tourists this month, enabling you to have a quiet and leisurely trip. The natural view becomes greener and lusher thanks to the increasing rainfall. For example, it’s actually a great time to explore Mount Rokkō with rain gear if the rain is relatively light, since the landscape up to the mountain refreshes itself when you take the cable car. Besides, June is the hydrangea blossom season. 

Cable Car to Mount Rokko

Winter: December to February

Though winter is the coldest time of the year for Kobe, the temperature of most days at this time will not drop below freezing, and you will not feel extremely cold. With crisp air and mostly sunny weather, Kobe in winter is wonderful for outdoor activities as long as you dress warmly, such as appreciating the sea view under the clear and blue sky at the Port of Kobe, and joining in Kobe Luminarie at Meriken Park, a light display. You also don’t need to tolerate the strong UV rays this season. Besides, relaxing in a hot spring at Arima Onsen to feel a touch of warmth in the chilly winter and replenish the minerals is also a good activity for Kobe in winter. 

Girls dressed in Kimono in Winter

Unfriendly/ Not-recommended Time to Visit Kobe

During Public Holidays 

There are three major public holidays in Japan: New Year’s Day in January, Golden Week in May, and Obon Festival in August. During these periods, the domestic travel rush fuels the price of hotels and flights. Plus, transportation and scenic spots are even more crowded, making it less proper to visit Kobe. Therefore, it’s best to avoid visiting Kobe during these public holidays. If you are only available during these periods, plan it at least one month earlier and make reservations in advance to avoid last-minute issues. 

Hot and Crowded July - August

July and August in Kobe are the hottest month throughout the year. The summer heat discourage a visit to Kobe, especially for outdoor exploration during the daytime. Plus, Kobe in July receives abundant rainfall, making you feel pretty sticky and muggy. 

Besides, summer vacation from July to August is the peak season in Kobe, resulting to an extremely higher costs on accommodations and transportation, as well as highly-crowded scenic spots. Therefore, try to arrange your trip to other months. 

A Huge Boat in Port of Kobe

Travel Tips

1. It’s always a good idea to check the forecast in advance to arrange your outfits and travel plans, particularly during transitional seasons.  
2. Coastal wind and mountain wind can be quite strong, so wear warm enough clothes when you go hiking in Mount Rokko or walk around in Port of Kobe. In winter, a scarf and a warm hat may be necessary to stay comfortable. 
3. Due to shorter daylight hours from late autumn to early spring, some attractions may shorten their opening times. For example, Kitano Ijinkan-Gai close at 17:00 from October to March, an hour earlier than in other months. So it’s advisable to check the opening hours in advance. 
4. Kobe beef is famous all round Japan, and many top restaurants in Kobe require online reservations. Therefore, book your table at least one month in advance, especially for dinner. 

Souvenir Store in Kitano Ijinkan-Gai