Iwaoka Travel Guide
Kobe
Popular places to visit
Arima Onsen
Arima Onsen is one of the more well-known attractions to visit during your trip to Kobe. Discover the hot springs in this culturally rich area.
Port of Kobe
Explore the waterfront in Kobe with a trip to Port of Kobe. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.
Hanshin Koshien Stadium
Catch an event at Hanshin Koshien Stadium during your trip to Nishinomiya. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Kobe Harborland
A one-time freight yard just outside Kobe’s city center is now a great spot to go for retail and entertainment choices.
Kobe Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall
You can take time to visit Kobe Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall during your travels to Kobe. Visit the area's shops or amble around its waterfront.
Mount Rokko
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mount Rokko during your travels in Kobe. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.
Things to do
Universal Studios Japan® Theme Park Admission with Transportation
Hiroshima & Miyajima by Bullet Train from Osaka
Osaka: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket
Osaka: Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO
Naruto & Boruto Shinobi-zato Naruto Premium Ticket
Top hotels in Iwaoka
Kobe Portopia Hotel
Food was a little on the expensive side . Otherwise a great place with a downtown free bus shuttle .
Reviewed on 14 Apr 2026
ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe by IHG
Clean room, friendly staff, great breakfast, convenient location.
Reviewed on 15 Apr 2026
Kobe MerikenPark Oriental Hotel
Quiet rooms. Close to so many shops,restaurants and excursions. Gorgeous lobby.
Reviewed on 14 Apr 2026
DaiwaRoynetHotel Kobe-Sannomiya PREMIER
Excellent location, pleasant lobby, helpful staff and clean well-maintained rooms — but the rooms are very small. There’s barely space for belongings, and our double bed was against one wall so hard to get in or out. Otherwise a very pleasant stay. Nice Italian restaurant too.
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026
Hotel Monterey KOBE
SPA is very clean and comfortable.
Reviewed on 14 Apr 2026
Hotel Monte Hermana Kobe Amalie
Quaint, modern, spacious enough, and situated within walking distance to downtown Kobe. Right across the hotel is one of Japan's oldest shrines, too!
Reviewed on 16 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Iwaoka
Nishi
When in Nishi and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like Akashi Castle or Kobe Green Arena and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Seishinchuo Station or Seishinminami Station.
Kanigasaka
Though Kanigasaka may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like PLiCO Nishiakashi and Akashi Castle.
Tarumi Ward
If you're spending some time in Tarumi Ward, Mitsui Outlet Park and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge are top sights worth seeing.
Suma Ward
If you're spending time in Suma Ward, check out sights like Kobe Green Arena or Suma Aqualife Park Kobe and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Myohoji Station or Myodani Station.
Boojicho
Boojicho might not have many top sights, but Noevir Stadium Kobe and Kobe Harborland are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Nagata
Get to know Nagata and its many features like its museums and parks. You might want to explore sights like Osaka Bay and Kobe Three Kingdoms Garden, and you can jump on the metro at Komagabayashi Station or Karumo Station to get around the city.
