Spend a Special Time with Beautiful Night Views! 19 Best Date Spots in Kobe for Couples

With a history of Approx. 1,800 years, “Ikuta Shrine” is affectionately and respectfully known by locals as “Ikuta-san for matchmaking.” It’s famous as a power spot for finding love and good relationships, romance, career luck, and better health, and in recent years it has also been visited by athletes and artists.
In “Ikuta Forest” behind the main hall, you’ll find a fortune-telling ritual called “Mizu-mikuji,” said to be surprisingly accurate.

One of Japan’s largest herb gardens, set at an elevation of Approx. 400 m and home to Approx. 200 varieties and 75,000 plants of seasonal flowers and herbs.
It’s filled with fresh scents and color all year round. The vast grounds feature 12 gardens, including a rose garden, lavender garden, and seasonal garden, with photo spots throughout.
Access to Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens is Approx. 10 minutes by ropeway. Ride a gondola with sweeping views in all directions and float above Kobe’s cityscape and the sea.

A symbol of Kobe Port and its recovery, “Kobe Port Tower” is a rare pipe-structured tower, 108 m tall.
Its drum-shaped design and vivid red color make it instantly recognizable, and the 2024 reopening after renovations further enhanced it as a place that continues to shine its “crimson glow” over the city of Kobe.
Inside, the tower is divided into three areas: the “Observation Deck,” “Observation Floor,” and “Lower Floors.”
One standout is the new rooftop aerial walkway.
From here, you can take in 360-degree views of the port and city, plus Mount Rokko and Awaji Island, enjoying the scenery of Kobe with a pleasant breeze.
At night, the tower lights up and a stunning view—often called the “10-million-dollar night view”—spreads out before you, making it perfect for a date.

“átoa” is a new-style urban aquarium that blends art and aquatic life.
Its exhibits use digital technology to bring out the beauty and mystery of living creatures.
Unlike a typical aquarium, it’s divided into themed zones—like space and a forest of spirits—creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
Step into a floor where digital art and stage design come together, and you’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a scene from a movie.
With light, sound, and the scent of the sea, the experience engages all five senses and feels wonderfully immersive.
Photography is generally allowed, so taking photos in your favorite zone can make a great keepsake.
It’s also recommended to try the hands-on art programs as a fun way to bring the two of you closer.

“Kobe Former Foreign Settlement” features impressive modern Western-style architecture, letting you enjoy a European atmosphere while still in Japan.
Historic, culturally valuable buildings, luxury brand shops, and distinctive international boutiques are scattered throughout, along with plenty of cafes and gift shops. At night, the area transforms beautifully with illuminated streets.
With its seaside location, it’s an area where you can soak up a romantic vibe.

Developed as a foreign settlement when Kobe Port opened in 1868, “Kobe Kitano Ijinkan-gai.”
From its hilltop location overlooking the sea, the district features a unique streetscape where Western-style and Japanese-style buildings stand side by side.
Approx. 30 Western-style buildings still retain their historical appearance, and 16 of them are open to the public inside.
With its stylish, theme-park-like streets, it’s a great place for a fun walk.

An all-weather botanical and animal park centered on hands-on encounters.
In a park that realistically recreates natural scenery, you can get up close with animals living in conditions close to free-ranging.
Along with experiences like feeding and camel rides, the park also hosts performances where you can learn about the animals’ behavior.
Don’t miss Japan’s largest Asian small-clawed otter exhibit, “Otter Sanctuary: Ecological Garden of Asian Small-Clawed Otters”!

Located on Mount Rokko, “ROKKO Forest Sound Museum” showcases a collection of antique music boxes, self-playing organs, mechanical dolls, and more—made in Europe and the U.S. from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. In the popular program “Concert Without Performers,” you can enjoy automatic performances of songs selected to match a seasonal theme.
The natural garden, designed to reflect Rokko’s ever-changing seasonal scenery, is perfect for a stroll or a relaxing break.

Mount Maya rises to 702 m and sits within the Rokko mountain range, a chain of mountains of varying sizes.
Tourist facilities are scattered across the mountaintop, and you can easily reach it from the base via the Maya Cable Car and Maya Ropeway—together known as the “Maya View Line.”
The dynamic night view from the observation plaza “Kikuseidai,” counted as one of Japan’s three great night views, is especially popular.
The lit-up port and the city of Kobe are breathtakingly beautiful.

Perched at 880 m on Mount Rokko, “Rokko Garden Terrace” is a viewpoint where you can enjoy a sweeping panorama from the Osaka Plain to the Akashi Kaikyo Strait—along with Kobe’s cityscape—and the “10-million-dollar” night view.
Across the grounds are several distinct viewpoints, including the 11 m-tall “Miharashi Tower” for wide-open panoramas, the stepped “Miharashi Terrace” where you can sit and relax while enjoying the view, and the “Miharashi Deck” with great views of the Rokko mountains and the Osaka Plain.

“Kobe Harborland” is the name for a seaside area spanning Approx. 18.5 hectares, lined with multiple large mixed-use complexes.
The gas-lamp street along the zelkova-lined main avenue becomes a wonderful night-view spot after dark, when illuminations glow and blend with the city lights.

“Port Island Kita Park” sits north of the Kobe Ohashi Bridge, which connects Kobe’s artificial island with the Honshu side.
From within the park, you can see the Kobe Ohashi Bridge up close, and also take in ships coming and going through the port, Kobe Port’s landmark “Kobe Port Tower,” Harborland, and more.
After sunset, Kobe Ohashi Bridge lights up and becomes even more beautiful. Kobe’s night views, framed together with the bridge, are truly spectacular.
It’s a breathtaking spot where you can enjoy Kobe’s signature night scenery.

Meriken Park is a waterfront park facing Kobe Port, created in 1887.
It’s a relaxing spot where you can unwind in an open, spacious setting with a fresh sea breeze. Around the park, you’ll find Kobe landmarks such as “Kobe Port Tower,” the “Kobe Maritime Museum,” which features ship-related exhibits, and the luxury “Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel.”
These unique buildings are famous as iconic Kobe scenery.
At night, they light up, and you can also enjoy beautiful night views.

“La Maison de GRACIANI Kobe Kitano” is a French restaurant that values classical tradition while pursuing refined creativity.
It’s located in the “Former Graciani Residence,” a building with over 100 years of history, and the white Western-style mansion welcomes guests as it blends into the streetscape of Kobe Kitano.
As it was originally an ijinkan (a residence where Westerners lived during the Meiji era), modern style and traditional space come together, creating an elegant atmosphere for a graceful time.
Dishes made with carefully selected seasonal ingredients from across Japan—centered on local Hyogo produce—are so exceptional they impress even true food lovers.
Not only are the flavors brought out to the fullest, but the timing of each course is perfect, leaving you warmly satisfied in both body and mind.
Lunch and dinner are offered as a variety of courses (light, dessert-focused, chef’s choice, and more).

Founded in 1952, “Donnaroia” is Kobe’s oldest long-established Italian restaurant.
The interior is calm and refined, with antiques and chandeliers adding a luxurious touch.
Made with carefully selected fresh ingredients, the food is authentic yet unpretentious, carrying on real Italian tradition with simple, irresistible flavors.
You can choose from course menus or à la carte. There’s a wide selection, but don’t miss the pizza with its chewy, fluffy crust and the rich pasta.
If you enjoy drinks, it’s also recommended to order from their wine selection, with dozens of varieties available.
They can also select wines to match your meal—so if you’re unsure, just ask.
The owner and staff are also known for their thoughtful service, and you’ll be able to enjoy a blissful time in a welcoming atmosphere.

“Setsugekka Honten” is a renowned steak restaurant that has earned one Michelin star in the teppanyaki category for six consecutive years.
With all counter seating, skilled craftsmen led by a head chef with 30 years devoted solely to teppanyaki show their expertise right before your eyes.
Recommended popular items include “Kobe beef” with rich aged flavor, large and fresh “live abalone,” and “Akashi octopus” that’s springy and lively in your mouth.
Because you can watch the cooking process and techniques backed by years of experience, it’s also a delight for the eyes, ears, and nose.
The chefs also casually help guide the conversation, so even the time you spend waiting should feel exciting.
Of course, the freshly made, piping-hot dishes can only be described as outstanding.
Another plus is the convenient access—just a few minutes on foot from Sannomiya Station on multiple train lines.

“Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel” is a luxury resort hotel standing on Nakatottei Pier in Kobe Port.
A departure and arrival terminal is attached on the second floor, making it a rare design where luxury cruise ships may also dock.
Its standout feature is the location, surrounded by the sea on 270 degrees, with ocean views from almost every room.
The sea breeze that lets you feel the port city of “Kobe” is also pleasantly refreshing.
From balcony rooms, you’ll see Kobe’s city, sea, and mountains spread out before you—one of the hotel’s charms is the feeling of being on an elegant cruise.
The night view is especially exceptional, and the city lights and their dreamlike shimmer on the water leave a deep impression.
The mood between the two of you will naturally warm up, too.

Operated by “Sheraton,” a top-tier hotel brand with over 400 properties across 75 countries, “Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers” is a luxury hotel that offers comfortable relaxation through carefully selected services and warm human hospitality.
Its signature is a space with Kobe’s international atmosphere, where Japanese tradition and culture meet Western functionality.
Throughout the hotel, hospitality is woven in with a “Japanese” sensibility, and another highlight is the chance to connect with a deeper side of Japan.
There’s plenty to see, but here we want to focus on “Kobe Rokko Onsen Hamaizumi,” which uses 100% natural hot spring water from the hotel’s own source.
The high-quality spring water that wells up on the grounds is said to be effective for relieving fatigue and moisturizing the skin, helping you relax away from everyday bustle.
Why not reserve a private onsen and fully enjoy a space just for the two of you?

“Kobe Portopia Hotel” is a city resort hotel that represents the international city of Kobe.
It features an elegant form inspired by a luxury passenger ship, and boasts 746 guest rooms—the largest scale in the prefecture.
The spectacular views from the upper floors are a one-of-a-kind charm of this hotel, so we recommend booking a room on a higher floor whenever possible.
To the north, you’ll see Mount Rokko and Kobe Port; to the south, you’ll find views of Kobe Airport and Osaka Bay—choose the side you prefer.
The hotel also offers a full lineup of facilities, including over 10 restaurants and amenities like a fitness center & spa.
Another highlight is the clean, refreshing bathrooms; in higher-class rooms, you can even enjoy romantic views outside from the bath.
Staying in and taking it slow at the hotel is also one great option.