Fully Enjoy the Port City of Kobe! Your Complete Guide to the Giant Shopping Complex, Kobe Harborland umie
Since opening its port approximately 150 years ago, Kobe has thrived as one of Japan’s proudest port cities. Even today, the townscape retains its waterfront charm, drawing many tourists from Japan and abroad. One of the most popular destinations is Kobe Harborland umie, a large-scale shopping complex adjacent to the waterfront.
With shopping, gourmet dining, and nearby attractions like a Ferris wheel and a popular children’s theme park, you’re sure to enjoy a full day of leisure here!
What Is Kobe Harborland umie?
The facility consists of "Mosaic," where you can enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and open views of Kobe Port, and the "North Mall" and "South Mall," which offer a wide array of trends and entertainment. Around 230 shops and restaurants await visitors.
In between shopping, you can also enjoy the latest movies at the popular OS Cinemas.
How to Access Kobe Harborland umie
Kobe Harborland umie is about a 5-minute walk from JR Kobe Station and Subway Kaigan Line Harborland Station, and about a 10-minute walk from Sanyo Electric Railway Kobe Kosoku Line Kosoku Kobe Station. From each of these three stations, you can walk to Kobe Harborland umie via the underground shopping street DUO KOBE, which is directly connected.
Additionally, from JR Sannomiya Station, the various Sannomiya Stations, and Shin-Kobe Station (which is served by the Shinkansen), it takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the nearest stations mentioned above. From Kobe Airport, it’s about a 30-minute taxi ride.
A Giant Commercial Complex with Around 230 Shops Across Three Buildings
Based on the concept of "Sea, City, and People – A Unique Sparkle You’ll Only Find Here," Kobe Harborland umie consists of three main areas.
Mosaic, located along the seaside, features a southern European-style townscape across three floors.
You can stroll along the deck while taking in ocean views, browse for souvenirs, and savor gourmet foods. This waterfront area is often featured on social media for its extraordinary, picturesque atmosphere.
The combined floor area of the North Mall and South Mall reaches 165,000 square meters! The North Mall is lined with major specialty stores, including general supermarkets and fast fashion brands. Meanwhile, the South Mall focuses on unique, character-filled select shops offering the latest trends.
Some drugstores and apparel stores also offer TAX FREE services, allowing you to shop without paying consumption tax if you meet certain purchase conditions. For specific conditions and procedures, please check at the cashier of each store.
Panoramic Views of Kobe! The Mosaic Ferris Wheel Is Stunning at Night, Too
Next to Mosaic is the Mosaic Ferris wheel, a landmark in the area. The Ferris wheel stands about 50 meters high, with one full rotation taking approximately 10 minutes.
From its four-person gondolas, you can enjoy sweeping views of Kobe city, Mt. Rokko, and even the Seto Inland Sea. The breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views are sure to impress!
Not only during the daytime, but especially after sunset, the scenery becomes even more magical. About 120,000 LEDs light up, projecting silhouette animations of weather vanes, yachts, and other Kobe-themed motifs, creating an enchanting nighttime atmosphere.
Savor Kobe Beef and More! A Wide Variety of Dining Options
With a variety of cuisines from Japanese, Western, and Chinese, Kobe Harborland umie is known for its rich gourmet scene.
Yakiniku Ryu-EN is a must-visit for high-quality wagyu beef. The highlight is, of course, Kobe beef—the king of wagyu—famous for its incredible tenderness and rich flavor. You can order cuts like Sankaku Bara (chuck flap), sirloin, or tenderloin individually, or opt for a great-value Kobe beef set that also includes seafood and rice.
For those looking to enjoy a stylish and leisurely meal or café time, REAL DINING CAFE is perfect. Among the many menu options, the standout is the Danish cheesecake. A fine, fluffy sponge cake topped with pure cream cheese imported from Denmark and baked to perfection, it boasts a melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor that’s simply irresistible!
Relax Along Tree-Lined Walkways with an Exotic Atmosphere
The area is beautifully maintained, featuring tree-lined paths with charming gas lamps and benches, creating a perfect setting for a relaxed stroll. At night, the roughly 100 keyaki (zelkova) trees are illuminated, creating a romantic atmosphere. Be sure to also check out the Harbor Wink—at one minute before 8 p.m., 9 p.m., and 10 p.m., all the lights are turned off at once and then relit together, a unique and enchanting spectacle.
Plenty of Attractions Nearby for a Full Day of Fun
Nearby, you’ll find popular spots perfect for casual visits, such as the Kobe Anpanman Children’s Museum & Mall and Kobe’s symbolic tower, Kobe Port Tower.
You can center your day around shopping at Kobe Harborland umie and combine it with various attractions to fully enjoy a day of leisure.
Wrap-up
How was that? Kobe Harborland is a spectacular tourist area blessed with a prime waterfront location in one of Japan’s proudest port cities. At Kobe Harborland umie, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy yourself—shopping, gourmet dining, and photo-worthy spots for every mood and preference. Pair your visit with nearby attractions like the adjacent theme park and the romantic Mosaic Ferris wheel to create unforgettable memories, whether you’re traveling as a couple, a family, or with friends. When you visit Kobe, make sure to stop by Kobe Harborland umie!