We have carefully selected and ranked the best concept cafes in Kobe to recommend them to you in order of preference.
Introducing the top 5 concept cafes you can enjoy in Kobe. A variety of themed cafes are gathered here! Please use this as a reference.
The Charm of Kobe, Where Nature and Culture Harmonize
Kobe has long developed as an international trade port. Since its opening in 1868, foreign settlements were established, and Western culture flowed into the city, forming a unique, exotic atmosphere. The Kitano Ijinkan district is an area lined with Western-style houses built by foreign merchants of that era, and it remains a popular tourist spot today.
Kobe has a wide range of tourist spots. The Kobe Port area, which embodies the city’s identity as a port town, features facilities like the Port Tower and Mosaic, offering shopping and dining experiences. Cruises from the port are also a popular activity. Beyond the Ijinkan district, other areas like the former foreign settlement and Nankinmachi (Chinatown) offer a glimpse of foreign cultural influences. Particularly, Nankinmachi symbolizes Kobe’s historical prominence as an international trade hub, attracting numerous visitors.
– Ranking –
We are bringing you the best concept cafes in Kobe, ranked!
8th Place: Secret
Located in Sannomiya, “Secret” is a concept cafe with the theme of a magical forest. As you enter, you are greeted by a specially designed magical door. Opening this door feels like stepping into another world, revealing a fantastical space illuminated by soft, warm lights and colorful neon that crosses in vibrant, mystical patterns.
7th Place: cafe & bar Mofumofu
【cafe & bar Mofumofu】 is a cat-themed cafe bar that stands out in Sannomiya. Upon entering, you’ll find yourself in a space that feels like a cat paradise, with girls wearing cute cat ears welcoming you. The stylish interior, based on a white theme, also offers comfortable box seats, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely time. The cast members, adorned with cat ears, move about adorably like little cats, engaging you with their smiles in this special space.
6th Place: Aqua Angel
The concept cafe scene in Hyogo continues to thrive, but have you found your new favorite spot yet? If not, be sure to visit 【Aqua Angel】, conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from Sannomiya Station. Opened in November 2022, this cafe is enveloped in a light blue world, as if angels have spread their wings across the space.
5th Place: Can you
Located in Kobe’s Sannomiya area, “Can you Kobe Sannomiya Main Branch” is a haven for cosplay enthusiasts. Just a 2-minute walk from Sannomiya Station, this place is filled with beautiful cast members dressed as characters from anime and games to greet you. Offering a wide variety of costumes, you can enjoy a special time with cast members dressed as over 40 different characters.
4th Place: Equal Garden -Ikool Garden-
Opened in Sannomiya, 【Equal Garden -Ikool Garden-】 is a special cafe designed for everyone to enjoy. Whether you have a disability or not, this cafe aims to create a space where all guests can spend enjoyable time together. With the theme of “reasonable accommodation,” the cafe offers various supports such as Braille menus and communication via pen and paper, ensuring a comfortable experience for all. As a new concept cafe where everyone can enjoy on equal terms, it has gained much support from the community.
3rd Place: Empire!
Have you ever wished to be bitten by a beautiful vampire girl? 【Empire! Sannomiya Shisha Concept Cafe】 is the place where that dream can come true. Combining shisha with the vampire theme, this unique cafe allows you to be charmed by beautiful vampires throughout the night. The vampire cast, dressed in bartender-style gowns, serve you in a fantastic space that feels like you’ve wandered into a noble mansion from medieval Europe.
2nd Place: Chéri Le Port
Located in Kobe’s Sannomiya, “Can you Kobe Sannomiya Main Branch” is a paradise for cosplay enthusiasts. Just a 2-minute walk from Sannomiya Station, this cafe greets you with beautiful cast members who resemble characters from anime and games. Offering an unprecedented variety of costumes, you can enjoy a special time with cast members dressed as more than 40 different characters.
1st Place: Linaria
【Linaria】, a concept cafe in Kobe’s Sannomiya, is a place where you can discover new idols and watch their growth. All the staff here are future star candidates, making steady progress toward taking the big stage as next-generation idols. Visitors play an important role in supporting these budding idols and cheering them on as they pursue their dreams.
There are also cafes open during the day after sightseeing, so make sure to visit a place that suits your preferences and schedule! ♡
The Charm of Kobe’s Downtown
Compared to major cities like Osaka and Tokyo, Kobe’s downtown area stands out for its international character and historical backdrop. In places like Umeda and Namba in Osaka, massive commercial complexes dominate, while in Tokyo’s Ginza and Shibuya, futuristic cityscapes unfold. However, in Kobe’s Sannomiya and Motomachi, historical buildings harmonize with modern urban spaces, creating a distinctive atmosphere. This international vibe and cultural coexistence, born from its history, are unique to Kobe’s downtown area.
The appeal of Kobe’s downtown and tourist spots lies in the seamless blend of a sophisticated urban lifestyle, rich natural surroundings, history, and diverse cultures. The bustling shopping and dining scene in the downtown area pairs beautifully with the serene and scenic tourist spots, offering visitors a wide variety of experiences. The open and stylish atmosphere of this port city makes it a place where everyone can enjoy themselves.
Here are some recommended tourist spots in Kobe!
Kobe Harborland
An entertainment area facing Kobe Port, Harborland features shopping malls, restaurants, and a Ferris wheel. The nighttime view is beautiful, making it a famous spot for dates.
Mount Rokko
Mount Rokko overlooks Kobe City and Osaka Bay, offering hiking, skiing, and scenic viewpoints that let you enjoy the beauty of nature throughout the year. The night view is particularly famous, earning the title of “the ten million dollar night view.”
Kobe Port Tower
Kobe Port Tower is an iconic landmark, standing at 108 meters. From the tower, you can enjoy panoramic views of Kobe City and the sea, especially stunning at night.
Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown)
One of Japan’s three major Chinatowns, Nankinmachi is lined with restaurants and shops where you can enjoy Kobe’s delicious Chinese cuisine. It’s also popular for street food and festivals.