January–FebruaryKobe Luminarie
Kansai ・ Kobe & Arima Onsen
Usually about 10 days from late January to early February (lit from dusk to around 21:30)
2027 (32nd): Jan 29 – Feb 7
KIX → Sannomiya / Kobe
Kansai International Airport to Sannomiya / Kobe
⛴ High-speed boat🚌 Bus🚃 Train
The quickest way to Kobe is to cross the bay on the Bay Shuttle high-speed boat, then take the Port Liner to Sannomiya. If you want to reach Sannomiya without a transfer, the Airport Limousine Bus is convenient.
Compare
Compare your options
Kobe-Kanku Bay Shuttle (high-speed boat)
- Travel time
- Boat normally approx. 31 min (connecting bus and Port Liner time not included)
- Fare
- ¥1,880 for adults. The set ticket including the Port Liner to Sannomiya is also ¥1,880 (as of October 2026)
- Transfers
- Transfer to the Port Liner at Kobe Airport
Airport Limousine Bus (to Kobe Sannomiya)
- Travel time
- Approx. 65 min
- Fare
- ¥2,200 for adults (as of October 2026)
- Transfers
- None
JR (HARUKA / Kansai Airport Rapid Service + JR Kobe Line)
- Fare
- International visitors: HARUKA One-way Ticket (Kobe) ¥2,000 for adults (as of October 2026)
- Transfers
- Transfer to the JR Kobe Line (Special Rapid Service, etc.) at Osaka Station or Shin-Osaka Station
| Compare your options | Travel time | Fare | Transfers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kobe-Kanku Bay Shuttle (high-speed boat) | Boat normally approx. 31 min (connecting bus and Port Liner time not included) | ¥1,880 for adults. The set ticket including the Port Liner to Sannomiya is also ¥1,880 (as of October 2026) | Transfer to the Port Liner at Kobe Airport |
| Airport Limousine Bus (to Kobe Sannomiya) | Approx. 65 min | ¥2,200 for adults (as of October 2026) | None |
| JR (HARUKA / Kansai Airport Rapid Service + JR Kobe Line) | — | International visitors: HARUKA One-way Ticket (Kobe) ¥2,000 for adults (as of October 2026) | Transfer to the JR Kobe Line (Special Rapid Service, etc.) at Osaka Station or Shin-Osaka Station |
Fares and times are as of the date shown. Fares and timetables change, so check the operator’s official website before you travel.
Recommended
Best option for…
To Kobe by sea / arrive quickly
→ Kobe-Kanku Bay Shuttle (high-speed boat)
No transfers / lots of luggage
→ Airport Limousine Bus (to Kobe Sannomiya)
Travel on a single JR ticket
→ JR (HARUKA / Kansai Airport Rapid Service + JR Kobe Line)
How to Ride
Kansai International Airport to Sannomiya / Kobe
High-speed boat
Kobe-Kanku Bay Shuttle (high-speed boat)
- Board at
- Terminal 1, 1st floor, north side, Stop 12 (connecting bus) → Kanku Port Terminal
- Arrive at
- Kobe Airport (Port Liner to Sannomiya)
- Travel time
- Boat normally approx. 31 min (connecting bus and Port Liner time not included)
- Fare
- ¥1,880 for adults. The set ticket including the Port Liner to Sannomiya is also ¥1,880 (as of October 2026)
- Transfers
- Transfer to the Port Liner at Kobe Airport
- Tickets
- Buy at the high-speed boat ticket counter on the 1st floor of Terminal 1, then take the connecting bus to the pier. Credit cards and e-money accepted
- Large luggage
- Luggage up to 2 m in total dimensions (sum of three sides) and 30 kg may be brought on board
- Note
- The discount for international visitors ended on June 30, 2026
Bus
Airport Limousine Bus (to Kobe Sannomiya)
- Board at
- Terminal 1, 1st floor, Stop 6 / Terminal 2, Stop 4
- Arrive at
- Kobe Sannomiya
- Travel time
- Approx. 65 min
- Fare
- ¥2,200 for adults (as of October 2026)
- Transfers
- None
- Tickets
- Buy at the ticket office or ticket machines near the 1st-floor bus stops (credit cards and QR code payments accepted). On Kansai Airport Transportation Enterprise buses, you can also pay when boarding with a transportation IC card or contactless payment
- Large luggage
- Up to 2 pieces per person (total weight up to 30 kg); large luggage goes in the underfloor compartment
- Note
- In the morning, you may not be able to board the bus you want
Train
JR (HARUKA / Kansai Airport Rapid Service + JR Kobe Line)
- Board at
- JR Kansai-Airport Station
- Arrive at
- Sannomiya Station
- Fare
- International visitors: HARUKA One-way Ticket (Kobe) ¥2,000 for adults (as of October 2026)
- Transfers
- Transfer to the JR Kobe Line (Special Rapid Service, etc.) at Osaka Station or Shin-Osaka Station
- Tickets
- Ticket machines and Midori-no-madoguchi ticket office at JR Kansai-Airport Station. For international visitors, the HARUKA One-way Ticket (bought online in advance and exchanged at dedicated machines at the station) is a good deal
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓The last Bay Shuttle from Kansai Airport (arriving at Kobe Airport at 0:31) does not connect with the Port Liner
- ✓The Port Liner set ticket can be purchased at the ticket counter at Kansai Airport
Tickets & transfers you can book in advancePR
PRKlookJR Limited Express HARUKA One-way Ticket (Kansai Airport ⇔ Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara and more)For holders of foreign passports on short-term stays. Valid on rapid and local trains as well as the HARUKA. Exchange via QR code e-ticket or at station ticket machinesView on Klook
PRKlookKansai Airport Limousine Bus (Kyoto, Osaka Station, Namba, Kobe Sannomiya, USJ)Choose one-way or round trip. Scan the barcode at the automatic ticket machines at Kansai Airport Terminal 1 or 2 to issue your bus ticketView on Klook
PRKlookNankai Limited Express Rapi:t Ticket (Kansai Airport ⇔ Namba)Rapi:t ticket for international visitors. Choose a Regular Seat or Super Seat, reserve your seat online and board with a QR codeView on Klook
Map
Map
Where to Stay · Agoda
Places to Stay near Sannomiya / KobePR
PR8.8神戸メリケンパークオリエンタルホテル
★★★★★Check rates on Agoda14,090 reviews1.7 km from center
PR8.7神戸 プラザ ホテル ウエスト
★★★★Check rates on Agoda14,892 reviews1.2 km from center
PR8.9ホテルオークラ神戸
★★★★★Check rates on Agoda7,767 reviews1.4 km from center
PR9.2レムプラス 神戸三宮
★★★★Check rates on Agoda5,509 reviews0.2 km from center
PR8.8ホテルモントレ神戸
★★★★Check rates on Agoda7,952 reviews0.5 km from center
PR9.0ザ ロイヤルパーク キャンバス 神戸三宮
★★★★Check rates on Agoda6,447 reviews0.5 km from center
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
Other Destinations
Other destinations from Kansai International Airport
✈ KIX →Namba / ShinsaibashiThe Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t is the fastest way to Namba, and since all seats are reserved, you can sit even with large luggage. To save money, take the Airport Express, and if your hotel is near OCAT (JR Namba), the Airport Limousine Bus is also convenient.🚃 Train🚌 Bus🚕 Taxi
✈ KIX →Osaka Station / UmedaThe JR Limited Express HARUKA is the fastest way to Osaka Station, taking about 50 minutes without a transfer. To keep costs down, take the Kansai Airport Rapid Service, and if you want to get off in front of your hotel in Umeda, the Airport Limousine Bus is convenient.🚃 Train🚌 Bus
✈ KIX →Kyoto StationThe JR Limited Express HARUKA is the fastest way to Kyoto, taking about 80 minutes without a transfer. If you have a lot of luggage or are staying on the south side of the station (Hachijo Exit), the Airport Limousine Bus is also convenient.🚃 Train🚌 Bus
✈ KIX →NaraThe Airport Limousine Bus takes you to JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station without a transfer. JR runs more frequently, with a transfer to the Yamatoji Line at Tennoji.🚌 Bus🚃 Train
✈ KIX →Universal Studios JapanThe Airport Limousine Bus takes you close to Universal Studios Japan without a transfer. If the bus times do not suit you, take the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service to Nishikujo and transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line.🚌 Bus🚃 Train
Events
Events & festivals in Kobe & Arima Onsen
January–FebruaryAttractions
Attractions in Kobe & Arima Onsen
AquariumKobe Suma Sea World
Kansai ・ Suma, Kobe
An aquarium with orcas that opened in Suma Beach Park in 2024. Along with orca and dolphin performances, you can enjoy exhibits of all kinds of marine life. It faces the Suma seaside and has an adjoining hotel.
ZooKobe Animal Kingdom
Kansai ・ Port Island, Kobe
A zoo on Kobe's Port Island where you can interact with flowers and animals. Its exhibits bring you close to the animals, including shoebills, capybaras, and alpacas. It has extensive indoor areas and is easy to reach, about 14 minutes from Sannomiya on the Port Liner.
Travel times, fares and boarding points are based on official airport, rail and bus company information. Fares and timetables can change, so check the official websites before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-06