Hotel Okura Kobe

Things We Love

• Harbourfront location with amazing views from room
• The Okura experience but for a very fair price
• Smooth and friendly check-in—staff were professional, efficient, and spoke fluent English, making the process effortless
• Complimentary shuttle bus to and from Sannomiya Station, making it easy to explore Kobe without the hassle of public transport with luggage

Location

Sitting right on Kobe’s scenic waterfront, Hotel Okura Kobe offers a peaceful yet central base. Right from the hotel, you can easily walk to Kobe Harborland, Meriken Park, and Kobe Port Tower, while Chinatown is a few blocks down the other direction. We love how its location strikes the perfect balance between being close to the city’s main shopping and entertainment areas while retaining the calm feel of being by the port.

Nearby you can also find Bakery RIKI which is one of our all time favourite bakeries across the whole of Japan. The bakery is incredibly popular with locals so staying nearby means you can arrive nice and early to beat the long queues.

Property and Room

This was our second stay at the Hotel Okura Kobe which we fondly remember for its  grand lobby with its timeless decor that straddles the line between traditional Japanese and Western design. This lobby is one of the first scenes that comes to mind whenever we think about the Okura brand.

Between our stay back in 2018 and more recently in 2025, very little has changed – and that is a wonderful thing. Hotel Okura Kobe really shines in it’s super attentive staff who do an excellent job at making you feel welcomed and looked after throughout your stay. The one notable change is the new recently renovated Sky View Floor which were spacious, beautifully decored in a modern style and, as the name suggests, had sweeping water views across Kobe’s waterfront. The Kobe Tower stands proudly adjacent to the hotel but we the view is equally impressive from the room and had it all to ourselves in the comfort of our pyjamas.

Facilities and Restaurants

Including our previous stay, we’ve had the chance to try every restaurant at Hotel Okura Kobe, and each one offered something memorable.

Breakfast at Buffet restaurant ARIAKE quickly became a highlight. The hotel’s signature Okura French Toast lived up to Okura reputation – light, fluffy, and indulgent enough to justify an early wake-up call. Yamazato is the hotel’s Japanese restaurant serving traditional cuisine overlooking a serene garden. It’s a calm, authentic experience that feels a world away from the bustle of the city.

Sushi enthusiasts will appreciate Hamaiso, where chefs prepare each piece with precision right before your eyes, ensuring both freshness and theatre in equal measure. Come evening, we often found ourselves at the Main Bar Emerald—a refined yet inviting space, ideal for winding down with a cocktail after a full day of exploring.

Summary

Hotel Okura Kobe blends classic luxury with warm, thoughtful hospitality, all in an unbeatable waterfront location. Whether you’re here for sightseeing, business, or a romantic getaway, the elegant interiors, unforgettable views, and convenient shuttle service make it a dependable choice.