Kobe is a stylish, compact city with a variety of shopping areas that blend fashion, food, and culture. From covered shopping arcades and historic streets to modern malls and department stores, Kobe offers a relaxed and enjoyable retail experience for every type of shopper.
Sannomiya Station Underground Malls
At the heart of Kobe’s shopping scene is the underground shopping mall complex beneath Kobe-Sannomiya Station. Spanning several blocks and connecting various train lines, this labyrinth of corridors is home to a wide range of boutiques, cafés, drugstores, bakeries, and fashion chains. The passages stretch westward to link seamlessly with Motomachi Shopping Street, and southward towards Higashi Yuenchi Park, creating an easy, sheltered route for shoppers to explore the city centre regardless of the weather. It’s a great place to browse for cosmetics, trendy fashion, souvenirs, or just to grab a snack and people-watch.
Sannomiya Center Street & Sannomiya Hondori Shopping Street
Above ground, running parallel to the underground passages, you’ll find Sannomiya Center Street and Sannomiya Hondori Shopping Street—two lively, covered pedestrian arcades filled with fashion boutiques, fast food outlets, bookshops, game arcades, and a variety of everyday stores. These shopping streets offer a vibrant snapshot of local life and are popular with students and office workers alike. Walking along these arcades is another enjoyable and weatherproof way to cross the city centre, and they conveniently lead westward, ending just a short walk from the start of Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street, creating a continuous shopping experience that stretches across central Kobe.
Motomachi Shopping Street
Just west of Sannomiya, Motomachi Shopping Street is one of Kobe’s most iconic shopping areas. This long, covered arcade is a mix of modern and traditional, with independent clothing shops, Japanese sweet shops, cafés, and some international brands. It runs parallel to Chinatown (Nankinmachi), so it’s perfect to combine a little shopping with a delicious detour. Motomachi retains a relaxed local vibe and is especially popular on weekends with both locals and tourists.
Harborland and umie
To the south of the city centre along the waterfront is Harborland, Kobe’s family-friendly entertainment and shopping precinct. The highlight here is Kobe umie, a sprawling shopping centre with three buildings offering a mix of fashion, homewares, international brands, and dining. It includes both outlet-style stores and lifestyle brands, along with a large cinema and play areas for children. The open-air seaside promenade also makes this area a scenic spot for a sunset stroll after shopping.
Kitano and the North Side
For boutique shopping and local artisan goods, head north from Sannomiya Station into the Kitano district, known for its European-style houses and hilly streets. Here, you’ll find charming local stores selling handmade accessories, imported goods, antiques, and specialty foods. The area feels more relaxed and upscale, ideal for leisurely browsing or picking up something unique.
Shin-Kobe and Rokko Area
While Shin-Kobe Station is primarily a Shinkansen hub, the nearby area offers some interesting specialty stores and access to Mt. Rokko, where cable cars take you up to scenic viewpoints and souvenir shops selling local produce like Rokko butter, herb tea, and honey. It’s a more peaceful escape from the city, and a chance to find gifts tied to Kobe’s natural landscape.
