This article will show you why you might want to spend your last few days in Kobe as an alternative to Osaka, exploring the Bay Shuttle service that takes you directly to and from Kobe from Kansai International Airport. It only takes 30 minutes!
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Kobe <-> Kansai Airport
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Bay Shuttle Service:
Dear Readers,
We only came to know about this option of choosing Kobe as the last city to stay in before a flight from Kansai International Airport on our trip number 10 or so to the Kansai region, and we will share with you how and why.
How to go to Kansai Airport directly from Kobe (the Best way)
There is a boat shuttle from Kobe airport to Kansai airport that takes only 30 minutes. As Kobe and Osaka are located in a bay, it simply means cutting through the water to the airport from Kobe is actually faster than taking a car from the city center in Osaka. Therefore, technically, it is easier and faster to travel from Kobe to Kansai airport than it is from the city center of Osaka.
In reality, though, this will mean you have to prepare time for the boat departure as well as some time to travel from the port to the terminal, which will, of course, take a little longer than getting dropped off by car right in front. However, from our experience, it is not much different, and we actually prefer the bay shuttle service.
Kobe-Kansai Airport Bay Shuttle
For availability, there is a boat available to Kansai International Airport every hour or so, from 5 am to around 10 pm.
The price for a one-way ticket is listed at 1880 JPY, but they are offering foreign travellers a special deal of only 500 JPY, which was also the price we got during our trip in early November last year.
Reservations for the ticket can be made online through the website up to 1 hour before departure or at the ticket counter. Emails and confirmation, as well as a QR code for boarding, will be sent via the email you provide. For the how-to and reservation, you can check directly on their website here!
Important: Do check if the ferry is in service; the provider should email you the confirmation on the day of or near your departure. Although it is unlikely, it is better to be sure, so you can plan your transportation accordingly.
What this also means is that this way of transportation is a lot cheaper than taking a taxi and a bit more comfortable than taking the train. We had our ferry booked for 21:00, and there were five people taking the ferry, including us, that day. The ferry also takes you from Kansai airport to Kobe, which we think might be what it is mainly used for, as there were a lot more people coming down, so if you are looking to come from Kansai Airport, this is probably the best means of transportation available.
Note: We are not sponsored by them in any way.
Now with the transportation concern out of the way, let’s dive more into why Kobe might be your choice.
Kansai Airport to Kobe via Bay Shuttle Service
For how to get to the Bay Shuttle to Kobe from Kansai International Airport:
Once your plane has landed, passed through customs, received your baggage, and entered the country, you will make a right after exiting the baggage area. Walk to the end, and you will see a ferry ticket counter, where you can purchase or redeem your ticket (for those who purchase online beforehand).
After getting your ticket, they will point you out towards the bus, basically out the door next to the counter, and turn right (or simply follow their directions). There will be a bus line that takes you to the ferry. While waiting for the bus, they will scan your ticket, so make sure to have it ready for them.
The bus will take you to the ferry; from there, you follow their directions and board the ferry. As simple as it is, thirty minutes later, and we arrive in Kobe.
Why go to Kobe?
A less busy destination
Regardless of the title, Kobe is still a busy city, but, compared to Osaka, you can expect a noticeably less crowded and less touristy environment.
In other words, it is a more balanced city, in a way. Kobe offers both the convenience of a bigger city, while also providing a less overwhelming feel. The city will also likely have whatever item is on your buying list somewhere, unless it is a specific shop or items, of course.
Places like Kobe Sannomiya Shopping Street will likely have all the things you are looking for when you visit Japan. Good hotels, places to shop, eat, and convenience stores are all over the area.
Both choices for city travel and being closer to nature
Being in a smaller city means you get easier access to an escape into nature or a quiet countryside town. The city is surrounded by mountains on one side and the sea on the other. A 15-minute train ride could take you to a quiet sub-countryside environment on the other side of Mount Maya, where you can enjoy a more peaceful and slower travel.
A breath of fresh air
Not utterly in a literal sense, but also in some ways. For someone who does not prefer a busy bustling city, light, sound, and extremely touristy places, Kobe feels like a breath of fresh air. This also means fewer tourist traps you might fall into. We also feel that it is cleaner and has a more pleasant layout, generally. Our Itinerary in Kyushu also offers quite cities like Kumamoto and Aso that have a similar feeling.
Attractions like Kobe Port Tower, Kobe Harbourland Umie, átoa aquarium, Mount Maya, Motomachi shopping street, and various other places to eat, see, and shop can easily keep you busy for two or three days.
With the Kobe-Kansai Airport Bay Shuttle service directly to and from Kansai Airport, the city can become a great place for your stay before departure, and may as well become your go-to last stop in Kansai, as it did for us.
For those who are looking for a quieter trip, want to explore new places, or may simply be bored with Osaka, although it might be unlikely, we can wholeheartedly recommend choosing Kobe as a departure city before your flight.
You might also enjoy our hidden spots in Hyogo and a guide around the prefecture, if you enjoy a little quieter places out of the popular big cities in Japan.
With love for travelling,
Travel Tegami