Your First Visit to GLION ARENA KOBE
GLION ARENA KOBE is a new arena in Kobe that opened in April 2025. The official site lists a capacity of about 10,000 people and describes it as Japan’s first arena surrounded by sea on 270 degrees.
The venue sits at the tip of Shinko-cho on Kobe’s harbor and hosts large events such as sports games and concerts. Its waterfront setting feels quite different from central Sannomiya.
The nearest railway station is Port Terminal Station on the Kobe New Transit Port Liner, about a 13-minute walk away. From Sannomiya, the Shinki Bus “Port Loop” takes about 8 minutes, so visitors from afar have a choice of routes.
This guide covers practical information including how to get to GLION ARENA KOBE, where to stay, dining options nearby, and tips for your visit.
Getting to GLION ARENA KOBE
You can reach the venue by bus or on foot from the Sannomiya area, or on foot from a Port Liner station. Below are routes from the airports and from nearby stations. Travel times and fares vary by route and time of day, so please check the official website or a transit app for the latest information.
From Narita Airport
- Rail (Narita Express + Tokaido Shinkansen + JR Kobe Line): Narita Airport → Tokyo Station → Shin-Osaka Station → Sannomiya Station → Port Loop bus or on foot. There are several transfers, but the whole trip to Sannomiya is by rail.
- Domestic flight + Port Liner: Narita Airport → Kobe Airport → Port Liner → Port Terminal Station → on foot. The Port Liner runs directly from Kobe Airport to Port Terminal Station, the closest station to the venue.
From Haneda Airport
- Rail (Keikyu Line + Tokaido Shinkansen + JR Kobe Line): Haneda Airport → Shinagawa Station → Shin-Osaka Station → Sannomiya Station → Port Loop bus or on foot. You change to the Shinkansen at Shinagawa.
- Domestic flight + Port Liner: Haneda Airport → Kobe Airport → Port Liner → Port Terminal Station → on foot. You land at Kobe Airport and take the Port Liner from there.
From the Nearest Stations to the Venue
- Port Terminal Station (Kobe New Transit Port Liner): About 13 min on foot. The nearest railway station, and an alternative route that avoids crowds at Sannomiya.
- Boeki Center Station (Kobe New Transit Port Liner): About 15 min on foot.
- Kobe Sannomiya Station (Hankyu / Hanshin): About 17–18 min on foot.
- Sannomiya Station (JR): About 20 min on foot.
- Sannomiya-ekimae bus stop (Shinki Bus “Port Loop”): About 8 min by bus (adult fare 230 yen). Get off at “Arena-mae” to reach the venue.
- Arena Shuttle: On weekends, public holidays, and some event days, a direct bus runs from Sannomiya in about 5 minutes. The fare is the same as the Port Loop.
Venue Information
- Official name: GLION ARENA KOBE
- Address: 2-1 Shinko-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0041
- Nearest station: Kobe New Transit Port Liner, Port Terminal Station, about 13 min on foot
- Official website: https://www.totteikobe.jp/about_gilionarenakobe/
- Opening hours and inquiries: Please check the official website for the latest information.
Recommended Hotels Near GLION ARENA KOBE
Options near the venue range from hotels along Meriken Park to hotels in the Sannomiya and Motomachi areas. Here are five to suit different stays. For walking times from each hotel to the venue, please check the hotel’s official website or a map app.
Hotel Okura Kobe
A luxury hotel next to Meriken Park. A good fit if you want a calm stay by the harbor.
Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel
An upper-class hotel along Meriken Park. It has a Chinese restaurant and a bar inside, so you can also dine without leaving the hotel.
THE ORIENT
An upper-class hotel in the former foreign settlement area. Recommended if you want to stay amid Kobe’s distinctive streetscape.
Hotel Königs Krone Kobe
A mid- to upper-class hotel in the Sannomiya area, known for its highly regarded breakfast.
Kobe Plaza Hotel West
A mid-range hotel in the Motomachi area. A good choice if you want to stay downtown while keeping costs down.
Recommended Restaurants Near GLION ARENA KOBE
The Meriken Park and Harbor Land side of the venue offers a wide range of places to eat, mostly inside hotels. Here are six, by genre.
Fine Japanese Dining
Yamazato (Hotel Okura Kobe)
A Japanese restaurant inside Hotel Okura Kobe. Prices are on the higher side, so it suits business entertaining or a special meal.
Casual Japanese
Nichinichikore Kobe Dan
An izakaya-style Japanese restaurant on the 9th floor of Kobe Ark Plaza. Prices are moderate, making it an easy choice for a meal after the event.
Western Cuisine
Le Coeur Kobe
A French restaurant on the 2nd floor of Hotel La Suite Kobe Harborland. Prices are moderate.
Asian Cuisine
Chinese Restaurant Toukashun
A Chinese restaurant inside Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel. Prices are moderate.
Cafe
ADASTRA Bakery
A bakery cafe on the 1st floor of umie MOSAIC in Harbor Land. A good choice for breakfast.
Bar
VIEW BAR
A bar inside Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel. An option for the evening after the event.
Tips Before You Visit
No Dedicated Parking or Bicycle Lot
The venue has no dedicated parking or bicycle lot. Street parking and drop-offs around the venue are prohibited out of consideration for neighbors. If you come by car, use a private car park. The Kobe Minato Onsen Hasu car park is about a 2-minute walk from the venue.
From Sannomiya, the Bus Beats Walking
The walk from Sannomiya to the venue takes about 17–20 minutes. The Shinki Bus “Port Loop” takes about 8 minutes from Sannomiya (adult fare 230 yen); get off at “Arena-mae” to reach the venue. On days with heavy luggage, heat, or rain, the bus is the practical choice.
Direct “Arena Shuttle” on Weekends and Holidays
On weekends, public holidays, and some event days, the direct “Arena Shuttle” bus runs from Sannomiya in about 5 minutes. The fare is the same as the Port Loop. Operating days vary by event, so check the official website beforehand.
Use the Port Liner to Avoid Sannomiya Crowds
The nearest railway stations are Port Terminal Station (about 13 min on foot) and Boeki Center Station (about 15 min on foot) on the Port Liner. Sannomiya Station can get crowded before and after events, so the Port Liner makes a good alternative.
Bring an Umbrella on Rainy Days
The venue stands at the tip of Shinko-cho, surrounded by sea. We could not confirm any covered walkway, so bring an umbrella if rain is forecast.
Decide Your Way Home in Advance
Buses and stations are likely to be crowded after a large event. Decide beforehand whether you will use the Port Loop, the Arena Shuttle, the Port Liner, or walk.
GLION ARENA KOBE Event Spaces
GLION ARENA KOBE is a large venue centered on its main arena.
Main Arena
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | About 10,000 (official figure) |
| Floor area | Please check the official website for details |
| Features | Japan’s first arena surrounded by sea on 270 degrees. Opened April 2025 |
Seating layout and capacity vary by concert or game. Please check the official website for the latest information.