Your First Visit to Hotel Okura Kobe
Hotel Okura Kobe is an international luxury hotel set in Meriken Park overlooking Kobe Harbour. The 35-story landmark is known for its sweeping views of the harbour and Mt. Rokko, and serves as a premier venue for events ranging from large-scale international conferences to corporate award ceremonies and receptions. The hotel features more than ten banquet halls and meeting rooms — including the Heian, which accommodates up to 3,000 guests — making it fully equipped for MICE events. A free shuttle bus runs regularly from Sannomiya Station, and Minato Motomachi Station on the Kobe Municipal Subway Kaigan Line is just a 5-minute walk away.
This guide covers practical information including how to get to Hotel Okura Kobe, where to stay, dining options nearby, and tips for your visit.
Getting to Hotel Okura Kobe
Both Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) offer convenient access via limousine bus combined with the hotel’s free shuttle service.
From Kansai International Airport (KIX)
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Limousine bus (Kobe Sannomiya) + free shuttle bus: approx. 80 min, approx. ¥2,200 Take the Hankyu Kanko Bus or Kansai Airport Transportation limousine bus to Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal (Mint Kobe 1F), then transfer to the hotel’s complimentary shuttle bus.
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Nankai Rapi:t + Hanshin Namba Line: approx. 90 min, approx. ¥1,400 Take the Nankai Rapi:t from KIX to Namba, transfer to the Hanshin Namba Line, alight at Motomachi Station, and walk approximately 10 minutes south to the hotel.
From Itami Airport (Osaka International Airport)
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Limousine bus (Kobe Sannomiya) + free shuttle bus: approx. 55 min, approx. ¥1,100 Take the Hankyu Kanko Bus or Hanshin Bus limousine bus to Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal, then transfer to the hotel’s complimentary shuttle bus. A convenient option for attendees travelling from within the Kansai region.
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Osaka Monorail + Hankyu Takarazuka Line + Hankyu Kobe Line: approx. 70 min, approx. ¥750 Take the Osaka Monorail from Itami Airport to Hotarugaike, transfer to the Hankyu Takarazuka Line to Juso, then transfer again to the Hankyu Kobe Line to Sannomiya. From Sannomiya, use the hotel’s free shuttle bus or take the Kobe Municipal Subway Kaigan Line to Minato Motomachi Station.
From Nearby Stations
- Minato Motomachi Station (Kobe Municipal Subway Kaigan Line) 5-min walk
- Motomachi Station (JR Kobe Line / Hanshin Main Line) approx. 10-min walk south from the east exit
- Sannomiya Station (JR / Hanshin / Hankyu / Kobe Municipal Subway) approx. 10 min by free shuttle bus
Venue Information
- Official name: Hotel Okura Kobe
- Address: 2-1 Hatobamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-8560
- Nearest station: Minato Motomachi Station (Kobe Municipal Subway Kaigan Line), 5-min walk
- Official website: https://www.kobe.hotelokura.co.jp/
- Enquiries: Please check the official website for the latest information
Event Venues at Hotel Okura Kobe
The hotel offers a full range of banquet halls and meeting rooms, from large international conference-scale spaces down to intimate boardrooms.
Heian
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Area | 2,100 m² |
| Max capacity | 3,000 |
The hotel’s largest banquet hall, divisible into approximately five-ninths (approx. 1,182 m²) or one-third (approx. 693 m²). Suitable for major international conferences, general assemblies, and gala dinners.
Matsukaze
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Area | 331 m² |
| Max capacity | 300 |
A mid-size banquet hall for conferences, receptions, and networking events.
Akebono
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Area | 248 m² |
| Max capacity | 220 |
A mid-size banquet hall used for breakout sessions and award ceremonies.
Crystal
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Area | 159 m² |
| Max capacity | 130 |
A mid-size venue suited to meetings, training sessions, and social gatherings.
Icho
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Area | 142 m² |
| Max capacity | 100 |
A mid-size banquet hall well-suited to small receptions and boardroom-style meetings.
Mayfair
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Area | 182 m² |
| Max capacity | 150 |
A versatile mid-size banquet hall for a wide range of business events.
Seiun
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Area | 182 m² |
| Max capacity | 150 |
A mid-size banquet hall for meetings, networking dinners, and training events.
Sky Cabin
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Area | 160 m² |
| Max capacity | 140 |
A sky banquet room offering panoramic views of Kobe Harbour and the city skyline. Ideal for special receptions and milestone events.
Asuka
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Area | 99 m² |
| Max capacity | 80 |
A compact banquet room suited to small meetings and private business dinners.
Small Meeting Rooms (Sakura, Ume, Kiku, Sumire, Aoi, Ran)
Six private meeting rooms, each from 41 m², designed for small workshops, executive meetings, and private gatherings. Please check the official website for detailed specifications.
Recommended Hotels Near Hotel Okura Kobe
Hotel Okura Kobe itself is the venue and an ideal place to stay. For those exploring alternatives when the hotel is fully booked, here are two nearby options.
Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel
Located within the same Meriken Park precinct, approximately 7 minutes’ walk from Hotel Okura Kobe. The two hotels operate a joint free shuttle bus service, and the waterfront setting overlooking Kobe Harbour is a highlight.
Hotel La Suite Kobe Harborland
A luxury boutique hotel affiliated with Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), situated close to Harborland. Hotel Okura Kobe is approximately 12 minutes away on foot.
Recommended Restaurants Near Hotel Okura Kobe
The Meriken Park, Motomachi, and Nankinmachi areas offer a wide range of dining choices.
Fine Japanese Cuisine
Tomikura
A kaiseki and kappo restaurant suited to business entertaining and special occasions. The price range is on the higher end; advance reservations are recommended.
Casual Japanese
ORINAS
A creative Japanese izakaya specialising in obanzai (Kyoto-style small dishes) and sake. Located near Nankinmachi, it is convenient for a post-event dinner.
Western / French
Rivière Carré
An authentic French restaurant well-suited to business entertaining and celebratory dinners. The price range is on the higher end; advance reservations are recommended.
Asian Cuisine
Kobe Nankinmachi Mala Pengyou
A specialist in Sichuan-style hot pot and spicy curry, located in the Nankinmachi area. A popular choice for group dining.
Café
39days KOBE
A café within Meriken Park where you can enjoy breakfast and lunch with harbour views. Conveniently located for a break before or after an event.
Bar
BAR Liqueur Museum Kobe Motomachi
A standing bar stocking over 400 bottles, open until midnight. Located in the Motomachi area, it is a convenient spot for a drink after an event.
Tips Before You Visit
Minato Motomachi Station is a 5-Minute Walk Away
Minato Motomachi Station on the Kobe Municipal Subway Kaigan Line is approximately a 5-minute walk from the hotel, and this is the most straightforward approach. Signage for Meriken Park is posted around the station; head south towards the waterfront once you reach street level.
Bring an Umbrella When Walking from Motomachi Station
The route from Motomachi Station (JR / Hanshin) involves walking south, crossing National Route 2, and passing through Meriken Park — all without overhead cover. An umbrella is essential in wet weather.
Check the Free Shuttle Bus Timetable in Advance
The free shuttle bus departs from Mint Kobe 1F in front of JR Sannomiya Station, operating from 8:30 to 21:50. Schedules and frequency are subject to change, so confirm the latest timetable on the official website before your visit.
Expect Congestion on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of Each Month
Fireworks events are held near Meriken Park on the first and third Saturday evenings of each month, causing road congestion in the surrounding area. Allow extra time for travel on these evenings.
Avoid Driving on Major Concert and Festival Days
Large outdoor concerts and festivals are concentrated around Meriken Park in summer and autumn. Parking in the surrounding area tends to fill up all day on these occasions; public transport is strongly recommended.
Dress Warmly in Winter for Outdoor Exposure
The waterfront side of the hotel facing Meriken Park is exposed to strong sea winds, and the perceived temperature drops significantly in winter. Pack extra layers if you expect to spend time outdoors.