Your First Visit to Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers

Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers is a full-service hotel located on Rokko Island, an artificial island in the Higashinada district of Kobe. The hotel connects directly to Island Center Station on the Kobe New Transit Rokko Liner, allowing guests to reach the hotel from the station concourse without an umbrella even in rainy weather. The hotel offers a range of banquet halls and meeting rooms for international conferences, corporate general meetings, and large receptions, making it one of the key MICE venues in the Kobe area. Because Rokko Island is an artificial island, knowing your transportation options in advance is important.

This guide covers practical information including how to get to Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers, where to stay, dining options nearby, and tips for your visit.

Getting to Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers

The primary access route to Rokko Island is the Kobe New Transit Rokko Liner. The main options are to transfer at Sumiyoshi Station (JR Kobe Line / Hanshin Main Line) or to take a direct limousine bus from Kobe Airport.

From Narita Airport

  • Flight + Limousine Bus (approx. 150 min): Fly from Narita to Kobe Airport via ANA/JAL (approx. 80 min), then take the direct hotel limousine bus (approx. 30 min). The limousine bus costs approx. ¥2,200 (airfare separate). This is the most straightforward route with minimal transfers.
  • Narita Express + Shinkansen Nozomi (approx. 265 min): Take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station (approx. 55 min), then the Nozomi Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka (approx. 2 hr 22 min), transfer to JR to Sumiyoshi Station (approx. 20 min), then the Rokko Liner to Island Center Station (approx. 15 min). Total cost is approx. ¥20,000–¥22,000 including reserved Shinkansen seating.

From Haneda Airport

  • Flight + Limousine Bus (approx. 120 min): Fly from Haneda to Kobe Airport via ANA/JAL (approx. 75 min), then take the direct hotel limousine bus (approx. 30 min). The limousine bus costs approx. ¥2,200 (airfare separate). This is the simplest route with the fewest transfers.
  • Keikyu + Shinkansen Nozomi (approx. 215 min): Take the Keikyu Line from Haneda Airport Terminal 3 to Shinagawa Station (approx. 15 min), then the Nozomi Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka (approx. 2 hr 22 min), transfer to JR to Sumiyoshi Station (approx. 20 min), then the Rokko Liner to Island Center Station (approx. 15 min). Total cost is approx. ¥17,000–¥20,000 including reserved Shinkansen seating.

From Nearby Stations to the Venue

  • Island Center Station (Kobe New Transit Rokko Liner): Direct connection to the hotel (approx. 1 min)
  • Island Kitaguchi Station (Kobe New Transit Rokko Liner): Approx. 4-min walk
  • Sumiyoshi Station (JR Kobe Line / Hanshin Main Line): Transfer to the Rokko Liner to Island Center Station, approx. 15 min

Venue Information Summary

  • Official Name: Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers
  • Address: 2-13 Mukaijima-cho Naka, Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 658-0032
  • Nearest Station: Kobe New Transit Rokko Liner, Island Center Station, direct connection
  • Official Website: https://www.sheraton-kobe.co.jp/
  • For hours, contact information, and event inquiries, please check the official website

Event Venues at Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers

Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers offers a variety of banquet halls and meeting rooms suited for events ranging from international conferences to corporate meetings and large receptions. For the latest details on capacity, floor area, and available equipment for each hall, please check the official website.

Recommended Hotels Near Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers

For event attendees, staying at the venue hotel itself is the most convenient option. You can move between your guest room and the event space without worrying about the last train or bad weather. If you are considering accommodation outside the island, the following hotels are worth considering.

Hotel Plaza Kobe

The only other hotel on Rokko Island, Hotel Plaza Kobe offers business-oriented accommodation without the need to leave the island. It provides similar convenience to staying at the Sheraton in terms of not having to use the Rokko Liner for each commute.

ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe by IHG

A full-service hotel directly connected to Shin-Kobe Station, with a strong track record for international conferences and business use. Located in a different area from Rokko Island, it is a convenient base if you plan to explore Sannomiya or other central Kobe areas.

Recommended Restaurants Near Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers

Fine Dining (Teppanyaki)

Kobe Grill Teppanyaki

Located on the 21st floor of the hotel, this teppanyaki restaurant serves Kobe beef with panoramic views over Rokko Island. Budget from approx. ¥15,000 per person. Well suited for business dinners and entertaining guests.

Casual Japanese (Izakaya)

Asia One Dining

A well-regarded izakaya on Rokko Island within walking distance of the hotel. Budget approx. ¥3,000–¥4,000 per person. A good casual option for groups after an event.

Western Cuisine

Restaurant Inoue-san no Tedukuri

A home-style Western cuisine restaurant located on the 2nd floor of River Mall West. Affordable pricing makes it a convenient choice for a casual meal on the island.

Chinese Cuisine

Suikyoen Chinese Restaurant

Located on the 2nd floor of the hotel, this Cantonese restaurant offers dim sum and full course menus. Budget from approx. ¥4,000 per person. Suitable for group dining after an event.

Café

MOYO COFFEE

A specialty coffee shop on Rokko Island with one of the highest reputations among cafés on the island. A great spot for a break between meetings or before heading out.

Bar

Cocktail Bar Margo

A craft cocktail bar on the 2nd floor of River Mall West. One of the standout evening spots on Rokko Island for unwinding after a long day.

Tips Before You Visit

Check Alternate Transport in Case the Rokko Liner Suspends Service

The Kobe New Transit Rokko Liner may suspend operations during strong winds or severe weather. A direct shuttle bus from Sannomiya to Rokko Island (approx. 18 min) is available as an alternative, so check service status and the shuttle bus schedule in advance, especially if weather is forecast to be poor on the day of your event.

No Umbrella Needed Between the Station and Hotel

A covered walkway connects Island Center Station directly to the hotel, so you can arrive without getting wet even during rain. If you are arriving by limousine bus from Kobe Airport, check the hotel’s official site for the covered route from the bus stop.

Dining Options After 9 PM Are Limited

As an artificial island, Rokko Island has limited late-night dining options outside the hotel. Restaurants in River Mall tend to close around 8–9 PM, so if you expect a late dinner, it is advisable to use one of the hotel’s in-house restaurants.

Book the Airport Limousine Bus the Day Before

The hotel’s limousine bus to Kobe Airport (approx. 30 min, approx. ¥2,200) requires advance reservation by the day before departure. A service to Kansai International Airport also operates (approx. 57 min, approx. ¥2,200). If you have an early morning flight, make sure to reserve your seat the previous day. For the latest timetables and reservation procedures, check the official website.