An exciting one-day trip to Kobe: A relaxing date plan in a yukata

10:00 A Relaxed Morning at a Retro Coffee Shop

The date begins just steps from JR Motomachi Station, at one of Kobe’s long-established cafés.
Founded in 1952, this retro-modern spot serves siphon coffee, cakes, and sandwiches.
Soft light pours through the windows, illuminating the nostalgic interior with warmth and charm.
In such a cozy setting, morning conversations flow effortlessly.
Kobe is dotted with vintage-style cafés—discovering your favorite one is part of the adventure.

Recommendation: Evian coffee

11:00 | A Quick Style Change with a Recycled Yukata

After breakfast, we changed into yukata and prepared to walk around the city of Kobe. At a reused yukata shop, you can easily enjoy cute patterns and it's easy to put on. You'll have fun choosing colors together, and you'll be excited the moment you change into your yukata. A date in a yukata is a little out of the ordinary, and it will look great in commemorative photos wherever you walk.

12:30 ｜ Lunch and snacks in Chinatown

Once you're all dressed up, head to the nearby Chinatown, Nankinmachi. There's so much to eat, from dim sum to steamed meat buns, xiaolongbao dumplings, and sesame dumplings. Eating out in a yukata is a fun and extraordinary experience. With a hot Chinese meal in hand, the lively atmosphere will add a special touch to your date.

Chinatown

650-0023 1-3-18 Sakaemachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture

Nankinmachi, a Chinatown representing western Japan, is located about a five minute walk from Motomachi Station. There are over 100 stores in the area.

14:00 ｜ Take a break at a cafe in the shopping district

Just behind Nankinmachi is Motomachi Shopping Street, which has a charming local atmosphere. Walk through the shopping street where you can feel the warmth of the people and head to a cafe in the back alley. Get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy tea time in a relaxed atmosphere. Each cafe has its own unique characteristics, such as special sweets and cream sodas, so choose one that suits your taste.

Recommended: Kobe Imoya Shinomoto Motomachi Main Branch / Cafe de Agenda, etc.

16:00 | Enjoy a relaxing and tranquil time at the fantastic aquarium "Atoa"

To finish off your afternoon, take a little trip to átoa, a new aquarium that combines art and nature. The fantastical space will naturally make you quiet. With its illuminated space filled with floating jellyfish and mirrored displays, it's like being in a museum. It's the perfect spot to end your day in a quiet, relaxing atmosphere.

Purchase your AQUARIUM×ART átoa admission ticket here

18:00 | Relax and unwind at the foot bath cafe

Finally, we went to a foot bath cafe to soothe the fatigue of the day. We enjoyed fragrant bread and coffee while soaking our feet in the foot bath still wearing our yukata. We ended the date by reminiscing on the memories of the day.

Summary | A day touring Kobe for two.

Starting at a coffee shop, changing into a yukata and walking around town, eating your way through Chinatown, taking a break at a cafe in the shopping arcade, and finally relaxing at the aquarium and foot bath cafe. There's a lot to enjoy, but it's all something you can do naturally in the city of Kobe. It's a date course just for two that will make you feel a little special. Be sure to try it out on your next day off.

The plans introduced here are packed with the charms of Kobe, but there are actually still many more wonderful places that only locals know about.

I want to avoid crowds and relax

I want to go to a more local, hidden spot.

Want to create a special day just for couples or friends?

For those people, we recommend TripToJapan's private tours. Japan travel professionals will guide you through the "best of Kobe" selected from a local perspective.

▶︎ Find the perfect Kobe trip for you (TripToJapan Private Tour)

You are sure to discover a new side of Kobe.

▶︎ Find the perfect Kobe trip for you (TripToJapan Private Tour)