Major Highways & Driving Tips in Kōbe, Japan
1. Akashi Kaikyō Bridge
One of the world's longest suspension bridges connecting Kōbe and Awaji Island. Offers stunning views but requires careful driving due to strong winds.
- Length: 1288 meters main span, the longest in the world at time of construction
- Wind: Strong winds can affect driving conditions, especially during typhoon season
- Scenic Route: Provides a breathtaking view of the sea and surrounding islands
2. Rokkō Tunnel
A series of tunnels connecting Kōbe to the Rokkō Mountains, offering shortcuts to other cities. Requires caution due to its complex network.
- Complex Network: Consists of multiple tunnels, some connected via intersections, creating a challenging navigation
- Scenic Beauty: Provides glimpses of the beautiful Rokkō Mountains and surrounding greenery
- Shortcuts: Offers shorter routes to other cities in Kansai region
3. Sannomiya Interchange
Major interchange in downtown Kōbe, serving as a key junction for the Chūgoku, Kinki, and Sanyo expressways. Can be congested during peak hours.
- Key Junction: Serves as a critical intersection for three major expressways
- Congestion: Can become congested during morning and evening rush hours
- Downtown Location: Located in the heart of Kōbe, providing easy access to popular tourist attractions
4. Kobe Port Road
A scenic coastal drive along Kōbe Port with views of the harbor and the Rokkō Mountains. Can be narrow and busy during peak hours.
- Scenic Route: Offers stunning views of Kōbe Port and the Rokkō Mountains
- Narrow Lanes: Can be narrow in some areas, requiring extra caution when driving
- Busy Traffic: May become busy during peak tourist hours and commuting times
5. Harbourland Expressway
A high-speed expressway connecting Kōbe Port to the Rokkō Tunnel. Offers a quick route but can be congested during peak hours.
- Speed: Designed for high speeds, making it a convenient option for travel
- Congestion: Can become congested during morning and evening rush hours
- Connectivity: Connects Kōbe Port to the Rokkō Tunnel, providing a quick route to other cities
6. Chūgoku Expressway
A major expressway connecting Kansai region cities, including Osaka and Hiroshima. Requires careful driving due to its long distance.
- Long Distance: Covers a significant distance between major cities in the Kansai region
- Congestion: Can become congested during peak travel times and at toll gates
- Speed: Designed for high speeds, making it a convenient option for long-distance travel
7. Kinki Expressway
A major expressway connecting cities in the Kansai region, including Kōbe and Kyoto. Can be congested during peak hours.
- Connectivity: Connects major cities in the Kansai region, including Kōbe and Kyoto
- Congestion: Can become congested during morning and evening rush hours
- Speed: Designed for high speeds, making it a convenient option for travel
8. Sanyo Expressway
A major expressway connecting the Kansai and Kyushu regions, passing through Kōbe. Can be congested during peak hours.
- Connectivity: Connects the Kansai and Kyushu regions, including major cities like Kōbe and Fukuoka
- Congestion: Can become congested during morning and evening rush hours
- Speed: Designed for high speeds, making it a convenient option for long-distance travel
9. Kobe Bypass Route
A local road that bypasses downtown Kōbe, offering an alternative route to avoid congestion. Can be narrow in some areas.
- Alternative Route: Provides a way to avoid downtown Kōbe's congestion
- Narrow Lanes: Can be narrow in some areas, requiring extra caution when driving
- Local Attractions: Passes by local attractions like Meriken Park and the Kobe Port Tower
10. Rokkō Expressway
An expressway connecting Kōbe with Wakayama via the Rokkō Mountains. Requires caution due to its steep inclines.
- Steep Inclines: Includes steep hills and mountains, requiring careful driving
- Scenic Route: Provides stunning views of the Rokkō Mountains and surrounding greenery
- Connectivity: Connects Kōbe with Wakayama, providing a convenient route for long-distance travel
11. Kobe Port Tower
A tower offering panoramic views of Kōbe Port and the surrounding city. Parking can be limited during peak tourist hours.
- Panoramic Views: Offers stunning views of Kōbe Port and the city
- Limited Parking: Parking can be limited during peak tourist hours
- Convenient Location: Located in the heart of Kōbe, providing easy access to other attractions
12. Meriken Park
A waterfront park with modern architecture and harbor views. Can be busy during peak tourist hours.
- Stunning Views: Offers breathtaking views of Kōbe Port and the Rokkō Mountains
- Busy During Peak Hours: Can become busy during peak tourist hours
- Modern Architecture: Features modern architecture, including the Kobe Port Tower and Harborland Ferris Wheel
13. Ikuta Ryokuchi Park
A large city park offering hiking trails, a zoo, and a botanical garden. Can be crowded during weekends.
- Variety of Attractions: Offers hiking trails, a zoo, and a botanical garden
- Crowded During Weekends: Can become crowded during weekends
- Peaceful Environment: Provides a peaceful environment for relaxation and enjoyment of nature
14. Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens
A hillside garden featuring various herbs, flowers, and a scenic cable car ride. Can be crowded during peak tourist hours.
- Variety of Plants: Showcases a wide variety of herbs, flowers, and other plants
- Scenic Cable Car Ride: Offers a scenic cable car ride up the mountain
- Crowded During Peak Hours: Can become crowded during peak tourist hours
15. Kobe City Bus Network
An extensive bus network providing access to major attractions and highways within Kōbe. Can be crowded during peak hours.
- Extensive Coverage: Covers a wide area of Kōbe, including popular tourist attractions
- Crowded During Peak Hours: Can become crowded during peak hours and tourist seasons
- Affordable Transportation: Provides an affordable transportation option for tourists and locals alike