A walkable, multicultural port city on Osaka Bay, Kobe is famous for the meat of its name, scenic views that harmonize nature with innovative architecture and its blend of international influences.
Located between the Rokkō Mountains and the sea, Kobe is Japan’s seventh largest city. Consider extending your trip before the conference to explore the city center, treat yourself to dinner at the harbor, and travel to historic shrines and temples just outside the city—all easily accessible via Japan’s world-class public transportation system.
Access to Kobe is easy from several of Japan’s major travel hubs—participants can fly directly into Kobe Airport (UKB) or take a train from Osaka or Tokyo airports.
See details about getting to Kobe by train from Osaka, Kyoto, or Himeji, and information about flight times if you’re traveling from Korea, China, or Taiwan. Below are directions to the Portopia Hotel and Kobe Convention Center from the three main airports.
Flying into Kobe
From the arrival and departure area at Kobe Airport, walk to Kobe Airport Station and take the Port Liner to Shimin Hiroba Station. About 3 minutes walk to the Portopia Hotel adjacent to the Convention Center.
Flying into Osaka, take a bus to Kobe
Take the Airport Limousine Bus from Osaka Itami Airport to Kobe Sunomiya Station. The journey is approximately 40 minutes and the bus departs from 7:50 am. The last bus leaves Osaka Itami Airport at 9:15 PM.
Next, take the Port Liner from Sunomiya Station to Shimin Hiroba Station (about 11 minutes, 5 stops). About 3 minutes walk to the Portopia Hotel adjacent to the Convention Center.
Flying into Tokyo, taking the train to Kobe.
In terms of distance, Tokyo is the farthest option from Kobe. However, if traveling from the US, you may have found a great flight deal, or you may be planning a longer trip before or after the meeting. You can rely on Japan’s public transport system to get you to Kobe in less than 4 hours – plus, Japan’s system has been rated as one of the safest in the world (2026).
If you fly into Tokyo Haneda Airport, take the Keikyū Airport Line to Shinagawa Station (about 13 minutes non-stop). Then take the Shinkansen bullet train from Shinagawa Station to Shin-Kōbe Station, which takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. Once in Kobe, you can take a taxi to the hotel (about 10 to 15 minutes) or transfer to Sannomiya Station and from there, take the Portliner to Shiminhiroba Station — a 3-minute walk from the hotel.
If flying into Narita International Airport, take the Narita Express (N’EX) or another JR train to Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station (about 50 minutes to 1 hour). Then, from any station, take the bullet train to Shinkobe Station. Once in Kobe, see the directions above to get to the hotel.
Traveling in Japan can’t be easy—so whether you’re coming from another city or want to travel stress-free by train in the hotel and convention center area, consider a service called “takkyubin” (“ta-q-bin”). Available at airports, hotels, and even some convenience stores, all you have to do is drop off your luggage at the service counter, fill out a short form, pay, and be on your way bagless!
So, whether you arrive in Kobe, Osaka, or Tokyo, you can go to the drop-off counter at any airport and send your bags directly to Portopia Hotel. Keep in mind that while most services offer same-day delivery depending on your arrival time, your bags may arrive the next day, so remember to pack the night/day essentials first in your carry-on.
A highly recommended Takubin service is Yamato Transport, but there are several other options. Browse Yamato’s website to calculate delivery times and fees.
There is so much to see and do in Kobe. Worm 2027 will be full of dynamic sessions and events designed for connection and networking. But what better way to build community than by planning a fun and relaxing outing with new colleagues and old friends? Also, with Japan being one of the hottest destinations for 2026, you can embark on a series of fun activities and make the most of your trip by staying a few days after the conference.
The Kobe Tourism website offers details of the main attractions and great travel tips. Below you will find some more ideas.
Walk along the harbor and have dinner with a view.
Aside from the spectacular views, there is much to see and do in Kobe Harborland. Go to the Kobe Port Tower and enjoy beautiful views of the city and the ocean — at night, after the evening and poster sessions, you can visit Harborland, have dinner, and head up to the tower to see the city light up.
A shopping mall, Mosaic Umie, houses more than 200 stores and restaurants, with something for everyone. Adjacent to the mall, you’ll find the Mosaic Ferris Wheel, which offers panoramic views of Mount Roku, Port Tower and Ohashi Bridge.
If you’re traveling with kids, next door you can find a children’s museum and play area, Kobe Anpanman Children’s Museum and Mall.
Browse the Kobe Harborland website to plan your excursion. You can reach the area in 30 to 35 minutes from the convention center by public transport.
Visit the sake museum and brewery
Fun fact! Sake, or Japanese rice wine, is made through a brewing process similar to beer rather than your usual wine made from grapes, and Kobe’s Nada district is Japan’s main sake-producing region where many sake breweries offer tours and tastings. Easily accessible by Japan’s public transportation, Suanotsuru Museum is a great option, just 34 minutes away from Portopia Hotel, and Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, one of Kobe’s most famous breweries, is about 40 minutes away from the hotel. Other options include the Hamafukutsuru Sake Brewery and the Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewery Museum.
Plan a Kobe beef tasting
If you’re a foodie, what better way to experience authentic Kobe beef than in Kobe itself, where it originated? Consider tasting Kobe beef! Be sure to look for restaurants certified by the Kobe Beef Marketing and Distribution Promotion Association. There are options for all budgets, from tasting a teppanyaki-style lunch at places like Steakland to a premium experience at flagship Moriah Honten, a historic steakhouse established in 1885.
The Sannomiya area has many options and is easily accessible by Japanese public transport.
You can also enjoy Kobe beef at the hotel, which has a wide range of restaurants! Make a reservation for a dinner tasting at Teppanyaki Grill Tajima.
Visit historical shrines and temples.
Are you perhaps a history buff in your off time from being a scientist? Immerse yourself in culture by visiting a historic shrine in Kobe. If you only have time for one, the 1,800-year-old Ikuta Shrine in the center of town—a peaceful, historic Shinto shrine—can’t be missed.
Others you can add to your list include Minatogawa Shrine, dedicated to the war hero (~30 minutes from the hotel), and Kitano Tenman Shrine, which offers breathtaking views of the city from the top of the hill (~38 minutes from the hotel).
Take in nature: Take a walk in the gardens, relax at the onsen, visit the mountainside and enjoy beautiful views of the city.
Approximately, about 30 minutes from the hotel by public transport or just 10 minutes from the city center by ropeway, the Kobe Nobiki Herb Garden is Japan’s largest herb garden with approximately 75,000 herbs and over 200 types of flowers. The Perfume Museum displays antique bottles and tools used to extract perfumes, the Spice Museum offers lessons on the history of spices, the on-site restaurant serves herbal dishes, and two stores sell teas, lotions, and other herbal products.
Looking for a relaxing activity after days of learning and exploring? Arima Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest onsens (hot springs), has three unique types of water—iron and salt-rich “kansen” (gold) and two radium-rich “gunsan” (silver)—and has recognized the therapeutic effects of seven of nine natural ingredients, according to an analysis by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment. Relax, shop, and eat; You can literally spend an entire day at Arima Onsen—make your reservations early.
Mount Roku and Mount Maya are two natural wonders of Kobe that you cannot miss! Hike to the top of Mount Roku, the highest peak in the mountain range behind Kobe, and enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Maya town and the ocean. Both mountains are easily accessible by cable car or ropeway. Plan your hiking route, find night views where you can observe Kobe’s city lights, and learn about special events online before your trip.
Set an alarm to track prices on Google Flights for the earliest available flights! If you’re traveling to Japan from the US, Canada, Europe, China or South Korea, you may start seeing flights available for July 2027 within the next three months.
Make sure your travel documents are up to date — whether you need a passport or visa, check expiration dates and processing times and requirements as early as possible.
The hotel’s site will open in January so make sure you book your accommodation early to enjoy the discount.
Once it’s all done, you can sit back, relax and plan your time in Japan—and of course get excited for Worm 2027 and the reunion with friends and colleagues from around the world!
