Japan-Kobe
 

We are planning a trip to Japan in June. We have approximately 9 days. We want to primarily stay in Kobe. We would like to go to Disney in Tokyo & also visit Hiroshima. Does anyone have any trips or itinerary that might be helpful? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Scour japan-guide.com -- it holds a wealth of information!

With only 9 days, you will do better if you work your way south from Tokyo Disney to Hiroshima with Kobe either in the middle or at the end. Disney/Tokyo are a 4 hour train ride to Kobe. Hiroshima is another 3 hours beyond Kobe.

If you fly into Tokyo and out of Osaka, you can save a little bit of traveling, but you really don't have a lot of time. In addition, June can be miserably hot and wet, so you will be happier if you don't try to push yourselves too hard..

Is there a special reason you want to base yourself in Kobe? I don't find it to be one of Japan's highlights, and without knowing what you are interested in, it would be hard to suggest day trips.

We will be primarily staying in Kobe because we have a close friend there that is on business so we want to spend most of our time there. With that being said though, we want to explore the country a little as well. That is why I was looking for some suggestions.

You have a free place to stay in Kobe and want to do day trips?

Kobe to the Tokyo Disney locations take over 4 hours each way and is a bit complicated.

Osaka is close, about 25 minutes. There is a Universal Studios theme park in/near Osaka, about 45 minutes from Kobe. About $6 each way.

Kobe to Kyoto takes about an hour away. Would cost about $10 each way.

Himeji and its magnificent castle is a not far or expensive to reach from Kobe.

If I was staying in Kobe then I would definitely visit Arima Onsen.

Kobe has its sights: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2159.html

Hiroshima is about 2 hours away, more or less, but it is more expensive. Okayama and Kurashiki are also close enough for day trips from Kobe.

There is a variety of rail passes that you might be able to use.