This is a complete guide to Japanese attractions, including opening hours, tickets, and the best routes.
For more in-depth analysis, view the complete guide.
When it comes to Kobe, the port city nestled between mountains and sea, most travelers are familiar with the dazzling Kobe night views and premium Kobe beef, but fewer realize that it is actually an excellent starting point for exploring the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Located on the southwestern coast of Honshu, Kobe is connected to various islands with distinct characters via sea-crossing bridges and high-speed ferries, forming a stunning maritime blueprint. Whether you're seeking an artistic island adventure for the cultured traveler or a healing slow journey through natural scenery, island-hopping from Kobe allows you to discover the coastal charm of this port city that differs from land-based scenery.
The biggest feature of Kobe island-hopping is the diversity and convenience of the journey. You can shuttle between art sanctuaries and traditional fishing villages within a single day, or cruise across modern sea-crossing bridges while taking in the sparkling expanse of the Seto Inland Sea. Each island has its unique character—some are famous for modern art, others for natural wonders, and some retain rich traditional culture and island atmosphere. From Kobe, inter-island travel typically takes one to three hours, avoiding excessive travel fatigue while fully experiencing the essence of island-hopping.
Recommended Destinations
Awaji Island
Awaji Island is the largest island in the Seto Inland Sea, connected to Honshu via the impressive Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, only about an hour's drive from Kobe city center. The island boasts abundant natural scenery and agricultural resources, most notably the "HELLO KITTY SHOWA" theme park and Naruto Park, which offers views of the Naruto Whirlpools in the Naruto Strait. The island's seafood cuisine is not to be missed either, especially dishes made with fresh fish and shrimp caught in the Seto Inland Sea. Address: 656-2306, Hyogo Prefecture, Sumoto City, Shōjidani; transportation: Take a highway bus from Kobe Sannomiya Station for approximately 70 minutes.
Naoshima
Naoshima is known as the "Art Island" and is one of the core exhibition areas for the Seto Inland Sea Art Festival. The island is dotted with Yayoi Kusama's pumpkin sculptures, Tadao Ando's concrete architecture, and outdoor installations that perfectly blend nature and art. We recommend visiting the Chichu Art Museum (ticket ¥2130, opening hours 10:00-18:00, closed on Mondays), the underground art museum designed by master architect Tadao Ando, which brings natural light into the exhibition spaces, creating a unique viewing experience. Address: 761-3110, Kagawa Prefecture, Naoshima Town; take a ferry from Kobe Port (approximately 2.5 hours, one-way ¥2100) or transfer to island ferries from Takamatsu Port.
Miyajima
Miyajima (also known as Itsukushima) is world-famous for its floating vermillion torii gate in the sea and is one of Japan's Three Scenic Views and a World Cultural Heritage site. During low tide, you can walk to the front of the torii gate, while during high tide, you can admire the gate standing in the sea like a dream. Itsukushima Shrine was built on the sea and is Japan's only shrine built on the sea, filled with a mysterious and solemn atmosphere. Additionally, the Japanese deer on Miyajima are also a famous sight—these gentle wild deer, considered divine messengers, roam freely on the island and interact closely with visitors. Address: 739-0588, Hiroshima Prefecture, Hatsukaichi City, Miyajima Town; take JR from Kobe to Miyajima-guchi Station (approximately 2 hours), then transfer to a ferry (¥180, 10 minutes).
Kobe Port Island
If time is limited, the artificial island within Kobe is also worth a visit. Port Island is a reclaimed artificial island housing the Kobe Maritime Museum (ticket ¥600, opening hours 10:00-17:00), the Moya-Star observation boat, and other facilities where you can enjoy the expansive views of Kobe Port. At night, the illuminated island and Kobe Tower create a cityscape distinctly different from mainland Honshu. Address: 650-0047, Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe City, Port Island; accessible via the Port Liner seawall artificial island line.
Useful Information
For transportation, there are multiple options for island-hopping from Kobe:自驾 is the most flexible, allowing you to go directly to Awaji Island via the sea-crossing bridge; for more distant islands like Shikoku or Naoshima, you can take ferries from Kobe Port or Himeji Port. For rail travel, the JR Kobe Line connects major cities and can be combined with local buses to reach various ports. We recommend purchasing the Setouchi Pass, which allows unlimited rides on ferries and buses within designated areas, saving on transportation costs.
For expenses, a basic one-day island-hopping budget should be approximately ¥3,000-¥8,000, covering transportation, tickets, and meals. Art-related facilities like the Chichu Art Museum cost around ¥2,130, while general museums cost between ¥500-¥1,000. Accommodation on the islands includes hot spring ryokans and minshuku, with quality options on Awaji Island and Naoshima, costing approximately ¥8,000-¥20,000 per night.
For operating hours, most island facilities are open from 09:00-17:00, though some restaurants and shops may close earlier—it's best to check in advance. Art facilities are usually closed on Mondays, and ferry schedules may be reduced in winter, so pay special attention.
Travel Tips
When planning your island-hopping itinerary, we recommend arranging visits to art islands (Naoshima, Teshima) during the Seto Inland Sea Art Festival (typically held every four years in spring and summer) to experience the richest artistic energy. If time is limited, Awaji Island, the most conveniently accessible, allows for a half-day trip round trip from Kobe city center. Bringing rain gear is wise—the Seto Inland Sea area experiences quick weather changes. Also, when moving between islands, it's recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, as many attractions require walking. Advance booking is recommended for popular facilities and ferry schedules, especially on weekends and consecutive holidays, to avoid disappointment.
