As in many major cities, the Kobe Metro provides fast and safe transport within the city and is popular with locals and visitors alike.
The system is also known as the subway. It serves approximately 332,000 passengers daily. Unfortunately, no fare information is available. It does not operate 24 hours a day and has no air conditioning. Walking is allowed between platforms. Driverless trains operate on the Port Liner and Rokko Liner, which have rubber tyres and have been in operation since 1981.
The Port Liner and Rokko Liner platforms have screen doors. The cost is 10 yen.
Kobe Metro Map
Map of Kobe Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Kobe Metro map in PDF format.
Kobe Metro
Kobe, the sixth largest city in Japan, is located in the southern region of the island and is the capital of Hyogo Prefecture.
The Kobe Metro operates two lines: the Seishin Yamate Line and the Kaigan Line, also known as the Yume-Kamome Line. With 26 stations, the metro covers a total distance of 30.6 km and serves approximately 110.8 million passengers per year.
A Brief History
Operation of the Kobe Municipal Subway began in 1977 with a single line of 5.7 km. This initial line was extended in 1987 to 22.7 km from Seishin-Chuo station to Shin-Kobe station, known as the Seishin-Yamate line.
The second line of the Kobe Metro, the Kaigan Line or Yume-Kamome, opened in March 2001. It covers a distance of 7.9 km from Shin-Nagata station to Sannomiya-Hanadokeimae.
Navigating the Metro: Lines, Stations and Connections
Lines
As mentioned earlier, this subway system comprises 2 lines:
Green Line or Seishin-Yamate
The Green Line, or Seishin-Yamate (also known as the “U” line due to its shape on the map), connects stations from Seishin-Chuo to Nishi-ku and Shin-Kobe. It stops at the following stations: Seishin-Chuo, Seishin-Minami, Ikawadani, Gakuentoshi, Sogoundokoen, Myodani, Myohoji, Itayado, Shin-Nagata, Nishidai, Kosoku-Nagata, Nagata, Kamisawa, Minatogawa Koen, Okurayama, Kenchomae, Sannomiya, Shin-Kobe.
Blue Line or Kaigan Line
The Blue Line, or Kaigan Line, connects stations from Shin-Nagata Station in Nagata-ku to Sannomiya-Hanadokeimae. It stops at the following stations: Shin Nagata, Komagabayashi, Karumo, Misakikoen, Wada Misaki, Chuo Ichibamae, Horborland, Minatomotomachi, Kyukyoryuchi-Daimarumae, Sannomiya-Hanadokeimae.
Connections
The Kobe subway lines intersect at Sannomiya-Hanadokeimae and Shin-Nagata stations.
In particular, the Shin-Kobe Seishin-Yamate Line station provides connections to the Shinkansen, Hankyu Line, Hanshin Line and Port Line.
Important: The Port Line connects to the local airport. Therefore, if you arrive in Kobe by plane, you must take the Port Line to Sannomiya and then transfer to the Metro Line to reach your final destination.
There are also connections to the Sanyo Himeji Line and the Hankyu Line at Nagata and Itayado stations.
Additional Transit Systems
Apart from the metro, Kobe has several other transport systems, such as the Kobe Rapid Transit Railway or the Kobe New Transit, which connects Kobe to its airport and various artificial islands. It operates two lines:
- Port Liner: In operation since February 1981, it is 6.4 km long and has 9 stations. It provides a link to Kobe Airport.
- Rokko Liner: Connects Rokko Island and Sumiyoshi Station, covering a distance of 4.5 km.
Languages in the Kobe Municipal Subway
All announcements on the subway system are made in Japanese as well as in English.
Operating Hours
The Kobe subway system operates seven days a week from 5:00 am to 12:00 am.
Fare Prices for the Kobe Municipal Subway
The cheapest fare, the adult ticket, costs around 210 yen. Discounts are available for children and the disabled:
- Children under 1 year travel free.
- Children between the ages of 1 and 12 pay half the adult fare.
- Disabled persons and their carers pay half the normal fare (a certificate of disability is required).
There are also special passes that can be useful for frequent travellers or tourists in Kobe:
- 1-Day Bus and Subway Pass (City Bus & Subway 1-Day Pass): This pass allows unlimited travel on subways and buses for one day. It is valid only on the day of purchase. Price: Adults 1,030 yen / Children 500 yen.
- 1-Day Subway Pass: Allows unlimited travel on the Kobe Subway on the day of purchase. Price: 820 yen.
- U-Line Card: This prepaid card deducts the fare when you use the subway or city buses. Each transfer between subway and city bus on the same day gives you a 20 yen discount. Price: Two options are available, one for 1,000 yen and another for 3,000 yen.
Kansai Thru Pass: Designed for tourists, this pass allows unlimited use of the metro, railways and buses in the Kansai area, including the Kobe Metro. It also includes a handy guide in English, Japanese and Korean, a map of the area and discount coupons. Price:
- 2-day ticket: Adult 4,000 yen / Child 2,000 yen.
- 3-day ticket: Adult 5,200 yen / Child 2,600 yen.
Ticket Purchase
Tickets for the Kobe Metro can be purchased at the stations. Both automatic ticket machines and manned ticket offices are available.
Payment Options
Tickets can be purchased by cash or credit card.
Additional Considerations
- Children under 6 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
- If an adult travels with up to 2 children between 1 and 6 years of age, the children travel free.
- Special spaces are provided for baby carriages to ensure a comfortable journey for both child and adult.
- Women-only carriages are available on both lines.
Safety Information
Safety is of paramount importance at Kobe Metro. The system works closely with the Meteorological Agency and the prefectural government to respond quickly to safety alerts.
Safety protocols are in place for rapid evacuation in the event of an earthquake, tsunami or flood. This is particularly important for coastal and riverine areas.
Mobile phone use is restricted on trains to reduce the impact of electromagnetic waves. At peak times, passengers are asked to switch off their devices.
Technical Information
- Seishin Yamanote Line
Routes: Myodani base vehicle, Seishin garage
Vehicles: 1000, 2000, and 3000 series
- Coastline
Routes: Misaki base vehicle
Vehicles: 5000 series
Points of Interest in Kobe
Attractions near the subway
If you’d like to visit the city’s main entertainment areas, such as Harbourland and Meriken Park, or the Kobe Maritime Museum, take the Kaigan Line and get off at Harbourland and Minato Motomachi stations. Here you can enjoy a leisurely stroll, magnificent city views, shopping, harbour-side dining and the museum.
Sports fans can take the Kaigan Line to Misaki Koen and Wada Misaki stations to visit Kobe Wing Stadium (also known as Home’s Stadium Kobe), the official home of the local football and rugby teams.
Other places to visit
The subway is a convenient way to get to these attractions. However, be prepared for some walking to fully experience these sights.
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden: Explore a variety of Japanese plants. Enjoy a picnic or a meal at one of the restaurants or cafes while immersed in nature. Don’t forget to take the cable car! (I recommend taking it one way and walking around to discover all the beauty of the park).
Kobe Animal Kingdom: This is not your typical zoo, but a park where animals live and interact freely. If you’re an animal lover, this place is a must.
Sannomiya Center Gai Shopping Street: If you’re a shopping enthusiast or simply enjoy buying souvenirs from your travels, this is the place to be. With a variety of shops and restaurants, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll and some retail therapy.
Of course, there are many more places to explore in Kobe. If you’re interested, check out this link.