The Kobe Municipal Subway is a rapid transit system in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, and a core part of city transport. Operated by the Kobe Municipal Transportation Bureau, it opened on March 13, 1977, replacing parts of the former tramway network. Today, the system has three lines covering about 38 kilometers (23.6 miles) and serving 26 stations, with important connections at Sannomiya, Shin-Kobe, and Shin-Nagata for JR trains, the Shinkansen, and local transport including bus services.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| System | Kobe Municipal Subway |
| Operator | Kobe Municipal Transportation Bureau |
| Opening date | March 13, 1977 |
| Lines | 3 |
| Stations | 26 |
| Network length | About 38 km (23.6 miles) |
| Main interchange stations | Sannomiya, Shin-Kobe, Shin-Nagata |
| Accessibility | Elevators, tactile paving, step-free access |
| Fare payment | Tickets, IC card, day pass, contactless card |
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.
Navigating the Metro: Lines and Stations
The Kobe Municipal Subway route plan is compact and easy to follow. Its three lines link central, coastal, and northern Kobe, and the stations map is especially useful if you plan to transfer to JR services, the Shinkansen, or city bus routes.
The Seishin-Yamate Line is the main route through the system. The Kaigan Line, branded as Yumekamome, serves the waterfront corridor. The Hokushin Line extends north from Shin-Kobe and runs through to the Seishin-Yamate Line, which makes cross-city travel simpler than it may look at first glance.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Seishin-Yamate Line | Main trunk route from Seishin-chuo to Shin-Kobe; 22.7 km (14.1 miles), 16 stations |
| Kaigan Line | Fully automated Yumekamome route from Shin-Nagata to Sannomiya-Hanadokeimae; 7.9 km (4.9 miles), 10 stations |
| Hokushin Line | Route from Shin-Kobe to Tanigami; 7.6 km (4.7 miles), 2 stations; part of the municipal subway network since June 2020 |
| Shin-Kobe | Key interchange for the Shinkansen and through service between the Seishin-Yamate and Hokushin lines |
| Shin-Nagata | Important transfer point between subway lines and other transport connections |
| Sannomiya | Major city transport hub with JR connections |
| Sannomiya-Hanadokeimae | Kaigan Line terminal and central coastal access point |
| Tanigami | Connection to the Kobe Electric Railway Arima Line |
Across the network, stations are designed with accessibility in mind. Elevators, tactile paving, and step-free access are standard features, and platform screen doors have been introduced as part of ongoing safety upgrades.
Operating Hours
The Kobe Municipal Subway operating hours are generally from 5:00 am to 12:00 am, seven days a week. Some source material also describes opening times as starting around 5:30 am and running until midnight or slightly later, so working hours and train schedule details can vary by line or service pattern.
If you need exact timings today, the best approach is to check the timetable or schedule today before traveling, especially for transfers. The system does not run 24 hours, so for late-night plans it is worth confirming the last train, closing time, and route timetable in advance.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Usual operating hours | 5:00 am-12:00 am |
| Other reported opening hours | Around 5:30 am to midnight and after |
| Service days | Seven days a week |
| 24-hour service | No |
Fare Prices for the Kobe Municipal Subway
The Kobe Municipal Subway uses a distance-based fare system. The adult fare starts at ¥210 (about $1.40) for short trips and rises to about ¥340 (about $2.30) for the longest journeys on the network.
Regular tickets are sold at ticket vending machines in all stations. Before you buy a ticket, check the fare chart above the machines to confirm the right ticket price for your destination. If you are comparing options, a fare calculator is not provided here, so the posted station chart is the practical way to check the cost.
Fare categories are based on age.
- Adult fare: 12 years and older
- Child fare: 1 year to under 12 years old, including 12-year-old elementary school students
Infants under 1 year old travel free. In addition, up to two infants aged 1 to 6 may ride free when accompanied by someone of elementary school age or older.
Passengers with disabilities and their carers pay half the normal fare. A disability certificate is required.
For unlimited travel, there are pass options that can work well for both sightseeing and everyday transport:
- City Bus & Subway 1-Day Pass: unlimited rides on all city buses and subways for one day. Adult price: ¥1,040 (about $6.90)
- Subway One-Day Pass: unlimited rides on all Kobe City Subway lines for one day. Adult price: ¥830 (about $5.50)
These day pass products are available at ticket gate offices at all Kobe City Subway stations and at commuter pass sales offices. If a pass is unused within its validity period, it can be refunded for a handling fee of ¥210 (about $1.40).
For frequent riders, ticket books and commuter passes are also available. Prices vary by section, so the best choice depends on your regular route and running time.
Payment Options
You can pay in several ways, including single tickets, IC cards, day passes, and contactless bank cards at subway stations.
- Single tickets: available from ticket vending machines at all stations
- IC card: rechargeable cards for tap-in and tap-out travel
- One-Day Passes: valid for unlimited rides for one day on Kobe City buses and subways, including the Hokushin Line between Shin-Kobe and Tanigami
- Contactless card payment: automatic fare charging to supported credit cards
Accepted contactless brands include Visa, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, and UnionPay. Mastercard is planned to be added later according to the available information.
Supported IC cards include ICOCA and Suica, along with other interoperable cards used in Japan. Mobile versions are also accepted.
At ticket vending machines, passengers can check the fare chart, insert cash, and select the destination fare. Day passes and other transit passes can be purchased at station information counters.
Interconnections with Other Systems
The subway is tightly integrated with transportation in Kobe and works as the backbone of the wider public transport network. From the beginning, it was developed to replace the former trams and support city transport across central and expanding parts of Kobe.
Sannomiya is one of the most useful interchange points, with transfers to JR rail services. Shin-Kobe connects directly with the Sanyo Shinkansen, making the subway especially practical for regional and long-distance travel.
The system also connects well with local transport and bus routes. On the Hokushin Line, Tanigami Station links with the Kobe Electric Railway Arima Line, while Shin-Kobe is a key transfer point between northern Kobe and the city center.
Within the subway itself, Shin-Nagata and Sannomiya-Hanadokeimae are important interchange stations. They help passengers move between central, coastal, and northern Kobe with fewer complications.
Integrated payment makes these transfers easier. The subway accepts nationwide IC cards such as ICOCA and Suica, so riders can move between the subway and other rail services without buying a separate ticket each time.
Airport Connections
For airport access, the Kobe Sannomiya / Rokko Island airport bus provides direct service to Kansai International Airport. Pick-up points are available at Shin-Kobe, Kobe Sannomiya, and Rokko Island, with drop-off and pick-up at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
The bus travel time is about 1 hour 5 minutes from Kobe Sannomiya to Kansai Airport Terminal 1 on a nonstop trip, or around 1 hour 15 minutes via Rokko. Transfer time between the airport terminals is about 11 minutes from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 and about 15 minutes in the other direction.
Reservations are required for the service to Kansai Airport from Rokko Island, and jump seats may be used. Many passengers use the bus from Kobe Sannomiya before 9:00 am, so it is smart to allow extra time. If you want more flexibility, rail transport may suit you better.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Shin-Kobe | Airport bus pick-up point for Kansai International Airport |
| Kobe Sannomiya | Main airport bus pick-up point; nonstop travel time about 1 hour 5 minutes to Terminal 1 |
| Rokko Island | Airport bus pick-up point; reservation required for the Kansai Airport service |
| Kansai Airport Terminal 1 | Airport drop-off and pick-up point |
| Kansai Airport Terminal 2 | Airport drop-off and pick-up point |
Airport bus fares are as follows:
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Kobe Sannomiya to Kansai Airport Terminal 1 running time | About 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Via Rokko running time | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 transfer time | About 11 minutes |
| Terminal 2 to Terminal 1 transfer time | About 15 minutes |
One-way fare: Kobe Sannomiya to Kansai Airport, adult ¥2,200 (about $14.60), child ¥1,100 (about $7.30).
Round-trip fare: Shin-Kobe / Kobe Sannomiya / Rokko Island to Kansai Airport, adult ¥3,700 (about $24.60).
Another round-trip fare listed for the same corridor is adult ¥3,200 (about $21.30).
There are also transfer-ticket options for Wakayama, Tokushima, Highway Naruto, Sumoto Bus Center, Sumoto IC, Tsuna Ichinomiya IC, Higashiura IC, Awaji IC, and Takamatsu. Commuter passes are available for Shin-Kobe / Kobe Sannomiya / Rokko Island to Kansai Airport / Rinku Premium Outlets, including one-month and three-month options.
The operating companies on this airport bus route are Kansai Airport Transportation Enterprise, Hanshin Bus Co., Ltd., and Hankyu Kanko Bus Co., Ltd.
Safety Information
Safety is a major priority on the Kobe Municipal Subway. The system works with the Meteorological Agency and the prefectural government to respond quickly to alerts and emergencies.
Emergency measures are in place for earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods, especially in coastal and river areas. On the Kaigan Line, watertight barriers and metal doors help reduce inundation risk.
To improve platform safety, moveable platform barriers are being installed on the Seishin-Yamate and Sannomiya Lines. New rolling stock planned for the Seishin-Yamate Line is also intended to improve passenger safety, comfort, and operating efficiency.
All stations include step-free access routes and multipurpose toilets with ostomate equipment. On the Kaigan Line, there are also stretcher-accessible elevators and sound guidance systems in toilets, elevators, and stairways.
Mobile phone use is restricted on trains to reduce the impact of electromagnetic waves. During peak periods, passengers are asked to switch off their devices.
Tips
Buying a ticket is straightforward. At station ticket vending machines, you can press English, check the fare chart, insert cash, and select the correct fare for your destination. Child tickets are available from the same machines.
If you use an IC card, insert it into the card slot to add value, choose the amount, and keep the receipt if needed. One-day passes and other transit passes are sold at station information counters, which is handy if you expect to make several trips.
At the gates, follow the instructions for your payment method. Paper tickets and magnetic cards go into the gate slot and may be returned from the exit slot. IC cards and contactless cards should be tapped firmly on the reader.
Before boarding, check the platform signs and the train destination display so you know you are on the right route. If you need help, the Customer Service Desk is open daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and the Lost and Found Office can help with misplaced items.
Rules
To keep the system safe and comfortable, passengers are expected to follow a few basic rules.
- Give priority seats to elderly passengers, people with impairments, and pregnant people
- Keep your phone on silent and avoid phone calls while riding
- When trains are crowded, switch off your phone near the priority seating area
- Car No. 4 is a women-only car at all times; elementary school-age children or younger, people with impairments, and caregivers accompanying a patient may also use it
- Use the SOS button in emergencies such as medical issues, passenger trouble, or suspicious packages
- Do not rush when boarding
- Do not bring dangerous items into stations or onto trains
- No smoking at stations, on platforms, or inside trains
History
The first formal proposal for an underground railway in Kobe dates to 1928, when Kobe Underground Railway Co., Ltd. was suggested by members of the city’s financial circles, including Gisaku Takikawa and Naokichi Kaneko. The plan was submitted to the city council on March 31, reviewed by an investigative committee, and ultimately rejected because private subway construction was seen as a barrier to the city’s own plans.
After World War II, transport planning in Kobe increasingly focused on worsening congestion caused by motorization and population growth, especially in the western and northern parts of the city. As the tramway system, which had operated since 1910, became less efficient and ridership declined in the late 1960s, planners returned to the idea of a subway. The goal was to replace streetcar services and strengthen links between central Kobe and developing districts such as Seishin New Town.
Formal progress came on October 15, 1971, when a local railway business license was granted under the Local Railway Act. This covered the initial 13.6-kilometer section between Nishinomiya and Shin-Kobe, or about 8.5 miles, and marked the official start of the Seishin Line project. Construction began on November 25, 1972, not long after the full closure of Kobe’s streetcar network on March 13, 1971.
Line openings and expansions
The Seishin Line opened on March 13, 1977, between Myodani and Shin-Nagata. The Yamate Line followed on June 17, 1983, between Shin-Nagata and Okurayama. On June 18, 1985, the Yamate Line was extended to Shin-Kobe and the Seishin Line to Gakuen-toshi. When the final Seishin extension opened on March 18, 1987, reaching Seishin-Chuo, the Seishin and Yamate lines were merged into the Seishin-Yamate Line.
The Hokushin Kyuko Electric Railway opened the Hokushin Line extension between Shin-Kobe and Tanigami on April 2, 1988, with through service onto the Seishin-Yamate Line. On January 17, 1995, the Great Hanshin earthquake damaged the Seishin-Yamate Line. Limited service resumed the next day between Seishin-Chuo and Itayado, and full service was restored in March 1995 after repairs. The Kaigan Line opened on July 7, 2001, between Sannomiya-hanadokeimae and Shin-Nagata. On June 1, 2020, the Hokushin Line was transferred to the Kobe Municipal Subway system.
Future Extensions
The available information does not mention any officially announced future extensions or new subway lines. At present, the Kobe Municipal Subway is presented as a mature three-line system.
Instead of route expansion, current development is focused on upgrades within the existing network. These include better accessibility, platform screen door installation across stations, and contactless fare payment introduced from 2024.
Future improvement efforts in the source material are centered on the subway’s role in the wider transport network and urban redevelopment, especially around Sannomiya. That includes closer integration with rail, bus, and Shinkansen services, along with better pedestrian links between stations and nearby districts.
Points of Interest in Kobe
The Kobe Municipal Subway is a practical way to reach many of the city’s best-known attractions. For waterfront sightseeing, shopping, and dining, the Kaigan Line is especially useful, with direct access to areas such as Harborland, Minato Motomachi, and Sannomiya-Hanadokeimae.
From Harborland and Minato Motomachi, visitors can explore the harbor area, including shopping streets, city views, and attractions near the waterfront. The Kaigan Line is also convenient for the Kobe Maritime Museum and the Kobe Port Tower area, making it a good choice for a relaxed day by the bay.
Sports fans can use the subway to reach facilities near Misaki Koen and Wada Misaki stations. These stations provide access to Kobe Wing Stadium, also known as Home’s Stadium Kobe, home to local football and rugby teams.
The subway also works well as a starting point for other popular places in Kobe, though some walking may be needed. Examples include Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Kobe Animal Kingdom, and Sannomiya Center Gai Shopping Street for shopping and souvenirs.
For getting around the city’s main entertainment areas, cultural spots, and everyday destinations, the subway is one of the easiest public transport options in Kobe.