A walkable, multicultural port city located on the Osaka Bay, Kobe is best known for its namesake beef, scenic views that harmoniously blend nature with innovative architecture, and its mix of international influences. 

Positioned between the Rokkō Mountains and the sea, Kobe is Japan’s seventh largest city. Consider extending your trip past the conference to explore the downtown, treat yourself to dinner by the harbor, and travel to historical shrines and temples right outside of the city—all easily accessible through Japan’s world-class public transportation system.  

Kobe is easy to access from multiple major travel hubs in Japan—attendees can fly into the Kobe airport (UKB) directly or take a train from the Osaka or Tokyo airports. 

Getting there

Check out details on getting to Kobe from Osaka, Kyoto, or Himeji via train, plus information on flight times if you’re traveling from Korea, China, or Taiwan. Below are instructions on getting to the Portopia Hotel and Kobe Convention Center from three main airports.

Flying into Kobe

From the arrivals and departures area at the Kobe airport, walk to the Kobe airport station and take the portliner to Shiminhiroba station. Walk approximately 3 minutes to the Portopia Hotel, adjacent to the convention center. 

Flying into Osaka, taking a bus to Kobe

Take the Airport Limousine Bus from Osaka Itami Airport to Kobe Sannomiya station. The trip is approximately 40 minutes and the bus runs from 7:50 a.m.; the last bus departs Osaka Itami Airport at 9:15 p.m.

Then, take the portliner from the Sannomiya station to Shiminhiroba station (about 11 minutes, 5 stops). Walk approximately 3 minutes to the Portopia Hotel, adjacent to the convention center. 

Flying into Tokyo, taking the train to Kobe

Distance-wise, Tokyo is the furthest option from Kobe; however, if traveling from the U.S., you may have found a great flight deal, or you may be planning an extended trip before or after the meeting. You can rely on Japan’s public transportation system to get to Kobe in under 4 hours—plus, Japan’s system has been deemed the safest in the world (2026).

If you fly into Tokyo Haneda Airport, take the Keikyū airport line to Shinagawa station (about 13 minutes nonstop). 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 into Tokyo station or Shinagawa station (about 50 minutes to 1 hour). Then, from either station, take the bullet train to Shin-Kōbe station. Once in Kobe, see instructions above to get to the hotel.

Don’t worry about lugging your bags around

Traveling in Japan couldn’t be easier—so whether you’re coming from another city or simply want a stress-free train ride into the hotel and convention center area, consider a service called “takkyubin” (“ta-q-bin”) or luggage forwarding. Available at airports, hotels, and even some convenience stores, all you have to do is drop off your luggage at a service counter, fill out a short form, pay, and be on your way bag-free! 

So, whether you arrive in Kobe, Osaka, or Tokyo, you can visit a drop-off counter at any airport and send your bags directly to the Portopia Hotel. Keep in mind that while most services offer same-day delivery, depending on your time of arrival, your bags may arrive next-day, so factor that in and pack first night/day essentials in your carry-on. 

A highly recommended takkyubin service is Yamato Transport, but several other options exist. Browse Yamato’s website to calculate delivery times and fees. 

You’ve made it, now what? Fun after sessions

There is so much to see and do in Kobe. Worm 2027 will be packed with dynamic sessions and events built for connection and networking. But what better way to build community than planning a fun and relaxing outing with new colleagues and old friends? Plus, with Japan being one of the hottest destinations of 2026, you can pack in a series of fun activities and make the most out of your trip by staying a couple of days after the conference. 

The Kobe tourism website features details on key attractions and great travel tips. Below you’ll find a couple more ideas.

Walk along the harbor and have dinner with a view

Aside from spectacular views, there’s so much to see and do at Kobe Harborland. Visit Kobe Port Tower and take in panoramic views of the city and the sea—at night, after evening and poster sessions, you can visit the Harborland, have dinner, and head to the tower to see the city all lit up. 

A shopping mall, Mosaic Umie, features more than 200 stores and restaurants, with something for everyone. Adjacent to the mall, you’ll find the Mosaic Ferriswheel, which offers panoramic views of Mt. Rokko, the Port Tower, and Ohashi Bridge. 

If you’re traveling with kids, next door you can find a Children’s museum and play area, the Kobe Anpanman Children’s Museum & Mall.

Browse the Kobe Harborland website to plan your outing. You can reach the area from the convention center in 30 to 35 minutes via public transport.

Visit a sake museum and brewery

Fun fact! Sake, or Japanese rice wine, is made by a brewing process similar to beer rather than your usual wine produced from grapes, and Kobe’s Nada district is Japan’s main sake producing region with many sake breweries offering tours and tastings. Easily accessible through Japan’s public transport, the Sawanotsuru Museum is a great option, just 34 minutes from the Portopia Hotel, and the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, one of the most famous breweries in Kobe, which is about 40 minutes from the hotel. Other options include Hamafukutsuru Sake Brewery and 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 a Kobe beef tasting! Make sure to look for restaurants certified by the Kobe Beef Marketing and Distribution Promotion Association. There are options for all budgets—from teppanyaki-style lunch tastings at places like Steakland to a premium experience at Mouriya Honten, the flagship of a historic steakhouse founded in 1885. 

The Sannomiya area features several options—and it’s easily accessible by Japanese public transport. 

You can also enjoy Kobe beef at the hotel, which features 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 on your off time from being a scientist? Immerse yourself in the culture by visiting a historic shrine in Kobe. If you only have time for one, the 1,800-year-old Ikuta Shrine in the city center—a peaceful, historic Shinto shrine—is a can’t miss. 

Others you can add to your list include Minatogawa Shrine, which is dedicated to a war hero (~30 minutes from the hotel), and Kitano Tenman Shrine, which offers captivating city views from atop a hill (~38 minutes from the hotel).

Take in nature: Stroll through gardens, relax at an onsen, visit the mountainside and enjoy panoramic city views

Approximately, 30 minutes via public transport from the hotel or just 10 minutes from the city center by ropeway, the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens are Japan’s largest herb gardens with about 75,000 herbs and over 200 kinds of flowers.Taking the ropeway to this botanical garden offers stunning panoramic views of the city. A fragrance museum displays antique bottles and equipment used to extract aroma, the spice museum offers lessons on the history of spices, the restaurant onsite serves herb-infused dishes, and two stores sell teas, lotions, and other herb-infused products.

Looking for a relaxing activity after days of learning and exploring? The Arima Onsen, one of the oldest onsens (hot springs) in Japan, features three unique water types—the iron and salt-rich “Kinsen” (gold) and two radium-rich “Ginsen” (silver)—and was deemed by the Ministry of Environment of Japan’s analysis to have seven of the nine natural components recognized for curative effects. Relax, shop, and eat; you can truly spend an entire day at Arima Onsen—make your reservation early.  

Mt. Rokko and Mt. Maya are two natural wonders of Kobe you can’t miss! Hike to the top of Mt. Rokko, the tallest peak of the mountain range behind Kobe, and Mt. Maya to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the sea. Both mountains are easily accessible by cable car or ropeway. Plan your hiking route, find night viewpoints where you can observe Kobe’s city lights, and learn about special events online, ahead of your trip.    

Start planning

Set alarms to track prices on Google Flights for potential flights as soon as possible! If you’re traveling to Japan from the United States, Canada, Europe, China, or South Korea, you may start seeing available flights for July 2027 in the next three months.

Make sure your travel documents are up to date—whether you need a passport or a visa, check expiration dates and processing times and requirements asap. 

The hotel site will open in January so make sure you book your accommodations early to enjoy discounts.

Once all that’s done, you can sit back, relax, and plan your time in Japan—and of course get excited for Worm 2027 and the reunions with friends and colleagues from across the globe!

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