Kobe guide
🇯🇵 Packing List
What to pack for Kobe
In August, Kobe is typically hot, heavy rain (27 to 34°C). Pick the month you travel and the list changes with it.
Kobe essentials
- Kobe has Japan's most fashion-conscious culture — dress a notch smarter than Tokyo. Smart-casual at minimum.
Documents
- Photo ID
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Visa / e-visa printout
- Return / onward flight tickets
- Travel insurance policy
- Hotel booking confirmations
- Passport-size photographs (2-4)
- Photocopies / phone photos of passport and tickets, stored separately
Clothing
- Casual day outfits
- One smart-casual outfit for dinners
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Very light, breathable cotton or linen clothing
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Light rain jacket or poncho
- Compact umbrella
- Quick-dry footwear
- Undergarments and sleepwear
- Enough outfits for 7 days (6 sets)
Toiletries & health
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and toiletries
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Personal medication with prescription
- Basic first-aid: band-aids, painkillers, ORS (7 days)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Insect / mosquito repellent
- After-sun lotion
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Power bank
- Camera (optional)
- Power adaptor: Type A, 100V.
Money
- Debit / credit cards
- Local currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
- Cash still common. IC card for transport. Kobe beef restaurants are cash-heavy establishments.
Local know-how
- Local SIM: Japanese SIM at Osaka or airport.
- Unlicensed taxi or rideshare overcharging — agree the fare before entering or use a metered cab
Trip gear
- Waterproof dry bag for electronics
- Cooling towel or portable fan
- Fan