Top 7 Best Nightlife Experiences in Kobe

Kobe offers a fantastic array of nightlife options, ranging from cozy bars and karaoke joints to lively nightclubs. Whether you prefer a quiet drink, playing pool, or dancing the night away, Kobe has something for everyone. The best part? Most of the city’s nightlife hotspots are within a 5-10 minute walk from Sannomiya Station, making it easy to hop from one place to another.

While Kobe's nightlife may not be as wild as Osaka’s or as large as Tokyo's, it has a charming and lively atmosphere with many excellent bars and music venues. Here's a list of must-visit spots for an unforgettable night out:

Sone

Recommended for: Jazz lovers
Sone is a legendary jazz club in Kobe, operating since 1969. Known for its exceptional live performances, it hosts four live jazz sessions every night, ranging from traditional jazz to Dixieland. You can enjoy music while indulging in a variety of Western-style platters and set meals. Sone also holds afternoon jazz concerts on Sundays.

Location: 1-24-10 Nakayamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0004
Hours: Daily, 17:00 - 00:00 (Sunday 12:30 - 16:00)
Phone: +81 (0)78-221-2055

Garage Paradise

Recommended for: R&B, soul, jazz, and dancing
This popular music bar offers five live performances every night featuring a variety of genres, including R&B, soul, jazz, house music, and more. The cozy basement space is filled with romantic decor and candle-lit tables, but there’s also a dance floor and pool table for those who want to get active. The drink menu is extensive, with over 100 options, and food choices range from ¥800 to ¥1,000.

Location: 1-13-7 Nakayamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo
Hours: Daily, 19:00 until late
Phone: +81 (0)78-391-6640

New Munchen Kobe Embassy

Recommended for: Beer lovers and karaoke enthusiasts
New Munchen is a German-style beer hall with an impressive stock of beer, including Sapporo and over 150 types of food. The venue also brews its own craft beers, including the "Kobe Embassy" all-malt beer and the fruity "Port Kobe" wheat beer. With an all-you-can-drink menu and karaoke facilities, it’s a popular spot for late-night gatherings.

Location: 2-5-18 Sannomiya, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0021
Hours: Daily, 11:00 - 23:00
Phone: +81 (0)78-391-3656

Main Bar Emerald

Recommended for: Cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere
Located in the luxurious Okura Hotel, Main Bar Emerald is the perfect spot to unwind with a glass of wine or a cocktail. The elegant ambiance, combined with soft jazz music, makes this a great place for a romantic evening or a quiet drink with friends. It's conveniently located near Meriken Park and Kobe Port Tower.

Location: 2-1 Hatobacho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-8560
Hours: Daily, 16:00 - 00:00
Phone: +81 (0)78-333-3524

Smokey

Recommended for: A vintage bar experience
Smokey is one of Kobe’s oldest bars, operating since 1955. Despite its small size, it remains a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The bar is decorated with photos and memorabilia from famous past visitors, including Marilyn Monroe. The founder, a former bartender from the Kobe Eastern Hotel, created cocktails for celebrities, making Smokey a historical gem in the city.

Location: 1-9-1 Nakayamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0004
Hours: Daily, 17:00 - 23:30
Phone: +81 (0)78-391-0257

Second Chance

Recommended for: Late-night revelers
True to its name, Second Chance is a popular late-night bar that gives you a second chance to party until the morning! This small bar, resembling a beach hut, may have simple decor but is a go-to spot for night owls. Located near Sannomiya Station, it’s perfect for those who want to continue their night out after the clubs.

Location: 2-1-12 Nakayamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0004
Hours: Daily, 18:00 - 05:00
Phone: +81 (0)78-391-3544

Forty Five 45 (Sport Bar)

Recommended for: Sports fans and games
Café 45 is the perfect venue for sports enthusiasts to watch live football matches on big-screen projectors. The atmosphere is lively, especially during anticipated Premier League games. You can also play foosball, pinball machines, and darts or rent private PlayStation game rooms. If you plan to party all night, opt for the all-you-can-drink menu.

Location: 3-2-1 Bufukin-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 651-0097
Hours: Friday to Wednesday, 17:00 - 00:00 (Closed on Thursdays)
Phone: +81 (0)78-241-3000

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