Craving a juicy steak? Kobe, Japan, has you covered! But you’ll need a Kobe hostel to stay in to recover from the most wonderful meals of your life.
In this case, we have you covered with the best Hostels in Kobe, whether you’re a backpacker, traveling solo, or with a group of friends or family.
But don’t let the yummy steaks fool you – Kobe is much more than just a delicious meal. From its stunning views of Mt. Rokko to its bustling shopping streets. And if you’re looking to explore the city without breaking the bank, hostels are the perfect way to go.
Here are some of the best hostels in Kobe that offer great value for money and an authentic Japanese experience!
Our favorite hostels in Kobe are:
- Kobe Guesthouse MAYA - best for Solo travelers, families and couples
- Ini. kobe HOSTEL & CAFE/BAR - best for Backpackers
- T and K Hostel Kobe Sannomiya East - best for Female solo travelers
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Kobe Guesthouse MAYA
2. Ini. kobe HOSTEL & CAFE/BAR
3. T and K Hostel Kobe Sannomiya East
If you’re visiting Kobe, chances are you’re also backpacking throughout Japan, so here are some additional helpful guides: the best hostels in Japan (yes, all of Japan) and the best hostels in nearby Kyoto.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
What do we cover in this article?
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Kobe
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Kobe cost x$19 – $40 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average price of around $40 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Transportation: Kobe is a very walkable city. Alternatively, locals love to cycle (and the best Kobe hostels in our guide all have bicycle rentals available). Like all other major cities in Japan, Kobe also has a good network of bus and train systems.
If you’re planning on using them, there are different pass and coupon options available with unlimited rides on subways, JR trains, and buses. If you’re planning on visiting Mount Rokko, you’ll also be able to use the ropeway or cable car.
How Many Days in Kobe: A minimum of 2 days in Kobe should be enough for you to sample the main attractions and meat. Plan for more days if you also want to make day trips to Himeji Castle or Awaji island.
Wagyu Beef: Wagyu is made out of Wa=Japanese and Gyu=beef. People usually refer to wagyu beef when they designate beef from specific cattle breeds native to Japan.
One of these breeds (Kuroge Washu) stands out thanks to its unique genetics that marbleized fat inside muscular tissue (creates healthy fat, basically). This breed has become synonymous with Kobe because its cattle are said to have the ‘’most marbled beef in the world’ (yum?).
🎁 New to Hostels? Read my guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. I especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels?
- Understanding Hostels in Europe - and what makes them special
The 3 Best Hostels in Kobe are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Kobe.
- Kobe Guesthouse MAYA – best for Solo travelers, families and couples
- Ini. kobe HOSTEL & CAFE/BAR – best for Backpackers
- T and K Hostel Kobe Sannomiya East – best for Female solo travelers
These are our favorite hostels in Kobe. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Kobe Guesthouse MAYA
2. Ini. kobe HOSTEL & CAFE/BAR
3. T and K Hostel Kobe Sannomiya East
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Kobe Guesthouse MAYA |
| 🙎♀️ Female Solo Traveler: | T and K Hostel Kobe Sannomiya East |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Kobe Guesthouse MAYA |
| 🎒 for Backpacker: | Ini. kobe HOSTEL & CAFE/BAR |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Kobe Guesthouse MAYA |
1. Kobe Guesthouse MAYA
Kobe Guesthouse MAYA is entirely operated by Kobe locals. We think it’s the perfect hostel for solo travelers, families, and couples.
Here, you’ll find:
- A shared kitchen
- A HUGE shared lounge (with a library!)
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
The best part of this hostel in Kobe is definitely the fantastic staff: they’re super friendly and social and will provide you with amazing and tailored suggestions about things to do in Kobe (and where to eat).
The space’s overall design is very intimate and promotes easy social interactions between travelers.
We also really like the location of this hostel. Although it’s not extremely central, the area is well-connected to transport and is very popular for hiking and biking (you can rent bicycles from the hostel directly).
The only slight issue we’d like to point out is that the Hankyu railway is nearby, so it can get a bit loud when the train occasionally passes by – which is why this Kobe hostel also provides guests with earplugs.
Note that the stairs are also pretty steep, so you might consider another Kobe hostel in our guide if you have mobility issues.
Location: This Kobe hostel is a 15-minute walk from the hiking Aotani Michi trail of Mt.Maya and an equal distance from the Nada Ward district of Kobe. The JR line is easily accessible, and you’ll find Suidosuji shopping street a minute’s walk away.
The best choice in Kobe for
- Couples
- Solo travelers
- Families
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Ini. kobe HOSTEL & CAFE/BAR
Ini. kobe HOSTEL & CAFE/BAR is our top Kobe hostel for backpackers.
This hostel has the following facilities:
- A garden
- A terrace/rooftop (with BBQ facilities)
- A bar
- A shared kitchen
We really like their dormitory space because it has a little vanity table, a mirror, and a small common area. Everything is brightly decorated, and you’ll feel at home instantly.
The best part of this hostel is definitely the bar that you’ll find on the first floor, where events are held frequently.
If you visit Kobe in summer, you’ll also be able to use their rooftop, where they host BBQs.
Location: Near the Kobe station and Kobe port tower. Many cafes and restaurants surround the area, and you’ll also find a coin laundry and public bath facility nearby.
A great choice for
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. T and K Hostel Kobe Sannomiya East
T and K Hostel Kobe Sannomiya East is our favorite pick for female solo travelers.
Here, you’ll find:
- Sun terrace (with great views)
- 2 shared kitchens (complimentary coffee and tea)
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
We really love how bright the dorms and private rooms are here. They’re decorated in a minimalistic modern style and radiate coziness and familiarity as soon as you enter them.
The highlight of this Kobe hostel is the staff and the bar.
The dorms provide a private and peaceful space with individual curtains, reading lights, and power outlets.
The rest of the facilities are Japanese-style: private rooms have tatamis, and toilets and bathing feature Japanese communal areas and more private western ones.
Like most of the Kobe hostels in this guide, this one also offers bicycle rental.
Location: This Kobe hostel is a 10-minute walk from the Sannomiya Station. It’s close to the Toga river, and restaurants and convenience stores surround the area.
This is one of the best hostels in Kobe for
- Female Solo Travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Kobe for Solo Travelers?
Our top pick for solo traveler hostels in Kobe is Kobe Guesthouse MAYA. It has awesome, cozy facilities and some of the friendliest staff members we’ve ever met.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
What about the cheapest hostels in Kobe?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Kobe.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Kobe
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
From time to time, I receive special promo codes for booking platforms, hotels, or hostels. I will be sharing these here once received. Bookmark this page to get an update.
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
I included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
I recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Kobe best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
My Best Hostels in Kobe for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
What is the best hostel for solo travelers in Kobe?
The best hostel for solo travelers in Kobe is:
What are the best hostels in Kobe, Japan?
The best hostels in Kobe are:
- Kobe Guesthouse MAYA - best for Solo travelers, families and couples
- Ini. kobe HOSTEL & CAFE/BAR - best for Backpackers
- T and K Hostel Kobe Sannomiya East - best for Female solo travelers
What is Wagyu beef in Kobe?
Wagyu is made out of Wa=Japanese and Gyu=beef. People usually refer to wagyu beef when they designate beef from specific cattle breeds native to Japan.
One of these breeds (Kuroge Washu) stands out thanks to its unique genetics that marbleized fat inside muscular tissue (creates healthy fat, basically). This breed has become synonymous with Kobe because its cattle are said to have the ‘’most marbled beef in the world’ (yum?).
How expensive is beef in Kobe, Japan?
The cheapest Kobe beef we've found has been around $60 (yes, it was delicious), but the average price is around $200 and can go up to $30,000. May the odds be ever in your wallet's favor.
More handmade Guides for you
For those on a longer voyage: check out our huge guide on the best hostels in Japan with itineraries, fun things to do in Tokyo and all of our 5-Star Hostels in Asia.
We also created more best hostel guides to help you. Check out:
- best hostels in Tokyo + best hostels in Shinjuku, Tokyo
- coolest party hostels in Tokyo
- best hostels in Kyoto
- best hostels in Hiroshima
- coolest hostels in Osaka
- best hostels in Sapporo
- best hostels in Fukuoka
- Cup of Tea Hostel in Takayama – 5-star hostel
Other counties and cities outside of Japan include:
- complete guide to the best hostels in Taiwan
- the 3 best hostels in Seoul
- 3 cool hostels in Beijing
- best hostels in Shanghai
- top hostels in Hong Kong, and finally
- 6 coolest hostels in Hawaii
