My Solo Day Trip to Kobe: Animals, Snacks, and a Few Surprises
So, I recently took a solo day trip to Kobe, and let me tell you, it was an adventure filled with cute animals, delicious snacks, and a few
unexpected moments. If you’re planning a similar trip, especially to Kobe Animal Kingdom and Oji Zoo, I hope my story helps you out—and maybe gives you a laugh or two!
Starting the Day: Early Birds and Zoo Plans
I arrived in Kobe via night bus at 8:30 AM, feeling a mix of excitement and exhaustion. (Pro tip: If you’re taking a night bus, bring a neck pillow. I forgot mine and woke up with a crick in my neck that lasted all day.) Since I had some time before Kobe Animal Kingdom opened at 10:00 AM, I decided to head straight to Oji Zoo, which opens at 9:00 AM. Now, here’s where things got a little quirky. I arrived at the zoo way too early—like, 8:40 AM early. I ended up pacing outside the gates, sipping on a vending machine coffee (because Japan’s vending machines are life), and watching the locals go about their morning routines. It was oddly peaceful, though, and gave me a chance to soak in the vibe of the city. Once the zoo opened, I made a beeline for the animals I really wanted to see: the red pandas, capybaras, and the adorable Japanese macaques. The zoo was quiet in the morning, which made it feel like I had the place to myself. I even had a funny moment with one of the macaques, who stared at me like I was the weird one. Fair point, little guy.
Kobe Animal Kingdom: Fluffy Overload
After the zoo, I hopped on a train to Kobe Animal Kingdom. By the time I arrived, it was around 10:30 AM, and the place was already buzzing with families and animal lovers. Let me just say, this place is a dream if you love animals. You can feed capybaras, pet alpacas, and even hang out with kangaroos. I may or may not have spent way too much money on animal snacks (okay, I definitely did), but how could I resist those fluffy faces? One of the highlights was feeding the capybaras. They’re so chill and just sit there munching away while you pet them. I also had a hilarious moment with an alpaca who decided my jacket looked tasty. Note to self: alpacas are not picky eaters.
Deciding Between Atoa and the Maritime Museum
By mid-afternoon, I was torn between visiting Atoa or the Maritime Museum. I ended up choosing Atoa because of its longer opening hours, and I’m so glad I did! It’s this beautiful indoor aquarium and art space, and the way they blend nature and art is mesmerizing. I spent hours wandering through the exhibits, watching jellyfish float around like living sculptures. It was the perfect way to wind down after all the animal excitement.
Getting Around Kobe: A Breeze Compared to Tokyo
As someone who lives in central Tokyo, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to navigate Kobe. The trains and buses were less crowded, and the city has this laid-back vibe that’s such a nice change from the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku. I mostly used the train to get around, but I also took a bus to Kobe Animal Kingdom, which was straightforward and stress-free.
Final Thoughts and a Snack Confession
By the time I caught my return bus at 8:45 PM, I was exhausted but happy. My day in Kobe was everything I hoped for and more. Oh, and I may have indulged in one too many Kobe beef skewers and melon pan along the way. No regrets, though—when in Kobe, right? If you’re planning a similar trip, I’d recommend starting with Kobe Animal Kingdom in the morning to avoid the crowds, then heading to Oji Zoo in the afternoon. And don’t skip Atoa—it’s such a unique experience! Now, I’d love to hear from you! Have you been to Kobe? Any tips or favorite spots I missed? Let me know in the comments! 🐨✨
