Welcome to Kobe

Relaxing waterfronts, signature mountains, and lovely night views – They can be both enjoyed on the Brisbane River and Mount Coot-tha in Brisbane, as well as on Suma Beach and Mt. Rokko in Kobe.

Ever since Kobe City signed a sister-city agreement with Brisbane City in 1985, they have cultivated a lasting friendship. For the people of Kobe, one memorable example of their interaction has been the koalas. The Kobe Oji Zoo is currently caring for six lovable koalas that are extremely popular among zoo visitors. Their exhibit began in 1991, when Brisbane City donated three koalas to Kobe.

In recent years, the two cities have continued to interact on cultural and economic levels, including a gift from Kobe City to Brisbane’s Bonsai House, and promoting the plan for Kobe Airport to become an international airport at the Asia Pacific Cities Summit held in Brisbane.

Both cities will soon be welcoming athletic competitions on the international level. In May 2024, Kobe will be the first city in eastern Asia to host the World Para Athletics Championships, and Brisbane will host the Olympics in 2032. Kobe City hopes people will use these events as opportunities to visit Brisbane and Kobe.

When visiting Kobe, be sure to try its delicious sake, fresh vegetables, seafood harvested from the Seto Inland Sea, and Kobe Beef. The city has many fantastic local restaurants that use regional ingredients, and the owner is often a familiar face.

Additionally, the city recommends leisure activities such as taking the ropeway or cable car for an easy jaunt in the mountains, appreciating the beautiful night views of the port area to one’s heart’s content, and enjoying scrumptious western confections and coffee at a relaxing café. The city hopes visitors will find a meaningful connection with Kobe.