When people think of Kobe, images of the scenic waterfront, European-style architecture, or world-famous beef often come to mind. However, there is another treasure to discover here, and that's the thriving coffee culture. This port city was one of the first places in Japan to embrace coffee back in the late 1800s, and today, its coffee scene beautifully blends old-world charm with contemporary passion.
This guide covers six places throughout the city to indulge in your caffeine fix!
Hokodo Coffee
If you're exploring Kobe and want a taste of Japanese coffee history, Hokodo Coffee is a must-visit. Tucked away in the retro shopping arcade of Motomachi, this charming café is said to be Japan's first coffee shop, with roots going back to the late 1800s. It offers a unique blend called "Rintarō," prepared using a traditional stone mill for an authentic Meiji-era experience, and the cozy interior and vintage atmosphere make it feel like stepping back in time. Pair your coffee with a slice of cheesecake or seasonal sweets, and enjoy a quiet break from sightseeing.
3 Chome−10−6 Motomachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0022
Starbucks Kitano Ijinkan
Let's get this one out of the way early. Yes, it's a Starbucks, and no, it's not for the coffee purists. What makes Starbucks Kitano Ijinkan worth a visit isn't the drinks menu, but the setting. Housed in a beautifully restored early 20th-century Western-style home in Kobe's Kitano district, this branch blends perfectly into the area's historic Ijinkan (foreign residence) streetscape. The interior preserves wooden floors, antique furnishings, and charming period details, offering a surprisingly atmospheric spot for a quiet break. Even if you usually skip the big chains, this location is more about ambiance than lattes, and it's undeniably photogenic.
3 Chome−1−31 Kitanocho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0002
Nishimura Coffee
Nishimura Coffee is a Kobe institution, beloved by locals for its old-world charm and classic kissaten atmosphere. These traditional Japanese coffee houses are known for their retro interiors, unhurried pace, and focus on hand-crafted brews and light meals. Founded in 1948, Nishimura has several locations, but the flagship near Sannomiya Station stands out. Step inside and you'll find dark wood paneling, soft lighting, and a calm, refined ambiance that feels worlds away from the city buzz. Coffee is roasted in-house and served with elegant cakes and sandwiches, making it an ideal place to pause and soak in a slower side of Kobe.
2 Chome−1−20 Yamamotodori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0003
dotccoffee
Dotccoffee quietly opened in early 2025, and it's already become a favorite among Kobe locals and visitors alike. Tucked into the Piazza Kobe arcade, this minimalist coffee stand offers a relaxed, counter-style experience with both takeout and a few seats for those who want to linger. The highlight here is the siphon-brewed specialty coffee, made from carefully selected beans that rotate regularly for freshness and flavor. Despite the quality, prices remain affordable, with small cups starting around 300 JPY. It's a perfect pit stop for travelers exploring the Motomachi or Sannomiya areas.
1 Chome−31−32 Kitanagasadori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0012
Beyond Coffee Roasters
Beyond Coffee Roasters is a standout specialty café tucked into Kobe's historic Kitano neighborhood, and the owner spent years traveling and studying coffee before returning to Kobe to open this carefully curated roastery. The shop itself is small and simple, with a mostly standing bar where each cup is brewed to order using rotating single-origin beans. Expect bright, nuanced flavors and a friendly, knowledgeable barista who's happy to talk beans, grind size, or brewing method.
2 Chome-17-2 Nakayamatedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0004
Taoca Coffee
Taoca Coffee in Kobe's Motomachi district is a respected specialty coffee roaster known for its clean, minimalist aesthetic and careful craftsmanship. Located just steps away from Kobe Chinatown, the café occupies a renovated building with light wooden textures and a sleek, bright interior that reflects modern design sensibilities. Taoca roasts its beans in-house and offers a rotating selection (including original blends, seasonal selections, and unique single-origin offerings) typically totaling over ten varieties. Sampling is encouraged, and guests can try different beans and receive guidance from the baristas to find their preferred flavor profile.
2 Chome−7−7 1F Sakaemachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0023
