Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability
Chorakuji isn’t just a name—it’s a story carved in wood and stone. Hidden among emerald hills, its wooden hall stands solemnly, its weathered steps whispering legends. Visit at dawn when mist curls around the trees, and you’ll feel like you’re standing at the edge of history itself.
Everything you need to know about Chorakuji
Near Chorakuji Temple in Kobe, the Kobe Port Sheraton Hotel is a top choice, offering a 10-minute walk to the temple and exceptional sea-view rooms overlooking Kobe Harbor. The hotel features an on-site onsen bath and a traditional Japanese tea lounge, ideal for relaxation after visiting the historic temple. Built in the 12th century, Chorakuji is one of Kobe’s oldest wooden temples with preserved architectural heritage, perfect for cultural immersion. Conveniently located just 15 minutes from Kobe Station via subway, it ensures easy access for travelers seeking both spiritual serenity and urban comfort.
Yes, the Mercure Kobe Hotel is ideal for families seeking a peaceful stay near Chorakuji Temple, located just 800 meters south of the site. It offers spacious family suites with separate living areas and kid-friendly amenities like toiletries and toys. The rooms blend modern comfort with traditional Japanese design, featuring views of a serene garden courtyard. The hotel provides free bicycle rentals, allowing families to easily cycle to Chorakuji and Kobe Harbor. Nearby cafés and souvenir shops offer child-friendly options for breaks during exploration, making it a well-rounded destination for family travel.
The most convenient route from Kobe Station is to take the Kobe Municipal Subway Kaigan Line toward Sannomiya, then transfer at "Omotemachi" station to Bus Route 30 or 70 bound for "Chorakuji-mae." The journey takes about 15 minutes and costs only 600 JPY. For a faster option, taxi service takes around 10 minutes and costs approximately 1,200 JPY. The temple entrance has clear signage, and free parking is available for drivers. Arriving before 9:00 AM is recommended to enjoy the temple’s tranquil atmosphere without crowds.
Visitors to Chorakuji Temple can participate in the daily Morning Bell Ceremony at 9:00 AM, led by the head priest, where a 1,000-year-old bell is struck to purify the mind. The temple also offers a handwritten sutra experience, allowing guests to copy the Heart Sutra by hand as a personal memento. Additionally, the temple hosts a monthly Night Lantern Walk, where paper lanterns are lit and carried slowly along stone steps, creating a poetic and solemn atmosphere. Nearby, a traditional tea ceremony serves matcha and wagashi in a Zen garden setting, enhancing the immersive cultural experience. All activities are free, but reservations are recommended.
Yes, Chorakuji Temple itself is a prime photography location, especially during cherry blossom season when the vermilion torii gate contrasts beautifully with the ancient temple roof. The seaside viewing platform behind the temple offers panoramic shots of Kobe Harbor and the distant Akashi Strait Bridge, ideal for golden hour photography. The moss-covered stone path lined with pines creates a serene, meditative scene with dappled light. Nearby, the Kobe Port Tower and Ferris wheel add a modern touch to the composition. A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the harmonious blend of nature, architecture, and urban skyline—perfect for photographers.
Chorakuji Temple is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours until 6:00 PM on weekends and holidays. Main halls are accessible from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, while the bell tower and garden areas remain open throughout the day. Entry is free, but registration is required by 8:30 AM for participation in morning rituals. To avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, visitors are advised to arrive early in the morning or late afternoon. Opening times may be adjusted slightly during winter months—please check on-site notices for updates.
Near Chorakuji Temple, visit Sakura Tea House, a cozy indie café nestled in a quiet alley with a Japanese garden-inspired interior. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame a view of the temple’s corner, creating a peaceful ambiance. Enjoy handcrafted matcha lattes and seasonal wagashi made from local ingredients. The café features a small reading nook with books and hosts weekend ikebana workshops, offering a deeper dive into Japanese lifestyle aesthetics. Just a 5-minute walk from the temple, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after your visit.
See what other travelers say about Chorakuji
This stay completely exceeded my expectations! The room was spacious and well-designed, offering a great sense of openness and comfort. I was especially impressed by the bathroom's separate dry and wet zones—no more worrying about water splashing everywhere while showering. The toiletries were high-quality; after using them, my skin felt smooth and refreshed. The hotel’s location is fantastic—it's just a short walk from Amerika-machi Park, perfect for an early morning jog with a lovely view. Everything about this place, from cleanliness to convenience, felt top-notch. Excellent value for money and a truly memorable experience. I’d definitely come back and highly recommend it to fellow travelers.
Staying at Toyoko Inn Kobe Minatogawa Koen was a great experience overall. The location is super convenient—just a short walk from the subway station and close to local attractions. The room was small but well-organized, clean, and comfortable, with fresh linens and thoughtful touches like complimentary skincare lotions. I was especially happy with the free breakfast—varied, tasty, and served fresh each morning. Compared to other hotels in the area, the price was very competitive, especially since it included breakfast and top-notch service. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout my stay. Booking through the platform also secured me the breakfast deal, making it even more worthwhile. Definitely a solid choice for travelers looking for comfort, cleanliness, and value in Kobe.
Staying at LiVEMAX Budget Kobe was a pleasant surprise! The room size is decent—two large beds fit comfortably, though the walkway feels a bit tight, especially with bulky luggage. That said, the amenities are impressive: a full-sized fridge and microwave make self-catering easy, and the big TV supports Bluetooth casting, perfect for streaming movies or shows. I also appreciated the free-to-borrow power banks available on the first floor—great for keeping devices charged during a quick trip. Location-wise, it's very convenient if you're relying on the subway; the station is just steps away. However, walking to Sannomiya takes a bit longer than expected. Overall, this budget-friendly option offers excellent value, clean rooms, and thoughtful touches. If you're looking for a no-frills but reliable stay in Kobe, this place is definitely worth considering.
I really enjoyed my stay at Hotel Winbell Magic in Kobe— the room was clean, cozy, and had a fun, whimsical vibe that made it feel special. The location was also convenient for exploring the city. However, I did have a minor issue with the front desk staff during check-out. I was charged extra unexpectedly, and when I pointed it out, the staff member seemed unwilling to listen or double-check. It took some time and effort on my part to resolve the overcharge. I hope the hotel can improve training for their team so guests aren’t left frustrated. Despite that hiccup, the overall experience was still positive, and I’d consider staying here again—especially given the great value and charming atmosphere.
Staying at esukaru Kobe was an absolute delight! The staff went above and beyond—despite check-in not being until afternoon, they kindly allowed us to check in early when we arrived midday. They even offered luggage storage, which made our day so much easier. The room itself was immaculate, spotlessly clean with a perfect balance of modern design and comfort. The bed was incredibly cozy, and I slept like a baby. What truly stood out was the peaceful atmosphere—the area is so quiet at night, making it feel like a serene retreat right in the heart of Kobe. It’s also super convenient for exploring the city, just a short train ride away. For the quality, location, and service, this place offers unbeatable value. I’ll definitely be back!
Hostel Nakamura Kobe is incredibly convenient, just a 10-minute walk from Kobe Station. However, if you're arriving with a JR Mini Pass, make sure not to get off at Kobe Station—instead, alight one stop earlier at Shin-Kobe Station and walk about 30 minutes to San-no-miya Station to transfer. This is important for travelers planning to check in luggage early. I personally chose this hostel because my next day’s plans were heading to Himeji and Okayama, so coming directly from Kobe Station made perfect sense. The hostel itself stands out with its unique and creative design—full of character and charm. It’s not just a place to sleep; it feels like staying in a well-curated urban retreat. Highly recommend for travelers who appreciate personality-packed accommodations with great location.
Got lucky with an early booking and couldn’t be happier with the stay! The room was spotless, compact but thoughtfully designed—perfect for a comfortable night’s rest. What stood out most was the seamless connection to the in-house café; all the basic amenities were there, and cooking your own meals was a breeze. Three days in Kobe felt so much more relaxed compared to the busier cities like Kyoto or Nara. Sharing stories and meals with fellow travelers from all over the world added a unique, personal touch to the experience. Great value, welcoming vibe, and an authentic hostel atmosphere—I’d definitely come back.
Explore more amazing destinations