Overview
The Kobe Municipal Subway (神戸市営地下鉄, Kōbe-shiei chikatetsu) is a vital rapid transit network serving the city of Kobe in Hyōgo Prefecture. It serves as a key component of the local urban transportation system, providing essential links between central districts, coastal areas, and northern regions. For visitors, the subway offers an efficient way to navigate the city, featuring integrated connections with JR rail services, bus routes, and the Shinkansen at major hubs like Sannomiya and Shin-Kobe. The system is designed for universal accessibility, featuring tactile paving, elevators, and step-free access across its stations.
The network
The subway network consists of three primary lines that provide extensive coverage across different parts of the city:
- Seishin–Yamate Line: This serves as the main trunk route, running approximately 22.7 kilometres between Seishin-chūō and Shin-Kobe. It acts as a major east-west axis connecting residential suburbs with central business districts.
- Kaigan Line (Kaikyō-sen): Branded as Yumekamome, this is a fully automated, driverless line running about 7.9 kilometres from Shin-Nagata to Sannomiya-Hanadokeimae. It provides convenient access to the waterfront and coastal areas.
- Hokushin Line (Hokushin-sen): This serves as a north-south route extending approximately 7.6 kilometres from Shin-Kobe to Tanigami. It functions as an extension of the Seishin–Yamate Line, allowing for seamless through-service without needing to change trains at Shin-Kobe.
Tickets & fares
The subway system offers several ways to pay and navigate the city's transit network:
- Smartcards: You can use rechargeable IC cards, such as the ICOCA card, for "tap-to-ride" convenience across rail, subway, and bus networks.
- One-Day Passes: For frequent travel on the subway, a one-day pass (1日乗車券; Ichinichi-jōshaken) is available. This costs approximately ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for children. A combined "subway plus bus" one-day pass is available for approximately ¥1,000 (adults) or ¥500 (children).
- Single Fares: Standard point-to-point fares apply; for example, a short trip between Shin-Kobe and Sannomiya costs approximately ¥200.
From the airport
Depending on which airport you arrive at, there are several ways to reach the center of Kobe:
- From Kobe Airport: You can take the Port Liner light rail to Sannomiya Station (approximately every 10 minutes). From Sannomiya, you can transfer to various subway lines or JR trains.
- From Kansai International Airport (KIX): Options include a high-speed ferry (Kaijo Access) from Kobe Airport, an Airport Limousine bus directly to Sannomiya, or taking the JR Kanku Kaisoku (関空快速) rapid train to Osaka Station and transferring to a Special Rapid train toward Sannomiya or Kobe.
- From Osaka Itami Airport (ITM): You can take an airport bus directly to Sannomiya Station, which takes approximately 40 minutes.
Etiquette & customs
When riding the trains in Kobe, observe these local customs for a smooth journey:
- Queuing: Wait in designated areas on the platform and form an orderly line before the train arrives.
- Escalators: Stand on the designated side of the escalator (usually the left) to allow others to pass on the other side.
- Quiet Environment: Maintain a low volume; avoid making phone calls or playing loud media while inside the trains.
- Priority Seating: Leave seats marked for priority use available for the elderly, people with disabilities, or those with children.
Survival terms
- 地下鉄 (Chikatetsu) - subway/metro
- 切符 (Keppu) - ticket
- 線 (Sen) - line
- 入口 (Iri-guchi) - entrance
- 出口 (De-guchi) - exit
- 乗り換え (Norikae) - transfer
- 運賃 (Unchin) - single fare
- 一日乗車券 (Ichinichi-jōshaken) - day pass
If you are traveling between Sannomiya and Shin-Kobe, remember that the subway trip is a very short distance but provides a convenient connection to the Shinkansen.