A hotel stay with young children is a perfect opportunity to create special memories. This time, I will introduce our stay at Kobe Bay Sheraton and the attractions around the area. With excellent access from USJ and Kansai International Airport, it is an ideal location for families.
Take a break from the daily grind and savor some peaceful moments with your family.
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How We Enjoyed Our Time at Kobe Bay Sheraton
We check in at 3 PM. By staying on the club floor, we have access to the lounge. We are staying in a twin room. From the room’s window, we can see both Mount Rokko and the sea. The night view looks beautiful.
Club Lounge: Tea Service
I visit the lounge. There is a coffee maker, allowing you to enjoy freshly brewed coffee. The refrigerator is stocked with recommended guava juice, orange juice, and various types of soda. You can also enjoy cookies and crackers, making it a great place to refresh.
The lounge has plenty of comfortable sofas where you can relax and enjoy the view. You can also step outside and drink coffee while watching the sunset in the evening.
Kobe Rokko Onsen ‘Hamasen’
After a break, we head to the onsen. The onsen is located in the basement, but by staying on the club floor, we can take a direct elevator from our room or the lounge floor.
We pass through the spacious waiting room and arrive at the bath area. The onsen features large bathtubs, waterfall showers, and saunas, offering a complete bathing experience. However, the best part is the open-air bath. While soaking, you can enjoy the view of autumn leaves and the blue sky during daylight hours, providing a very relaxing experience. It warmed both our body and soul.
I meet up with my husband in the cozy and warm relaxation room. There is tea prepared, a blend of barley tea and corn tea, which we enjoy while taking a break after our bath.
Right next to the relaxation room, there is an exclusive room for the club floor.
Here, you can enjoy a massage with the massage chairs, and there are machines to check your blood pressure and vascular age for a quick health check.
The room is stocked with beverages like milk and Yakult in the refrigerator, perfect for after your bath. We take another break here, as it is also an ideal space for relaxing and reading in a quiet environment.
Club Lounge: Twilight Service
The highlight for me is that Asahi beer is available on tap – it’s an absolute delight!
From 6 PM to 8 PM, the lounge offers Twilight Service. During this time, children are not allowed, so moms and dads take turns using the service. During these hours, drinks such as beer and wine, as well as hors d’oeuvres, are provided.
Breakfast
Breakfast is served buffet-style at the restaurant on the first floor. There is a wide variety of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes.
The salad, made with famous Awaji Island onions, and dishes made with local ingredients are lined up. The komatsuna smoothie looks very healthy. Omelets and French toast are cooked right in front of you.
There is also an abundance of desserts and fruits, making for a very satisfying breakfast.
Kobe Bay Sheraton Fitness
After breakfast, we head to the pool. On the 5th floor, there are a pool, gym, and tennis courts, and all the necessary items can be rented at the reception.
The pool is heated, so you can swim all year round regardless of the season. With large windows letting in plenty of light, it is a comfortable place to swim.
The pool is 25 meters long and is divided into lanes for swimmers and a play area, so children can enjoy it without any concerns. After swimming, we warm up in the adjacent jacuzzi before heading to the bath.
Shops Around the Hotel
The hotel is directly connected to the station, making it very convenient. There are supermarkets, restaurants, and convenience stores around the area.
Adjacent to the hotel is Yamada Store, a supermarket chain that operates in Hyogo Prefecture. It offers high-quality products and has an air of luxury.
Getting to Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers
Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers
Direct Access:
- Directly connected to the Rokko Liner “Island Center” Station.
Travel Time:
- Approximately 20 minutes from JR Sannomiya Station.
- Approximately 30 minutes from JR Osaka Station.
Various Access Methods:
- Limousine bus from Kansai Airport.
- Regular buses from Shin-Kobe and Sannomiya.
A Day Trip to Mount Rokko
At Mount Rokko, you can fully enjoy nature while engaging in various activities.
Here are some recommended ways to spend your time:
Rokko Ranch:
This is a recommended spot for families, where you can interact with animals and experience milking. It’s sure to be a soothing experience with nature and animals. Sheep are virtually omnipresent!
Skiing & Snowboarding:
In winter, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Mount Rokko, located about 30 minutes from Kobe City. It features a very compact artificial snow slope with two courses. Kid’s school and sledding activities are available, making it ideal for families with small children to enjoy.
Hiking: Mount Rokko has many hiking trails suitable for beginners to advanced hikers. You can enjoy beautiful scenery and seasonal flowers.
Ropeway: Take the Rokko Ropeway and enjoy an aerial stroll to the summit. The seasonal landscapes viewed from the sky are exceptional.
Botanical Garden: At Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, you can see various alpine plants and seasonal flowers. Enjoy the natural beauty.
Observation Deck: The view from Mount Rokko is breathtaking. The night view, in particular, is known as the “Million Dollar Night View” and is worth seeing.
