Helpful tips: Useful information around station

The second issue of “helpful tips” gives you useful information for getting around train stations. Kobe is very well connected to some great transport networks and major railways such as JR, Hankyu, Hanshin and the Subway have stations in Sannomiya, the station in downtown Kobe. We’ll also look at how to get your hands on some useful information before you go out and enjoy the city!

Currency Exchange

There are several places to exchange foreign currencies. A branch of Travelex, the world’s largest currency exchange provider, is located in front of the east exit of JR Sannomiya station. It is open all year and you can find it easily right in front of the exit gate.

Travelax Sannomiya branch

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Bank of Mitsubishi-Tokyo UFJ and Japan Post Bank also offer currency exchange service around Sannomiya station. It’s good to know where to exchange cash in case for when you might need it.



-Sumitomo Mitsui Bank, Foreign Exchange Center, Sannomiya Station Building 2F

-Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Sannomiya Branch,8-3-10 Isogamidori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-Japan Post Bank, Kobe Branch,6-2-1 Sakemachidori, Chuo-ku, Kobe

How to use coin lockers

Each railway in Sannomiya offers coin-operated lockers in the station so that visitors can store their luggage and walk around Kobe city freely. Coin lockers are usually placed within railway stations or bus terminals. The majority of lockers in Japan are activated by coins and then locked with a key. Different sizes of lockers are available, and the price depends on the size.

Different sizes of lockers in Sannomiya station

Step 1 Find a locker with a key. Lockers without keys are occupied.

Step 2  Insert coins. You’ll see the price above the slot.

Step 3  Lock with the key. Please be careful not to lose the key!

There are some lockers which displays in English or some other languages, so you don’t have to worry if you don’t understand Japanese.

When you go out from the east exit of JR Sannomiya station, you’ll find “Kobe City Information Center” on your right. They offer information, maps and brochures. Why not grab a few before heading out to explore the city? 

Kobe Information Center 

JR Sannomiya station, 8 Kumoidori, Chuo-ku, Kobe (South of the East Exit)

Tel: +81-(78)-322-0220

Opening hours: Open all year 9:00-19:00 (9:00-15:00 from 31 Dec to 1 Jan) 

In the next issue, you’ll be amazed how sophisticated Japanese toilets are!

See you in next issue:)

Soo 
The Hyogo Tourism Association