Not just pens, inks, pencil cases, or other stationery, Japafans can buy stylish and functional souvenirs unique to Kobe.
Before diving into what makes Kobe’s souvenirs special, let’s discuss the characteristics of popular gifts favored by visitors.
What Kobe Souvenirs Are Most Popular?
Kobe, located in Hyogo Prefecture, offers a wide range of souvenirs loved by people of all ages, from children and teenagers to adults.
Some of these include items from a renowned maritime brand featuring a whale logo, symbolizing the port city, as well as products featuring “KOBEAR,” the black bear mascot from Kobe.
Additionally, Kobe is famous for high-quality leather production, especially in Tatsuno and Himeji, which are among the largest leather producers in Japan. Leather goods from Kobe Motomachi are often chosen as special gifts.
Peripheral products like traditional crafts such as *Arimakago* baskets or tableware from Tamba Yaki also make excellent gifts for bosses or parents.
Given that Kobe is home to a foreign residential area, you can also find various imported items from overseas.
Where to Buy Kobe Souvenirs?
To find Kobe’s fashion-forward items, you can visit stores or shopping centers near Kobe Airport, Shin-Kobe Station, or Sannomiya Station. These locations are easily accessible, making it convenient for tourists to stop by during their travels.
In addition to local original products, these places also offer souvenirs suitable for everyone—children, teenagers, and even seniors.
Kobe also boasts the Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street, consisting of five shopping areas with over 300 stores under an arched roof. Here, you can discover various unique Kobe items.
At Rokko Mountain Ranch, you’ll find adorable animal-themed merchandise, perfect as gifts for families with young children.
15 Interesting Kobe Souvenirs to Buy
Japaholic.id has compiled 15 selected items that Japafans can use as references when shopping for souvenirs in Kobe. These items are not only beautiful and stylish but also functional, making them practical for the recipients.
1. Leather Cardholder from Kobe Motomachi
This cardholder is entirely made in Japan, from the materials to the sewing process. Its vibrant leather color provides an elegant look while exuding Kobe’s unique style. The anchor logo, symbolizing the port city, adds a stylish touch, making it a souvenir that captures the essence of Kobe.
2. Stylish and Durable Coin Purses
Original coin purses by the famous “Kiichi” brand in Kobe Motomachi feature a simple yet elegant design. These accessories are practical for everyday use.
Crafted from high-quality leather with meticulous craftsmanship, the texture of the leather develops a charming patina over time. This ensures the coin purse’s durability.
Available in four colors—navy blue, gray, white, and yellow—these fashionable accessories reflect Kobe’s uniqueness and are loved by people of all ages.
3. Cute Mascot Keychains
Jewellery Kobe Pianji offers adorable mascot keychains perfect for sharing with friends and family.
The design combines blue checkered motifs, representing Kobe’s port city, with a charming hedgehog illustration, making it appealing to both children and adults. A highlight is the mini-key decoration on the keychain.
The store also offers variations with natural stones, allowing you to choose based on the recipient’s preferences.
4. Adorable Koujin Wallet
Another Kobe souvenir is the cute koujin wallet, ideal as a gift for adult women.
This wallet is adorned with a checkered ribbon in Kobe’s signature colors. Its size is perfect for storing cosmetics and small items, making it practical for both work and travel. This makes it a highly functional gift.
5. Classic Style Jewelry Boxes
Jewelry boxes from Kobe’s “GRAVIE” store are perfect for women who love feminine touches. Shaped like a small table with romantic rose decorations, they also double as beautiful home decor. These products are ideal as birthday gifts or for special occasions.
6. French Bulldog Jewelry Box
Shaped like a French Bulldog, this jewelry box is a perfect Kobe souvenir for dog lovers. Beyond storing jewelry, it adds a stylish touch to home interiors. Its compact size makes it easy to place anywhere.
7. Wooden Photo Frames with Music Boxes
This wooden photo frame doubles as a music box, launched by the Rokko Music Box Museum in Kobe. It’s perfect for Japafans who love natural-style decorations.
With over 500 songs to choose from and natural wood materials providing a warm ambiance, this product combines function and aesthetics. The frame can be placed horizontally or vertically as desired.
8. Retro-Style Mini Speakers
Bluetooth speakers from Kiitos in Kobe are ideal for fans of retro items. Compact and palm-sized with a vintage design, these speakers can become a focal point in any room.
Equipped with a rotary knob for volume control and charging capabilities, these speakers are portable and easy to use anywhere.
9. Travel Folder
Available at a renowned bookstore in Kobe Motomachi, this travel folder is perfect for travelers. It helps organize postcards or tickets during trips. Its durable material and attractive design make it a practical souvenir to carry around.
10. Minimalist Leather Pen Cases
Renowned stationery store NAGASAWA offers a simple leather pen case ideal for office use. Its elegant design protects valuable pens from damage, making it a practical and stylish stationery option.
11. Popular Pencil Cases from Renowned Brands
Nagasawa Stationery Center also sells exclusive products, including triangular pencil cases. These compact items are loved by people of all ages. Kobe’s signature pencil cases fit easily into bags, making them perfect for daily office use.
The store offers a wide selection of pencil cases, storage bags, and book covers. You’re sure to find stationery items suited to the preferences of your gift recipients!
12. Pens and Ink “Kobe INK Story”
Another standout product from NAGASAWA is the Kobe INK Story pens and ink, inspired by Kobe’s scenery. Each color is named after a location in Kobe, making it a thoughtful souvenir. Combining pens and ink as a gift set is a fantastic idea.
13. Oval Plates with Classic Floral Patterns
Tamba-yaki ceramic plates featuring vintage floral designs by a local female artist from Kobe are collectible items. These functional plates are perfect for serving curry or pasta.
Produced in a studio in Tamba Sasayama, Japafans can also find them in Kobe, along with various Tamba-yaki tableware. If you visit Kobe Motomachi, don’t forget to stop by “lotta,” a store selling plenty of traditional Japanese tableware.
14. Elegant Japanese Tea Cups
Tamba-yaki tea cups are ideal gifts for anniversaries or celebratory occasions. The cups are adorned with floral patterns inside and at the bottom.
This series comes in three motifs: violet, lily of the valley, and mimosa, making it a special gift for commemorating significant moments.
15. Oval Curry Plates
Kobe Spice, a store specializing in imported food products, offers oval curry plates that are perfect for curry lovers.
The plates feature a stainless steel interior with a copper exterior, giving them an authentic Indian feel.
These plates are not only practical for serving curry but also for pasta, stews, or other Western-style dishes.
Conclusion
Kobe boasts many local brands and unique items from Hyogo. Additionally, you’ll find maritime-themed accessories that highlight the port city’s charm.
When selecting souvenirs, consider the recipient’s preferences to find a special gift unique to Kobe!
With over 500 songs to choose from and natural wood materials providing a warm ambiance, this product combines function and aesthetics. The frame can be placed horizontally or vertically as desired.
