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JAPAN / KOBE

Kobe Bay
SheratonHotel & TowersMy first night back in Japan, at a hotel with hot springs.

02 — 03 JUL, 2024 1 NIGHT

The twin room at Kobe Bay Sheraton, with beds, window-side chairs and a round table — BACK IN JAPANKobe Bay Sheraton / 2024.07

ABOUT THIS STAY

Back in Japan,
straight to the hot springs.

Kobe Bay Sheraton was my first hotel stay after finishing my time abroad. Its hot springs and proximity to my family home were the deciding factors. This is a record of my July 2024 stay, which cost about JPY 15,000.

Hotel: Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers
Stay date: 2024.07.02 — 07.03 / 1 night
Room: Twin room / 14th floor, Kobe-facing
Location: Rokko Island, Kobe, Japan
Official website: Kobe Bay Sheraton — Official website ↗

Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers

Official hotel website — Please check information following the December 2025 renovation

Check rates on the official website

Kobe Bay Sheraton, in photographs.THE PHOTO JOURNAL

27 PHOTOGRAPHS

Arriving on Rokko Island.ARRIVAL

I headed to the hotel from Island Center Station. It was peaceful inside on a weekday. I was able to check in at 11 a.m. that time, and was glad to spend time in the room early.

01Approaching the hotel entrance from Island Center Station.

02The elevated Rokko Liner tracks and the hotel building.

03A curved ceiling and flowers in the lobby.

04The covered driveway at the ground-floor entrance.

A twin room facing Kobe.THE ROOM

Having used a queen bed in Sydney, I found the single beds small, but they were comfortable. The room was a little warm, so I turned up the air conditioning. I could see the Rokko Liner below the window.

06Twin beds and a sitting area by the window.

07Chairs and a round table beside the window.

09Cups, glasses and a drawer with tea supplies.

10The Kobe-facing city view and Rokko Liner from the window.

Reassuringly easy to use.BATHROOM

The bathroom was modest in size, but clean. After struggling to adjust shower temperatures in Australia, it was reassuring to use everything as usual.

The club lounge on the 19th floor.CLUB LOUNGE

Hors d'oeuvres and drinks by the window. I was a little disappointed that cocktail time had a one-hour limit then, but was happy with the food and drinks.

14The entrance to Sheraton Club on the 19th floor.

15The lounge with wooden furniture and indirect lighting.

16Light snacks including cookies and nuts.

17The coffee and tea station by the window.

18Hors d'oeuvres and beer at cocktail time.

Hamaizumi, the reason for this stay.HAMAIZUMI

Hamaizumi made me feel the hot springs alone would be worth staying for. Afterwards, I took a break with corn tea. Photography is prohibited in the baths, so these photographs show only the entrance and relaxation areas.

20The passage to the hot springs, lined with wooden screens.

Miso soup, after a long time away.BREAKFAST

The next morning I went to the Garden Cafe buffet. Having miso soup again after so long was moving. The Akashiyaki-style omelet and French toast are dishes I would recommend too.

22Garden Cafe, filled with light from large windows.

24Miso soup at breakfast, after a long time away.

25Small buffet dishes to choose a little of each.

27Morning light and greenery outside the window.

Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers

For a Kobe stay with hot springs, check the official website for rooms and breakfast plans after the renovation, and conditions for hot spring and lounge access.

Please check the official website for current rates, availability, and booking conditions.

Check availability & rates

UNTIL THE NEXT CHECK-IN

Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers2024.07.02 — 07.03

Kobe Bay SheratonHotel & TowersMy first night back in Japan, at a hotel with hot springs.

Back in Japan,straight to the hot springs.