Toyoko Inn Kobe Sannomiya No.1 is the straightforward budget choice in the heart of Kobe. It stands on Gokodori, roughly ten minutes on foot from the East Exit of JR Sannomiya station, with the Hanshin line similar and the Hankyu line and subway a few minutes more, so the main stations and the shopping streets are all within a short walk. The hotel offers two simple room types with a private bath, desk, fridge, kettle, hair dryer, air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Free breakfast is included, which stretches the budget further, and a self check-in machine keeps the process quick. Facilities include a laundry room, a microwave and vending machines, which is exactly what a short trip or a longer rail-pass journey needs.
Location and getting around
The walk from JR Sannomiya's East Exit takes around ten minutes, the Hankyu line's East Exit around thirteen and the municipal subway's E2 exit about thirteen. That puts the downtown streets, Ikuta Shrine and the base of the Kitano slope within easy walking range, while the harbor and Meriken Park are a short train or bus ride away. Sannomiya is also the station for the Port Liner to Kobe Airport and for airport buses, so arrivals and departures are simple.
Rooms and practicalities
Check-in starts in the afternoon, with a slightly earlier start for members, and check-out is at ten in the morning, so plan your luggage storage if you have a late departure. Rooms come in two types, labelled Heartful Room A and B, and both have a private bath and the usual comforts.
A non-smoking room is available. The hotel has a few parking spaces for a small nightly fee on a first-come basis, so most guests will be arriving by train. A laundry room and a microwave are useful for longer stays, and an accessible toilet and currency exchange machine are available in the lobby.
Who it suits
Solo travelers, couples on a budget, rail-pass users and anyone who plans to spend little time in the room and wants to put the money into meals and tours. Families will find the rooms compact, so ask about larger options when booking. Things to know: the hotel does not have a restaurant beyond breakfast, so you will be eating out in Sannomiya, where there are many options; walls and floors are typical of a business hotel, so ask for a quieter side if you are a light sleeper; and weekends sell out, so book early.
For the price and the location, it is hard to beat.
Why stay here
- ✓Free breakfast
- ✓Private bath in every room
- ✓Self check-in machine
- ✓Laundry room
- ✓Microwave and vending machines
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Non-smoking rooms available
- ✓Walk to Sannomiya station
Good questions
Is breakfast included?+
Yes, the hotel includes breakfast at no extra charge, which helps stretch a budget.
How far is it from Sannomiya station?+
About ten minutes on foot from the JR East Exit, and a little longer from the Hankyu line and the municipal subway.
What are check-in and check-out times?+
Check-in starts at 15:00 for members and 16:00 for general guests, and check-out is at 10:00. Ask the front desk about luggage storage if you arrive early or leave late.
