Best Smoking Spots in Kobe (神戸市) (2026)
Kobe features a scenic harbor and vibrant urban districts, but it enforces very strict outdoor smoking rules to maintain its clean, beautiful streets. This guide covers the best designated smoking spots across key tourist areas like central Sannomiya, Motomachi, and scenic seaside spots near the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. Whether you are exploring historical sites or shopping downtown, knowing where to find these legal spots will keep your trip smooth and trouble-free.
5
Featured
spots
¥1,000
Street smoking
fine
Free
All spots
free to use
Kobe smoking rules
Under the Kobe City Ordinance on Prevention of Littering and Street Smoking, smoking is strictly prohibited on the streets in designated No Smoking Zones—including the bustling areas around **JR Sannomiya Station**, **Motomachi Station**, and **JR Rokkomichi Station**. Violators caught smoking in these restricted zones are subject to an on-the-spot fine of **1,000 JPY**, which is actively enforced by local patrol officers.
Read more about smoking fines in Japan →Top 5 Designated Smoking Areas
#1
smoking space フリー
Cafe Santa Maria Side Free Smoking Space
This highly accessible public outdoor smoking zone is situated right next to the popular **Café Santa Maria Sannomiya**, just east of **JR Sannomiya Station**. It is a partitioned space with public ashtrays, making it extremely convenient for commuters and travelers stepping off the train. Look for the partitions right around the corner from the station’s east exit.
📍 サンタマリア喫茶店隣
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#2
プラチナビルB1階喫煙所
THE TOBACCO SANNOMIYA (Platinum Building B1F)
Built in the basement of the **Kobe Platinum Building** as part of Kobe's public-private subsidy initiative, this modern spot operates under the popular **THE TOBACCO** brand. Located just a short walk from the **Hankyu Kobe-Sannomiya Station East Exit**, it boasts a stylish, well-ventilated, cafe-like interior. To find it, look for the staircase leading down to the basement on the lane between Sankita-dori and Ikuta Shindo.
📍 神戸市中央区北長狭通1-2-8プラチナビル
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#3
カインズホーム一階駐車場の喫煙所
Cainz Kobe Fukaehama 1F Parking Lot Smoking Area
This outdoor smoking spot is located on the ground floor parking lot of **Cainz Kobe Fukaehama**, a massive home improvement store in Higashinada Ward. Because it is located near the coast and is somewhat distant from the train stations, this spot is highly practical for travelers exploring Kobe by car or visiting the **Kobe East Central Wholesale Market** nearby. Look for the designated green-bordered zone with ashtrays near the store's side entrance.
📍 〒658-0023 兵庫県神戸市東灘区深江浜町５局５
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#4
明石 龍の湯 館内二階喫煙所
Natural Hot Spring Tatsunoyu 2F Smoking Area
Located inside the **Natural Hot Spring Tatsunoyu** bathhouse on the second floor, this smoking room offers a comfortable spot to relax after a soak. The facility is situated right on the scenic **Okura Beach (Akashi Coast)**, which is completely smoke-free, making this indoor room a rare and welcome haven for smokers visiting the area. You can find it right next to the 2nd-floor relaxation lounge which overlooks the magnificent **Akashi Kaikyo Bridge**.
📍 兵庫県明石市大蔵海岸通1-2-2
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#5
喫煙ブース パチンコ店『ディーノジョイ』
Dino Joy Pachinko Parlor B1F Smoking Booth
This designated indoor smoking booth is situated on the 1st floor of the **Sankei Building**, right in central Sannomiya. Located just steps from the popular **Kobe Marui** department store and the bustling **Sannomiya Center Street** shopping arcade, it provides a quiet and clean escape for shoppers. Though the building previously housed the Dino Joy parlor, the indoor smoking facilities remain a highly accessible refuge for smokers in downtown Kobe.
📍 兵庫県神戸市中央区三宮町1-7-17三慶ビル1F
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Use our interactive map to find all 26 designated smoking areas in Taito Ward.
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