Kobe
Kobe Overview
Chinese Name: English IPA: Location: Population (city): Language: Zip code: Tel code: Time zone:
To travel from Kobe (Kobe Airport – UKB) to the main cities of China (such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong), you can choose from direct flights or connecting flights, depending on the destination. Since Kobe Airport is smaller and may not offer as many direct international flights as larger airports like Osaka, you might need to connect through other airports such as Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka.
1. Travel from Kobe to Major Cities in China
Kobe to Beijing
- Flight Duration: Approximately 4 to 4.5 hours.
- Airlines: Air China, ANA (All Nippon Airways), Japan Airlines (JAL), China Eastern Airlines.
- Route: Kobe (UKB) → Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).
- Note: Direct flights from Kobe to Beijing may not be available. You might need to transfer at Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka.
Kobe to Shanghai
- Flight Duration: Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
- Airlines: ANA (All Nippon Airways), Japan Airlines (JAL), China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines.
- Route: Kobe (UKB) → Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
- Note: Direct flights from Kobe to Shanghai are also limited, so you may need to transfer via KIX in Osaka.
Kobe to Guangzhou
- Flight Duration: Approximately 4.5 to 5 hours.
- Airlines: China Southern Airlines, ANA (All Nippon Airways), Japan Airlines (JAL).
- Route: Kobe (UKB) → Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN).
- Note: You might need to fly from KIX as direct flights from Kobe to Guangzhou are infrequent.
Kobe to Hong Kong
- Flight Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours.
- Airlines: Cathay Pacific, ANA (All Nippon Airways), Japan Airlines (JAL), Hong Kong Airlines.
- Route: Kobe (UKB) → Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).
- Note: There may not be direct flights from Kobe to Hong Kong, so transferring via KIX could be necessary.
2. Flight Duration and Travel Time
- Kobe to Beijing: 4 to 4.5 hours.
- Kobe to Shanghai: 3.5 to 4 hours.
- Kobe to Guangzhou: 4.5 to 5 hours.
- Kobe to Hong Kong: 4.5 hours.
3. Visa and Entry Requirements for China
- Chinese Visa: Most travelers from Japan (including Kobe) will need a Chinese visa to enter mainland China, except for short visits to Hong Kong (which allows visa-free entry for Japanese passport holders for up to 90 days).
- Documents Required for Visa: Passport (valid for at least 6 months), completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, hotel reservations, travel itinerary, and sometimes proof of financial support.
4. Airlines for Direct Flights
Several airlines offer direct flights from Kobe to China, but most of these flights are limited, and you may need to connect through Kansai International Airport (KIX):
- ANA (All Nippon Airways): Offers direct flights to Shanghai and Beijing.
- Japan Airlines (JAL): Offers direct flights to Shanghai, Beijing, and Hong Kong.
- China Southern Airlines: Offers direct flights to Guangzhou.
- China Eastern Airlines: Offers direct flights to Shanghai and Beijing.
- Cathay Pacific: Offers direct flights to Hong Kong.
5. Alternative Travel Options
If there are no direct flights available from Kobe to the desired city in China, consider flying from Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka, which is only a short distance from Kobe. From KIX, you will find more flight options to major Chinese cities.
Summary of Travel Options:
- Direct Flights: Limited direct flights are available from Kobe to China. For some destinations like Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, or Guangzhou, you may need to transfer via Kansai International Airport (KIX).
- Flight Duration: Flights range from 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on the destination.
- Visa: A Chinese visa is required for mainland China (except for Hong Kong, where Japanese citizens can enter visa-free for short stays).
- Airlines: ANA, Japan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and other airlines operate direct flights or provide transfer options.