Kobe Jewish & Kosher Guide 2025: Kosher Info in Kobe, Japan

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Are you Looking for Kosher Eatery or Jewish POI near you?

About Kobe

Kobe is a city on Osaka Bay in central Japan. It is known for its multicultural population, signature marbled beef, vibrant nightlife and scenic setting, with mountains framing the harbor. Antique cable cars connect Kobe to Mt. Rokko, which offers panoramic views over the port. Just beyond the Rokko hills are the outdoor hot springs and public baths of Arima Onsen. Kobe is also a home port for certain cruise ships. Kobe was one of the cities to open for trade with the West following the 1853 end of the policy of seclusion and has since been known as a cosmopolitan port city. Kobe has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cool to cold winters. Precipitation is significantly higher in summer than in winter, though on the whole lower than most parts of Honshū, and there is no significant snowfall. As of September 2007, Kobe has an estimated population of 1,530,295.

The Best Of Kobe

Are you a Kobe Kosher establishment or tour operator?

Jewish History, POI & Kosher Establishments in Kobe

The first Jews who came to Japan were mostly traders. As such, they were naturally attracted to port areas. They arrived soon after 1862 when Japan was opened to Western commerce. Well before World War II, there was a comparatively large Jewish presence in Kobe. Trade brought both Sephardic Jews from Baghdad, Iraq and Aleppo, Syria, and Ashkenazic Jews from Poland and Russia. The Jewish community is based around Kansai, it has had two times when members have suffered loss of property, the first during WWII when the Americans bombed the area and destroyed the Sephardic synagogue and the second when the earthquake occured in January of 1995. The present population is only about 70, but is very diverse. There are no shops where you can buy kosher food, you may be able to get it from the synagogue if given enough time. The synagogue is in need of repair so any money donated will be eargerly recieved.


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What Is *JOFY?

JOFY, or "Jewish Observant Friendly" Establishments are lodging establishments offering special services for Jewish Observant guests such as Shabbat meals, accommodation on lower floors and regular keys for the rooms. It can also be a NON KOSHER establishment located in walking distance from the local Shul, community or kosher restaurants area.

Please note - *JOFY does NOT mean that KOSHER food is served on the premises!

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