Most visitors to the RIKEN BDR find Kansai International Airport (KIX) to be the most convenient airport when arriving from overseas, the city of Kobe being only a 1.5 hour drive away. The RIKEN BDR is also well served by the nearby Kobe and Itami (Osaka) airports, with flights to and from most major Japanese domestic destinations.
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Kobe's downtown area of Sannomiya has an extensive public transportation system, allowing access to not only Kobe city but also further afield.
*Access times indicated below do not include transfer times.
Approximately 60 minutes (One way ticket: 1,950 yen / Round-trip ticket: 3,080 yen)
The bus to Sannomiya arrives at bus terminal number 6, on the first floor of Kansai International Airport.
Bus terminal at Kansai International Airport
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Depending on location - approximately 1 - 2 hours (2,500 yen)
MK Skygate Shuttle is a door-to-door shuttle service operating from Kansai International Airport to visitor's accommodation. The fare to most parts of Kobe for one person with one item of luggage is 2,300 yen, with each additional item charged at 500 yen. Although this service may take longer than the limousine bus, it does have the advantage of dropping you off at your destination. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance and can be made online at the following site.
MK Skygate Shuttle
29 minutes (Value ticket includes both the ferry and Port-liner train ticket: 1,850 yen)
A high speed ferry departs every 45 minutes from Kansai International Airport to Kobe Airport, which is only 2 stations away from the RIKEN BDR by the Port-liner train. The bus taking passengers to Kansai Airports ferry terminal leaves from bus terminal number 12, which will automatically take you to the ferry and on to Kobe Airport. Upon arrival at Kobe Airport a free shuttle bus is available to take passengers to the nearby Port-liner station (Kobe Airport station).
Kobe Bay Shuttle
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Sannomiya Station (JR Kobe, Hankyu, Hanshin lines)
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Itami (Osaka) Airport -> Kobe Sannomiya: Approximately 40 minutes (1,050 yen)
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Shin-Kobe -> RIKEN BDR: Approximately 30 minutes (about 3,000 yen)
Sannomiya -> RIKEN BDR: Approximately 20 minutes (about 2,200 yen)
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Click to enlarge the image.