Why Sannomiya for Pokemon Cards?
Sannomiya (三宮) is the vibrant commercial heart of Kobe, with card shops scattered around the main station area and nearby shopping arcades. Kobe's international port city character means many shops are used to serving foreign customers.
The card shop scene in Kobe is compact and walkable, making it easy to visit multiple stores in one trip. Combined with Kobe's famous beef, harbor views, and Chinatown, it makes for an excellent card-shopping day trip from Osaka.
Getting to Sannomiya
- JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line - Sannomiya Station. About 20 minutes from Osaka Station.
- Hankyu Kobe Line - Kobe-Sannomiya Station. Direct from Osaka-Umeda (about 30 min).
- Hanshin Line - Kobe-Sannomiya Station. Direct from Osaka-Namba area.
- From Kansai Airport - Take JR Haruka to Shin-Osaka, then JR to Sannomiya. About 90 minutes total.
Tips for Foreign Visitors
- Compact area - All shops are within 10-15 minute walk of Sannomiya Station. Easy to cover in half a day.
- Payment - Credit cards accepted at most shops. IC cards (ICOCA) also widely accepted.
- Kobe beef reward - Reward yourself after card shopping with famous Kobe beef. Many restaurants near the station.
What You Can Find
10
Booster Boxes
10
Singles
2
PSA Graded
7
Vintage
3
English Cards
6
Oripa