[3 Must-See Apartments in Kobe] Kobe is undergoing a lot of redevelopment! Proud Kobe Toa road / Baycity Towers Kobe / Wakohre Kobe Motomachi The Gate Tower [Sugoroku]

[スムラボ編集部より] 本ブログ記事の情報は投稿日時点のものです。現在の販売情報はLifull Homesをご参照下さい。

*This blog article was originally written in Japanese and has been translated by AI. From the Sumu-lab Editorial Team

Hello!

This time, I will introduce three new apartments in Kobe that I am particularly interested in.

About 10 years ago, I purchased my first apartment, a tower apartment in the Chūō ward of Kobe city. I could easily walk to Motomachi and Sannomiya stations for shopping and dining, and it was such a pleasure to stroll along the waterfront areas like Harborland and Mosaic, enjoying the extraordinary atmosphere of the city.

In 2020, tower apartment regulations were enforced in Kobe, and no new large-scale towers will be built in the area around Sannomiya and Kobe stations. It’s a bit disappointing, but the Chūō ward of Kobe is currently undergoing various redevelopments, and by 2030, it is expected to undergo significant changes.

■ Redevelopment Schedule Around Sannomiya

April 2025: GLION ARENA KOBE opens (Arena with a capacity of 10,000 people)
Spring 2027: Marina (between Shinko Daiichi and Daini Tōtei)
December 2027: Sannomiya Bus Terminal & Building opens (offices, commercial facilities, halls, hotels, etc.)
2028: Library inside Sannomiya Bus Terminal
2029: Sannomiya Cross Square
2029: Renovation of Kobe City Hall 2nd building (140m building with offices, commercial spaces, luxury hotels, etc.)
2029 fiscal year: New JR Sannomiya Station Building (160m, 32 stories above ground)

Of these, the project I personally have the highest expectations for is the new JR Sannomiya Station building development. When the new station building is completed, the entire streetscape will change dramatically.

This site used to have Sannomiya OPA, but when I lived in Kobe, I rarely went there, and often visited the neighboring Mint Kobe instead. It’s amazing to think that such a huge building will be completed in front of JR Sannomiya Station… (If residences were added here, even at 1 million yen per tsubo, they’d probably sell out!)

The renderings of the station front look like something from the near future. It’s certain that the prices of second-hand tower apartments around Sannomiya Station will rise even further.

A new public space, Sannomiya Cross Square, will connect the station and the surrounding areas, making the city even more pedestrian-friendly! Much like the Grand Green in Osaka, widening the sidewalks will increase the charm of the city, and just walking around will create such a refreshing feeling. I’m really looking forward to it. (I’m also excited about the expansion of Midosuji’s sidewalks and full mall development in Osaka!)

It looks so wonderful!!

Next is JR Kobe Station, but honestly, the area around Kobe Station doesn’t look very lively right now. However, by 2030, the square in front of the station will be redeveloped, which will boost the city’s vitality and charm.

In Osaka Station and Umeda areas, there are bike racks in various places, but there’s a problem of insufficient bike parking and many abandoned bikes. Starting in 2026, Kobe Station will introduce the city’s first underground tower-style bicycle parking lot (with a capacity of about 1,100 bikes), which will aim to address the parking shortage and improve convenience.

I’ve never used this type of bike parking before, but I wonder how convenient it really is…

In the Chūō ward of Kobe City, various urban redevelopment projects are underway, so I’d like to introduce some new apartments that will be completed in these evolving areas!

I also previously wrote a blog introducing reference prices for second-hand apartments in Kobe, so feel free to check that out as well.

Kobe Tower Condo Tour & Used Market [Sugoroku]

Now, let’s get into the main content!

1 Baycity Towers Kobe
2 Proud Kobe Toa Road
3 Wakohre Kobe Motomachi The Gate Tower
4 Summary
5 【Announcement 1】Sugoroku LINE Official Account
6 【Announcement 2】Sumu-lab Consultation Counter

Baycity Towers Kobe

Baycity Towers Kobe consists of two buildings, WEST and EAST, and currently, EAST is the primary one for sale. (Since construction began just two months before the tower apartment regulations were enforced in Kobe, it’s not subject to the restrictions.)
It’s a bit far from the stations, with JR Motomachi Station 14 minutes on foot and JR Sannomiya Station 16 minutes on foot, so the location might not appeal to everyone, but given the tower apartment restrictions in Kobe, this is the last new tower apartment in the area.

It may not be ideal for those who commute by train every day, but for those who mostly work remotely or have a workplace in the Sannomiya area, it could be a great option.
(Supermarkets are also far, so if you’re someone who can make quick stops while heading to Sannomiya Station, this is a good point.)

Redevelopment around Sannomiya Station is progressing, and by 2029, the area will undergo significant changes, so it’s an exciting area to look forward to. GLION ARENA KOBE also opened on April 4th, so there’s a lot to look forward to in the future development of the area.

The grand entrance of the WEST tower features escalators, while the EAST tower has a more simple, two-story atrium design with an open feel, typical of city towers without escalators. Personally, I like escalators, but many people prefer the convenience of not having them in a tower apartment, so the EAST tower may appeal to more people.

The sky lounge offers a beautiful view of the sea, as you would expect from Kobe. This open, breathtaking view is something you can’t experience in Osaka.

Since it’s developed by Sumitomo Real Estate, the prices can fluctuate based on the market. Some rooms have risen in price or been sold out since my last visit, but here’s a reference:

14th floor, 65.94㎡: 67 million yen (335,000 yen per tsubo)
10th floor, 56.64㎡: 62 million yen (361,000 yen per tsubo)
14th floor, 72.70㎡: 79 million yen (358,000 yen per tsubo)
13th floor, 38.61㎡: 45 million yen (384,000 yen per tsubo)
※ Prices may fluctuate based on market conditions

Looking at prices in Osaka, I find it amazing that you can purchase a new tower apartment within walking distance of Sannomiya Station for around 300,000 yen per tsubo, even though it’s a bit farther from the station.

Also, since the WEST tower is still available as a new apartment for sale, I recommend checking both the EAST and WEST towers when you visit the model room.

Baycity Towers Kobe EAST

Baycity Towers Kobe WEST

物件概要

資料請求

Proud Kobe Toa Road

Next, we have the Proud Kobe Toa Road!
At first glance, the exterior design is so stunning that it’s easy to recognize as an ultra-luxurious condominium!

■ First-Come, First-Served Sales

40.57 m²: ¥64,680,000 (¥526,000 per tsubo) ～ 118.15 m²: ¥342,880,000 (¥958,000 per tsubo)

While the price isn’t cheap, this new condominium, located just about a 5-minute walk from the redeveloping Sannomiya area and adjacent to the popular Toa Road, is rarely available. It’s very popular among the wealthy. When comparing the prices, it’s similar to the price range of high-floor corner units in new tower apartments in central Osaka.

There have been reports of investors and real estate agents buying multiple second-hand apartments in the surrounding area since last year after catching wind of this property being released. As a result, the prices of second-hand apartments are expected to rise even further due to this property’s release.

Not only is Sannomiya close, but Motomachi is also just 5 minutes away, offering an excellent location. Kobe has many favorite restaurants, and if you could work from home in this area, lunch every day would definitely be something to look forward to!

As expected from a luxury condominium, the concierge service here is unlike that of regular buildings.

For example, services like cleaning, cooking, babysitting, and assistance for each room are included as part of the concierge service. (Of course, these services are paid for.)

Thinking about the initial costs of moving into a super-luxurious nursing home, one might consider having cooking and other services offered in such a high-quality condominium. These types of concierge services are rarely seen.

This is how luxurious the property is.

If the Sannomiya Center Plaza undergoes redevelopment in the future, it will make things even more interesting. But who knows when that will be.

In any case, there’s no doubt that a fun and exciting life awaits anyone living here!

Proud Kobe Toa Road

Wakohre Kobe Motomachi The Gate Tower

Lastly, we have the 19-story condominium located just 6 minutes on foot from JR Kobe Station and 1 minute from the Hanshin and Kobe High-Speed Line’s Nishimotomachi Station. The site area is just under 1,000㎡, at 999.98㎡, to avoid falling under tower-building regulations.
This area is home to many high-rise condominiums such as The Park House Kobe Tower and Kobe Harbor Tower. Compared to Baycity Towers Kobe and Proud Kobe Toa Road, the environment here is more peaceful.

It’s only a 7-minute walk to Harborland’s umie (Aeon Mall), and although the nearest station is Nishimotomachi, it’s just 30 meters away, so you can get there in under 10 seconds if you run. You can also reach Hanshin Umeda Station directly without changing trains.

By walking through the Motomachi Shopping Street in front of the building, you can easily reach Chinatown and Daimaru Kobe store, making going out fun even on hot or rainy days.

Although small, the property has a lounge and study room, among other amenities. However, due to the abundance of condominiums in the area, you’ll need to pay attention to the direction of the view when considering this building.

With the recent renovations at JR Kobe Station, the area is becoming even more attractive. Furthermore, a new tower condominium project in the vicinity that avoids tower-building regulations is expected to drive up the prices of existing second-hand apartments.

Kobe City Chūō-ku Aioicho 1-chome Plan: Hankyu Hanshin Real Estate (Geo Tower) – 20 stories planned, completion expected in 2027
Kobe City Chūō-ku Aioicho 2-chome Plan: Tokyo Tatemono (Geo Tower) – 20 stories planned, completion expected in 2028

Keep an eye on properties near Kobe Station as well!

Wakohre Kobe Motomachi The Gate Tower
物件概要

資料請求

Summary

Looking at the prices in Osaka, I think that the properties around Kobe and Sannomiya are still within reach, and with the upcoming redevelopment centered around Sannomiya Station, I believe the prices of condominiums will continue to rise.
The commute to Osaka takes only about 25 minutes by the Shin-Kaisoku (express) train, so it’s not that far. On weekends, you can enjoy dining and shopping in the Sannomiya area, and since it’s not as crowded as Osaka, it offers a peaceful yet urban experience—Kobe Sannomiya is a truly wonderful city.

Many people are now considering suburban areas as the prices of condominiums in Osaka city have become unaffordable, but perhaps Kobe is also an excellent option. I would be delighted if you could take a look at properties in Kobe as well.

This time, I’ve mainly introduced new condominiums, but there are also many attractive second-hand tower condominiums, so feel free to consult with me if you have any questions or concerns!

See you next time!

【Announcement 1】Sugoroku LINE Official Account

In this LINE official account, I’ll regularly send out information on second-hand apartments that I believe are particularly valuable or desirable. While my activities as a blogger focus primarily on new condominium information, I’ve been receiving more inquiries about second-hand apartments due to their rising prices. I’ll now be covering both new and second-hand apartments!
If you have any questions about a second-hand apartment, feel free to reach out via LINE, and I’ll respond promptly. Please add me as a friend!

☆Click here to add me as a friend☆

【Announcement 2】Sumu-lab Consultation Counter

If you’re in Osaka, I can provide advice on both new and second-hand properties. I can also assist with sales-related inquiries based on my personal experience, so feel free to use this service!

個別マンション相談カウンター

I hope you’ll read the next blog post too!

I also post condominium information on Twitter, so please follow me!

Sugoroku Twitter

■ Mansion Community