The closest station would be Sannomiya Station itself. If you have to take a different line in, try to find a station that’s closest to or transits near Sannomiya, as it is a terminal stop.

Yes, JR pass is more convenience to use in JR West. Just stop at Sannomiya Station and there are many things you can explore. (Sannomiya Street may lesses people than Dotonbori/Osaka), Kobe Beef and walk to the Kobe tower near seaside.

There have a station called "Sannomiya" by JR

The shopping strip is easy access by train as well as various buses. It depends on where you are staying as to which transport option. The Kobe-Sannomiya station is a JR station and is 200m north. If you access by subway there is one subway line about 50m north of shopping area with another one accessed just on the north side of Sannomiya but you can access thorugh the Sannomiya complex. Happy to advise which option if you can post where you are staying

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