When people think of the Kansai region, Osaka and Kyoto often come to mind first. Osaka is known for its lively street culture, while Kyoto is famous for its traditional temples and shrines. But what about Kobe? Kobe is a city with a completely different charm. It has long been considered a stylish, cosmopolitan port town. In this blog, I’d like to explore how Kobe developed its unique atmosphere.
Kobe Port Tower
Kobe Port Tower was built in 1963 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the opening of Kobe Port. It has long been loved as a symbol of the port. The tower was inspired by the shape of a traditional Japanese hand drum (鼓 tsuzumi) and has a pipe lattice structure that is unique worldwide. Its vivid red color adds to its striking beauty against the port scenery.
Kobe Port Tower is described as “The Slender Steel Beauty (鉄塔の美女),” highlighting its graceful and feminine silhouette.
What Kobe Port Tower has seen
Meriken Park, where Kobe Port Tower stands, was originally used as a landing and cargo unloading area for foreign ships. At the time, there was a U.S. consulate nearby, and many local people pronounced “American” as “Meriken,” which eventually became the name of the area.
The Kobe Port Tower witnessed the prosperity of Kobe Port for decades. On January 17, 1995, the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake struck. The surrounding waterfront and piers collapsed, and Meriken Park suffered severe damage. However, the Kobe Port Tower itself did not sustain any major structural damage. This demonstrated the engineers’ strong commitment to safety and the high quality of the tower’s construction.
On February 14 of the following month, Kobe Port Tower resumed its nighttime illumination as early as possible in order to encourage and uplift people affected by the disaster. Since then, the tower has stood as a symbol of Kobe’s recovery and a light in the hearts of citizens.
In 2021, the tower closed for seismic strengthening and a modern renewal. Reopened in April 2024, it continues its long-standing tradition of lighting up the city and comforting the hearts of people.
Inside the Tower
Let’s go inside the tower. It’s divided into four lower levels and five upper levels. There are no floors between them. The lower levels house a café & bar, a restaurant, and shops. There’s an admission fee to access the upper levels, but I highly recommend going up to the rooftop.
From the open deck called “Brilliance Tiara,” at 100 meters above the ground, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Kobe. A stroll across the rooftop allows visitors to enjoy views of both the seaside and the mountainside.
The upper fourth floor houses a small “Museum of Light,” which exhibits interactive digital art.
The upper third floor features a revolving café bar called “Ready Go Round,” which completes a full rotation in approximately 30 minutes while visitors sit on Port-Tower-shaped stools.
https://www.kobe-port-tower.com/en
What can you see from the rooftop deck?
Meriken Park
As of 2026, 31 years have passed since the earthquake. Meriken Park is now back to a peaceful and quiet gathering place where people can chill out. There are several unique monuments in the park. The most popular one is the “BE KOBE” sculpture, which conveys a message of civic pride: “Kobe’s true charm lies in its people.”
In one corner of the park, there is a memorial area, where the seawall that collapsed during the earthquake has been preserved as it was.This serves as a reminder of the earthquake’s tragedy and offers a lesson for the future.
Kobe Maritime Museum
Kobe Maritime Museum is a museum dedicated to the history and development of Kobe as one of Japan’s leading port cities. The museum showcases the city’s close relationship with the sea through exhibits on ships, trade, and maritime technology. Even if you are not particularly interested in ships, the museum is worth a visit for its impressive architecture and waterfront location.
Kobe Harborland umie MOSAIC
MOSAIC is a popular waterfront shopping and dining complex located in Harborland, featuring an eye-catching red Ferris wheel. It offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, and specialty stores. It is a great place to relax, enjoy a meal, or shop for special items unique to Kobe.
One of the highlights of MOSAIC is its open-air waterfront promenade. Sitting by the waterfront with a cup of coffee and watching the ships pass by is one of the simplest yet most memorable ways to enjoy Kobe’s unique port-city atmosphere.
CRUISE KOBE
A variety of sightseeing cruises operate in Kobe Harbor, ranging from luxurious dining cruises to more affordable sightseeing boats. Among them, one that stands out is the Gozabune (御座船), a traditional Japanese-style sightseeing vessel.
Gozabune was designed to resemble ships from the Edo period. On board, visitors can admire displays of samurai armor and helmets, adding to the feeling of stepping back in time.
The approximately 45-minute cruise offers a unique opportunity to enjoy views of modern Kobe from the water while experiencing the atmosphere of old Japan.
https://cruise-kobe.com/en/introduction/atakemaru
Illumination at Night
At night, Kobe Port Tower and the surrounding landmarks are beautifully lit up, creating a magical atmosphere that captivates visitors. The contrast between the Port Tower and the curved white roof of the Kobe Maritime Museum, designed to evoke a ship’s sail and ocean waves, is particularly striking and is one of the highlights of Kobe’s nightscape.
Personal Note
It was my first visit to Kobe Port Tower, and I was completely captivated by its charm and beauty. As dusk fell, I stood on the rooftop and watched the cityscape change by the minute. Meriken Park transformed from a stylish daytime district into a mysterious and romantic place, and people seemed to be soaking up the vibe.
I highly recommend visiting Kobe. It’s less crowded than other tourist destinations, and there are plenty of other attractions besides the tower.
https://howtojapan.net/2021/02/15/the-locals-know-kobe
Lives in Takatsuki city, Osaka. Has been engaged in English for work and fun for years.
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