If you visit Kobe via a cruise, the first area in the city you will encounter is the Meriken Park (メリケンパーク). It is basically the area around Kobe Port. The park hosts some shopping and restaurant districts and several attractions, including Kobe’s landmark: Kobe Port Tower. You will also find an earthquake memorial park that gives you some ideas of how powerful natural disasters can be.
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Tip: Visit Kobe Harborland Onsen Manyo Club nearby to enjoy onsen and Kobe Port’s night view.
Kobe Port Tower (神戸ポートタワー)
Tokyo has Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Sky Tree as the capital’s landmarks. Kyoto has Kyoto Tower. And Kobe, it has Kobe Port Tower!
Characterized by its red yarn-liked external pillars, the tower was designed by imaging a stretched drum played in noh theater.
The tower has a total of eight stories, with the lower three floors dedicated to boutique shops, ticket counters, and a Kobe Port Tower history corner. The upper five levels are observatory areas with entry fees.
One thing to note – For those scared of heights, beware of the two Sky Walk areas at the first observatory level. The tempered glass on the floor has sensors attached which turn the glass transparent as you approach it, showing you everything 75 meters below you (´▽｀*).
For more information about the tower, including opening hours and admission fees, please refer to their official website HERE.
BE KOBE Monument
Another landmark of Kobe is the white BE KOBE Monument. It was installed in 2017 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the opening of Kobe Port.
When you take photos with it, please don’t climb onto the monument as you will likely leave dirty marks on it or even break it. Let’s try not to create more work for the kind local volunteers who clean the monument regularly.
Port of Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park (神戸港震災メモリアルパーク)
On one side of Meriken Park is an area for you to get a feel of how scary the Great Hanshin Earthquake is. A part of the wharf damaged at the time is preserved in the Port of Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park.
Models, videos, and photo panels that record the damage situation of Kobe Port and the restoration process are also exhibited in the park.
Explore Other Places to Go and Hidden Gems in Kobe
The port city of Kobe has many other popular attractions and hidden gems worth exploring. For example, for those who love nature, the Nunobiki Falls, ranked the same as the Kegon Falls in Nikkō National Park, is probably the next spot you want to visit.
The Akashi-Kaikyō Bridge in the photo to the right has bridge climbing tours for those who are looking for some magnificent views and thrill!
To find out more about this amazing city, please refer to our article on Kobe (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
