Popular Landmarks and Buildings in Kobe

Sep 27, 2024

Popular Landmarks and Buildings in Kobe

Kobe isn’t one of Japan’s most major cities – indeed, Osaka and Kyoto are more well-known in the Kansai region – but it is steeped in a fair amount of history and boasts a number of identifiable landmarks. Opened to foreign trade over 150 years ago, it’s a city with a fusion of both eastern and western influences evident in its architecture and culture. It is famed for its seaport as well as its succulent beef exports, but there is much more to explore here. Find out more about some of Kobe’s landmark structures with this short list.

Meriken Park Earthquake Memorial

Meriken Park is a peaceful waterfront park in central Kobe. Its name derived from the word “American” on account of the expats in the city, it has long been a hub and contains important facilities such as the Observation Tower and the Maritime Museum.

In January 1995, a large section of the park was destroyed by the Great Hanshin Earthquake that claimed around 5,000 lives across the city. Nearly 30 years on, a 60-meter stretch in the corner of the park remains an earthquake memorial. Visitors can see stone monuments, survey untouched damaged quayside remains and learn about the effects of the quake via photos and videos.

Website: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3552.html

Kobe Port Tower

Arguably the most iconic large building in Kobe, this 108 meter-high tower is easily identifiable by its red exterior and shape that resembles an enormous salt or pepper dispenser, or a stretched-out drum. Built in 1964, the tower sits in Meriken Park and recently reopened after renovations. There are now 10 floors (5 upper, 5 lower) with a rooftop observation deck at the top offering panoramic views of the city. There are also shops, a rotating café, a museum and an exhibition space. The tower is open for late night viewing and is lit up itself with around 7,000 LED lights.

Website: https://www.kobe-port-tower.com/en/

Ikuta Shrine

Originally built in the 3rd century AD, this is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan and a popular place of visitation in Kobe. The shrine was the site of key battles in the Genpei War during the late Heian period in Japan. Visitors can watch Noh plays here that are performed during the annual autumn festival (Akimatsuri), take pictures of the impressive orange torii gates and wander into the forested remains at the rear of the shrine.

Website: https://ikutajinja.or.jp/

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

Opened in 1998, this structure stretches nearly 4 km and took around 10 years to build. It’s an expressway bridge connecting Kobe to Awaji Island and at the time of building was the world’s largest suspension bridge. It’s now the second-longest, following the opening of the Canakkale Bridge in Turkey in 2022. You can cross the bridge across the Akashi Strait by foot, bike or car, stopping if you wish to take in some of the fine surrounding scenery.

Website: https://structurae.net/en/structures/akashi-kaikyo-bridge

Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art

One of Kobe’s premier art spaces, this gallery houses collections by both Japanese and European artists. The museum is notable not just for its art but the building design, the brainchild of architect Tadao Ando. Key features include the external stone spiral staircase and giant apple sculpture outside the building.

Website: http://www.artm.pref.hyogo.jp/eng/

By Tomomarusan (This is the creation of Tomomarusan) [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC BY 2.5 ], via Wikimedia Commons