Kobe Port Tower—nicknamed “Steel Tower Beauty—is a crimson tower built in an hourglass shape resembling a Japanese hand drum, called a tsuzumi. Situated in the Central District, the tower rises 354 feet (108 meters) above the city, and is known as the symbol of Kobe. Visitors come here for the panoramic sightseeing decks and rotating bar.More
Topped with commanding white steel framework in the shape of ship sails, the Kobe Maritime Museum stands at the center of Meriken Park in Kobe's port area. Travelers can visit to learn about the early history of the Port of Kobe and see historical artifacts and displays on the development over the years, as well as the port's latest features.Half of the building is devoted to shipping, with a vast collection of model ships, from small to extra large. The outdoor Yamato 1, the first working prototype of its kind, is another special feature, having first successfully operated in the Port of Kobe in June 1992. Meanwhile, the Kawasaki Good Times World section focuses solely on the history, design and manufacturing of products produced by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, a Japanese company with more than 100 years of history. This section is an interactive way for children and adults to experience the technology and manufacturing behind a wide range of products used for land, sea and air.More
Most visitors to Japan have likely tried some coffee from the Ueshima Coffee Company (UCC), renowned for having introduced the world’s first canned coffee. At the UCC Coffee Museum, you can immerse yourself in coffee culture, learn about how coffee is made, and experience it with all five senses.More
Occupying two floors of a former sake brewery, the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum introduces visitors to the history and process of sake brewing. Life-sized figures recreate scenes from the traditional brewing process, and brochures are available in English to help non-Japanese speakers get their bearings.More
Situated on the Kobe waterfront on a swathe of reclaimed land, Meriken Park is notable for its numerous art installations and memorializing those who lost their lives in the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake. It's home to the Kobe Port Museum and the Kobe Maritime Museum, both noteworthy examples of contemporary architecture.More
Situated in Maiko Park, on the mainland side of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the Maiko Marine Promenade allows you to get a closer view of one of the world’s longest suspension bridges. Head to the observation lounge for great views of the bridge and the Akashi Straight below.More