Background

Kobe Port Tower, Awa Travel Guide

Search across countries, cities, destinations, landmarks, attractions, restaurants, bars, hotels and more.
Please tell us what you're looking for
4.1 (8521)

Iconic Kobe landmark offering panoramic city and harbor views from its unique hyperboloid structure and observation decks. A must-see!

The Kobe Port Tower is a striking, 108-meter-high landmark in Kobe, Japan, known for its unique hyperboloid structure and vibrant red color. Designed to resemble a traditional Japanese drum (tsuzumi), it offers panoramic views of the city, harbor, and surrounding mountains.

A brief summary to Kobe Port Tower

  • Monday 9 am-11 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-11 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-11 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-11 pm
  • Friday 9 am-11 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-11 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-11 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kobe Port Tower.

  • Visit at night to witness the tower's stunning illumination and the glittering city lights.
  • Purchase tickets in advance online to avoid potential lines, especially during peak season.
  • Take advantage of the rotating café for a unique dining experience with ever-changing views.
  • Check the weather forecast before visiting to ensure clear views from the observation decks.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through Meriken Park and a tour of the Kobe Maritime Museum.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Udatsu Townscape

Udatsu Townscape

Awa Sand Pillars

Awa Sand Pillars

Awaodori Kaikan

Awaodori Kaikan

Bizan Ropeway

Bizan Ropeway

Nagoro "Scarecrow" Village

Nagoro "Scarecrow" Village

Explore Kobe Port Tower on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Kobe Port Tower, mapped for you.

Unlock the Best of Kobe Port Tower

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Getting There

  • Walking

    From Motomachi Station (JR Kobe Line, Hanshin Main Line), walk south for approximately 10-15 minutes through Meriken Park to reach Kobe Port Tower. The path is well-marked and offers scenic views of the harbor. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Kobe Municipal Subway Kaigan Line to Minato Motomachi Station. From Exit 2, it's a 5-minute walk to Kobe Port Tower. Subway fare is approximately ¥240. Alternatively, the City Loop bus stops at 'Port Tower-mae' or 'Kamomeria', a short walk from the tower; a single ride costs ¥260.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Kobe. A short taxi ride from Kobe Station to Kobe Port Tower typically costs between ¥1,800 and ¥2,200 and takes about 20 minutes. Consider this option for convenience, especially if traveling from further locations or with heavy luggage.

Discover more about Kobe Port Tower

Kobe Port Tower, an iconic symbol of Kobe, Japan, stands as a testament to the city's rich maritime history and modern growth. Completed in 1963, the 108-meter-high tower was designed by Nikken Sekkei Company and is celebrated for its unique hyperboloid structure, the first of its kind in the world, featuring a distinctive pipe lattice exterior. Its design is inspired by a tsuzumi, a traditional Japanese hand drum, with its red latticework mimicking the drum's ropes. The tower has earned the nickname 'Beauty of the Iron Tower'.Located in Meriken Park, the Kobe Port Tower offers visitors a variety of attractions. The observation decks provide stunning 360-degree views of Kobe City, Osaka Bay, and, on clear days, even Awaji Island and Mount Rokko. The tower also features a rotating café where visitors can enjoy light snacks and drinks while taking in the panoramic scenery. The tower is illuminated at night with 7,000 LED lights, creating a breathtaking spectacle.The tower has two main sections: the lower floors, which are free to enter and feature souvenir shops and restaurants, and the upper observation area, which requires a ticket. The observation area includes five floors of attractions, including a light museum, a gallery, and the rooftop deck. The rooftop deck, a new addition after renovations completed in April 2024, offers open-air panoramic views of the city.The Kobe Port Tower has become a symbol of hope and resilience for the citizens of Kobe. During the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995, the tower was illuminated to uplift the spirits of the city.

More to explore near Kobe Port Tower

Mobile App

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.



Explore More of Awa

File:Awa Odori Tokushima Aug2009.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Looking beyond Kobe Port Tower? Discover Awa for broader travel guides, local hot-spots, and regional highlights.

Explore Awa
Attraction

Explore Sensai Bridge in Osaka, a stunning architectural marvel offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into local culture amidst the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Sensai Bridge
Attraction

Reflect on Kobe's resilience at this memorial park, preserving the remains of the devastating 1995 earthquake.

Port of Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park

Select Currency