Kobe Port Tower, Harima Travel Guide

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Iconic Kobe landmark with panoramic views of the city, harbor, and mountains, blending modern design with Japanese tradition.

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Kobe Port Tower

The Kobe Port Tower is a landmark observation tower in Kobe, Japan. Completed in 1963, its unique design, inspired by a traditional Japanese drum, offers panoramic views of the city and harbor, making it a must-see attraction.

A brief summary to Kobe Port Tower

5-5 Hatobacho, Kobe, Hatobacho, Chuo Ward, Hyogo, 650-0042, JP
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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

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid potential lines, especially during peak season.
Visit the tower at night to witness the dazzling city lights and the illuminated tower itself.
Consider visiting the rotating café for a unique dining experience with a slowly changing view of Kobe.
Take a stroll through Meriken Park, located next to the tower, for scenic waterfront views and art installations.
For the best views, consider paying extra for access to the rooftop deck, offering a 360-degree panorama.

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Explore Kobe Port Tower on the Map

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

Getting There

Walking

From the 'BE KOBE' sign in Meriken Park, walk east along the waterfront promenade. The Kobe Port Tower is approximately a 5-minute walk, and is easily visible. No costs are associated with this approach.
Public Transport

From Motomachi Station, take a 10-minute walk south towards the harbor. Alternatively, from Sannomiya Station, take the City Loop bus and get off at the 'Port Tower-mae' or 'Kamomeria' bus stop, which are close to the tower. The City Loop bus costs ¥260 per ride. From Kobe Airport (UKB), take the Port Liner to Sannomiya Station and transfer to the Municipal Subway bound for Shin-Nagata and get off at Minato Motomachi Station. From there, it is a 10-minute walk to Kobe Port Tower.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Kobe. A short taxi ride from Kobe Station to the Kobe Port Tower typically costs between ¥1,800 and ¥2,200 and takes around 4 minutes, depending on traffic.

Discover more about Kobe Port Tower

Kobe Port Tower, affectionately nicknamed the 'Beauty of the Iron Tower,' stands as an iconic symbol of Kobe and its rich maritime history. Completed in 1963, the 108-meter-high tower was designed by Nikken Sekkei Company and commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Port of Kobe. Its distinctive hyperboloid structure, the first of its kind in the world, is inspired by the tsuzumi, a traditional Japanese hand drum, reflecting a blend of cultural heritage and modern engineering.The tower features a lattice structure of 32 red steel staves, symbolizing welcoming vessels returning to shore. Inside, visitors can ascend to the observation area, which includes five floors of attractions, such as a rotating café and bar, an interactive light museum, a gallery, and a souvenir shop. The newly renovated rooftop deck provides a 360-degree panoramic view of Kobe, the Rokko Mountains, Osaka Bay, and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. The tower is illuminated at night with 7,000 LED lights, creating a breathtaking spectacle.Kobe Port Tower has become a symbol of hope and resilience for the city, especially after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995, when it was illuminated to uplift the spirits of the citizens. Today, it remains a central part of Kobe's identity, attracting countless tourists who seek to experience its unique charm and stunning vistas.