Kobe Port Tower: A Symbol of Kobe

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Iconic red tower in Kobe offering panoramic views of the city, port, and mountains. A symbol of Kobe's maritime history and modern spirit.

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Kobe Port Tower

The Kobe Port Tower is a striking red landmark in Kobe, Japan, offering panoramic city and harbor views. Designed to resemble a traditional Japanese drum, it stands as a symbol of the city's port and its recovery after the 1995 earthquake.

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.

Visit both during the day and at night to experience different perspectives of Kobe's scenery.
Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid potential lines, especially during peak seasons.
Check the weather forecast before visiting to ensure clear views from the observation decks.
Take advantage of the combo tickets that include admission to the nearby Maritime Museum for a discounted price.
Enjoy a meal or snack at the rotating café for a unique dining experience with ever-changing views.

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Getting There

Walking

From Motomachi Station, walk south for about 15 minutes towards the harbor. Follow the signs for Meriken Park. The Kobe Port Tower will be visible as you approach the park. No costs involved.
Public Transport

From Sannomiya Station, take the Port Liner to Port Terminal. Transfer to the subway and get off at Minato Motomachi Station on the Kaigan Line, which is a 5-minute walk to the tower. The Port Liner costs ¥340. Subway fare is approximately ¥200-250.
Taxi

From Kobe Port Terminal, a taxi ride to Kobe Port Tower takes about 5 minutes, covering approximately 3 kilometers. The estimated fare is between ¥1800 and ¥2200. Note that traffic conditions may affect the final cost.

Discover more about Kobe Port Tower

Kobe Port Tower, affectionately nicknamed the 'Beauty of the Iron Tower' , is a symbol of Kobe, Japan, and its vibrant port. Completed in 1963, the 108-meter-tall tower was designed by Nikken Sekkei Company to resemble a tsuzumi, a traditional Japanese hand drum. Its unique hyperboloid structure and distinctive pipe lattice exterior, painted a striking red , make it a prominent feature of the Kobe skyline.The tower features several floors with attractions, including observation decks that provide 360-degree panoramic views of Kobe. Visitors can see the cityscape, the harbor, and the Rokko mountain range. The tower also has a rotating restaurant that completes a full rotation every 30 minutes , a souvenir shop , and a light-themed museum. The rooftop deck, recently opened after renovations, offers open-air panoramic views.Kobe Port Tower stands in Meriken Park, near the Kobe Maritime Museum and the Earthquake Memorial Park. The tower withstood the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995 and was illuminated shortly after to bring hope to the city. Renovations in 2010 added 7,000 LED lights, creating over 40 lighting effects at night. The tower is not just a sightseeing spot but also a symbol of Kobe's resilience and modernity.