Port of Kobe

Port of Kobe lies to the northwest of Osaka Bay, close to downtown Kobe. Since its opening on January 1st, 1968, the Port of Kobe has become one of Japan's five major international trade ports and is now one of Japan's top three passenger ports. It is a treasure spot that has yet to be crowded, so you can leisurely enjoy sea views and modern landmarks with the breeze. Kobe Port Tower, Meriken Park, and Mosaic Kobe Harborland are all worth visiting.

Port of Kobe

Must-Do Things in Port of Kobe

Overlook the Whole Port from Kobe Port Tower

The 108-meter-high (354 feet) Kobe Port Tower was built in 1963 as a landmark of the Port of Kobe. Comprised of 32 steel staves, it looks like Tsuzumi, a Japanese drum, meaning welcome vessels back to the shore. The tall, slender outlook also earns Kobe Tower the reputation of “Beauty of the Iron Towers.”

What to See on Each Floor

The lower four floors are open for free and equipped with an information desk, self-service ticket machines, cafés, pop-up shops, and an outdoor terrace. Tickets are required for the top five observation floors and the rooftop deck, which are not to be missed with different features: 

1. Top 1st Floor: A gallery, part of which is glass-floored, giving visitors a thrilling experience of looking directly from 75M (246 FT) above the ground. 
2. Top 2nd Floor: A souvenir shop selling Kobe Port Tower's original products only available here. 

Kobe Port Tower

3. Top 3rd Floor: A rotating café and bar, allowing you to watch the 360-degree full view of Kobe in about 30 minutes. 
4. Top 4th Floor: A “Museum of Light” with interactive art pieces that respond to body movements, perfect for photography and family entertainment. 
5. Top 5th Floor: The elevator's first arrival floor has some photo spots to take stunning pictures.

6. Rooftop Deck: A glass-enclosed open-air area to enjoy a panoramic view of Kobe.

Admission Fee

Observation Floors: JPY1,000

Observation Floors & Rooftop: JPY1,200

Opening Hours

Floor	Time
Rooftop	9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Top 5
Top 4
Top 3	9:00 am – 11:00 pm last admission is 10:00 pm
Top 2	9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Top 1	9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Lower 3 & 4	Sunday to Thursday:  11:00 am – 9:00 pm Friday & Saturday:  11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Lower 1 & 2	10:00 am – 8:00 pm

Cruise at Port of Kobe

Tip: The last admission for the top 1, 4, and 5 floors and rooftop is 10:30 pm, and for the lower 3 & 4 floors, it is one hour before the closing time.

Take a Kobe Cruise on Concerto

Tourists are accustomed to watching the sea from the harbor, but a cruise will let you appreciate the harbor view from the sea. 

The Concerto sails four times daily; thus, visitors can choose the period according to their desired scenery.

Theme	Time	Ticket Fare
Lunch Cruise	12:00 pm – 2:00 pm	JPY2,000
Afternoon Tea Time Cruise	2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Sunset Cruise	Apr. to Sep.: 5:15 pm – 7:00 pm Oct. to Mar.:4:30 pm – 6:15 pm
Night Cruise	Apr. to Sep.: 7:30 pm – 9:15 pm Oct. to Mar.: 7:15 pm – 9:00 pm

Photo with “BE KOBE” in Meriken Park

As an iconic sign of the Port of Kobe, the “BE KOBE” monument beside the harbor is a must-visit spot for photography. Its illumination at night is even more impressive.

Meriken Park, where the monument is located, is an open plaza featuring many monuments and other modern landmarks. There are dedicated walking and cycling paths along the coastline, so you can rent a bike and enjoy your relaxing time.

BE KOBE Monument

Ride the Mosaic Big Ferris Wheel

Its colorful appearance in the daytime and luminous outlook at night are attractive to both adults and children. Riding the Ferris wheel allows you to enjoy a 360-degree view of Kobe.

Opening Time: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Ticket Fee: JPY800 for those aged 3 and above, free for those below 3 years old

Mosaic Big Ferris Wheel

Under the Ferris wheel is a Kobe Anpanman Museum & Mall, which displays various Anpanman peripherals, a well-known Japanese cartoon character. Mosaic Shopping Mall is nearby; you can taste the famous Kobe beef in restaurants there.

Explore AQUARIUM×ART átoa

As a part of Kobe Port Museum, átoa is an aquarium integrating digital and stage art with marine organisms. It has eight areas with different themes, of which the “Planet” themed area on the third floor has the largest spherical aquarium in Japan. Its 360-degree veil of light performed by mist and laser interweaving with marine creatures will put you in a movie world.

Besides, in the open-air garden on the top floor, you can see many cute animals like capybara, otter, and Humboldt penguins face-to-face.

Watch Night View

All iconic buildings of Port of Kobe are lit up at night. Around the Mosaic Kobe Harborland are various night attractions.
1. Takahama Berth: You can see the night view of Kobe Port Tower, Kobe Maritime Museum, Mosaic Big Ferris Wheel, and Meriken Park Oriental Hotel from here. 
2. Former Kobe Port Signal Station: Located at the end of Mosaic Harborland, this is Port of Kobe's oldest existing signal station.
3. Kobe Brick Warehouse: Next to a sidewalk, ideal for walking in the evening breeze.
4. Kobe-Gas Light Street: About 110 gas lights and illumination of zelkova trees are lit up from sunset to 10:30 pm. They turn off for 1 minute from 7:59 pm, 8:59 pm, and 9:59 pm and light up again called the “harbor wink.”

How to Get to Port of Kobe

Since most attractions of the Port of Kobe are concentrated near Kobe Port Tower, it is advisable to get to Kobe Port Tower first and then proceed to nearby sites. Mosaic Kobe Harborland is opposite the tower with a 7-min westward walk of 550M (600 YD).

By Train: Take the JR Kobe Line, get off at Motomachi Station, and walk south from the west exit for about 13 min of 850M (930 YD). 

By Subway: Take the Subway Kaigan Line, get off at Minatomotomachi Station, and walk south from Exit 2 for about 8 min of 500M (547 YD).

By Bus: Take a Port Loop or City Loop bus and get off at “Kobe Port Tower mae.”

Port Loop	Usual Day	Weekend
First Bus	9:25 am	9:20 am
Last Leave	7:55 pm	8:05 pm
Interval	35 min for the first two departures and 20 min for later ones	20 min

Tip: Only two rides arrive here after 7:00 pm, respectively at 7:20 pm and 8:05 pm.

City Loop	Usual Day	Weekend
First Bus	8:35 am	8:25 am
Last Leave	7:10 pm	7:37 pm
Interval	35 min for the first two departures and 15 min for later ones	25 min for the first three departures  and 10-15 min for later ones

One-Day Ticket Pass for Port Loop and City Loop: JPY700 for those at or above 12; JPY 350 for others