Meriken Park

Meriken Park (メリケンパーク), located along Kobe’s scenic waterfront, is a vibrant and tranquil destination that blends open green space with striking modern architecture. The park features expansive grassy lawns, contemporary art installations, fountains, and sweeping views of Kobe Bay. It’s a favorite spot for both locals and visitors to stroll, relax, or watch the sunset over the harbor. At its heart stand the iconic red Kobe Port Tower and the sail-shaped Kobe Maritime Museum. Rebuilt after the devastating 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, the park also preserves a damaged section of the original waterfront and includes a modest memorial honoring the lives lost and the city’s remarkable resilience.

Inside the Kobe Maritime Museum, visitors can explore the evolution of Kobe Port through ship models, maritime exhibits, and outdoor displays featuring historic vessels. The museum also houses Kawasaki Good Times World, an interactive exhibition dedicated to the achievements of Kawasaki Heavy Industries—featuring everything from motorcycles and Shinkansen trains to aircraft and industrial technology. Just next door, the Kobe Port Tower, built in 1963, soars to 108 meters and offers panoramic city and bay views from five observation decks, including an open-air rooftop and a rotating café. For a different perspective, sightseeing cruises around Kobe Bay depart from Nakatottei Chuo Terminal, with fares starting at ¥1,500.