The Kobe Maritime Museum is located in Meriken Park on Kobe’s waterfront, next to the Kobe Port Tower and the Earthquake Memorial Park
Opened in 1987 to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Kobe’s port—one of Japan’s busiest—the museum celebrates the city’s maritime history. Kobe handles around two million containers annually, and before the devastating Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995, it was Japan’s busiest port. The earthquake caused severe damage to port facilities, forcing its closure for several months during repairs.
The museum is housed in a spectacular building, featuring a massive pipe sculpture that represents a ship. It is regarded as one of the largest maritime museums in the world, with an extensive collection of exhibits designed to educate and entertain visitors.
Two of the most fascinating exhibits are located outside the museum and can be viewed from Meriken Park. These include two futuristic watercraft, notably Yamato One, a superconductive electromagnetic-powered vessel that looks straight out of a science fiction movie—an impressive sight.
Inside the museum, exhibits are divided into several themes, including the ocean, ships, and the port. Although most displays are in Japanese, non-Japanese-speaking visitors can still understand and appreciate much of the content.
The museum highlights the history of the port and its significance to Kobe, featuring a range of historic vessels and nautical artifacts. A virtual submarine ride, which takes visitors on an underwater journey to a virtual ocean-floor biosphere, is a particular favourite among children.
Access:
The Kobe Maritime Museum is centrally located in Meriken Park, about a five-minute walk south of Motomachi Station. Alternatively, visitors can walk from Kobe Station through the Harborland area and Mosaic Shopping Centre to reach the park.
Also on Happy Jappy
Meriken Park
Kobe Port Tower
Official Website
http://www.kobe-meriken.or.jp/maritime-museum/
