The Kobe Port Tower is one of the most striking structures on the Kobe skyline. Standing at 108 metres and painted in a burnt orange colour, the tower is a unique piece of architecture. Unlike many of Japan’s other towers, its design is not inspired by France’s Eiffel Tower. Instead, it features a hyperboloid structure with a distinctive pipe lattice exterior, making it a spectacular sight both day and night.
The tower’s observation deck offers stunning views of the Kobe waterfront and city. As one of Japan’s busiest ports, there’s always something interesting happening on the water. On clear days, the view extends to Kobe Airport, located in Osaka Bay, as well as the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and the rugged mountains behind the city.
Located in Meriken Park, the tower is near Kobe’s Maritime Museum and the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial. From the observation deck, visitors can look down at remnants of the earthquake, offering an eerie yet poignant reminder of the past. The tower itself survived the earthquake thanks to its ingenious structural design.
Opened in 1963, the tower won several major architectural awards for its innovative design, inspired by a tsuzumi—a traditional Japanese drum-like instrument. Designed by Nikken Sekkei, it was the first tower to be built using this unique pipe lattice framework.
The tower also features a rotating café and a souvenir shop filled with tower-themed trinkets, including an adorable Kobe Tower mascot.
Access:
The Kobe Port Tower is located next to Meriken Park, just 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 Maritime Museum
Official Website
http://www.kobe-meriken.or.jp/port-tower/ Japanese Only
