Located on Kobe’s waterfront, Meriken Park is home to the Kobe Port Tower and the Kobe Maritime Museum. The iconic metal frameworks of these two structures have made Meriken Park a favourite postcard image of Kobe.
Meriken Park and the surrounding port area were among the hardest-hit locations during the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake. Today, the park has been restored to its former glory, except for a small section of the wharf that has been left in its damaged state as a reminder of the disaster. This area, known as Earthquake Memorial Park, features a small exhibit with before-and-after photos and a memorial dedicated to the earthquake’s victims.
At the centre of Meriken Park stands the Kobe Maritime Museum, which highlights Kobe’s history as one of the world’s busiest ports before the earthquake. Adjacent to it is Kawasaki Good Times World, an exhibition showcasing various Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. products, including trains, motorcycles, and even performing robots. Outside the museums, two prototype boats are on public display—the larger of the two, known as Yamato 1, has a futuristic, Thunderbirds-like design and was built in 1991 to test a new engine technology without moving parts.
Next to the Maritime Museum is the Kobe Port Tower, a striking red steel structure with a 90-metre-high observation deck offering spectacular views of the bay and surrounding cityscape. At night, the tower’s illuminated steel frame creates a stunning visual and a fantastic photo opportunity.
Between Meriken Park and the Harborland entertainment district, there is a small quay. Harborland features Mosaic, a shopping and entertainment complex with restaurants, cafés, a Ferris wheel, and other amusements, overlooking Meriken Park. The quay is also home to Naka Pier Chuo Terminal, where several cruise tours of the bay depart.
Meriken Park is about a five-minute walk south of Motomachi Station. Alternatively, you can get off at Kobe Station and reach Meriken Park by walking through the Harborland area and Mosaic shopping centre.
Also in Merikan Park
Kobe Maritime Museum
Kobe Port Tower
Official Website
http://www.kobe-meriken.or.jp/ Japanese only
