Kobe

Kobe is located in the southwest of Honshu Island, it is one of Japan’s most important seaport cities with its backdrop of mountains and facing the sea, and was indelibly damaged by the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995. After opening its port in 1868, Kobe has embraced multiculturalism and become one of the world’s most livable cities.

A Major Seaport City in Japan

The port of Kobe was opened in 1868, and has developed into one of the most important seaports in Japan through global multiculturalism. As one of the five largest ports in Japan, Kobe is a city of international trade and tourism. The Kobe Port Tower, Meriken Park, Kobe Maritime Museum, the Mosaic Big Ferris Wheel, and the Kobe Harborland business district create a colorful coastal scenery.

Port Of Kobe

Bustling Seaport Business District

The Port of Kobe opened in 1868, and after a century and a half of development, it is now one of the top five ports in Japan. The Kobe Port Tower in Meriken Park is the symbol of the Port of Kobe, and Kobe Harborland, the coastal commercial district, provides a comfortable shopping environment for visitors.

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge And Maiko Marine Promenade

World's Longest Suspension Bridge

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge spans the Akashi Strait between downtown Kobe and Awaji Island, and at 3,911 meters in length, it is currently the longest suspension bridge in the world. There is a Maiko Marine Promenade at a height of 47 meters above the sea, and its transparent glass floor is the greatest challenge to your mind.

Exotic Residences of Kitano Ijinkan

Kitanocho (北野町) of Kobe is an exotic palace located at the foot of Mount Rokko, away from the bustling port of Kobe and Motomachi. One hundred years ago, foreigners in Kobe gathered in Kitanocho and built private residences, which were known as the Kitano Ijinkan (北野異人館), with hundreds of western-style houses at its peak. Today, more than ten houses with exotic atmosphere remain, including the famous Weathercock House (風見鶏の館) and the Moegi House (萌黄の館).

Weathercock House

Symbol of Kitano Ijinkan Area

In 1909, German businessman Thomas built the Weathercock House in Kitano, Kobe. It is the only red brick building among Kitano Ijinkan foreign houses, and its pinnacle and Cock-shaped weathervane have become the symbol of the district. The interior of the Weathercock House is luxurious and grand, and most of the furniture in the house is original.

Moegi House

Two-story Western Style Hall

Named after its yellow-green exterior, Moegi House is a two-story wooden house built in 1903 as the official residence of Hunter Sharpe, the Consul General of the United States in Kobe. The interior of Moegi House is spacious, and the glass balcony on the south side of the second floor provides excellent illumination and a view of Kobe city.