Meriken Park
Meriken Park was constructed during the Meiji era as a loading port for foreign cargo, preserving its historical background. Within the park, you'll find symbolic structures such as the Port Tower, where you can enjoy stunning night views, the Maritime Museum that provides intriguing information about the sea, and the impressive "BE KOBE" monument. At night, these landmarks are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.
From Meriken Park, you can feel the refreshing sea breeze and enjoy the ambiance typical of a port town like Kobe. The adjacent Harborland offers various activities such as shopping and boat cruises. Particularly in the evening, the beautifully lit scenery makes it a worthwhile night spot to visit.
In addition, a major renovation in 2017 saw the opening of one of the largest Starbucks in Western Japan, adding new charm to the area. The Kobe Port Tower, a symbol of the city, is also nearby, providing a panoramic view of Kobe's landscape. Meriken Park and Harborland serve as the heart of Kobe tourism, promising enjoyable moments for those who visit.
Basic Information
- Spot Name
- Meriken Park
- Location
- 〒650-004 Haboricho, Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Access
- Approximately a 10-minute walk from JR Motomachi Station
13 minutes on foot from Hanshin Electric Railway Motomachi Station
8 minutes on foot from Hankyu Electric Railway Hanakuma Station
10 minutes on foot from Kobe City Subway Yamate Line Kencho-mae Station
5 minutes on foot from Kobe City Subway Kaigan Line Minato-Motomachi Station - Parking
- Parking available
- Business Hours
- Free entry
- Contact Information
- Phone Number：078-304-2500
- Official Website
Map
Detailed Information
Main Attractions
▶ Kobe Port Tower
Kobe Port Tower, a landmark of Kobe, features a beautifully unique drum-shaped design that is the world's first distinctive pipe structure. From the observation deck at the top, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Kobe Port, the city, and the Rokko mountain range. Currently, it is covered with sheets due to renovation work, but the silhouette of the tower is depicted on the sheets, and projection mapping is displayed at night.
▶ BE KOBE Monument
Installed in Meriken Park in 2017 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the opening of Kobe Port, the BE KOBE monument represents the sentiment that "the charm of Kobe lies in its people," sparked by the 20th anniversary of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
▶ Kobe Port Disaster Memorial Park
This park preserves and maintains a 60-meter section of the Meriken Pier that was affected by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. It displays models and videos documenting the damage to Kobe Port and the recovery process, allowing visitors to experience the severity of the earthquake up close.
▶ Kobe Maritime Museum & Kawasaki World
The Kobe Maritime Museum introduces the workings of ships, the appeal of cruise ships, and the changing landscape of ports and cities over time through actual navigation instruments, ship equipment, dioramas, and videos. Kawasaki World, a corporate museum of the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group, features a display of the company's historic motorcycles and the original Shinkansen series 0, along with ride attractions that can be enjoyed by both adults and children.
▶ Naka-dut Terminal (Kamome Lia)
Located between Kobe Port Tower and Harborland, Kamome Lia serves as a hub for Kobe Port Cruises. Multiple sightseeing boats depart from here for tours around Kobe Port and towards the Akashi Strait. Equipped with Wi-Fi and restrooms, it is a convenient spot to stop by during waiting times for cruises or while taking a stroll.
