Kobe port tower

About Kobe Port Tower

Kobe Port Tower is a striking landmark located in the heart of Kobe’s waterfront area, offering panoramic views of the city, harbor, and surrounding mountains. Known for its unique, red lattice structure, the tower stands at 108 meters and has become an iconic part of Kobe’s skyline. With its sleek, hyperboloid design, it’s an architectural marvel and a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. The tower’s distinctive appearance, resembling a tsuzumi (a traditional Japanese drum), sets it apart from other observation towers in Japan.

Highlights of Kobe Port Tower

Kobe Port Tower’s main highlight is its observation deck, which offers sweeping 360-degree views of Kobe City, Osaka Bay, and, on clear days, even Awaji Island and Mount Rokko. The deck provides telescopes and information boards to help visitors identify landmarks. The experience is particularly impressive at night, when the city and port light up, creating a breathtaking view. The tower is also illuminated in various colors in the evening, making it a beautiful sight from both inside and outside.

Inside, visitors can enjoy the unique rotating café located on one of the observation floors, which completes a full rotation every 20 minutes. This allows you to enjoy views from all angles without moving from your seat, making it a memorable experience to have a drink or snack while watching the scenery slowly shift around you. Additionally, the tower’s design includes openings in the lattice structure, which adds a dramatic sense of height and immersion when viewing the city below.

Brief History of Kobe Port Tower

Kobe Port Tower was completed in 1963 as a symbol of Kobe’s rich maritime history and as a celebration of the port city’s modern growth. At the time of its opening, it was one of the first buildings in Japan designed with a hyperboloid structure, inspired by the latticework of traditional Japanese musical instruments. Since then, the tower has become a beloved symbol of Kobe and a testament to the city’s modernization and resilience, especially after the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, during which the tower sustained damage but was later restored as part of the city’s recovery efforts. Today, Kobe Port Tower stands as a reminder of both the city’s historical roots and its journey through periods of transformation.

Admission Fees for Kobe Port Tower

The cost of admission to Kobe Port Tower is generally around 700 yen for adults, with discounted rates for children and seniors. The ticket grants access to all observation floors, including the rotating café. Occasionally, there are special discounts for students or for visitors who buy combined tickets with nearby attractions such as the Kobe Maritime Museum. Visiting the tower is affordable, making it accessible to tourists and locals who wish to enjoy the views and experience the landmark.