A Symbol of Kobe’s Maritime Heritage
Standing 108 meters tall above Meriken Park, Kobe Port Tower has welcomed visitors since its completion in 1963. Designed by the Nikken Sekkei Company, the tower’s distinctive hourglass shape was designed to look like a tsuzumi, a Japanese drum used in traditional Noh and kabuki theater. The tower is surrounded by 32 red steel staves that resemble the red ropes of this traditional drum.
After closing in September 2021 for extensive renovations, Kobe Port Tower reopened in spring 2024 with significant upgrades. The 2024 renovation included seismic retrofitting to ensure the tower’s longevity. Most notably, the rooftop deck became accessible for the first time with this renovation, offering visitors unprecedented 360-degree panoramic views from a glass-enclosed open-air space nicknamed the Tiara Open Air Deck. From the observation decks, you can take in sweeping vistas of Mount Rokko to the north, the bustling streets of Kobe to the east, Port Island to the south, and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge to the west. The tower’s night views are particularly spectacular, with the city lights and illuminated harbor creating a romantic atmosphere.
The renovation also introduced exhibits and digital art using the latest technology throughout the tower, including an interactive light museum and a revolving cafe that rotates 360 degrees every 30 minutes.
Best Times To Visit Kobe Port Tower
Weekdays and mornings are relatively smooth, while weekends, holidays, and peak tourist seasons can be crowded.
Night visits are especially popular, as the tower’s exterior illumination and the sparkling city lights below create a magical atmosphere. For photographers and couples, sunset hours offer the best of both worlds — watching the city transform from day to night.