Kobe Port Tower, a classic landmark of Kobe

#SeptemberDestinations2025 #Kobe #KobePort #KobePortTower #NightView

Kobe's iconic landmark: Kobe Port Tower

Address: 5-5 Hatabacho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
Transportation: CityLoop Bus available
Fee: Observation deck 1,000 yen, observation deck + rooftop outdoor deck 1,200 yen

Completed in 1963, Kobe Port Tower stands 108 meters (354 feet) tall and has eight floors. It is the world's only observation tower with a tubular structure and ruled curved surfaces. Its design is inspired by Japanese drums, with 32 red steel rods surrounding the tower, symbolizing a welcome to ships returning to shore. Its unique shape has earned it the nickname "Iron Tower Beauty."

Kobe Port Tower offers free entry to its lower floors, where souvenirs, trendy items, and a restaurant are available. The top three floors each offer a 360-degree observation deck, offering panoramic views of Awaji Island, Osaka Bay, Mount Rokko, and even Kansai International Airport. The scenery changes from day to night.

I personally recommend planning a visit to the Maritime Museum on the same day as the Maritime Museum: first visit the museum in the morning, then take a boat tour of Kobe Port or visit the Mosaic in the afternoon, and finally ascend Kobe Tower in the evening to enjoy the sunset and night view.

From the observation deck, you can see the Ferris wheel nearby, and the illuminated Maritime Museum is also stunning.

After the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 1995, the Kobe Port Tower was illuminated again on Valentine's Day, 28 days after the disaster. This provided comfort to the people of Kobe and gave them the motivation and courage to rebuild.

Post by AndreaJulio | Sep 28, 2025