“An iconic red lattice tower with a newly reopened open-air rooftop deck offering panoramic views of Kobe Harbor and the famed 10 million dollar night view.”
Kobe Port Tower has stood as the defining symbol of Kobe’s maritime identity, since its completion in 1963. Often referred to as the “Steel Tower Beauty,” the 108-meter structure was the world’s first sightseeing tower built using a pipe lattice construction. Its graceful hyperbolic form is inspired by the tsuzumi, a traditional Japanese hand drum, giving the tower a timeless yet futuristic presence on the waterfront.
After a comprehensive three-year renovation, the tower reopened in April 2024 with redesigned interiors and upgraded visitor experiences. One of the most notable additions is Brilliance Tiara, an open-air rooftop observation deck that provides unobstructed 360-degree views of Kobe city, Mount Rokko, and Osaka Bay, allowing visitors to feel the sea breeze high above the harbor.
Inside the observation levels, guests can relax at “Ready go round,” the tower’s rotating café and bar. This venue completes a full 360-degree rotation approximately every 20 minutes, enabling visitors to enjoy continuously changing scenery without leaving their seats. The interior also features a newly introduced digital gallery, where immersive art installations blend Kobe’s history with futuristic visual storytelling. At night, the tower is illuminated by approximately 7,000 LED lights, forming a dazzling centerpiece of Kobe’s famous “10-million-dollar night view.”
How to Get There
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From JR or Hanshin Motomachi Station: Approximately a 10–15 minute scenic walk toward the harbor.
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From Minatomotomachi Station (Kobe Municipal Subway): About a 5-minute walk to Meriken Park.
Travel Tips
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Time-Slot Booking Required: Online tickets are sold for specific entry windows (for example, 2:00 PM–2:30 PM). Arriving late may result in denied entry, so plan carefully.
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Sunset Slots Sell Fast: Booking online in advance is strongly recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.
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Prepare for Wind: The rooftop deck is over 100 meters above sea level and can be noticeably windier and cooler than ground level.
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Extend Your Visit: Combine your visit with the adjacent Kobe Maritime Museum or a stroll through Harborland for a full waterfront experience.
Admission Fee:
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Observation Area: Adults ¥1,000 / Children ¥400
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Full Access (Including Rooftop Deck): Adults ¥1,200 / Children ¥500
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Lower Floors: Free entry (souvenir shops and the “BE KOBE” terrace)
Opening Time
- Open daily from 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Last admission at 10:30 PM