Kobe Maritime Museum
2-2 Hatobacho, Chuo, Kobe, Hyogo
Kobe is an important port city, and the Kobe Maritime Museum records and celebrates its history. The latticed steel architecture of the museum was designed to invoke the impression of sailing ships. It’s a modern museum with plenty of interactive exhibits, model ships to explore, and information in Japanese and English.
The Kobe Maritime Museum was opened in 1987 to commemorate 120 years since the opening of the modern Port of Kobe. Among the exhibits are the 1833 HMS Rodney warship, videos about Japanese maritime history, a diorama of model ships, murals, simulation machines, and a trick art area where visitors can take fun photos of themselves. There’s also an outdoor exhibition area displaying an underwater vehicle. This family-friendly museum has plenty of exhibits that interest kids and lots of information for adults to browse.
Most travelers visit this museum independently as it’s a niche-interest museum. Travelers wanting to join a guided tour can take a private tour of Kobe that allows them to pick their own sites of interest.
There’s an entrance fee for the museum. School-aged students can get a discounted ticket but may be asked to show school ID.
The museum is fully accessible for travelers with wheelchairs or families with strollers. Two wheelchairs are available to borrow for free.
A baby changing and nursing room is available on the first floor.
The Kobe Maritime Museum is in a distinctive building in Meriken Park, next to the landmark Kobe Tower on the city’s waterfront, so it’s easy to find when sightseeing in downtown Kobe. It’s a short walk (10–20 minutes) from several train stations, including Motomachi, Hanakuma, Minato Motomachi, and Kencho-mae Stations.
The museum is open from mid-morning to early evening, with the last admission 30 minutes before closing. It’s closed on Mondays except when a public holiday falls on a Monday, in which it will close on the next business day.
Next to the Kobe Maritime Museum is Kawasaki Good Times World, a museum about the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group, which has a longstanding partnership with Kobe Port. It displays many fun interactive exhibits and rides for kids and adults, including Kawasaki motorcycles. Travelers interested in technology, machines, and transportation will enjoy visiting in combination with the Maritime Museum.
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