Exploring Kobe, Japan I 2025 I 4K I Part 1

[Music] The Port Tower is a distinctive landmark and a beloved symbol of the city. Completed in 1963, it’s not just a lookout point, but a work of structural artistry that has earned it the nickname beauty of the Iron Tower. The tower’s most striking feature is its unique hyperbooid pipe structure, which was a world first when it was built. Its shape is designed to resemble its suzumi, a traditional Japanese hand drum used in no and kabuki theater. This iconic form and its red steel lattis work have made it instantly recognizable. The tower played a significant role in the city’s recovery after the devastating great earthquake in 1995. Just 28 days after the disaster, the tower was lit up again, becoming a powerful symbol of hope and a light in the hearts of the citizens. It was recently closed for extensive renovations and seismic retrofitting, reopening in April 2024. These renovations brought new features and attractions. The rooftop deck is the first time the public has had access to the open air rooftop, offering a 360° panoramic view of Cityscape. The third floor of the observation area features a cafe that slowly rotates, allowing visitors to enjoy the view without leaving their seats. The fourth floor, now called the Brilliance Museum, features light themed digital and interactive art. It is located in American Park, a popular waterfront area that is also home to other landmarks, including the Kobe Maritime Museum with its wavelike roof. This area is a key part of the city’s waterfront, offering a mix of sightseeing, dining, and relaxation. [Music] [Music] [Music] The Harborland is a popular waterfront entertainment district. The Yumi mosaic area is a key part of it, offering a blend of shopping, dining, and scenic views. Yumi is a large-scale commercial complex within Harborland, consisting of three main sections: North Mall, South Mall, and Mosaic. The Mosaic section, which is the focus of your query, is an open air European inspired waterfront mall. It’s designed to provide a spacious and open atmosphere with many shops and restaurants offering views of the harbor. The entire Yumi complex has over 230 shops, including a wide variety of boutiques, souvenir stores, fashion outlets, and miscellaneous goods. The mosaic area is particularly known for its diverse dining options with many restaurants featuring terrace seating that overlooks the bay. Yumi Mosaic is home to some of the most well-known attractions. The mosaic big ferris wheel is a prominent landmark, offering panoramic views of the cityscape, Mount Roco, and the harbor. It’s especially popular at night when its colorful LED lights illuminate the waterfront. Onpan Children’s Museum and mall located next to the ferris wheel. This is a must visit for families with young children, dedicated to the popular Japanese children’s superhero on Pondman. One of the main draws of the area is its incredible view. From the outdoor wooden decks, you can take in a stunning view of the port tower and the maritime museum across the water. The view is particularly breathtaking in the evening when all the surrounding landmarks are lit up. The area is directly connected to the station via an underground shopping mall, making it convenient to visit regardless of the weather. [Music] [Music] [Music] The Brick Warehouse is a distinctive and historic waterfront attraction located in the Harborland district. It stands as a testament to the city’s rich maritime history and has been repurposed into a modern commercial and cultural complex. The two red brick buildings were originally constructed in the late 1890s during the Maji era. They served as cargo warehouses for goods arriving at the bustling port, a crucial gateway for Japan’s international trade during its rapid modernization. They were used for this purpose until 1987. The warehouses are a rare example of British style architecture in the area and have been designated as a scenic resource by the city. Their distinctive architecture and historical background make them important landmarks that reflect city’s role as a major international port city with strong western influences. Like many historical sites, the warehouses were restored after suffering damage from the earthquake, symbolizing the city’s ability to rebuild and preserve its heritage. Today, the brick warehouse complex has been transformed into a charming and unique destination that blends historical preservation with contemporary commerce. The warehouses house stylish shops selling a variety of goods. You can find specialty stationary shops such as Nagasawa, which offers unique writing materials, pens, and inks, including original brands. There are also shops for furniture and homegoods. The complex features a selection of restaurants and cafes offering a distinctive dining experience within the historic brick walls. [Music] American Park is a popular waterfront park. It’s a modern and open space that serves as a symbol of the city’s port and its remarkable recovery from a devastating natural disaster. It is most famous for its role in commemorating the great Hanseni earthquake of 1995. A section of the park’s damaged seaw wall has been preserved as a memorial left in its collapsed state to show the immense power of the earthquake. This poignant memorial serves as a reminder of the disaster and the incredible spirit of the people who rebuilt their city. The park is home to several of city’s most iconic landmarks, making it a central point for sightseeing. The red hyperbooid tower is the most recognizable structure in the park. It’s an observation tower that offers a stunning 360° view of the city, the port, and the surrounding mountains. It’s a must-see, especially at night when it’s beautifully lit up. The Maritime Museum is instantly recognizable by its striking white wavelike lattice work roof. It’s dedicated to the history of the port and the sea with exhibits on ship building, navigation, and marine life. The museum also houses a Kawasaki good times world, a space dedicated to the history and products of the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Company. Fish dance sculpture is a unique sculpture designed by architect Frank Garry is a striking piece of public art that adds to the modern feel of the park. Its chainlink structure shaped like a fish is a popular photo spot. The park is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. It’s a popular spot for a leisurely stroll, a bike ride, or simply sitting on a bench and watching the ships come and go. The park’s open layout and beautiful landscaping combined with the views of the harbor and city skyline make it a perfect place for both locals and tourists to unwind. At night, the illuminated landmarks create a romantic and vibrant atmosphere. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] The city museum is a prominent cultural institution in the city. It is known for its focus on the theme of international cultural exchange and the interaction between eastern and western culture. The museum is housed in a beautiful neocclassical building that was originally the branch of the former Yokohama Specy Bank. Built in 1935, the building’s elegant design and granite exterior have made it a registered tangible cultural property. It was established in 1982 by merging two pre-existing municipal museums. the Municipal Museum of Namban Art and the Municipal Archaeological Museum. This merger shaped its core collection which now boasts approximately 70,000 items. [Music] The city hall observation deck is a popular and convenient spot for visitors to get a fantastic panoramic view of the city. And one of its best features is that it’s completely free to access. Located on the 24th floor of the city hall’s building number one, it offers a 360 degree view. You can see the city’s unique landscape which combines a bustling port city with a backdrop of mountains. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music]

The Kobe Port Tower is a distinctive landmark and a beloved symbol of the port city of Kobe. Completed in 1963, it’s not just a lookout point but a work of structural artistry that has earned it the nickname Beauty of the Iron Tower.

The Harborland is a popular waterfront entertainment district. The “umie Mosaic” area is a key part of it, offering a blend of shopping, dining, and scenic views. Umie is a large-scale commercial complex within Harborland, consisting of three main sections: North Mall, South Mall, and Mosaic. The Mosaic section, which is the focus of your query, is an open-air, European-inspired waterfront mall. It’s designed to provide a spacious and open atmosphere, with many shops and restaurants offering views of the harbor.

The Brick Warehouse is a distinctive and historic waterfront attraction located in the Harborland district. It stands as a testament to the city’s rich maritime history and has been repurposed into a modern commercial and cultural complex.

Meriken Park is a popular waterfront park. It’s a modern and open space that serves as a symbol of the city’s port and its remarkable recovery from a devastating natural disaster. It is most famous for its role in commemorating the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 1995. A section of the park’s damaged seawall has been preserved as a memorial, left in its collapsed state to show the immense power of the earthquake. This poignant memorial serves as a reminder of the disaster and the incredible spirit of the people who rebuilt their city.

Kobe City Museum is a prominent cultural institution in the city. It is known for its focus on the theme of international cultural exchange and the interaction between Eastern and Western culture. The museum is housed in a beautiful neoclassical building that was originally the branch of the former Yokohama Specie Bank, built in 1935. The building’s elegant design and granite exterior have made it a registered Tangible Cultural Property.

Kobe City Hall Observation Deck is a popular and convenient spot for visitors to get a fantastic panoramic view of the city, and one of its best features is that it’s completely free to access.

6 Comments

  1. I was fascinated by the Beauty of the Iron Tower, whose ennoble the urban landscape with its elegant shape and bright red color 😍

  2. 와.. 고베 해양 박물관도 멋있네요! 🤩 지붕 프레임이 저한테는 마치 발레하는 가오리 같아 보여요! 😄 🩵