The Port of Kobe opened in 1868 as an international trading port. This area was one of the first exposed to the wave of Westernization that followed with all aspects of Western lifestyle, including food, clothing, and housing brought in from the surrounding foreign residential area. Following this, Kobe continued to develop as an international port city. Even now, it is a popular tourist destination with a cityscape that has an exotic flair. One such example of a chic port destination with a unique Kobe flavor is Meriken Park. Meriken derives its name from “American.” This area was once referred to as the “Meriken Wharf” due to the fact that the U.S. Consulate was once located in the immediate vicinity of the wharf. The Meriken Park of today is said to continue this naming tradition.

Meriken Park hosts a number of facilities that have become landmarks of the Port of Kobe. One of these is the Kobe Port Tower. Standing 108 meters, the observatory platform provides panoramic views of the port and the cityscape in the foreground, and from Awaji Island to the mountain range on the opposite shore of Osaka Bay. (Currently closed for renovations. Due to reopen in FY2023). Meriken Park has a whole host of other things to see and do, including the Kobe Maritime Museum, where you can learn about the history of the Port of Kobe and how ships work, and the Port of Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park, which preserves the remnants from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. You can also enjoy a leisurely shopping and dining experience at the nearby Kobe Haborland, a large shopping complex complete with cafes, restaurants and shops. This tourist spot is not to be missed when visiting Kobe.