Historical & Cultural heritage
The Origin of “Meriken”: A Name Rooted in Kobe’s Port History
English
Leisure & Experience Experience Authentic Ice Skating at Sysmex Kobe Ice Campus, Where Kaori Sakamoto Trains
Experience authentic ice skating at Sysmex Kobe Ice Campus, a year-round indoor rink in Kobe used by Olympic figure skater Kaori Sakamoto. Easy access from Sannomiya, rental skates available, and perfect for beginners and fans alike.
Access & Transport Asuka III Departs Kobe Port at Dusk Elegant Departure of a Luxury Cruise Ship
The luxury cruise ship Asuka III quietly departs Kobe Port at dusk. Discover the serene beauty of its departure, from waving passengers to the graceful movement as the ship leaves the harbor.
Historical & Cultural heritage Lafcadio Hearn’s Kobe Years: A Short Stay That Left a Lasting Mark
Explore the former residence of Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) in Kobe’s Shimoyamate area, featured in NHK’s morning drama “Bakébaké.”
Art & Culture A Special Taiwanese Tea Ceremony by a Tea Master in a Historic Kitano Residence, Kobe
Experience a Taiwanese tea ceremony by a certified tea master in a historic Western-style residence in Kobe’s Kitano district, normally closed to the public.
Events HYOGOSSIMO: An Official Shop That Delivers Hyogo’s Charm—Stories Included
HYOGOSSIMO, Hyogo Prefecture’s official online shop, launched on January 29, 2026. Discover local products along with the stories of producers, artisans, and regional culture.
Historical & Cultural heritage The Origin of “Meriken”: A Name Rooted in Kobe’s Port History
Discover the origin of the word “Meriken,” found in Meriken Park, Kobe. Learn how the opening of Kobe Port and the former U.S. Consulate shaped this unique name that remains today.
Art & Culture Ryohei Koiso’s Lost Masterpiece Returns to Kobe After 90 Years
Ryohei Koiso’s legendary painting The Girl with Traditional Hairstyle returns to Kobe after 90 years. See this rare masterpiece and its companion work The Dancer at the Kobe City Koiso Memorial Museum of Art.
Events Akina Nakamori Reborn in a Full-Dome Experience in Kobe
Experience Japanese pop icon Akina Nakamori in a full-dome planetarium show. Watch her legendary NHK performances and hit songs in a 360° immersive concert in Kobe, Japan.
Leisure & Experience Maiko Marine Promenade: Walk 47 Meters Above the Sea Beneath the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Experience thrilling views at Maiko Marine Promenade in Kobe. Walk on a glass floor 47 meters above the sea beneath the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and enjoy stunning panoramic scenery.
Local & Culture Year of the Horse 2026: Where to Find the Horse Zodiac Statue in Kobe’s Nankinmachi
Looking for a zodiac photo spot in Kobe? Here’s where to find the Horse (Uma) zodiac statue in Nankinmachi Square—perfect for New Year photos and holiday walks.