Just a short walk south from the Shinkansen’s Shin-Kobe Station, along the quiet banks of the Ikuta River, stands an impressive marble relief depicting one hundred dragons in dynamic motion.
The work, titled “Hyakuryu Kisui” (literally “One Hundred Dragons Playing with Water”), surprises many visitors who discover such a magnificent piece of art so close to the station.
The sculpture was gifted to Kobe City by Tianjin City in April 1993 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of their sister-city relationship.
It was installed at this symbolic gateway to Kobe as a monument of friendship and cultural exchange.
“Hyakuryu Kisui” — One Hundred Dragons in Motion
Completed in 1993, the marble wall relief depicts dragons—symbols of wisdom and strength—joyfully rising toward the heavens while playing with water.
The sight of around one hundred dragons intricately carved into the stone is breathtaking.
On sunny days, the white marble reflects the light, making the dragons appear almost alive with movement and vitality.
“Hyakuryu Kisui,” a wall relief along the Ikuta River.
The word “Kisui” means “to play with water.”
Since ancient times, dragons have represented nature’s energy, renewal, prosperity, and harmony—and this artwork embodies those timeless ideals in sculptural form.
In the background stands Shin-Kobe Station.
“Renyokutei” — The Twin Pavilions beside the Monument
The pavilion “Renyokutei.”
Standing next to the relief is another structure also presented from Tianjin: the “Renyokutei” Pavilion.
It consists of two connected gazebos whose roofs spread like wings, inspired by the architectural style of Qing Dynasty palace buildings.
The name Renyokutei (literally “linked wings”) expresses the wish that the two cities will continue to grow and prosper together, hand in hand like a pair of wings in flight.
Two connected pavilions joined together in one structure.
The surrounding park is shaded and tranquil, with benches that invite visitors to sit and quietly admire the dragon relief—a place cherished by local residents as a small urban oasis.
A Living Symbol of International Friendship
An information plaque explaining “Hyakuryu Kisui.”
Although located in the heart of the city, this riverside site near Shin-Kobe Station maintains an atmosphere of calm.
The finely carved dragons, full of depth and movement, stand as a lasting reminder of the friendship between Kobe and Tianjin—
a piece of international exchange that continues to live on, carved in stone for over thirty years.
Location
“Hyakuryu Kisui” and “Renyokutei”
Ikutagawa Riverside, Kumochicho area, Chuo Ward, Kobe
(Approximately a 3-minute walk south from Shin-Kobe Station)
