Kobe Maritime Museum

The museum introduces the changes in the city of Kobe and the history and future of the sea, ships, and port in an easy-to-understand manner through the use of documents, models, videos, and graphics. Also on display is Kawasaki World, a corporate museum by the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group, which has walked the path of the Port of Kobe since its opening.

Located in Meriken Park, this comprehensive maritime-related museum focuses on the sea, ships, and ports. It is known as one of the symbols of the Port of Kobe.

The museum’s predecessor was the Kobe International Port and Harbor Museum, which opened in 1962. It later became known as the Maritime Museum, and reopened in its present form in 1987 to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the opening of the Port of Kobe at the end of the Edo period. Exhibits include not only the modern Port of Kobe, but also history dating back to the Owata Tomari and Fukuhara Kyo, which was maintained by Taira no Kiyomori. In addition, over 200 ship models are on display.

On the roof of the museum is a unique looking structure that resembles waves and the sails of a sailing ship, and is made of white frames. At night, it is lit up with blueish light, presenting a beautiful sight.

The Kobe Maritime Museum has also housed Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ corporate museum, Kawasaki World, since 2006. The museum displays actual exhibits such as the lead car of a Shinkansen Series 0 train and a KV-107 II helicopter, and visitors can even enter the driver’s cab and passenger seats of some exhibits. Visitors can also enjoy quiz games on land, sea, air, and environment, as well as train driving simulators and marine sports simulators.

Museum facilities include

1st Floor:

Exhibition Room A: “Port of Kobe from the Present to the Future
Event Space (model train running events and other events are also held)
Kawasaki World
Rest room
Museum Shop

2nd floor:

Exhibition Room B “Port of Kobe from a Historical Perspective
3D High Vision Theater
Restaurant

In addition, the following exhibits are located outdoors

Trigger device used for 60 years at the Kobe Shipyard of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (actual unit)
Steam turbine engine installed on the container ship “Rai-N-Maru
Autonomous unmanned submersible “Marine Bird
Kobe Port Earthquake Memorial Park
The Kobe Maritime Museum is an attractive place for those interested in maritime affairs and ports.