If you are going to Kobe, the museums and art galleries are the things that you shouldn’t miss.
Ranging from museums designed by world-famous architects to unique museums featuring carpentry tools and newly-opened art festivals combined with nature, Kobe has such a wide variety of museums that everyone can enjoy even if you don’t understand Japanese.

*Please go to each homepage for more details of the exhibitions.

1. Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art

Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, with its refined space and beautiful natural light, was designed by Tadao Ando, a master of modern architecture.
The combination of concrete walls and glass of the building harmonize with the surrounding nature. Visitors can enjoy the artworks in a relaxed atmosphere in the atrium and open-air gallery.
The second floor is a space called Ando Gallery, which introduces architectural models and drawings of buildings Ando has worked on.

The museum boasts a collection of over 10,000 items, including works by artists associated with Hyogo. Special exhibitions that introduce the trends of contemporary arts are also buzzing.

・Foreign language support: English caption available at Ando Gallery. Brochures in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean.
・Please note that: Photography is prohibited at special exhibitions as well as any work that has a “No camera” icon beside.

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This is the place to go! An overwhelmingly beautiful architectural spot that harmonizes with the nature of Awaji Island!

2. Kobe City Museum

The museum is located at a former foreign settlement in Kobe, renovating what used to be the Kobe branch office of Yokohama Specie Bank, which was built in 1935 and is a famous building left in the Hanshin area.

Kobe City Museum has permanent exhibitions of more than 70,000 items related to the history of Kobe and Cultural properties from ancient times to the present day.

Moreover, special exhibitions are also held periodically such as the “Ghibli Park and Ghibli Exhibition” and the exhibition of works by Higashiyama Kaii, one of the representative painters of the Showa period.
The shop cafe on the 1st floor is where sweets and drinks are provided in a retro-classic atmosphere.

[Foreign language support]
Artwork captions: Japanese/English
Brochures: Japanese/English/Korean/Simplified Chinese/Traditional Chinese

3. Rokko-Shidare Observatory

If you want to get close to art in Kobe, Rokko-Shidare Observatory is where you should go!

Rokko-Shidare, the landmark of Mt. Rokko, is a dome-shaped observatory designed to resemble a large tree. Terrific photos can be taken with the panoramic view from the maximum altitude of 888m as the background.

At night, the area is illuminated, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that differs from the day. If you look around, a “10-million-dollar worthy night view” is right in front of you.
Besides, remember to check the exhibition at Shidare Museum!

[Foreign language support]
Artwork captions: Japanese
Brochures: Japanese/English

[Note]
・No food or drink at the observatory
・Admission fee is required
・Not accepted: Arima-Rokko 1-Day Passport or KOBE Kanko Smart Passport (Basic Plan)

4. Kobe Rokko Meets Art

Kobe Rokko Meets Art is a contemporary art festival which is held every year and has gained lots of attention. In 2024, Kobe Rokko Meets Art will be held during the 3 months from late August to late November.

Rokko Meets Art takes place in facilities on Mt. Rokko such as Chapel of the Wind designed by Tadao Ando which is usually closed to the public and the Trail Area. The works by emerging artists blend into nature and stimulate the visitors’ senses! If you want to see all the works, we recommend a full day of touring since they are scattered in different venues.

[Foreign language support]
Artwork captions: Multilanguage by scanning the QR code provided
Guide map: English version on the website is planned to be released

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Check this article for more travel information on Mt.Rokko
Mt.Rokko Sightseeing Summary

Also, Arima Onsen, one of the three most popular hot springs in Japan, is accessible from Mt. Rokko by taking Rokko Arima Ropeway!

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5. Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum

Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum, as the only museum of carpentry tools in Japan, has a collection of more than 30,000 pieces of tools and materials that have been used in traditional Japanese wooden construction.

Here, visitors can learn about the traditional handiwork of craftsmen and the wisdom that has been passed down from generation to generation. In particular, visitors can revel in the fine beauty of traditional carpentry through numerous exhibits including a full-scale model of a tearoom called “Skeleton tea room” and the impressive 7-meter-high model of Toshodaiji-kondo in Nara.

In addition to the video and audio guide system, you can get a full experience by smelling and touching the wood. In the building next to it, there are resting rooms with a small stone garden where traditional craftsmanship is shown.
As for the popular wood-making workshop event, you’d better check the detailed information such as the operating hours and conditions on the official website.

[Foreign language support]
Artwork captions: Partially in English
Video/Audio guide is available in Japanese/English/Chinese/Korean
Brochures: Japanese/English/Chinese/Korean

[Note]
Tours are likely to take more than an hour

6. Kobe Mysterious Consulate of Trick Art

Located on Kobe Kitano Ijinkan Street, the former Consulate of Panama has turned into a fun place that tickles your five senses! Kobe Mysterious Consulate of Trick Art is now a hot topic on social media.

It is a unique amusement spot in the Ijinkan where you can get inside the paintings and experience works that incorporate optical illusions. Particularly, the Kobe Original Series with a collection of typical works from Kobe is one of the most buzzing areas.

From being squashed by a giant slice of Kobe steak to Kobe Tower which is seemingly jumping out of the frame, this is definitely a fun place for everyone regardless of age. Don’t forget to bring your camera along and try to take some astonishing pictures!

[Foreign language support] Japanese
[Note] Visitors will be guided in small groups to avoid crowding. Please follow the instructions of the staff.

7. Kobe Maritime Museum

Kobe Maritime Museum features a large roof with a white space structure evoking the image of a sailing ship and is located in the popular sightseeing spot Meriken Park.

At the museum, visitors can explore the structure of ships, the charm of cruise ships, and learn about the evolution of ship technology through hands-on experience and projection mapping.

[Foreign language support]
Exhibition captions: Japanese/English
By using the free APP “T-VOIX”, you can read and listen to museum commentary in English, Korean, and Chinese.
Brochures: Japanese/English/Korean/Simplified Chinesea

8. Kawasaki Good Times World

Kawasaki Good Times World, located on the 1st floor of Kobe Maritime Museum, is a corporate museum where visitors can experience the technology of Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group, a world-renowned manufacturer in the fields of ships, trains, aircraft, and motorcycles.

Walking into the museum, you will see the valuable Kawasaki motorcycles of different generations. Also, you can enter the driver’s seat of an actual Series 0 Shinkansen train and passenger compartment of a helicopter. Sometimes, there will be events held in the museum.

[Foreign language support]
Exhibition captions: Japanese/English
Brochures: Japanese/English/Korean/Simplified Chinese

9. Kobe Fashion Museum

As the name shows, Kobe Fashion Museum features fashion as its collection. Collection exhibits of textiles, dresses, fashion photographs, and other valuable items are on display during certain periods.

In the library on the third floor, visitors can browse through fashion magazines of the early 20th century and will be able to decipher the trends and culture of each era through fashion that reflects society.
In addition to fashion, special exhibitions introducing a variety of art, such as illustrations and Ukiyoe paintings, are also popular. Visitors can also experience a “virtual try-on” of 18 costumes, including 18th-century court costumes and ethnic costumes, which are made into data, as a souvenir of their trip (limited period).

[Foreign language support]
Brochures: Japanese only (English is available for exhibits of collections)

10. Yokoo Tadanori Museum of Contemporary Art

The primary objectives of Yokoo Tadanori Museum of Contemporary Art are to maintain the collection of works of Yokoo Tadanori, a Japanese artist born in Hyogo. Yokoo’s colorful and free expression has earned him an international reputation.

In addition to colorful exhibitions, the museum also has a plenty of Yokoo’s collections including old books, vinyl records, unique figurines and some artist works.
One of the most popular photo spots in the museum is the “Cu-mirror-ism to Aotani” installation. The installation consists of mirrors and photographs, and the view of the foot of Mt. Maya outside the window is reflected in the irregularly shaped mirrors in this mysterious spot.

Besides, the museum building is a four-story steel-framed concrete building designed by Togo Murano, a Japanese architect who has created many famous buildings, and is also a must-see!

[Foreign language support]
Exhibition captions: Japanese/English
Brochures: Japanese/English until March, 2025

Travel information of Kobe

Kobe has many other sightseeing spots too!
Enjoy! OSAKA KYOTO KOBE introduces a model sightseeing course, recommended spots, and delicious food in Kobe. Hope you will find the following articles helpful for your trip.

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