The Kobe Port Tower is an iconic landmark in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, sitting on the heart of the Kobe Port Area. Completed in 1963, the tower was the world’s first tourist tower to feature a hyperboloid structure constructed using a lattice of steel tubes, making it a notable engineering achievement at the time.

More than six decades after its completion, the tower remains an enduring symbol of Kobe’s maritime heritage and modern identity. Its distinctive silhouette has become a familiar feature of the city’s skyline and appears on a wide range of local souvenirs and memorabilia. One of the key features of the Kobe Port Tower is the observation deck.

Pre-booking Recommended

The Kobe Port Tower has timed-entry tickets, and general admission tickets may be unavailable depending on the date and time. Get your tickets in advance to avoid missing out

Pre-purchase Tickets

The main observation deck of Kobe Port Tower stands at 90m high, providing visitors with a unique vantage point of Kobe and around the Osaka Bay Area. The Observation area spans 5 decks, providing plenty of space to get a good view of the city. Following a major renovation, the tower reopened on 26 April 2024 with a new open-air rooftop observation deck. Around 100 metres above the ground, it provides unobstructed views of Kobe Port, the city and the surrounding Rokko mountain range.

Additionally, there is a rotating cafe and bar inside the Kobe Port Tower. The Ready go round café and bar occupies a rotating floor that completes a full 360-degree rotation in approximately 30 minutes. Visitors can enjoy drinks and snacks while the views of the city and harbour gradually change around them.

With the late hours of the port tower in summer, visitors can take advantage of the night time to view the city peacefully at night, watching the calming dance of the lights. The Kobe Port Tower is often a popular date locations among locals thanks the the beautiful views that can be seen from the tower. At night, the Kobe Port tower is illuminated, making this iconic landmark of the Kobe port area glow and a popular subject for photographers.

Due to the popularity of the tower, a timed ticket may be required to enter the observation deck. The best way to purchase these tickets is via Klook (Click here) to guarantee entry. General admission tickets may not be available if all timed-entry tickets have been allocated. To avoid missing out, make sure your pre-purchase your tickets.

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Hours and Admission

9:00am - 9:00pm (Final entry at 8:30pm(March through November))
9:00am - 7:00pm (Final entry at 6:30(December through February))
1200JPY
Pre-purchse tickets (Highly recommended)
Official Website

Accessing the Kobe Port Tower

Kobe Port Tower is easily within walking distance of several train stations and subway stations. The Minatomotomachi Station in the Kobe Subway Kaigan line, being the closest station with a 5 minute walk to the Kobe Port Tower. Hanakuma and Motomachi station are also both within about a 10-15 minute walk from the Kobe Port Tower.