Meriken Park｜Attractions｜Visit HYOGO - The Official Tourism Website of Hyogo

Meriken Park

A calming waterfront area with the sound of ships' whistles and pleasant sea breezes

Meriken Park, with its pleasant sea breezes, is home to many of the symbols of the Port of Kobe. This waterfront area is a representative part of Kobe, made up of the once-bustling Meriken Wharf (derived from “American Wharf”) and the reclaimed land of Japan’s first modern quay.

It is full of highlights, including the Port of Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park, which informs visitors of the damage caused by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake; Kobe Port Tower, with panoramic views of the streets of Kobe; and the Kobe Maritime Museum, created in the image of a white sailing ship!

Within the park, the “BE KOBE” monument is a particularly popular photo spot. It is lit up at night, so you can make the most of a fantastical atmosphere that merges into the port’s nightscape. The wide lawn area is a great rest spot for enjoying a picnic or stroll. The largest Starbucks in western Japan is also located here, and we recommend spending some leisurely moments there as you gaze out at the sea.

Area

Basic information

Zip code: 〒650-0042　
Address: 2 Hatoba-cho, Chuo-ku Kobe-shi 兵庫県
Telephone Number: 078-321-0085
Inquiries: Kobe Port "U" Park management JV (weekdays: 09:00–17:00)
Access (car): From the Osaka area: Approx. 5 mins from Kyobashi entrance/exit on the Hanshin Expressway Kobe Route
From the Akashi area: Approx. 10 mins from the Yanagihara entrance/exit on the Hanshin Expressway Kobe Route
Access (public transport): Approx 10 mins’ walk from JR/Hanshin Motomachi Station
Approx. 12 mins’ walk from the Hankyu Kobe Line Hanakuma Station
Approx. 8 mins’ walk from Minato Motomachi Station on the subway Kaigan Line
Parking: [Times Meriken Park Car Park]
「Monday to Friday」 First 60 mins free
[Weekends, public holidays, Year-end/New Year] First 30 mins free
Thereafter, 210 yen for 30 minutes
*There are also other paid car parks in the area