神戸市立博物館
Kobe City Museum
A museum housed in a neoclassical former bank—Kobe City Museum tells the story of international exchange, from ancient maps to Meiji modernity.
Attractions
Museum, Cultural Institution, History, Art
MK Guide Recommends
Located just a few blocks inland from Kobe’s historic port, Kobe City Museum explores the city's role as a gateway of culture, commerce, and global contact. Housed in a grand 1930s neoclassical building (formerly the Yokohama Specie Bank), the museum houses one of Japan’s finest collections of nanban art—depicting early interactions between Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish traders—as well as archaeological finds, early global maps, and rotating art exhibitions. The tone is quiet and academic but beautifully curated, making it a rewarding stop for those seeking context behind Kobe’s modern cosmopolitanism.
Facilities & Services
Permanent exhibitions on Kobe’s history and global exchange
Notable nanban art and early world maps
Rotating special exhibitions
Museum shop and accessible facilities
5-minute walk from Motomachi Station
obiobi Steak & Wine
A chic Kobe steak bistro where charcoal-grilled meats are paired with carefully selected wines in a cozy, intimate setting.
Tsuchiya
An elegant kappō restaurant in Kobe where each dish showcases the changing seasons and the subtle art of Japanese culinary balance.
Sushi Kanbe
A cozy sushi bar in Kobe’s Chūō Ward where traditional skills and seasonal ingredients blend quietly.
Shijiacai Chinese Kitchen
A laid-back Chinese restaurant in Kobe offering handmade dim sum, soothing congee, and small plates in a cozy neighborhood atmosphere.
G-sen
A renowned Kobe bakery serving beautifully crafted cakes and desserts that blend French technique with local flavor.