A museum housed in a neoclassical former bank—Kobe City Museum tells the story of international exchange, from ancient maps to Meiji modernity.
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
Contact
Plan your trip now with MK Guide.
