Kobe's Night View: Stunning Sunset at Kobe Port Tower

The Kobe Port Tower, a landmark of Kobe, was built in 1963. Standing at 108 meters tall, its exterior features a hyperbolic structure resembling a drum. The tower has an indoor observation deck and an outdoor observation deck at the topmost level, accessible via an elevator. Visiting the tower before sunset is undoubtedly the best time to enjoy the panoramic views, though it tends to be crowded, requiring visitors to queue for the elevator. Upon reaching the top, the sunset over the western hills offers a spectacular view. Both the indoor and outdoor observation decks provide a 360-degree view of Kobe Port and the cityscape, with distant views of Mount Rokko and Osaka Bay. On clear days, the visibility is excellent, and the warm, soft hues of the sunset enhance the beauty of the scenery. Staying at the top until the city lights come on and the evening glow reflects on the surroundings is a magical experience. Best time for photography: The blue hour, approximately 30-40 minutes after sunset, is the golden time for capturing night views. A wide-angle lens and tripod are essential for night photography, and using a slow shutter speed can better capture the details of the evening lights. The panoramic view of the port from the observation deck is the best angle for photography, but you can also choose other angles to capture the interplay of the city and mountains. Using a telephoto lens for panoramic shots can significantly enhance image quality. Transportation Guide: Take the Midosuji Line to Umeda Station, transfer to the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Main Line, and travel four stops (approximately 25 minutes) to Kobe Station.