History of Kobe Port

Opening of Kobe Port

Thanks to the Wada Point that prevents the prevailing westerlies, Kobe Port was suitable for vessels to arrive in and leave out as well as staying safely, surrounded by the calm, deep sea. At that time, there were hardly any port facilities such as piers or quays where vessels could get to the shore.

A view of Kobe Port seen from Mt. Suwa at the time of opening

A view of Kobe Port seen from the sea at the time of opening

[Provided from Kobe City museum]

Kobe Port in the Taisho Period (1912-1926)

[1917 marks the 50th anniversary of opening of the port]

The amount of trade in value terms generated in Kobe Port accounted for 40% of the entire trade amount in Japan, and especially the amount of import was the largest. The "comb-shaped" New Pier One, Two and Three were completed in 1921, which marked the first step toward a modern port.

A coastline map of Kobe Port (1920)

The New Pier restored
(Construction started in 1909, Completed in 1921)

Kobe Port in the middle of the Showa Period (1926-1989)

[1967 marks the 100th anniversary of opening of the port]

To keep up with the modernization of port facilities, the Maya Pier was completed in 1967 as the first container terminal in Japan. Reclamation of Port Island started in 1966.

An overall view of Kobe Port (1966)

The Port Island under reclamation
(Construction started in 1966,
the first container berth completed in 1970)

[Provided by Kobe City]

Kobe Port of today

Kobe Port was heavily damaged by the Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that occurred on January 17, 1995. However, thanks to the prompt restoration construction, the port was completely restored as new Kobe Port at the end of March 1997.

A view of Kobe Port of today (1998)
[Provided by Kobe City]