Ten Things to Do in Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park, Kobe, Japan



Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park, located in the city of Kobe, Japan, is a memorial to the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that devastated the city and surrounding region. The park, which was opened in 2000, serves to remember the 6,434 victims of the earthquake and to provide a place for reflection and contemplation. Here are ten things to do when visiting Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park.

1. Visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum: The Earthquake Memorial Museum is housed within the Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park. The museum provides visitors with a detailed overview of the events leading up to and following the 1995 earthquake. It includes photographs, artifacts, and interactive displays that tell the story of the disaster and its impact on Kobe and the surrounding region.

2. Tour the Earthquake Memorial Hall: The Earthquake Memorial Hall is a large, open-air hall located within the park. It serves as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the disaster. The hall is filled with photographs, artifacts, and other memorabilia related to the earthquake.

3. View the Earthquake Memorial Wall: The Earthquake Memorial Wall is a large wall located within the park. It is filled with the names of the 6,434 victims of the earthquake. The wall is a sobering reminder of the human cost of the disaster.

4. Participate in the Earthquake Memorial Ceremony: Every year, on the anniversary of the disaster, a ceremony is held at the park to remember the victims of the earthquake. The ceremony includes prayers, songs, and a moment of silence.

5. Visit the Earthquake Memorial Garden: The Earthquake Memorial Garden is a peaceful and tranquil space located within the park. It is filled with trees, shrubs, and flowers that represent the resilience of the people of Kobe.

6. Take a Walk Through the Earthquake Memorial Forest: The Earthquake Memorial Forest is a large area of trees located within the park. It serves as a reminder of the natural beauty of the region and the strength of the people who survived the disaster.

7. Walk Along the Earthquake Memorial Path: The Earthquake Memorial Path is a path that winds through the park. It is lined with stones that represent the strength of the people of Kobe and the courage of those who survived the disaster.

8. View the Earthquake Memorial Bell: The Earthquake Memorial Bell is a large bell located within the park. It is rung every year on the anniversary of the disaster as a way to remember those who were lost.

9. Visit the Earthquake Memorial Park Memorial Chapel: The Earthquake Memorial Park Memorial Chapel is a small chapel located within the park. It is used as a place of reflection and contemplation for those affected by the disaster.

10. Take a Walk Through the Earthquake Memorial Park: The park is a great place to take a leisurely stroll. It is filled with beautiful trees and plants, and there are many benches for visitors to sit and reflect.

Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park is a place of remembrance and reflection for those who lost their lives in the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. It is a beautiful and peaceful space that serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the people of Kobe.