Excursion Information

We are pleased to offer an excursion that provides an opportunity to experience the history, culture, and disaster prevention efforts of Kobe. This tour includes visits to facilities that convey the lessons of the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, a renowned sake brewery, and the scenic Kobe Port. We invite you to join us for this enriching experience.

• Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2025
• Time: 9:00 AM Departure – 4:00 PM Return
• Meeting Point: Kobe International Conference Center
• Transportation: Chartered bus
• Lunch: A sandwich lunch will be provided for all participants.
• Return: 4:00 PM Arrival at Kobe International Conference Center
• How to Register: Please register via the registration website. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to sign up early.

Destinations

1. Hokudan Earthquake Memorial Park (Awaji Island)

The excursion begins with a trip across the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, the world's longest suspension bridge, to Awaji Island. Awaji Island is known as the legendary birthplace of Japan, as described in the ancient chronicle Kojiki, and is famous for its beautiful natural scenery.
Hokudan Earthquake Memorial Park is located at the epicenter of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. This facility preserves and exhibits the Nojima Fault, which was exposed by the earthquake, allowing visitors to observe its effects firsthand. The park also features a disaster simulation theater and exhibits that provide valuable insights into the disaster and lessons for the future.

2. Hanshin Expressway Earthquake Archive

The Hanshin Expressway Earthquake Archive was established in 1999 to preserve and pass on the experiences of the earthquake’s damage and recovery efforts. The archive houses 34 pieces of damaged infrastructure from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the impact of the disaster and the advanced engineering techniques used in the recovery. The facility was renovated in 2009 to provide a more accessible and educational experience for visitors, including government officials, engineers, and school groups.

3. Kobe Shushinkan Sake Brewery

Kobe Shushinkan is a historic sake brewery, famous for producing the renowned Fukuju sake. Visitors can learn about the traditional sake brewing process and enjoy a tasting session. The brewery also features a shop where you can purchase local sake, sweets made with sake lees, and traditional confectionery from the Kobe and Hyogo regions, making it a great place for souvenir shopping.

4. Kobe Port Tower & Kobe Harbor

The excursion concludes with a visit to the iconic Kobe Port Tower, where participants can take in stunning panoramic views of Kobe Harbor. This area embodies the vibrant and cosmopolitan charm of Kobe and offers excellent photo opportunities.

This excursion is a unique opportunity to learn about Kobe’s history, culture, and disaster preparedness while engaging in meaningful exchanges. We look forward to your participation!