Kobe Union Church, Protestant church building in Nada district, Kobe, Japan.
Kobe Union Church sits on the slopes of Mount Rokko with expansive windows that open views toward the city below. The modern building occupies a residential hilltop location and serves as a gathering place for worship and community events.
The church was established in 1871 by eight international founders and later moved to its current location in 1992 after an earlier relocation in 1928. These relocations reflect shifts in the congregation and the city's international community over time.
The congregation brings together believers from different nationalities and Protestant traditions in shared worship. Services conducted in multiple languages create a gathering space that reflects the international character of the city.
Shuttle services connect the church to nearby train stations, making it accessible even without a personal vehicle. Check timing in advance since shuttles run on set schedules and routes may vary seasonally.
Two congregations share the building, one English-speaking and one German-speaking, making it a dual-purpose worship space. This arrangement creates an unusual situation where two separate faith communities coexist under a single roof.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
