神戸市立中央図書館, Public library in central Kobe, Japan
Kobe City Central Library (神戸市立中央図書館) is a public library in central Kobe, spread across two separate buildings on the same site. One building handles general lending and everyday use, while the other houses a research section with specialized collections.
The library was established as a central resource for the people of Kobe and grew over the decades into a key educational institution for the city. After the Great Hanshin earthquake of 1995, it took on the task of archiving documents and testimonies related to that disaster.
The library holds the Seikyu Collection, a set of documents on Korean history and culture that can be consulted in the research section. This collection reflects the long-standing ties between Kobe and Korea, shaped by waves of migration over the past century.
Opening hours vary depending on the day of the week, so it is worth checking before visiting, especially on Sundays when hours are shorter. Free internet access is available throughout the building, which makes it easy to work or do research during a visit.
The library has a book sterilization machine that visitors can use to clean borrowed materials before taking them home. This type of device is common in Japanese libraries but often comes as a surprise to visitors from other countries.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
