Kobe City Hall, Municipal government skyscraper in Kanō-chō, Japan.
Kobe City Hall is a 30-story high-rise building housing municipal offices and administrative departments throughout its floors. A public observation lobby on the 24th level offers views across the city, mountains, and coastline beyond.
The building was completed in 1989 by architect Nikken Sekkei as part of Kobe's civic expansion. It remained operational after the major earthquake of 1995, becoming a symbol of the city's capacity to recover and rebuild.
The city hall serves as a meeting point for Kobe's international community, reflecting the city's openness to residents from around the world. Staff members here help people navigate local life and connect with government services in their own languages.
The building sits within walking distance of the main train station and is fully accessible for visitors with mobility needs. The observation lobby is free to enter and easily reached by elevator, with facilities designed for families and all guests.
The observation lobby sits 100 meters above ground, offering an uncommon view of Rokko Island rising to the east and the waterfront district spreading west. Few people realize this vantage point reveals how the city is nestled between mountains and water.
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