Kobe is an international port city that supported the modernization of Japan as a gateway to the world. It is a multi-cultural city, with a Chinatown and former Westerner's district (Ijinkan). It is also a city with many charms such as sake brewing, which has flourished from the past, a high level of craftmanship, and renowned gastronomy including Kobe Beef. This article introduces the best museums to dig deeper into Kobe city.

“HAKUTSURU Sake Brewery Museum”, a Kobe Sake Brewery that has Seen the World

One of the pleasures of eating in Japan is “sake”. The “HAKUTSURU Sake Brewery Museum”, located in Mikage-go, is a place where you can learn about the traditional sake brewing process and history, while also enjoy sake tasting and shopping.

At the entrance, visitors are greeted by sake barrels painted with white cranes ("hakutsuru" in Japanese) and a "sugitama", which is a ball made from Japanese cedar pines. It is hung to wish for the production of delicious sake. This museum, known as “Honten Ichigo-gura (First main brewery)”, occupies the site of a former sake brewery.

Hakutsuru’s warehouse was comprised of “Maekura” and “Okura”. “Maekura” was the place where rice was washed and steamed, and also a living place for craftsmen.  “Okura”, facing the north, stored the sake during its about six-month fermentation process. By having a window on the north side, “Rokko Oroshi”, the cold wind blowing down from the Rokko Mountain located just north of Kobe, reduced the bacteria which disturbs fermentation, leading to the production of good sake.

"Nada Gogo", which includes Mikage-go where Hakutsuru is locate, is known as an area representative of Japan's sake industry. Hyogo Prefecture born sake-rice "Yamada Nishiki",  the mineral-rich water flowing from Mount Rokko and the “Tamba Toji” (Tamba is located in the northern part of Hyogo Prefecture), sake brewers reputed for their craft, are as many factors that boosted the development of sake production around Kobe.

Kobe being a major port also meant that it was possible to ship sake to Edo (modern Tokyo), which was the center of politics and business.

Also, when Japan which incorporated western civilization during the Meiji period (1868-1912),  it introduced its culture at the Universal Exhibitions. Among these, Hakutsuru unveiled its new label at the Paris Exposition held in 1900, which led to its wider recognition both in Japan and abroad. With its international recognition, Hakutsuru became a pioneer in spreading the quality and appeal of sake around the world. Today, Hakutsuru is internationally recognized as the No.1 sake export brand.

After viewing the exhibition, you can enjoy seasonal sake at the tasting booth on the first floor. Compared to the sake created in Fushimi (Kyoto), which is also known as a sake brewing town, Kobe’s sake is called “Nada-no-otokozake” (male sake of Nada). It is characterized by its clean and dry taste, and all its varieties are delicious.

This taste is attributed to minerals : rain carrying minerals from the sea falls over Mount Rokko before becoming ground water. It is truly a sake that reflects the local character of Kobe!

Don’t miss the shop with about 100 kinds of souvenirs including alcoholic beverages and goods. The sake brewery’s ice cream made with amazake (sweet sake) is also delicious!

Inside the museum, there are English explanations that can be displayed by reading QR codes (6 locations) and explanations of sake brewing in English, so  don't hesitate to use them.

Enjoying the History of Chocolate in the Port of Kobe: A City of Western Confectionery that Evolved with Western Culture

When you step into the museum, you can smell the delicious aroma of chocolate. This museum, that makes you feel happy (and somewhat hungry) just by visiting, is the “felissimo chocolate museum” which is located in Kobe's Shinko-cho.

This museum opened in October 2021 under the concept of “Transmitting new chocolate culture from Kobe”. On display, chocolate packages from all over the world which express the thought and creativity of chocolate makers.

Just seeing so many package designs will make you feel excited : some are elegant and sophisticated like treasure boxes, while others are cute.

There is also a book corner, where visitors can read books on chocolate from various periods and every part of the world. By looking at the various books, you will realize how much chocolate is special and loved by so many people.

Going past the reading corner, you will see a collection of more than 15,000 chocolate packages gathered from around the world, There are about 500 brands from 50 countries on display. Trying to find the packages from your own country and your favorite one is part of the fun.

As an anecdote, Japanese Valentine culture (the custom in Japan is for the woman to give chocolate to the person she loves on February 14^th and the man gives her something back in return on March 14^th) is also said to have born in Kobe. Morozoff, a company headquartered in Kobe, was impressed by the Valentine customs of foreign countries. In 1932, it introduced a line of chocolates for Valentine’s Day that focused on authentic taste, and this is how Valentine’s Day in Japan came to be. It is an idea typical of Kobe, a port town where western culture flourishes!

The opening of the Kobe port in 1868 led to the creation of foreign quarters and the introduction of western culture. With this influence, Kobe’s brand as a city of western confectionery was established, and diverse chocolate cultures took root. Kobe chocolate, which has kept these traditions alive to this day, is loved by people from all over the world.

How about searching for favorite chocolates and goods at the museum store after enjoying the exhibition? Be sure to check out the limited-edition items available only there!

Experiencing craftsman’s techniques at “Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum”

“Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum”, located near Shin-Kobe Station, is the only museum in Japan dedicated to carpentry tools. Upon entering the museum, which is surrounded by greenery, you come onto a pleasant space, which make the hustle and bustle of its neighbourhood seem like an illusion.

On the ground floor where the reception desk is located, there is a variety of chairs made by 16 furniture artists. All the chairs are confortable, some with armrests that fit perfectly and others that have seating surfaces that are carefully crafted to adjust to the shape of the body. Even before entering the museum, you will be impressed by the high level of craftsmanship.

The “Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum” opened in 1984. in the midst of the rapid spread of electric tools in the 1960s to early 1970s, its concept was to keep the hand tools of carpentry and the skills of its craftsmen alive.

Of more than 30,000 collected items, about 1,000 are on permanent display. The building’s design and construction were executed by the renowned construction company Takenaka Corporation, and if you look closely, you can see the beautifully curved woodwork of the ceiling, the hand-crafted clay walls, and the staircase lavishly using single sheets of wood. As you walk around, you will realize the building itself has so many highlights.

Once you go inside, the structure leads to an underground exhibition space. As you go down the stairs, you will see a full-scale model of the powerful pillars of the Golden Hall of Toshodaiji Temple.

While the actual pillars in the temple can only be viewed from below, the main point here is that visitors can see the detailed assemblage of woodfrom the side. It is surprising to know that it was made by combining 147 pieces, without using any nails. Make sure to check the video explanations as well.

Japan is home to many wonderful wooden architectures including Toshodaiji Temple. The backbone of this craft is the amazing training system of the craftsmen and their dedication to architecture. Inside the museum, there is a large variety of building tools, as well such as old scrolls depicting construction worksites of the time and textbooks read by apprentice carpenters on display.

As a result of the search for the best tools in each area, during the Golden Age of carpentry, one carpenter had more than 100 tools. Along the way, even tools to maintain the tools were created. One could get lost in the maze of tools.

Japanese carpenters are very particular about the plane, and just by looking at the 1/1000 of a millimeter-type plane scrap, it is evident that the technique is amazing.

As a side note, the direction of planing lumber differs between Japan and other countries. In Japan, the plane is generally “pulled”, while in neighboring China and western countries it is "pushed". There are various theories as to why this is the case, but to mention some, there are theories that since kitchen knives and Japanese swords are cut by pulling, the same is done with plane. Another theory suggests that it was due to the craftsmen’s desire to “sharpen more beautifully”.

There is also the structure of tea ceremony room and exquisite displays of kumiko craftwork, which combines about 10 different shades of wood. From these, you can see the exquisite work of craftsmen. By looking at the mountain range scenery displayed by the work from a wider angle, one cannot help but admire the Japanese craftsmen’s meticulousness and the spirit of pursuing beauty in their work.

There is also a booth displaying various wood shavings that you can actually hold and smell, so be sure to experience Japanese craftsmanship and the history of Japanese architecture through all five senses!

Digging deeply into the charm of Kobe Beef at “Kobe Beef Gallery”!

What you must eat when you come to Kobe is Kobe Beef. The “Kobe Beef Gallery”, which is located 2 minutes away on foot from Shin-Kobe Station, is a place where you can deepen your knowledge of Kobe Beef, as well as search for recommended restaurants and try steaks grilled in front of you on an iron plate by a chef.

Inside the museum, there is a model showing how much fat the meat has and an exhibit explaining in detail the production process and certification criteria of Kobe Beef. You will be able to deepen your understanding of the secret behind the delicious taste of Kobe Beef, one of the best-known Japanese Wagyu beef.

Kobe beef is also called "Kobe-gyu", but this word is not used to describe the livestock the meat comes from. The meat from black Japanese cattle called Tajima-cattle, which is bred only in Hyogo Prefecture, is called "Tajima-gyu". "Tajima-gyu" selected for its quality and weight are sold in the market as "Kobe Beef" or "Kobe-gyu".

Kobe Beef’s “sweetness” and “aroma” are what makes it so delicious. The fine texture of the beef which melts in your mouth and the aromatic and slightly sweet flavor will make food connoisseurs around the world roar with delight.

Inside the museum, there is a restaurant where you can taste freshly grilled Kobe beef.

One of the most popular dishes at the restaurant is the “Comparison set of beef tenderloin and rib-eye”. This is a luxurious menu item that allows you to enjoy taste of the fat with the rib-eye and the tenderness and flavor of the meat with tenderloin at the same time. When you come to Kobe, be sure to enjoy delicious Kobe beef!

In Conclusion

Going around these museums allow a deeper understanding of the Kobe’s diverse culture and history. The unique experience offered  at each facility is a valuable opportunity to feel the charm of Kobe with all five senses. These museums give us deeper knowledge and emotions that cannot be obtained through a mere sightseeing. When you visit Kobe, take time to visit each museum and experience the deep culture of this city.

HAKUTSURU Sake Brewery Museum

Address:4-5-5 Sumiyoshi Minamimachi Higashinada-ku Kobe city Hyogo prefecture 658-0041（Google map）

Available time: 9:30〜16:30

Regular closing days: None

Website:https://www.hakutsuru.co.jp/english/culture/museum.html（English）

felissiomo chocolate museum

Address: 2F Stage Felissimo Shinko-cho Chuo-ku Kobe city Hyogo prefecture 650-0041（Google map）

Available time：11:00〜18:00

Regular closing days：None

Website: https://www.felissimo.co.jp/chocolatemuseum/top_fcm.html   (Only in Japanese)

Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum

Address: 7-5-1 Kumochi-cho Chuo-ku Kobe city Hyogo prefecture 651-0056（Google map）

Available time：9:30〜16:30

Regular closing days: Monday

Website: https://www.dougukan.jp/?lang=en（English）

Kobe Beef Gallery

Address: 3F Kotonohako Kobe 1 Kitano-cho Chuo-ku Kobe city Hyogo prefecture 650-0002（Google map）

Available time: 11:30〜15:00(LO14:00)、17:00〜20:00(LO19:00)

Regular closing days: Monday, Tuesday (If these days are holidays, the next day is the closing day)

Website：https://en.kobebeef.gallery/pages/outline（English)