The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution

Must Do Experiences

• Walk through the immersive 1.17 Theater to witness a powerful visual and audio recreation of the earthquake's immediate aftermath.

• Listen to the firsthand accounts and personal stories of survivors in the Disaster Storytelling zone.

• Participate in the interactive disaster preparedness workshops to learn essential survival and emergency response techniques.

• Explore the detailed dioramas and salvaged artifacts that vividly illustrate the scale of the destruction and the city's remarkable recovery.

Hidden Gems

• Seek out the quiet reflection spaces on the upper floors where you can read translated letters of hope and resilience exchanged between survivors and volunteers.

• Check the daily schedule for the live disaster storytelling sessions, which offer a much more intimate and emotional connection than the static exhibits.

• Visit the museum's specialized research library, often overlooked by casual tourists, which houses an extensive archive of global disaster reduction materials and rare photographs of Kobe's rebuilding process.

What Makes it Special

• It serves not just as a memorial, but as a globally recognized hub for disaster risk reduction and human resilience research.

• The museum seamlessly blends emotional storytelling with cutting-edge interactive technology to teach practical life-saving skills.

• It stands as a powerful symbol of Kobe's miraculous recovery and the enduring spirit of its community.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The best time to visit is on a weekday morning right at the 09:30 opening to experience the exhibits in a quiet, contemplative atmosphere before school groups arrive. Mid-January is particularly significant, as the city holds its annual memorial events around the 17th, though you should expect larger crowds and a deeply emotional ambiance during this period.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Respect the strict no-photography signs in the memorial and storytelling zones to maintain the solemn atmosphere and protect survivor privacy.

• Capture the striking modern architecture of the museum building from the outside plaza, especially during the golden hour just before sunset.

• Focus your lens on the detailed, large-scale dioramas of the ruined cityscape in the permitted zones, using a lower ISO to handle the dramatic, moody museum lighting.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor throughout the museum, as it is a place of mourning and deep reflection for many local visitors. Refrain from loud conversations or using mobile phones in the exhibition halls, and always offer a quiet word of respect when interacting with the volunteer storytellers.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• The annual 1.17 Memorial Events in mid-January feature special candlelight vigils, guest speakers, and extended programming dedicated to earthquake remembrance.

• During Japan's Disaster Prevention Day on September 1st, the museum hosts enhanced interactive drills, special guest lectures, and family-focused emergency preparedness workshops.

• The Kobe Luminarie light festival in December often partners with the museum to host special evening exhibitions focusing on hope and the city's beautiful recovery.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Pay close attention to the emergency exit routes highlighted throughout the museum, taking the opportunity to practice your own spatial awareness in large public buildings.

• If you are sensitive to flashing lights or loud, sudden noises, prepare yourself before entering the 1.17 Theater, as it uses intense sensory effects to simulate the earthquake.

• Keep your personal belongings secure in the provided lockers, as the interactive workshop areas require you to move around freely.