Kobe City Museum

The Kobe City Museum (神戸市立博物館), opened in 1982, is home to an incredible collection of artifacts that showcase Japan’s rich history and cultural exchange. Merging the collections of the Kobe Archaeological Museum and the Namban Art Museum, it presents an array of fascinating exhibits. One of its highlights is a vast collection of Namban Art, showcasing colorful paintings and folding screens from the 1500s that depict early encounters between Japan and Western traders.

Additionally, the museum’s permanent exhibition includes maps of Japan’s regions and eras, along with objects that highlight the country’s cultural exchange, including imports from China and Korea, as well as goods that entered Kobe after the port opened to international trade in the 19th century. A visit to this museum offers a deep dive into the history of Japan's cultural connections with the world.