Introduction of Wards of Kobe

Last update: 03/25/2009

Higashinada-Ward

Higashinada-Ward surrounded by the sea and mountains and the Sumiyoshi River running through the center, is a ward richly endowed by nature. After the earthquake, the population is increasing mainly with younger generations.

The ward enjoys the good cultural and educational environments, having six universities and a number of cultural facilities such as museums. There are "Uozaki-go” and "Mikage-go”, two out of Nadagogo (five Nada Brewing Areas: one of famous brewing areas in Japan), the presence of which also adds special atmosphere to the town.

The ward has multiple attractions stemming from the combination of old traditional culture such as the Danjiri (float) festival and modernity such as the seaside cultural town, "Rokko Island”.

Nada-Ward

Nada-Ward is surrounded by the sea and mountains, Mt. Rokko and Mt. Maya in the north and Osaka Bay in the south and has many cultural, educational and sport facilities. The western area of the ward where Oji Park is located is specifically designated as "Nada Bunkajiku (key cultural area)” and under development so that concepts for regional culture and sports will be presented to public. Furthermore, the central area is the well developed eastern subcenter and the Hamate area contains a brewing town called "Nishi-go”, one of the Nadagogo. Each area of the ward has its own characteristics and unique individuality.

Chuo-Ward

Chuo-Ward located in the center of the city has developed as the core area of Kobe City. The ward is proud of its historical assets such as the former foreign settlement and the Kitano-Yamamoto district as well as its well-known sightseeing spots with beautiful scenery such as Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden and Harbor Land. Chuo-Ward has many other attractions including the eastern new urban center named "HAT Kobe”, and Port Island where the Kobe Medical Industry Development Project is underway. Kobe Airport opened in 2006, by which the ward leads future Kobe City.

Hyogo-Ward

Hyogo-Ward has flourished as a center of transportation in Seto Inland Sea since ancient times and was once the Capital of Japan. The ward preserves its time-honored history and tradition more than other wards. Today, the developed traffic network such as Kobe City Subway line, the location of foothills full of nature, charms of the waterfront including the canal and vibrant business areas foster the unique local vitality.

Kita-Ward

Kita-Ward, sprawling through the northern area of Mt. Rokko retains abundant nature unlike other areas of large cities. In addition to Arima Springs, the ward has both farming areas with sweet old country views and recently developed modern residential districts, which are well coordinated and harmonized. It preserves a variety of valuable assets such as historic/cultural properties and folk entertainments.

Nagata-Ward

Nagata-Ward has the narrowest area among the nine wards in Kobe City with very high population. The ward preserves its time-honored history and old downtown culture with the peculiar warm heartedness of the residents, and has chemical shoes, machinery and metal industries. At present, Nagata-Ward is undertaking initiatives in various fields including music and employment so as to develop itself into a more attractive ward.

Suma-Ward

Suma-Ward Suma, sandwiched by the serene sea and the verdant mountains, has been favored as a scenic and temperate region by countless people of literature and poets since early times. The ward is comprised of the southern urban district with a long history and the northern district of which center is the mature Suma Newtown with a history of more than 40 years from the start of the construction work and is abundant of attractions of history and nature.

Tarumi-Ward

Tarumi-Ward is blessed with warm climate and rich nature, and widely known as a place of scenic beauty mainly thanks to the fine view of Awaji Island across the Akashi Channel. Many historic sites such as Goshikizuka Kofun (ancient burial mound) and the Okurayama remains are preserved in various spots in the ward as well as many fork entertainments.

Nishi-Ward

Nishi-Ward is rich in water source from the Akashi River system and the wonderful natural gifts such as rural landscape full of trees provide people with relaxation and comfort. The ward has many shrines, temples and historic sites and retains numerous tangible and intangible cultural assets. It is another place of history and tradition: however, it has also Seishin New Town, Kenkyu Gakuen Toshi and well developed industrial parks for a wide variety of industries from engineering to distribution.