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

Visit a Kobe memorial institution dedicated to preserving the experiences of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and sharing lessons for the future.

Getting started

Make your way to the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution in Kobe. Present your mobile voucher for admission, and let the staff operate the URL voucher if required. Check the venue’s opening hours and closing day before setting out, as hours may vary by season. Plan for around two hours to experience the exhibits across the West and East Buildings.

What to expect

• The institution was established to pass on the experiences of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and the lessons learned from it. During your visit, explore the museum’s exhibits with this purpose in mind: understanding what happened, reflecting on the effects of a major earthquake, and considering what should be shared with future generations.

• The institution’s work extends beyond remembering the disaster. It aims to make knowledge about disaster prevention and risk reduction easier to understand, helping visitors consider how damage can be minimized when disasters occur. The exhibits and educational approach are intended to communicate useful knowledge and encourage preparation, rather than leaving the earthquake as an event confined to the past.

• As you move through the West and East Buildings, take time to engage with the exhibits and consider the messages they convey. The institution focuses on how people and communities can learn from the experiences of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, develop awareness of disaster risks, and prepare for future emergencies. Its broader mission also includes supporting disaster-resistant cities and communities, with knowledge and activities that can help people prepare themselves. The institution also promotes activities that support community-level disaster awareness and encourage people to prepare before emergencies happen.

• The museum looks toward the future, sharing ideas about living in harmony with nature in the 21st century. This wider perspective connects the memory of a past disaster with the ongoing need to understand risks, make informed preparations, and strengthen the ability of communities to respond. The visit offers an opportunity to reflect on why disaster education matters and how lessons from one earthquake can be passed on to children and future generations.

• Allow approximately two hours as a guide to see and experience the exhibits in both buildings. Admission is available until one hour before closing, so check the official venue website for current opening hours, closing days, and any seasonal adjustments before your visit.

Wrapping up

Finish your visit after exploring the exhibits in the West and East Buildings. Before travelling, check the institution’s official website for the latest visitor information. The venue is closed on Mondays. If a national holiday falls on a regular closing day, check the official website for the revised schedule.