The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Museum

The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Museum (阪神・淡路大震災記念 人と防災未来センター), officially known as the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution, is a museum dedicated to preserving the memory of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, also known as the Kobe earthquake, which struck on January 17, 1995, in Japan. The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.3 and caused widespread devastation in Kobe and the surrounding areas, resulting in the loss of over 6,400 lives and leaving over 300,000 people homeless.

The museum is located in Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, and was opened on April 17, 2002, as a way to remember and honor the victims, recognize the efforts of those involved in the recovery, and educate future generations about disaster preparedness and mitigation.

The museum features a wide range of exhibits that chronicle the events leading up to, during, and after the earthquake. Visitors can learn about the geological causes of the earthquake, the extent of the damage, the immediate response and rescue efforts, the challenges faced during the recovery process, and the lessons learned from the disaster.

The museum also includes interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience the earthquake firsthand. There is a room that simulates the shaking and sounds of the earthquake, as well as exhibits showcasing damaged artifacts and stories of survivors. Additionally, the museum offers resources and information on disaster preparedness and risk reduction, emphasizing the importance of community resilience and individual preparedness.

The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Museum serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of natural disasters and the importance of learning from past tragedies to create a safer and more resilient future.

Getting there

From Sannomiya Station to The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Museum:

Bus	Sannomiya Station ↓ Bus Number 101 ↓ 15 minutes (8 stops) Hito to Bosai Mirai Center ↓ Walk about 1 minute ↓ The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Museum (Cost 210 yen)
Walk	About 32 minutes (2.2 km)

Details

Admission is every 30 minutes for each hour, with a maximum capacity of 120 people per session. Reservations are preferred.

Hours	9:30 AM – 5:30 PM Reception closes at 4:30 PM.
Admission	Adults: 600 yen Age 70 and above: 300 yen University students: 450 yen
Phone	+81 78-262-5050
Address	1-5-2 Wakinohamakaigan-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 651-0073 Japan
Official Website	https://www.dri.ne.jp/en/