Mar 3, 2014 - 1 min read

Minato Motomachi Station, Kobe

Red brick station designed by Tatsuno Kingo

By Manish Prabhune

Community writer

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The red brick structure of Minato Motomachi Station, one of the most beautiful stations in this region.

The original walls were severely damaged during the earthquake in 1995, and the city actually had considered to pull down the complete structure. Thankfully, the structure was restored, due to its historical significance, and it now facilitates the entrance to the subway station.

The Port Tower of Kobe as seen from Minato Motomachi station. I guess it would be much nicer without the electricity lines in between. Sometimes I think it is a shame that they don't put them underground.

Another view of Minato Motomachi Station. The night-time light-up is also very beautiful. It will remind you of Tokyo Station, albeit on a smaller scale.

Front view of Minato Motomachi Station

The details of the architecture on the inside of the station building, referring to Dr. Tatsuno Kingo.

The entrance to Minato Motomachi Station

I have always been a fan of the legendary architect Dr. Tatsuno Kingo, who designed the famous Tokyo Station as well as Manseibashi Station. His constructions remind me of the British architectural footprint in my hometown of Mumbai in India. Apart from his most famous works, I luckily stumbled on his creation in Kobe, which is Minato Motomachi Station, built in 1909, a few years before Tokyo Station was completed in 1913. Originally the building served as a branch of the Daiichi Bank, but it suffered severe damage during the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995. However, it has been restored and it now serves as the entrance to the subway station Minato Motomachi on the Kaigan Line.