Your First Visit to Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel
Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel is a high-rise hotel situated on the Meriken Park waterfront overlooking Kobe Port and the Rokko Mountains. Its spectacular harbor location makes it a popular destination for international conferences, corporate general meetings, and large-scale receptions. The hotel’s largest banquet hall, Suiten, seats 440 guests across 1,070 sqm and can host standing receptions of up to 600 people. Ten event spaces of varying sizes allow organizers to match the venue to the scale of any event.
This guide covers practical information including how to get to Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel, where to stay, dining options nearby, and tips for your visit.
Access Guide to Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel
Located on the Kobe waterfront, the hotel is accessible by Shinkansen, domestic flight, and train from multiple departure points.
From Narita Airport
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Narita Express + Shinkansen Nozomi: approx. 4 hrs 15 min, approx. ¥19,000–¥21,000 Take the Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station (approx. 60 min), then the Shinkansen Nozomi to Shin-Kobe Station (approx. 2 hrs 45 min). From Shin-Kobe Station, take a taxi to the hotel (approx. 15 min).
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Limousine Bus + Domestic Flight + Taxi: approx. 4 hrs 30 min, approx. ¥20,000–¥30,000 (varies by airfare) Take an airport shuttle bus from Narita to Haneda Airport (approx. 90 min), then a domestic flight to Kobe Airport (approx. 1 hr 15 min), and a taxi to the hotel (approx. 20 min). Costs vary significantly depending on the airfare.
From Haneda Airport
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Domestic Flight + Taxi: approx. 1 hr 35 min, approx. ¥15,000–¥25,000 (varies by airfare) Take an ANA or JAL domestic flight from Haneda to Kobe Airport (approx. 1 hr 15 min), then a taxi to the hotel (approx. 20 min). This is the fastest route if flights are available.
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Keikyu Line + Shinkansen Nozomi: approx. 3 hrs 27 min, approx. ¥15,000–¥17,000 Take the Keikyu Line from Haneda Airport Terminal 1 & 2 Station to Shinagawa Station (approx. 17 min), then the Shinkansen Nozomi to Shin-Kobe Station (approx. 2 hrs 35 min). From Shin-Kobe Station, take a taxi to the hotel (approx. 15 min).
From Nearby Stations
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Minatomotomachi Station (Kobe Municipal Subway Kaigan Line) → approx. 8 min walk Exit via Exit 2 and walk toward Meriken Park. This is the closest and most convenient station for the hotel.
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Motomachi Station (JR Kobe Line) → approx. 15 min walk Walk south toward the waterfront from the station. A taxi is recommended in wet weather.
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Sannomiya Station (JR / Hankyu / Hanshin / Kobe Municipal Subway) → Free shuttle bus, approx. 20 min (weekdays) The hotel operates a free shuttle bus from Sannomiya Station on weekdays. Sannomiya is the main transport hub for Kobe and serves multiple rail lines.
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Shin-Kobe Station (Sanyo Shinkansen) → Free shuttle bus, approx. 30 min (weekends/holidays only) or taxi approx. 15 min A free shuttle bus runs on weekends and public holidays only. On weekdays, take the Sannomiya shuttle or a taxi from Shin-Kobe Station.
Venue Information Summary
- Full Name: Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel
- Address: 5-6 Hatobacho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo
- Nearest Station: Minatomotomachi Station (Kobe Municipal Subway Kaigan Line), Exit 2, approx. 8 min walk
- Official Website: https://www.kobe-orientalhotel.co.jp/
Event Venues at Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel
The hotel has 10 banquet halls and meeting rooms, from large-scale events to intimate meetings.
Suiten
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity (seated) | 440 |
| Capacity (standing) | 600 |
| Area | 1,070 sqm |
The hotel’s largest banquet hall, suitable for international conferences, corporate general meetings, and large receptions. It can be divided into three sections to accommodate a range of event sizes.
Kaio
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity (seated) | 110 |
| Capacity (standing) | 130 |
| Area | 342 sqm |
A mid-size hall for banquets and conferences.
Tenko
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity (seated) | 88 |
| Capacity (standing) | 100 |
| Area | 210 sqm |
A mid-size banquet and conference space.
Ginga
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity (seated) | 66 |
| Capacity (standing) | 80 |
| Area | 190 sqm |
Divisible into two sections, suitable for seminars and breakout sessions.
Sea’s
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity (seated) | 77 |
| Capacity (standing) | 80 |
| Area | 185 sqm |
A versatile small-to-mid-size banquet and meeting space.
Nagisa
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity (seated) | 60 |
| Capacity (standing) | 60 |
| Area | 125 sqm |
Suitable for small parties and meetings.
Tsubasa
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity (seated) | 40 |
| Capacity (standing) | 50 |
| Area | 91 sqm |
A compact space for small meetings and seminars.
Misaki
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity (seated) | 30 |
| Capacity (standing) | 30 |
| Area | 65 sqm |
For small meetings and discussions.
Akatsuki
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity (seated) | 30 |
| Capacity (standing) | 30 |
| Area | 67 sqm |
For small meetings and discussions.
Subaru
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity (seated) | 20 |
| Capacity (standing) | 20 |
| Area | 50 sqm |
The smallest meeting room, suitable for small-group discussions and board meetings.
For detailed layouts, equipment, and pricing, please check the official website.
Recommended Hotels Near Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel
For attendees not staying at the hotel itself, the following nearby options are recommended.
Hotel Okura Kobe
A long-established luxury hotel within the same Hatobacho area, approximately 5 minutes on foot from Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel. Harbor-view rooms and full-service restaurants make it a reliable choice for attendees seeking nearby accommodation during large events.
LA SUITE KOBE Harborland
A boutique luxury hotel adjacent to the Harborland district, known for its harbor views and premium service. An ideal option for attendees who prefer a high-end stay close to the venue.
For more hotel options, please see our hotel guide page.
Recommended Restaurants Near Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel
A range of dining options is available within and around the hotel.
Fine Japanese
Yamazato
An authentic Japanese kaiseki restaurant inside Hotel Okura Kobe (2-1 Hatobacho). Seasonal ingredients are showcased in refined set-course meals, making it an excellent choice for client dinners and formal business entertaining.
Japanese (Casual)
Hihikorekobe Dan
A Japanese izakaya-style restaurant on the 9th floor of Kobe Arc Plaza (3-3-1 Tamoncho). Dishes feature locally sourced Kobe and Hyogo ingredients, and the relaxed atmosphere suits post-event group dinners and networking gatherings.
Western
Villa Blanche
A French bistro in the Sannomiya area (6-1-4-1 Kanocho) known for its accomplished French cuisine. Well suited for business dinners in a more formal setting.
Asian
Chinese Restaurant Toukashun
An in-hotel Cantonese restaurant serving authentic Chinese cuisine with harbor views. A convenient dining choice for event participants who prefer to stay within the hotel complex.
Café
Starbucks Coffee Kobe Meriken Park
A harborside Starbucks inside Meriken Park (2-4 Hatobacho) with seating overlooking Kobe Port. A convenient spot for a quick break before or after your event.
Bar
Bar Moon-Lite
A long-established bar in the Motomachi area (1F Yoko Building, 2-2-12 Sakaemachidori) known for skilled cocktail-making and late-night hours. A good option for post-event drinks or small group gatherings.
Tips Before You Visit
Expect Uncovered Walking Routes in Wet Weather
The hotel sits on the waterfront, and the walking routes from Minatomotomachi Station (Kobe Subway Kaigan Line) and JR Motomachi Station include long stretches with no overhead cover. Taking a taxi is strongly recommended on rainy days to avoid arriving at the event wet.
Shuttle Bus Schedules Differ by Day
The free hotel shuttle from Sannomiya Station runs on both weekdays and weekends/holidays. However, the shuttle from Shin-Kobe Station runs on weekends and public holidays only. For weekday Shinkansen arrivals, direct attendees to the Sannomiya shuttle or arrange a taxi from Shin-Kobe (approx. 15 min).
Expect Heavy Crowds on Weekend Evenings in Summer
Kobe Port Weekend Fireworks typically run on Saturday evenings from June through September. If your event overlaps with a fireworks night, expect heavy pedestrian traffic and road congestion around Meriken Park from late afternoon into the night. Build in extra travel time when departing by taxi or car.
Check for Large Park Events in Spring and Autumn
Large-scale events such as KOBE BUBBLUMI can close off sections of Meriken Park, restricting pedestrian access routes. If a major public event is scheduled on the same day as your conference, confirm access paths with the hotel or event organizer in advance.
Kobe Port Tower Renovation Is Complete
The Kobe Port Tower reopened in April 2024 after a full renovation, with a new observation deck and café now in operation. All surrounding construction has been completed, and there are no current works affecting access to the hotel.
Choosing Your Arrival Station
Minatomotomachi Station on the Kobe Municipal Subway Kaigan Line is the closest station (approx. 8 min walk). JR travelers can use Motomachi Station (approx. 15 min walk), though a taxi or shuttle is more practical with heavy luggage or in wet weather. Sannomiya Station serves as the main Kobe hub for multiple rail lines and is the most convenient transfer point for those coming from other parts of Kansai.