Your First Visit to World Memorial Hall

World Memorial Hall (Kobe Port Island Hall) is a large multi-purpose arena located on Port Island in Kobe’s Chuo Ward. Its main arena accommodates up to 8,000 guests in an oval design equipped with large video displays, and it hosts a wide range of events including concerts, sporting events, martial arts, and large-scale exhibitions. The venue offers outstanding transport access — just approximately 8 minutes from Kobe Airport via the Portliner rail service with no transfers required — making it reachable from Haneda Airport in roughly 90 minutes. Its proximity to Kobe Portopia Hotel also supports large-scale conventions and MICE events.

This guide covers practical information including how to get to World Memorial Hall, where to stay, dining options nearby, and tips for your visit.

Getting to World Memorial Hall

As Port Island is an artificial island, the Kobe New Transit Port Island Line (Portliner) is the standard means of access. The nearest station, Shimin Hiroba, is just a 3-minute walk from the venue.

From Narita Airport

  • Flight (via KIX) + Kobe–Kansai Bay Shuttle + Portliner: approx. 140 min
    Fly from Narita to Kansai International Airport (approx. 90 min). Take the Bay Shuttle high-speed ferry to Kobe Airport (approx. 30 min, ¥1,880). Then take the Portliner to Shimin Hiroba Station (approx. 8 min, ¥250) and walk 3 minutes to the venue.

  • Flight (via ITM) + Limousine Bus + Portliner: approx. 155 min
    Fly from Narita to Osaka Itami Airport (approx. 90 min). Take a limousine bus to Sannomiya Bus Terminal (approx. 40 min, ¥1,100). Then take the Portliner to Shimin Hiroba Station (approx. 10 min, ¥250) and walk 3 minutes.

From Haneda Airport

  • Flight (Kobe Airport) + Portliner: approx. 90 min
    Fly from Haneda to Kobe Airport (approx. 70 min). Take the Portliner directly to Shimin Hiroba Station (approx. 8 min, ¥250) and walk 3 minutes. This is the fastest route with the fewest transfers.

  • Shinkansen Nozomi + Portliner: approx. 185 min
    Take the Tokyo Monorail from Haneda to Shinagawa Station (approx. 18 min), then the Shinkansen Nozomi to Shin-Kobe (approx. 2 hrs 22 min). Transfer to the Kobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line to Sannomiya Station (approx. 3 min), then the Portliner to Shimin Hiroba Station (approx. 10 min) and walk 3 minutes. Shinkansen reserved seats cost approximately ¥15,000–17,000 (monorail, subway, and Portliner fares additional).

From Nearby Stations

  • Shimin Hiroba Station (Kobe New Transit Port Island Line): 3-min walk
  • Minatojima Station (Kobe New Transit Port Island Line): 6-min walk (alternative to avoid crowds)
  • Sannomiya / Kobe-Sannomiya Station (JR, Hankyu, Hanshin, Subway): Portliner approx. 10 min + 3-min walk
  • Kobe Airport Station (Kobe New Transit Port Island Line): Portliner approx. 8 min + 3-min walk

Venue Details

  • Full name: World Memorial Hall (Kobe Port Island Hall)
  • Address: 6-12-2 Minatojima Nakamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo
  • Nearest station: Shimin Hiroba Station (Kobe New Transit Port Island Line), 3-min walk
  • Official website: https://www.kobe-spokyo.jp/world-kobe/
  • Opening hours & inquiries: Please check the official website for the latest information

Event Spaces at World Memorial Hall

Main Arena

FeatureDetails
Maximum capacityApprox. 8,000
Arena floor areaApprox. 3,100 m²

The main arena combines 3,528 fixed seats in the stands (2nd and 3rd floors) with up to approximately 4,500 arena-floor seats, for a total capacity of around 8,000. The oval arena is equipped with large video displays and can be configured for concerts, sports events, exhibitions, and other multi-purpose uses. For current layout configurations and booking details, please visit the official website.

Port Island has a good concentration of accommodation options, all within easy reach of the venue.

Kobe Portopia Hotel

A large city hotel directly adjacent to the venue, approximately 3 minutes on foot. It features full international conference and banquet facilities, making it a popular choice for MICE events combined with World Memorial Hall.

Ariston Hotel Kobe

A business hotel on Port Island, conveniently close to the venue. It offers competitive rates, making it a practical option for budget-conscious attendees.

Centurion Hotel & Spa Vintage Kobe

Located in the northern part of Port Island, this hotel features large communal baths and sauna facilities — ideal for unwinding after a long journey or a full day of events.

Hotel Okura Kobe

A luxury hotel adjacent to Meriken Park with highly regarded views of Kobe Harbour. Popular with international conference attendees.

Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel

A landmark hotel at the tip of Kobe Harbour, offering a distinctive setting with views of Kobe Port Tower.

Dining options on Port Island are centered around Kobe Portopia Hotel, offering a range of cuisines within walking distance of the venue.

Fine Japanese Cuisine

Traditional Japanese Cuisine Kobe Tamura

Located on the 4th floor of Kobe Portopia Hotel’s South Wing, this restaurant serves traditional kaiseki cuisine featuring Kobe beef and other locally sourced ingredients — a fitting choice for a formal post-meeting dinner.

Casual Japanese

Oden Kyowada

A counter-style oden restaurant on the 1st floor of Kobe Portopia Hotel. It serves classic Kansai-style oden with a rich dashi broth, perfect for a casual evening meal.

Western Cuisine

Comptoir Ruban

A counter-style French restaurant inside Kobe Portopia Hotel. It uses Kobe ingredients in its highly regarded course dinners.

Asian Cuisine

Chinese Restaurant Shukeien

A Cantonese restaurant on the 29th floor of Kobe Portopia Hotel’s Main Wing. It offers dim sum and banquet course menus with panoramic views of Kobe Harbour.

Café

Tea Lounge La Belle Cour

The hotel lounge on the 1st floor of Kobe Portopia Hotel. It serves afternoon tea and breakfast, making it a convenient spot before or after events.

Bar

Bar Lesta Card

A bar on the 2nd floor of Kobe Portopia Hotel with an extensive selection of whisky and cocktails — a natural choice for a post-event drink.

Tips Before You Visit

Expect Crowds at Shimin Hiroba Station After Events

Shimin Hiroba Station can become so crowded immediately after large events that entry restrictions are put in place. Walking to Minatojima Station (approx. 20 minutes via the North Pier route) is an effective way to bypass the queue and reach Sannomiya.

Use Public Transport — Avoid Driving

Port Island is an artificial island with limited road access. Surrounding roads become congested during events. Taking the Portliner or other public transport is strongly recommended.

Kobe Airport Offers the Fastest Access

Kobe Airport connects directly to Shimin Hiroba Station via the Portliner in approximately 8 minutes with no transfers. Among airports serving the Kansai region, it provides the most direct route to World Memorial Hall.

Bring an Umbrella for Rainy Days

The footpath between Shimin Hiroba Station and World Memorial Hall has exposed sections with no overhead cover. Bring a compact umbrella on rainy days. Walking through the lobby of Kobe Portopia Hotel is an indoor alternative that provides shelter from the rain.

The Portliner Is Easy to Navigate

The Kobe New Transit Port Island Line (Portliner) is an automated, single-route rail line connecting Sannomiya and Kobe Airport, making it straightforward even for first-time visitors. Shimin Hiroba Station is located roughly mid-route.

Consider Dining in Sannomiya Before the Event

Dining on Port Island is mostly concentrated inside Kobe Portopia Hotel. During large events, restaurants can get busy. Eating in the Sannomiya area before heading to the venue is a practical alternative.