Earthquake Museum DRI
A museum dedicated to earthquake risk management, featuring a memorial to the 1995 Kobe quake and interactive exhibits on disaster preparedness.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Free admission day!
Earthquake Museum DRI
Best Time
Free admission day!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A museum dedicated to earthquake risk management, featuring a memorial to the 1995 Kobe quake and interactive exhibits on disaster preparedness.
"A thought-provoking museum showcasing Japan's resilience and preparedness for natural disasters."
🎟️ Buy the Full Ticket
Opt for the full fare ticket to access both East and West Buildings for a comprehensive experience.
🗣️ English Headsets Available
English headsets are provided for video viewing, aiding comprehension for non-Japanese speakers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
1995 Kobe Earthquake Memorial
4th Floor
Witness powerful videos and exhibits detailing the devastating 1995 earthquake and its impact.
Interactive Earthquake Simulations
1st Floor (East Building)
Experience hands-on games and demonstrations, including liquefaction, to understand earthquake phenomena.
Disaster Preparedness Exhibits
Learn about Japan's advanced preparations and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
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Planning Your Visit
Language Barrier & Translation
Free Admission Days
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy the Full Ticket
Opt for the full fare ticket to access both East and West Buildings for a comprehensive experience.
🗣️ English Headsets Available
English headsets are provided for video viewing, aiding comprehension for non-Japanese speakers.
⏳ Allow 2 Hours
Allocate at least two hours to fully explore the exhibits and understand the earthquake's cause.
📱 Translation App
Bring a translation app for interactive displays if you don't understand Japanese.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy the Full Ticket
Opt for the full fare ticket to access both East and West Buildings for a comprehensive experience.
🗣️ English Headsets Available
English headsets are provided for video viewing, aiding comprehension for non-Japanese speakers.
⏳ Allow 2 Hours
Allocate at least two hours to fully explore the exhibits and understand the earthquake's cause.
📱 Translation App
Bring a translation app for interactive displays if you don't understand Japanese.
🤝 Friendly Staff
Staff are friendly and willing to help, even offering excellent demonstrations. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Earthquake Museum DRI to be a thought-provoking and educational experience, particularly its detailed accounts of the 1995 Kobe earthquake and Japan's advanced disaster preparedness. While some interactive elements are in Japanese, the staff's helpfulness and available English translations enhance accessibility. The museum is highly recommended for its impactful exhibits and the valuable lessons it imparts about resilience. +3
"Again, it is better for you if you could understand Japanese to visit this museum, for video watching they could provide you with translation, yet for the interactive display and some games, they only provide it in Japanese.
I will highly recommend you to buy the full fare ticket for both the East and West Buildings, on the 1st floor some interactive games are provided, then you will be guided to the 4th floor, watching 2 videos about the 1995 Kobe Awaji earthquake. After that you are free to visit other floors.
You will be amazed how Japanese are preparing for the great earthquake to come, and how endurance are they in facing big natural disasters. As Japan is their home, they will not leave their country, that is why they are preparing everything so that they will continue to live here."
NIGHT LO
"While visiting Kobe I wanted to check out this exhibit after hearing about the big Earthquake back on January 17, 1995. It was a 7.3 with huge devastation. The exhibit is well laid out and the tour starts in the 4 th floor and there are a couple short movies to watch followed by a large amount of pictures and exhibits. The staff were very friendly and willing to help. They have an English headset to watch the movie as well. Really good museum I just wished they had more a simulator so you can kind of experience what an earthquake is like. If you’re in Kobe check it out. Oh yeah, today was a free admission because every month on the 17 th the admission is free to knowledge the event on that day."
M H
"This is an interesting museum dedicated to the Kobe and surrounding area's terrible earthquake. Many lessons were learned about architecture and ways to make housing and buildings much stronger using braces on homes and shock absorbing foundations for buildings. It's interesting. Many school children visit this museum to learn about the earthquake."
Hayes Weggeman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Earthquake Museum DRI is accessible by public transport in Kobe. It's recommended to check local transit maps for the most convenient route from your location. Many visitors find it easy to reach via train or bus.
Information on parking availability can vary. It's advisable to check the museum's official website or local parking guides for the most up-to-date details on parking facilities near the museum.
From Kobe city center, you can typically take a local train or bus service directly to the vicinity of the Earthquake Museum DRI. Consult a local transit app for real-time schedules and routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The standard admission fee is 650 yen for a 2-hour visit. However, admission is free on the 17th of every month to commemorate the 1995 Kobe earthquake. +1
While online ticket purchasing options may exist, it's often straightforward to purchase tickets upon arrival. For free admission days, simply arrive on the 17th of the month.
The museum typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's best to check the official website for the most current operating hours, especially around holidays.
Specific discount information for students or seniors is not widely detailed, but the general admission is quite affordable. The 17th of the month offers free entry for all. +1
Booking in advance is generally not required, especially for regular visiting days. However, for special events or if you're visiting on a free admission day, arriving earlier might be beneficial. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Start on the 4th floor to watch the introductory videos about the 1995 earthquake, then explore the interactive exhibits on the 1st floor. Consider the full fare ticket for both buildings. +1
Yes, the museum features several interactive games and displays, including a demonstration of liquefaction and a virtual reality earthquake simulation. +1
The virtual reality earthquake simulation offers an interesting and immersive experience, allowing visitors to get a sense of what an earthquake feels like.
Yes, the museum is visited by many school children and features interactive elements that can be engaging for younger visitors. The educational content is also valuable for all ages.
Most visitors spend around 2 hours at the museum to fully appreciate the exhibits and videos.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Specific dining facilities within the museum are not widely mentioned. It's advisable to check the museum's official information or plan to dine at nearby restaurants in Kobe.
Generally, it's recommended to consume food and drinks outside of exhibit areas. Check the museum's specific policies regarding outside food and beverages.
The area around the museum likely offers a variety of Japanese cuisine. Exploring local eateries will provide authentic dining experiences.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. While some areas might allow it, flash photography is often restricted to protect exhibits. It's best to look for signage or ask staff for guidance.
Focus on capturing the impactful displays and memorial elements. The exhibits detailing preparedness and resilience can be visually striking. +1
The visual storytelling in the videos and the detailed displays of architectural preparedness offer compelling photographic opportunities. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🧑🏫 Students and Educators
🌍 International Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Earthquake Preparedness in Japan
Exhibits detail everything from shock-absorbing foundations and seismic retrofitting techniques for buildings to the development of early warning systems and public drills. The emphasis is on resilience and the collective effort to minimize damage and loss of life in the event of a major seismic event. This focus on proactive preparation is a key takeaway for many visitors, highlighting Japan's dedication to safety in a seismically active region.
Real visitors often express admiration for the thoroughness of Japan's approach. The museum serves as a powerful reminder that understanding and preparing for natural disasters is crucial, and Japan stands as a leading example in this regard.
The Human Impact of the 1995 Kobe Earthquake
Beyond the physical damage, the museum highlights the human toll – the loss of life, the displacement of communities, and the immense challenges of recovery. The stories shared are touching and serve as a solemn memorial to those affected. Visitors often comment on how moving and thought-provoking these displays are, emphasizing the importance of remembering and learning from such tragedies.
This section of the museum is crucial for understanding the context behind Japan's stringent earthquake preparedness measures. It underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the community's determination to rebuild and emerge stronger.
Interactive Learning and Engagement
A notable interactive feature is the demonstration of liquefaction, a phenomenon where saturated soil temporarily loses strength and behaves like a liquid during an earthquake. The museum also offers a virtual reality earthquake simulation, providing a more immersive, albeit simulated, experience of seismic shaking. These interactive components are particularly popular with younger visitors and school groups, turning education into an engaging experience.
While some interactive displays are in Japanese, the visual nature of many exhibits and the staff's willingness to assist help bridge any language gaps. The goal is to provide a tangible understanding of earthquake forces and safety measures.
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