Learn the Lessons of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake

A site to reflect upon and remember the disaster that rocked Kobe in 1995

The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 1995 hit the historic port city of Kobe hard, resulting in over 6,400 deaths and causing untold damage to the area. The Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution (DRI) is a facility working to convey the experience of the quake and lessons learned from it, while also serving as a learning center to prepare the city and its residents to better tackle challenges in the future.

The DRI draws on multimedia resources as well as a collection of survivors and volunteers to educate guests about the events of that fateful day. A theater and exhibit bring the disaster to life for visitors, while a 3D film takes viewers through the disaster zone of the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake. The Earthquake Memories exhibit uses interactive displays to highlight the reconstruction efforts, while additional displays on disaster mitigation help visitors understand what can be done to lessen the effects of these devastating events.

With earthquakes being an unavoidable part of life in Japan, the DRI works to reassure both residents and visitors by giving them a roadmap for navigating their way safely through nature's wrath.

Access: From Shin-Osaka Station, take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Sannomiya Station (about 30 minutes), then walk to the Sannomiya Eki Terminal-mae (about two minutes) and take the bus to the Hito to Mosai Mirai Center stop (about 10 minutes).

The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial
Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution