The visit begins with a movie which shows the earthquake striking kobe and the devastation it caused. It was in a surround type theatre but would have better had it been in 3D. The second movie shows the post earthquake effect and reconstruction. Today it is impossible to believe that so much destruction was caused during the earthquake. There are... More

Most of us not living in Japan or other earthquake prone cities can learn much from this museum. English speaking volunteers are very dedicated and enthusiastic in guiding you through the exhibits. First there was a light and sound show that tries to simulate the Kobe earthquake. Then there are lots of exhibits of the extensive damage caused and the... More

Relive the Kobe earthquake in 1995 that killed over 6,000 residnets

I had really looked forward to visiting this place as I had heard they had good exhibits about earth quakes and a simulated plate you could stand on to feel the degrees of tremour. The simulator was no longer available and the exhibits were dull. A wonderful building but somehow they made the exhibits so dull. Maybe okay for school... More

The way they've created and themed this place is brilliant. The light and sound show of the 1995 Kobe earthquake is as real as it gets. Japan isn't a stranger to destruction due to forces of nature, but its resilient enough to stand up on its feet quickly after ANY disaster. There's lots and lots of information about the earthquake... More

The building that houses this collection is a beautiful piece of engineering and design in itself. But it's what's inside that provides an amazing insight into the Japanese as a culture and society. The museum offers a plethora of information in English. The earthquake experience is full on and the stories of survival and recovery are extensive. The English-speaking staff/volunteers... More

Yes, the tongue-twister of a name - "Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution" - is truly confusing. This is really a museum, a catalog, an archive... and much more of the terrible 1995 earthquake in Kobe. The 7-minute multimedia experience gives you a real feel of how horrible that fateful January morning was in 1995. There is an incredible amount... More

Do not smile at the title of this place before you visit. It is very much what is says to be, in a way that will make you think. You will be introduced to the realities of the human aftermath of an earthquake. There are English speaking volunteers who guide you through the exhibits. If you visit during the week... More

The institute contains an overwhelming and comprehensive record on the 1995 Kobe earthquake. Movies, dramatisations, dioramas, and lots of paraphernalia from the disaster and recovery process. Headsets in English and other languages are available, and every display we read had English translations. If you're an information buff, you'll love this place. The English-speaking local volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable, maybe... More