The park was originally established in 1875 as the first Western-style park in Japan, initially serving the needs of foreign residents.
Every January 17th, thousands of participants gather here to form a mosaic of light using thousands of lanterns to honor the victims of the 1995 earthquake.
The park's redesign features a 'pavement of light' that traces the path of the memorial ceremony.
The name 'Higashi Yuenchi' translates to 'East Amusement Park,' a legacy from its mid-Meiji era origins.
The park currently hosts a small, permanent outdoor library collection accessible to the public.
Higashi Yuenchi is a central urban park in Kobe serving as a prominent memorial site for the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. The park features the 'Kobe Lamp of Hope,' which remains lit year-round in memory of victims. It underwent a major redevelopment completed in 2023 to transform into a more accessible urban gathering space with expansive lawns and modern facilities. The site serves as the focal point for the annual January 17th earthquake memorial ceremony. It is physically situated between the Kobe City Hall and the Sannomiya business district. The park includes a dedicated library space, 'NURD,' integrated into the landscape. It is widely recognized for its open green spaces that contrast with the surrounding high-density urban core. The grounds are designed to function as an emergency evacuation site in the event of future disasters.
The 'Kobe Lamp of Hope' monument, especially when framed against the backdrop of the Kobe City Hall tower.
Visit during the early morning for a quiet experience before local office workers arrive for lunch.
Check the park's official website for temporary event closures, as it frequently hosts local food festivals and community markets.
Utilize the seating areas near the park's library cafe to view the City Hall architecture.
Do not mistake the memorial area for a playground; keep active recreation confined to the designated open lawn areas.
Maintain a respectful volume near the earthquake memorial plaques.
