How is Kobe Station's plaza changing?
Bicycle parking is moving underground, making room for a more walkable station square. Here is the latest redevelopment timeline from Kobe City's October 7, 2026 announcement.
The plaza immediately outside JR Kobe Station is being rebuilt in stages. By moving bicycle parking underground and reorganising bus, taxi and car access, the city plans to free up ground-level space for walking, resting and meeting.
- Already opened
- June 2026: three underground automated bicycle towers on the Hyogo side (684 spaces)
- Coming next
- Spring 2028: more underground cycle parking on the Motomachi side
- Overall target
- Redevelopment of the full plaza by the end of FY2035
What will actually change?
More walking space above ground
Three underground automated bicycle-parking towers, holding 684 bicycles, opened on June 1, 2026. Another two towers, with 408 spaces, and a 260-space underground flat parking facility are planned on the Motomachi side.
A new timber-accented canopy
A new large roof will shelter the opening to the underground shopping area. Kobe City has confirmed a design using wood to create a warmer public space that complements Minatogawa Shrine and the historic JR Kobe Station building.
Reorganised transport access
The city also plans to redesign bus and taxi areas and provide general car access. The aim is to make transfers between rail, buses, taxis and cars safer and clearer.
A pedestrian space in front of D51
The road in front of the preserved D51 steam locomotive is planned to become a more welcoming plaza. Following a grass-lawn trial in 2024, another public-space trial is scheduled for October 2026 to test how the space could be managed.
Unable to load the canopy image. View Kobe City's official page ↗The aerial view above and this canopy rendering reflect an earlier Kobe City design published in 2023. A revised canopy design was confirmed on 7 October 2026. See the latest Kobe City announcement ↗ for the confirmed design.
When will it be finished?
- June 2026Three automated cycle-parking towers on the Hyogo side opened (684 spaces)
- Spring 2028Two towers on the Motomachi side (408 spaces) and underground flat parking (260 spaces) are due to open
- End of FY2029Plaza conversion of the road in front of D51 is scheduled
- End of FY2034Renovation of the large canopy is scheduled
- End of FY2035Full redevelopment of Kobe Station Plaza is scheduled
These dates are plans announced by Kobe City on October 7, 2026. Some older materials give FY2030 as the completion target; this article follows the newer FY2035 schedule.
Why it matters to Aioicho 4-chome
For those exploring Aioicho 4-chome just north of the station, the plaza is a gateway to the neighborhood. More inviting walking routes could make it easier to stop at local shops or explore the side streets instead of simply passing through.
Construction will happen in stages, so pedestrian routes and access arrangements may change. Check Kobe City's latest notices before travelling.
D51 Halloween on October 31
The KOBE D51 Halloween Festival on October 31, 2026 is also a public-space trial, allowing visitors to experience a grass-covered pedestrian area in front of the locomotive.
Read the D51 Halloween guide →Published: October 9, 2026