Kobe City: Using Railway Infrastructure Wisely

Renewal of Existing Station Areas

We

believe that in an era of declining population, it is a wise choice for city planning to utilize existing infrastructure, such as the railroad network that has been built by our predecessors since before World War II, without making large-scale infrastructure investments.
In order to attract a well-balanced population to the suburbs as well, the key is the “station. Stations are important because they are the “face” of the city, giving the impression of the town’s appearance and atmosphere. The revitalization of the area in front of the station is a force that attracts private investment and population.
In the western part of the city, Kobe City is working on the renewal and lighting up of station plazas and the creation of relaxation spaces, as well as the reallocation of public facilities such as ward offices and libraries, the renewal of commercial facilities, and the enhancement of child-rearing and cultural environments, with a focus on stations that are the hub of the area such as Naya, Seishin-Chuo, and Tarumi Stations. In addition, efforts are being made to enhance the quality of the city and its lifestyle, including the reallocation of public facilities such as ward offices and libraries, the renovation of commercial facilities, and the enhancement of child-rearing and cultural environments.

Aim of Municipalization of Hokushin

Kyuko Railway In June 2020, we decided to take an initiative unprecedented in Japan by municipalizing the Hokushin Kyuko Railway, thereby reducing the fare between Tanigami Station and Sannomiya in the Hokushin area (northern Kobe City) to “half fare”.
The Kitagami area is rich in history and culture, with its satoyama, thatched houses, and farm village stages. By improving transportation convenience and focusing on the redevelopment of station facilities together with Kobe Electric Railway, we aim to revitalize the Kitagami area and establish a population that combines the richness of nature and culture.

Living

close to work and residence As the number of dual-earner households increases and the employment rate of women raising children rises, people are able to choose the way of working that suits them best, such as teleworking after Corona, and there is a growing preference for living close to work and residence to reduce commuting time as much as possible and to seek residence close to work.
In response to these needs, the City of Kobe opened the “Kobe Naya Work Lab AOZORA” in Suma New Town (Naya) in December 2019 by renovating the closed AOZORA Kindergarten. In July 2023, the Kobe-Nagaya Work Lab SUMAile was established in a building adjacent to Nagaya Station as a public-private partnership. These work labs receive work orders from local governments and companies nationwide, and offer flexible work styles with limited hours, such as shorter working hours. The collaboration spaces will also host workshops and events to expand the circle of interaction with local residents.