Kawasaki Good Times World, located inside Kobe’s Maritime Museum, is a hands-on wonderland where kids can climb into helicopters, test drive motorcycles (virtually!), and explore the high-powered world of Japanese engineering. From bullet trains and boats to robots and race bikes, this indoor museum turns heavy industry into big family fun, rain or shine.
DISCOVERING KOBE’S HIDDEN FAMILY GEMS?
Start with our Kobe Family Travel Guide for train museums, ropeways, and harbor cruises that kids will love. Then head over to our Kobe with Kids Hub to find all our itineraries, attractions, and curated hotel picks in one place!
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Why Book Ahead? It’s often quicker, avoids long lines, and helps skip language barriers at the ticket counter.
Why It’s Great for Families
- Kids can climb into real-life vehicles, including helicopters and racing bikes.
- Interactive simulators let kids drive trains, ride motorcycles, and explore the skies.
- Indoor exhibits offer a fun break from outdoor sightseeing or harbor walks.
- The robot displays, model trains, and giant motorcycle sculptures are perfect for curious minds.
Parent Insight: Hands-on exhibits that let kids drive, build, or simulate real machines help turn abstract concepts into tangible experiences. Encouraging your child to ask how things work, and then test it themselves, builds problem-solving confidence and shows that learning can be loud, fast, and fun.
Top Family Highlights
- Flight Simulator & Helicopter Cockpit: Sit in the pilot seat and simulate a takeoff, complete with real controls and sound effects.
- Bullet Train & Motorcycle Ride Simulators: Older kids will love the realistic speed and vibration as they “ride” like a pro across Japan.
- Factory Tech & Robot Zone: See how Kawasaki robots are used in space, surgery, and manufacturing, one even talks to you!
- Maritime Museum Bonus: Since it’s connected to the Kobe Maritime Museum, families can explore model ships and shipbuilding history before or after.
- Gigantic Motorcycle Sculpture: Perfect photo op! Stand next to the towering Kawasaki Ninja sculpture and compare it to the real version nearby.
Good to Know
- Cost: ¥
- Best Age Range: Ages 4–12
- Stroller-Friendly? Yes, elevators and ramps throughout
- Rest Areas: Indoor benches, vending machines available
- Food: No food court inside, but Meriken Park and Harborland restaurants are just steps away
Getting There
- By Train: Walk 10–12 minutes from Motomachi Station (JR or Hanshin Line).
- By Bus: Several local buses stop at Meriken Park, just outside the museum.
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Sit in the helicopter cockpit and pretend you’re flying over Mount Fuji! Then challenge your grown-up to a motorcycle simulator race.
Best Family Hotels Near Kawasaki Good Times World
- Luxury
- Hotel Okura Kobe – Just a 5-minute walk from the museum. Offers bay views, spacious rooms, and a quiet atmosphere perfect for relaxing after a busy day.
- Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel – Located right in Meriken Park, also a 5-minute walk to the museum. Features large family rooms, harbor views, on-site dining, and a rooftop terrace.
- Mid‑Range
- Kobe Plaza Hotel West – Around 15 minutes on foot, with family-sized rooms and a calm atmosphere right near Harborland
- Budget
- Kobe Motomachi Tokyu REI Hotel – About a 15-minute walk. Clean, modern rooms and great value. Conveniently located near Nankinmachi and Harborland.
BOOKED YOUR KOBE HOTEL YET?
Our Kobe Hotel Guide highlights the top family-friendly stays near the port, mountains, and museums. Still planning? Check out our Best Things to Do in Kobe with Kids, from animal cafés to mountaintop cable cars.
FAQs: Visiting Kawasaki Good Times World with Kids
Looking for more tips and family-friendly travel ideas? Explore our full Kobe with Kids Guide for top attractions, itineraries, and hotel picks near Kawasaki Good Times World.
A: Kawasaki Good Times World is an interactive family museum inside Kobe Maritime Museum. It features simulators, real machines, and robotics exhibits designed to make Japan’s industrial history fun and hands-on for kids.
A: Yes, Kawasaki Good Times World is toddler-friendly, with vehicle displays and hands-on areas, though simulators suit kids aged 4 and up.
A: Yes, Kawasaki Good Times World is fully stroller-accessible with ramps, elevators, wide walkways, and baby care facilities on-site.
A: Families typically spend 1.5 to 2 hours at Kawasaki Good Times World, or 2 to 3 hours with the Maritime Museum.
A: Yes, older children can use many of the simulators independently at Kawasaki Good Times World. Younger kids may need help. Age and height rules are posted at each activity.
A: Top family-friendly spots near Kawasaki Good Times World include Meriken Park, Kobe Harborland, the Anpanman Museum, and Mosaic Ferris Wheel.
A: Yes, Kawasaki Good Times World is completely indoors, making it one of the best weather-proof attractions for kids in Kobe.
A: No, you do not need to book Kawasaki Good Times World tickets in advance. Combo tickets are available on-site.
A: Admission to Kawasaki Good Times World is budget-friendly. A combo ticket with the Maritime Museum costs around ¥900 for adults and ¥400 for children.
A: You can buy Kawasaki Good Times World tickets at the entrance of Kobe Maritime Museum. Combo admission covers both museums and is available on-site.
Until Next Time…
From flying helicopters to racing motorcycles and meeting robots, Kawasaki Good Times World turns engineering into an unforgettable adventure for kids. With its hands-on exhibits and perfect harbor setting, it’s a must-visit for any family exploring Kobe.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
