Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art.

Designed by Tadao Ando as a symbol of cultural recovery following the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, this massive concrete structure is as much a draw as the art within it. The architecture is quintessential Ando, defined by sharp geometric lines, dramatic shadows, and a labyrinthine layout that frames views of the mountains and the Port of Kobe. Its permanent collection of over 10,000 pieces focuses on modern and contemporary works, including sculptures by Rodin and paintings by Hyogo-born artists Heizo Kanayama and Ryohei Koiso. Don’t miss the Ando Gallery, which displays detailed models of the architect’s global projects, or the "Sun Sister" sculpture—a towering figure outside the museum that has become a local landmark. The winding outdoor staircases and waterfront promenades make it a rare museum where the transition between galleries is part of the art.