A Tribute to Kobe: The 9th Maison Worldwide Opens in this City of Tradition and Innovation

The newly opened “LOUIS VUITTON Kobe Maison” is the 9th Louis Vuitton Maison worldwide, following those in Paris on the Champs-Élysées, Hong Kong on Canton Road, New York on Fifth Avenue, Taipei, San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Macau (opened at the end of 2009). It is the first in Japan.



Louis Vuitton's history in Kobe dates back to September 1983, when the Kobe Motomachi store opened as the second directly managed store, following the Ginza Namiki-dori store in 1981. Kobe, which has developed as an international trading city since its port opened in 1868, 14 years after Louis Vuitton's founding in 1854, has cultivated its unique culture with a "chic" image that quickly adopted Western culture. Louis Vuitton and the city of Kobe have grown together by valuing tradition and innovation. For their Maison, they chose the prestigious Oriental Hotel, one of Japan's oldest hotels, once visited by Helen Keller and Marilyn Monroe.

In 1995, this hotel, which was completely destroyed in the unforgettable Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, has now, 15 years later, reached its moment of "resurrection." The first Maison in Japan, spanning two floors, has opened within the "Kobe Kyoryuchi 25 Bankan," reborn as a new landmark.





The facade of the "LOUIS VUITTON Kobe Maison" features a unique design of interconnected glass tubes. Composed of overlapping circles, the diamond shape formed by these intersecting circles is an abstract representation of the inspiration drawn from Louis Vuitton's iconic monogram motif of stars and flowers. This motif is rendered in 3D, allowing glimpses of the outside. Indirect lighting is integrated into the facade, and at night, its ethereal glow dramatically illuminates the entire store.

©LOUIS VUITTON/DAICI ANO

Inside, the store is laid out around a spiral staircase, with products organized by category. This spiral staircase connects the floors, allowing visitors to experience the diverse and distinct worlds of Louis Vuitton products—from women's bags, accessories, watches, fine jewelry, and travel items to men's bags, shoes, and ready-to-wear—as if embarking on a journey.

In the rotunda at the center of the store, which also features a bag bar, are special displays for particularly exceptional items. Above this space hangs a beautiful artwork by New York-based artist Alison Shotts, adding a unique touch to the distinctive layout.




To commemorate the opening of the first Maison in Japan, the new "Antheia" bag was released here before anywhere else in the country. We invite you to experience the true luxury born from traditional craftsmanship and innovative spirit, alongside an extensive lineup.

LOUIS VUITTON Kobe Maison
25 Kyo-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo Prefecture
Opening Hours | 11:00 – 20:00
Closed: January 1st (and year-round except for New Year's Day)
www.louisvuitton.com