To determine the scope of self-centering for the tall pier with pile foundations, the effect of near-field ground motion on rocking response was investigated. Fault distance was used as parameters identifying near-field to select ground motion. Two springs simulated the uplift and rocking of the pier. Rocking response of a railway tall pier was investigated through nonlinear time history analysis by inputting strong ground motions. The results show that the displacement at pier top is significantly increased by near-field horizontal ground motion. It is also observed that vertical ground motion is unfavorable to the rocking response of tall pier with pile foundations. Rocking devices for tall piers in near-fault zones should be cautious.