Kobe Bay Cruises

Kobe Bay Cruise is a very popular cruise that tours Kobe Port in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture. Two cruise ships—the “Ocean Prince” and the “Royal Princess”—operate regular sightseeing routes around the harbor, and private/charter cruises are also available for trips toward the Akashi Kaikyo area or the Kobe Airport area. The main boarding point is the Nakatottei Central Terminal “Kamo-meria.” It is about a 7-minute walk from Minato-Motomachi Station on the Kobe Municipal Subway, and about a 13-minute walk from JR Kobe Line / Hanshin Railway Motomachi Station. The sightseeing route is packed with highlights, including the stylish waterfront district “Kobe Harborland,” the “Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipyards” (where, if you are lucky, you may spot Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force submarines), and the “Kobe Ohashi Bridge” with its beautiful deep-red arches. Of course, looking toward the Rokko Mountains from the sea also gives you a sweeping view of Kobe’s quintessential port-city scenery. With pleasant sea breezes, the roughly 40-minute cruise passes in no time. Onboard, there is also a kiosk selling light meals and alcohol, which is very convenient.