[Kobe City] Enjoy the scenery from the sea on a cruise ship modeled after a giant ship from the Edo period

• Table of Contents
• Cruise Kobe Port on a Japanese-style boat
• Introducing the highlights of the “Atake Maru” cruise
• City Loop is recommended for access.
• basic information

Cruise Kobe Port on a Japanese-style boat

At Harborland, Kobe's waterfront, you can enjoy cruising on a variety of ships with different tastes. Among them, the ``Atake Maru'' that we will be introducing today is different from other cruise ships in Kobe in that it has a Japanese-style design.

Photo provided by: “Atakamaru”

The ship motif, ``Atake Maru,'' is a warship-style barge built in 1632 (Kanei 9) by order of the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu. Until May 2021, it was active as a cruise ship in Tokyo Bay, but from October 2021, it will join the group of ships cruising Kobe Port. The ship's Japanese-style hull seems to be popular with overseas tourists as well.

The ship's interior design by industrial designer Eiji Mitooka has a Japanese feel throughout, with walls decorated with geometric patterned kumiko work, fusuma paintings, ceiling paintings, and displays of armor and Japanese umbrellas. I can feel it.

gorgeous ceiling painting

Also pay attention to the art works displayed throughout the ship.

Photo provided by: “Atakamaru”/1st floor Goza room

Seating is free. There are various types of seating, including semi-private table seating, tatami seating where you can take off your shoes and relax, and outdoor deck seating.

Photo provided by: “Atakemaru”/2nd floor VIP room

The 3rd floor sky deck of Ataka Maru has no roof, giving it a very open feel. You can also access the bow of the ship, so you can enjoy a 360° view.

On sunny days, we recommend sitting on the deck where you can feel the sea breeze.

There is also a shop inside the store, so you can enjoy cruising while enjoying light meals, snacks, and drinks, including alcohol. The alcohol menu also includes local Kobe sake such as Rokko beer, Nada Gogo sake, and Kobe wine.

">

"Kobe Wine Mini Glass" (red and white, 500 yen each)

The shop also sells original goods. Stickers and postcards are perfect to commemorate boarding.

``Atake Maru'' is participating in the ship version of the Goshuin ``Mifune-in'' project, so you can also purchase the Mifune-in stamp.

Reference: Click here for details about Mifune Seal

Introducing the highlights of the “Atake Maru” cruise

Photo provided by: “Atakamaru”

``Atake Maru'' takes approximately 40 to 45 minutes to cruise around Kobe Port. Recommended for those who want to casually enjoy a cruise, as there is no need for advance reservations and the flight schedule is easy to use. When you look at the photo, you might imagine a small boat like a houseboat, but it is actually a large boat that can accommodate up to 500 people. One of the recommended points is that it is heavy because it is made of iron, and the hull is stable, so you won't get seasick. It can be enjoyed by everyone from small children to the elderly.

The ship departs from the Naka Jetty Central Terminal and heads toward Osaka Bay, with Kobe Harborland and the shipyards of Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries on the right. Afterwards, the route returns to Naka Jetty Central Terminal while looking at Port Island, Kobe Ohashi Bridge, etc.

Photo provided by: “Atakamaru”

The ship started moving and the cruise started with excitement. During the cruise, in addition to commentary announcements, the captain also provides commentary. Listening to the onboard announcements and looking around at the surrounding scenery is sure to double your enjoyment.

Speaking of Kobe Port, it is also famous as the port where various luxury cruise ships enter. On the day of the interview, the Asuka II was anchored, and we were able to see the ship up close from the sea.

There are many scenery that can only be seen here, so be sure to enjoy taking photos. Particularly recommended photo spots are Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipyards. This is a place where special ships such as submarines and luxury cruise ships are built and repaired.

A floating dog that maintains the ship

In particular, this is the only place where the construction and repair of submarines for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force takes place, so it is extremely valuable. You can enjoy special scenery that can only be seen here.

If the weather is good, you can also see Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Awaji Island.

Photo provided by: “Atake Maru”/Sunset cruise

``Atakemaru'' also offers a sunset cruise. A cruise while watching the sunset will give you a completely different atmosphere than during the day.

City Loop is recommended for access.

The Atake Maru boarding location is about a 15-minute walk from JR Kobe Station or Motomachi Station. If you use the "City Loop" tour bus that takes you to Kobe's major sightseeing spots, you'll be just a short walk from "Kamomeria" (Kobe Port sightseeing boat terminal). If you are using the Port Loop, an articulated bus that travels around Kobe's port area, it is a short walk from Port Tower Mae.

Please check the website for information on how to ride the bus and where to board.

Reference: City Loop, a tour bus that takes you to Kobe's main tourist spots

Kobe 1-day bus ticket

Each bus also has one-day and two-day passes that give you special benefits if you present them, so if you want to take your time and explore Kobe at a good price, you should definitely use them. By the way, if you present your City Loop 1-day or 2-day pass, you can get a 200 yen discount on the Atakamaru boarding fee for adults and a 50 yen discount for children.

Click here for purchase and details of Kobe 1-day bus ticket

Hyogo Amazing Pass

This ticket is recommended for those who are considering touring around Himeji and Hyogo prefectures other than Kobe! Kobe 1-day bus ticket contents + A mobile ticket that allows you to ride unlimited Shinki Bus routes for 1,000 yen per day. *Limited to foreign visitors tourists visiting Japan

Click here for purchase and details of Hyogo Amazing Pass

Please note that Atakamaru does not have its own parking lot. If you are visiting by car, please use the nearby coin parking.

``Atake Maru'' allows you to enjoy a relaxing cruise in a sophisticated Japanese design space. No reservations are required, and the cruise takes just 40 to 45 minutes, making it easier to stop by in between sightseeing trips.

At the Kawasaki-Mitsubishi shipyard, you can enjoy views that can only be seen here, and if the timing is right, you can even see planes taking off and landing at Kobe Airport, so it's also recommended for those who love cars.

(Writer Nakata/West Plan)

*This article is information as of August 2023. Prices include tax. Product contents and prices may change.

basic information

Gozabune Atakamaru

Address: 7-1 Hatoba-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture

Phone number: 078-360-0039

Business hours: 10:00~ (ticket sales time)

*Please check the service schedule on the website

Regular holidays: Irregular holidays

Boarding fee: 1,500 yen for adults, 1,300 yen for middle and high school students and seniors (over 65 years old), 800 yen for children

*Children under 6 years old are free

Access: ・Approximately 15 minutes walk from JR Kobe Station or Motomachi Station ・Short walk from City Loop “Kamomeria (Kobe Port sightseeing boat terminal)” ・Short walk from Port Loop “Port Tower Mae”

Parking: None

HP: https://kobebayc.co.jp/

SNS: Instagram