[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 "Atakemaru" cruise
• The City Loop is recommended for access.
• basic information

Cruise Kobe Port on a Japanese-style boat

At Kobe's waterfront, Harborland, you can enjoy cruising on a variety of ships with different styles. Among them, the "Atakemaru" that we will introduce this time is characterized by its Japanese-style design, which makes it different from other cruise ships in Kobe.

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Photo courtesy of "Atakemaru"

The ship's motif, the Atakemaru, is a warship-style royal ship built in 1632 (Kan'ei 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 joined the ranks of ships cruising Kobe Port. The ship's hull, with its Japanese charm, seems to be popular with foreign tourists as well.

The interior design of the ship, by industrial designer Eiji Mitooka, features geometric kumiko patterns on the walls, paintings on the sliding doors and ceiling, as well as displays of armor and Japanese umbrellas, giving the ship a Japanese feel throughout.

Gorgeous ceiling painting

Check out the artworks on display throughout the ship

Photo courtesy of Atakemaru/1st floor Oza-no-ma

There is unreserved seating, and a variety of seating options are available, including semi-private table seats, tatami seating where you can take your shoes off and relax, and outdoor deck seating.

Photo courtesy of Atakemaru/Second floor VIP room

The third floor Sky Deck of the Atakemaru has no roof, giving it a very open feel. You can even enter the bow of the ship, so you can enjoy a 360° view.

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

There is also a shop inside the store where you can enjoy light meals, snacks, and drinks, including alcohol, while you enjoy your cruise. The alcohol menu includes local Kobe sake such as Rokko beer, Nadagogo sake, and Kobe wine.

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

The shop also sells original goods, including stickers and postcards, which are perfect as souvenirs from your trip.

The Atakemaru is participating in the "Gosenin" project, which creates ship-style temple seals, so you can also purchase Gosenin.

Reference: For more information on the Gofune-in, click here

Introducing the highlights of the "Atakemaru" cruise

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Photo courtesy of "Atakemaru"

The Atakemaru cruises around Kobe Port for about 40 to 45 minutes. No prior reservations are required and the schedule is easy to follow, so it's recommended for people who want to enjoy a casual cruise. Looking at the photo, you might imagine a small boat like a houseboat, but it's a large ship that can carry up to 500 people. It's made of iron, so it's heavy and the hull is stable, so it's hard to get seasick, which is one of the recommended points. It can be enjoyed by everyone, from small children to the elderly.

The ship departs from Nakatotte Central Terminal and heads towards Osaka Bay, passing Kobe Harborland, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipyards on the right. After that, the route returns to Nakatotte Central Terminal, with views of Port Island, Kobe Bridge, and more.

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Photo courtesy of "Atakemaru"

The ship starts moving and the cruise begins with an exciting feeling. During the cruise, in addition to the explanatory announcements, there is also a commentary by the captain. Listening to the commentary on the ship's announcements while looking around at the surrounding scenery is sure to double the fun.

Kobe Port is also famous as a port where various luxury cruise ships dock. On the day of our visit, the Asuka II was anchored there, and we were able to get a close-up look at the ship from the water.

There are plenty of views that can only be seen here, so be sure to enjoy taking photos. Particularly recommended photo spots are the shipyards of Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, where special ships such as submarines and luxury cruise ships are built and repaired.

A floating dock for ship maintenance

In particular, this is the only place where the construction and repair of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's submarines is carried out, making it extremely valuable. You can enjoy a special view that can only be seen here.

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

Photo courtesy of Atakemaru / Sunset cruise

The Atakemaru also offers sunset cruises. A cruise while watching the sunset offers a completely different atmosphere than a daytime cruise.

The City Loop is recommended for access.

The boarding point for the Atakemaru is about a 15-minute walk from JR Kobe Station or Motomachi Station. If you take the City Loop, a sightseeing bus that travels around Kobe's major tourist spots, it is just a short walk from Kamomelia (Kobe Port Sightseeing Boat Pier). If you take the Port Loop, an articulated bus that travels around the port area of Kobe, it is just a short walk from Port Tower Mae.

Information on how to board the bus and the bus stop is available on the website, so please check it out.

Reference: "City Loop" is a sightseeing bus that goes around Kobe's major tourist spots

Kobe 1-day bus ticket

Each bus also offers 1-day and 2-day passes that offer special benefits when presented, so if you want to take your time sightseeing in Kobe at a bargain price, you should definitely use them. By the way, if you present a 1-day or 2-day pass for the "City Loop", you will receive a 200 yen discount for adults and a 50 yen discount for children on the fare for the "Atakemaru".

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

Hyogo Amazing Pass

If you are considering touring Himeji and Hyogo prefecture in addition to Kobe, we recommend this ticket! This mobile ticket includes the contents of the Kobe 1-day bus ticket and allows unlimited rides on Shinki Bus route buses for 2,500 yen a day.

Click here for details and to purchase the Hyogo Amazing Pass

Please note that Atakemaru does not have its own parking lot. If you are coming by car, please use the nearby paid parking lot.

The Atakemaru is a cruise ship where you can relax and enjoy a leisurely cruise in a sophisticated Japanese-style space. No reservations are required, and the cruise time is just the right length, about 40 to 45 minutes, making it an attractive option for stopping by between sightseeing.

At the Mitsubishi Kawasaki shipyard, you can enjoy scenery that can only be seen here, and if you time it right, you may even be able to see planes taking off and landing at Kobe Airport, so it's also recommended for those who love vehicles.

(Writer: Nakata/West Plan)

*This article is current as of August 2023. Prices include tax. Product contents and prices may be subject to change.

basic information

Royal ship Atakemaru

Address: 7-1 Hatobacho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture

Phone number: 078-360-0039

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

*Please check the website for the operating schedule.

Closed: Irregular holidays

Boarding fee: 1,500 yen for adults, 1,300 yen for junior and senior high school students and seniors (65 years and older), 800 yen for children

*Free for children under 6 years old

Access: 15 minutes on foot from JR Kobe Station or Motomachi Station. A short walk from Kamomeria (Kobe Port Sightseeing Boat Pier) on the City Loop. A short walk from Port Tower on the Port Loop.

Parking: None

Website: https://kobebayc.co.jp/

Social Media: Instagram