Kobe, Japan

Port of call

Kobe, Japan

Cruises to Japan (Far East)
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Description — Kobe, Japan

Kobe is a city located on the island of Honshu, the administrative center of Hyōgo Prefecture. Since the 8th century, Kobe has been one of Japan’s main ports and a center of international trade. The city covers an area of 552.26 sq. km, and has a population of 1 538 267 (2014). The city of Kobe itself was founded in 1889. The name “Kobe” comes from kanbe, an archaic name for the attendants of the Ikuta Shrine.

Historically, Kobe was part of Izumi Province and was an important transport and trading hub on the route to Japan’s capital, Kyoto. In addition, Kobe was a significant religious center and was famous for its “three shrines”-the Shinto shrines of Ikuta, Nagata, and Minatogawa. From the mid-19th century onward, the city became one of the country’s main centers of modernization, industry, and the production of artificial pearls. Kobe suffered severe destruction during the 1995 earthquake, but quickly restored its potential.

Before the earthquake, the port of Kobe was the largest in Japan and one of the largest in Asia. Today, Kobe ranks as the fourth-largest city in Japan and the thirty-eighth in the world. To increase the area of Kobe, two artificial islands were created in the sea-Port Island and Rokkō Island.

Kobe is a major cosmopolitan center with thriving restaurants, bars, and lively nightlife-especially Nankin-machi, Japan’s most famous Chinatown. Kobe is known for its breweries and sake-brewing facilities. Many of them are open to visitors, and you can find a map showing their locations at the tourist information office.

Climate

Kobe’s climate is moderately continental, with quite comfortable and pleasant winters, and warm-sometimes even hot-summers. On average, winter temperatures are always above zero; at least during the day, winter temperatures are around +3+7°C. In the summer season, the air temperature can rise to +24+27°C. In some areas, temperatures may climb as high as +30°C. As for humidity, in Kobe, precipitation ranges from 14 to 18 mm per month, which characterizes the city as moderately humid.

  • Kobe, Japan Kobe, Japan
  • Ikuta Shrine Ikuta Shrine
  • Castle of the White Stork Castle of the White Stork
  • Chinatown Chinatown
  • Harborland Harborland
  • Oiya Zoo Oiya Zoo
  • Kitano-té district Kitano-té district
  • Arima Hot Springs Arima Hot Springs
  • Soraku-en Garden Soraku-en Garden

Location on the map

Sights

Castle of the White Heron

Castle of the White Heron

Himeji Castle, or the White Heron Castle, many people may have seen in well-known films-for example, in the James Bond movie “You Only Live Twice,” in Akira Kurosawa’s masterpieces “Throne of Blood” and “Ran,” and also in the film “The Last Samurai.” The filmmakers’ interest in this castle is entirely understandable-its gleaming white main building with a seven-tier pagoda-style tower is very beautiful and served as a model for the construction of other castles in Japan. The building is also recognized as a classic example of Japanese architecture. Although it seems elegant, the castle is actually a well-fortified defensive structure with dark, gloomy interiors. Today, it is one of Japan’s oldest castles, and since 1993 it has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

What to see

Chinatown

Chinatown

Chinatown (Nanjing-mati or China-town) is a small piece of China where about 40,000 Chinese people have settled. The district began to develop actively after the opening of the port in 1868. The central square of the district is Nanjing Park, lined up with bright Chinese restaurants and little shops-nearly 100 in all. You can enter the Chinese square through four large gates. In the park, there are 12 statues of various animals symbolizing the signs of the Chinese calendar. People in Kobe especially love having lunch in Chinatown. Many tourists can’t resist some of the shop windows, from which you can literally see a steaming hot pot of rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo grass, and Chinese sweet buns.

Harborland

Harborland

In the port area of Kobe city, right on the waterfront, there is a large shopping and entertainment district called Harborland. Here you can find an enormous number of restaurants with a variety of cuisines, open-air summer cafes, shops, and entertainment venues. Traditionally, meeting in Harborland is considered an ideal place for young people on dates. Two of the largest shopping and entertainment complexes on the island-Mozaika and Canal Gaden-are located here. This is also where you’ll find the widest selection of electronics and family outlets. Right by the Mozaika store there is a large amusement park, and even a Ferris wheel.

Oia Zoo

Oia Zoo

Oji Zoo, whose area is over 80,000 square meters, is one of the three largest zoos in Japan. Opened in 1928 and located in the Kansai region. The zoo is home to more than 850 animals representing 150 species; here you can also see such rare animals as the giant panda, koala, golden-nosed marmosets, Amur tiger, snow leopard and others. Some of the zoo’s most popular residents are the pandas Koko and Tantan, and Suwako the elephant, born in 1943- the oldest elephant in Japan. The zoo also has an educational science pavilion where you can learn many interesting facts about ecology and animal life, as well as an entertainment area with attractions and playgrounds for the whole family.

Kitano-cho Area

Kitano-cho Area

Kitano-to, or Kitano Idzinkan, is a district in Kobe where more than thirty residences of foreign diplomats and wealthy merchants are located, built during the Meiji period (1868 - 1912) and the Taishō period (1912 - 1926). About twenty of these houses are open to tourists. The historic Kitano-to district relatively well survived the 1995 Hanshin earthquake and is now an open-air museum. These beautiful residences are Kobe’s main attraction.

Arima Hot Springs

Arima Hot Springs

The gentle northern slopes of the Rocko Mountains are famous for their Arima hot springs. They were first developed by Buddhist monks, who built a water treatment facility here in the 8th century. The mineral water that is brought up to the surface from deep within the mountains through eight main springs varies in temperature and chemical composition, with elevated levels of salt, carbon, and radon. Water is delivered via pipes to hotel pools and public baths. From the late 16th century, the area gained a reputation as one of the country’s best water resorts. Arima is connected to the coast by Japan’s longest-and, perhaps, most scenic-cable car, over 5 km long.

Sora-kuen Garden

Sora-kuen Garden

Sorakuen Garden was created in the early 20th century on the site of the residence of Kōder Kōkichi, the former mayor of Kobe. All the buildings that originally stood in the garden were destroyed during World War II. The only surviving building is the stables. Today, the stables have been granted the status of an important cultural asset. In 1961, the house of a foreign merchant-the Hassam House-was moved to Sorakuen Garden. The garden also features a “floating house” that belonged to the early members of the Himedži clan. The “floating house,” or gojabuné, is a beautifully decorated vessel for river or sea sightseeing. In Sorakuen Garden, only a portion of a medieval yacht can be seen. It is the only “floating house” preserved to this day.

Recommended excursions

Kobe City Tour

Kobe City Tour

Kobe became the «gateway» to Japan and the main settlement area for foreigners. This has left significant traces on the city’s appearance. Of particular interest now are the homes of the first European settlers, which are located on both sides of Yamamoto Street. There are about 30 of them. These are magnificent Western mansions from the late 19th century, spread across the slopes of a hill with a wonderful view of the sea and the port. Another «overseas» attraction is Chinatown. Among the cultural highlights here are the ancient Minatodzawa tomb and the Suma Temple, numerous Christian churches and Buddhist temples, and even a mosque. A beautiful panorama of the city opens up from the Kobe Port Tower.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can view it after booking the cruise in your «Client Personal Account».

Cruises calling at this port

Celebrity Millennium
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Millennium
Asia
29.10.2026 · 14 nights Departs in 17 days Port of departure: Tokyo, Japan ALL (NO DRINKS)

Tokyo, Japan, Shimizu, Japan, At Sea, Kyoto (Osaka), Japan, Kyoto (Osaka), Japan, Kobe, Japan, Kochi, Japan, At Sea, Okinawa, Japan, At Sea, Hualien, Taiwan, Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, China, Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, China, At Sea, Hong Kong, China, Hong Kong, China

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Details
Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Jade
Asia
12.11.2026 · 9 nights Port of departure: Tokyo, Japan ALL

Tokyo, Japan, Shimizu, Japan, Nagoya, Kobe, Japan, Kochi, Japan, Hiroshima, Japan, Kagoshima, Japan, Nagasaki, Jeju Island, South Korea, Seoul (Incheon), Korea, Republic of (South)

from €1,805
I Interior €1,805
O Ocean View €2,500
S Suite €8,669

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Costa Deliziosa
Costa Cruises
Costa Deliziosa
Cruise from Civitavecchia, Italy
24.11.2026 · 91 nights Port of departure: Civitavecchia, Italy ALL (NO DRINKS)

Civitavecchia, Italy, Savona, Marseille, Provence, France, Barcelona, Spain, Lisbon, Portugal, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Praia da Vitoria, Portugal, New York, New York, New York, New York, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Exit Panama Canal Cristobal, Exit Panama Canal Cristobal, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala), Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), San Diego (USA), Los Angeles (USA), Los Angeles (USA), San Francisco (USA), San Francisco (USA), Honolulu (Hawaii), Hilo (Hawaii), Papeete, Tahiti French Poly, Suva (Fiji), Lifou, Nouméa (New Caledonia), Sydney, Australia, Sydney, Australia, Newcastle, Australia, Cairns, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo, Japan, Kobe, Japan, Nagasaki, Busan, South Korea, Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, China

from €23,998
I Interior €23,998
O Ocean View €30,218
B Balcony €35,798
S Suite €42,598

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Costa Deliziosa
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Cruise from Civitavecchia, Italy
24.11.2026 · 140 nights Port of departure: Civitavecchia, Italy ALL (NO DRINKS)

Civitavecchia, Italy, Savona, Marseille, Provence, France, Barcelona, Spain, Lisbon, Portugal, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Praia da Vitoria, Portugal, New York, New York, New York, New York, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Exit Panama Canal Cristobal, Exit Panama Canal Cristobal, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala), Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), San Diego (USA), Los Angeles (USA), Los Angeles (USA), San Francisco (USA), San Francisco (USA), Honolulu (Hawaii), Hilo (Hawaii), Papeete, Tahiti French Poly, Suva (Fiji), Lifou, Nouméa (New Caledonia), Sydney, Australia, Sydney, Australia, Newcastle, Australia, Cairns, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo, Japan, Kobe, Japan, Nagasaki, Busan, South Korea, Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, China, Hong Kong, China, Nha Trang, Vietnam, Phu My (Vietnam), Koh Samui (Thailand), Singapore, Port Kelang, Penang, Malaysia, Colombo, Male, Port Louis, Durban, P. Elisabeth, Cape Town, South Africa, Walvis Bay, Mindelo (Capo Verde), Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain, Barcelona, Spain, Marseille, Provence, France, Savona, Civitavecchia, Italy

from €36,798
I Interior €36,798
O Ocean View €45,398
B Balcony €52,398
S Suite €61,398

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Costa Deliziosa
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Cruise from Savona
25.11.2026 · 90 nights Port of departure: Savona ALL (NO DRINKS)

Savona, Marseille, Provence, France, Barcelona, Spain, Lisbon, Portugal, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Praia da Vitoria, Portugal, New York, New York, New York, New York, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Exit Panama Canal Cristobal, Exit Panama Canal Cristobal, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala), Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), San Diego (USA), Los Angeles (USA), Los Angeles (USA), San Francisco (USA), San Francisco (USA), Honolulu (Hawaii), Hilo (Hawaii), Papeete, Tahiti French Poly, Suva (Fiji), Lifou, Nouméa (New Caledonia), Sydney, Australia, Sydney, Australia, Newcastle, Australia, Cairns, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo, Japan, Kobe, Japan, Nagasaki, Busan, South Korea, Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, China

from €23,998
I Interior €23,998
O Ocean View €30,218
B Balcony €35,798
S Suite €42,598

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25.11.2026 · 138 nights Port of departure: Savona ALL (NO DRINKS)

Savona, Marseille, Provence, France, Barcelona, Spain, Lisbon, Portugal, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Praia da Vitoria, Portugal, New York, New York, New York, New York, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Exit Panama Canal Cristobal, Exit Panama Canal Cristobal, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala), Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), San Diego (USA), Los Angeles (USA), Los Angeles (USA), San Francisco (USA), San Francisco (USA), Honolulu (Hawaii), Hilo (Hawaii), Papeete, Tahiti French Poly, Suva (Fiji), Lifou, Nouméa (New Caledonia), Sydney, Australia, Sydney, Australia, Newcastle, Australia, Cairns, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo, Japan, Kobe, Japan, Nagasaki, Busan, South Korea, Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, China, Hong Kong, China, Nha Trang, Vietnam, Phu My (Vietnam), Koh Samui (Thailand), Singapore, Port Kelang, Penang, Malaysia, Colombo, Male, Port Louis, Durban, P. Elisabeth, Cape Town, South Africa, Walvis Bay, Mindelo (Capo Verde), Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain, Barcelona, Spain, Marseille, Provence, France, Savona

from €36,798
I Interior €36,798
O Ocean View €45,398
B Balcony €52,398
S Suite €61,398

Press "Details" button to see an actual price. Price per cabin.

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Costa Deliziosa
Costa Cruises
Costa Deliziosa
Cruise from Marseille, Provence, France
26.11.2026 · 89 nights Port of departure: Marseille, Provence, France ALL (NO DRINKS)

Marseille, Provence, France, Barcelona, Spain, Lisbon, Portugal, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Praia da Vitoria, Portugal, New York, New York, New York, New York, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Exit Panama Canal Cristobal, Exit Panama Canal Cristobal, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala), Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), San Diego (USA), Los Angeles (USA), Los Angeles (USA), San Francisco (USA), San Francisco (USA), Honolulu (Hawaii), Hilo (Hawaii), Papeete, Tahiti French Poly, Suva (Fiji), Lifou, Nouméa (New Caledonia), Sydney, Australia, Sydney, Australia, Newcastle, Australia, Cairns, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo, Japan, Kobe, Japan, Nagasaki, Busan, South Korea, Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, China

from €23,998
I Interior €23,998
O Ocean View €30,218
B Balcony €35,798
S Suite €42,598

Press "Details" button to see an actual price. Price per cabin.

Details
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Costa Cruises
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Marseille, Provence, France, Barcelona, Spain, Lisbon, Portugal, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Praia da Vitoria, Portugal, New York, New York, New York, New York, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Exit Panama Canal Cristobal, Exit Panama Canal Cristobal, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala), Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), San Diego (USA), Los Angeles (USA), Los Angeles (USA), San Francisco (USA), San Francisco (USA), Honolulu (Hawaii), Hilo (Hawaii), Papeete, Tahiti French Poly, Suva (Fiji), Lifou, Nouméa (New Caledonia), Sydney, Australia, Sydney, Australia, Newcastle, Australia, Cairns, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo, Japan, Kobe, Japan, Nagasaki, Busan, South Korea, Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, China, Hong Kong, China, Nha Trang, Vietnam, Phu My (Vietnam), Koh Samui (Thailand), Singapore, Port Kelang, Penang, Malaysia, Colombo, Male, Port Louis, Durban, P. Elisabeth, Cape Town, South Africa, Walvis Bay, Mindelo (Capo Verde), Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain, Barcelona, Spain, Marseille, Provence, France

from €36,798
I Interior €36,798
O Ocean View €45,398
B Balcony €52,398
S Suite €61,398

Press "Details" button to see an actual price. Price per cabin.

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