Landing Place By Kobe Harbor Port Tower

What does one do after lunch at Kobe harbor? How about staying clear of the jammed Harborland Mosaic and having coffee somewhere unexpected?

The Cruising Cafe Fantasy takes you on a mini 45-minute cruise around Kobe harbor. The boat departs and arrives a mere 30 seconds walk from Kobe Port Tower. You can buy tickets at the terminal, which include an image of one of the trip’s scenic spots.

The scenery starts to change only 5 minutes after departure. Fantasy leaves the popular Harborland shopping mall and enters Kobe shipyard. Gigantic ships are being built and repaired in numerous gargantuan docks; truly a sight to behold!

In the photo above you can see a newly constructed ship that was launched just 10 days ago. A Singaporean company bought this vessel to carry liquified petroleum gas. This awe-inspiring ship is a whopping 230 meters long!

Unmanned Submarine Construction Facilities

At the next shipyard they’re building submarines for the Ministry of Defense. This is the only place in Japan where such vessels are currently under construction. And of course, this is also the only place where you can witness it from the sea.

Aboard Fantasy you can buy a black submarine-shaped hot dog! This limited edition item is the product of a collaboration between Fantasy and Kobe’s well-established Isuzu Bakery, and is available only during their joint campaign. The dough is specially made with cocoa and the bread is topped with spicy coarse mustard and a special curry mayonnaise. The deliciously spicy flavor is reminiscent of “Kaiji Curry”.

“KOBE Japan Kuruze” is a collaborative campaign between Isuzu Bakery and Fantasy. During the campaign, until Christmas 2016, people can buy a variety of popular breads. Enjoy one with a drink, or take it home as a souvenir, it’s up to you!

A Cruise For The Entire Family & The Dog

As soon as you get to the connecting bridge at Kobe Airport, the boat turns around and heads back to the harbor. This roundtrip allows passengers to see ships and submarines, and if you are lucky, planes taking off and landing at the airport. A perfect little excursion for anyone who loves vehicles.

Of course, the cruise is also popular among families with small ones. Some passengers like to spend time on the decks enjoying the view and listening to crew members explaining the sights.

More often than not, the entire crew and staff, including the captain, are women. Pretty cool, huh?

The Fantasy cruise is highly recommended for those with dogs as well. While they’re not allowed inside on the seats, your dog will surely enjoy the cool breeze on the outside deck.

Please do come and experience this fresh new look of Kobe.

※Ships and submarines may not always be under construction!

Kobe Sea Bus Cruising Cafe Fantasy
Ticket office: 7-1 Hatobacho, Chuo Ward, Hyogo Prefecture. 1st floor of Nakatottei Central Terminal Kamomeria.
Boarding place: In front of Kamomeria, boarding place No.5. (Please arrive 15 minutes before departure)
Tel: 0120-370-764 (9:00～18:00)
Parking: Kamomeria’s toll parking lot. 60 spaces (Unaffiliated)

Event: KOBE Japan Kuruze
Period: 2016-10-01 – 2016-12-25 (Saturdays & Sundays only)
Time: From 11:00 (or until the bread runs out)

Setouchi Finder Photo-writer: Madoka Hori