1 day ago3 min read

Besides Eating Kobe Steak, What Else Is There To Do in Kobe, Japan on a Cruise Port Day?

Photos are all property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

Geography: A city on Osaka Bay in Central Japan
Population: Approx. 1.5 Million
Currency: Japanese Yen (Yen); Currency Converter
Cruise Port: Google Map Location
Tender Port: No
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November)

Our ship, the Celebrity Millennium, arrived at the port of Kobe, Japan on August 21, 2024. The vessel docked at 8:00AM and remained stationed overnight until the departure time of 5AM the next day. The cruise offered a complimentary shuttle service for guests, putting us close to Chinatown and the vicinity of Motomachi shopping street.

There were limited options that were open early in the morning, prompting us to swiftly capture some photos before boarding the train to Herb Garden & Ropeway. For those who prefer not to utilize the ropeway, there is a hiking trail available for ascending and descending. As the weather was super hot, we opted for the roundtrip ticket as the walk would have been challenging as there were many up hill trails as well. The descent is relatively effortless for enthusiasts of walking, as it is predominantly downhill and offers the opportunity to explore various attractions. Our visit was primarily focused on the upper section of the garden, featuring a shop, beer stand, light visual room, and a perfume museum. Should you wish to take the tram to the midway point, disembarking there allows for a partial walk, albeit at the same cost. The garden shop offers a selection of natural herbs and honey for purchase.

Upon reaching street level from the ropeway, we proceeded to walk for approximately 10 minutes until we reached Kitano-cho, where we encountered a variety of houses designed in western styles. While tickets were available for entry and exploration, time constraints led us to simply pass by. Noteworthy was the historical Starbucks establishment in the vicinity. Additionally, the Ikuta Jinja shrine, offering free admission, was identified as a site of interest worth visiting.

We enjoyed a delightful lunch at Kobe Beef Steak Sakura, where the set lunch menus proved to be a particularly appealing option for midday dining. Given the restaurant's popularity, we made sure to secure a reservation in advance, observing fellow patrons from our cruise ship doing the same. The quality of the set menu was exceptional, and the Kobe beef, in particular, stood out for its tenderness and rich flavor. While Wagyu options were available, we found the Kobe beef to be superior in terms of texture and taste. Opting for different cuts of meat at varying weights, my husband and I found ourselves thoroughly satisfied and pleasantly satiated by the end of our meal.

Following our midday meal, we proceeded to the expansive AEON mall, which boasted a wide array of culinary offerings and retail outlets, including a sizable grocery section.

For dinner, we dined at Shabushabu Isidaya Kitanozakaten, a renowned establishment favored by locals. Securing a reservation was essential for us to enjoy a delightful meal at this establishment. The menu featured options such as shabushabu, grilled dishes, and steak. Opting for the shabushabu experience, we savored two distinct cuts of meat and found ourselves pleasantly satiated. The quality of the beef was exceptional, characterized by its freshness and tenderness.

The cruise offers a complimentary shuttle service to the ship, with the final bus departing from the designated drop-off point (same as the one in the morning) in Chinatown at 7:45 PM. The shuttle service operates promptly, therefore it is advisable to arrive early. Given the multiple gates and exits in Chinatown, it is important to remember the specific point of disembarkation for ease of return later in the evening. As night falls, Chinatown transforms with vibrant lights and a variety of food stalls, creating a lively atmosphere worth exploring.