Hyogo Port began as early as the 13th century. When it reopened in 1868 at the end of Japan’s self-imposed isolationism (called either kaikin or sakoku), it was renamed the Port of Kobe. Since then, it has become Japan’s fourth busiest harbor and has been designated as one of six “super-hub” ports in the country. An extensive schedule of ferries is available. They range from a 30 minute ride to Kansai International Airport to over 50 hours to reach Shanghai. Both Benny Goodman’s and Bing Crosby’s famous song lyrics would call that a slow boat to China. In the background is Kobe Ohashi. The red suspension bridge was built in 1970 to connect the city with manmade Port Island.
