Luminous Kobe 2 is a cruise ship which operates out of Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel. It takes passengers on a loop out of Kobe harbor and west along the coast. Gourmet French Cuisine, an elegant atmosphere, unique perspectives of the area's scenery and a look at a busy ocean highway are the main highlights of the voyage.

The normal course for the ship is two hour and twenty minute cruise to past Akashi Kaikyo, a large suspension bridge. There is a shorter route that it takes on weekday afternoons. It costs 3,150 yen for adults and 1,580 yen for children. It is a pleasant way to relax and marvel at sheer number and variety of ships going up and down Japan's coast.

Ultimately, the cruise itself is just a loop around the bay. If you're looking for chills and thrills head off to Universal Studios Japan. Otherwise, you can enjoy a refined cruise on 4,778 ton vessel with up to a thousand other passengers. A large volume of the ship is taken up by reservable rooms so, despite its large size, it seems much smaller inside. There are very few outdoor seats for those who like sitting on out on the "sun-deck".

Wedding cruises are sometimes held on board. Even if there's no wedding there, the hotel also has a wedding chapel so if you're lucky you might catch a glimpse of a Japanese wedding when you're in the area.

Luminous Kobe 2 docks at the Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel which is near Merikin Park. Also in the park are Kobe Tower and the Kobe Maritime Museum. The Kobe City Loop Bus (250 yen) goes to the Port Tower which is a brisk walk from the Hotel.