JAPAN: Consortium to develop Kobe Marina

Kobe City has given a consortium known as Superyacht Base Kobe a contract to develop a full service marina. The project is due to commence in April and will be fully open in 2027.

In planning for two years, Superyacht Base Kobe Marina will have flexible berthing options to suit all vessel sizes at five mooring quays with a total length of over 1,000m. Additional breakwater-protected mooring is incorporated. The facility is part of the Kobe harbour and waterfront regeneration scheme which is transforming old industrial spaces into public areas.

Kobe sits at the entrance to the Inland Sea of Japan, a 300nm long body of water with around 3,000 well-protected islands. “The cruising potential in Japan is incredible,” says Nigel Beatty, Monaco resident, APSA chairman and owner of SYL Monaco, one of the consortium investors. “More and more international yachts are coming to Japan every year. There is 50% more coastline than in the United States so there is a massive area to explore with still many undiscovered cruising destinations. With a Mediterranean climate in many parts of the country, and sub-tropical in others, there is great winter cruising and while it might be a bit chilly to swim, there is world class skiing usually just a stone’s throw away from any yacht.”

“It’s a fantastic place for owners and guests, but also for crew that are based long term at the marina. Kobe is a very vibrant city and the marina is right in the heart of it,” adds Yukio Shintani, owner of Creation Marine, which has spearheaded the project.

The marina is due to open for yachts in 2026, and during the 2026/27 period marina offices, boutiques, cafés, restaurants and the Kobe Yacht Club will be built.

The investor consortium comprises: Glion Group, Plan Do See, Creation Co Ltd, SYL Monaco, SYL Japan, Setouchi Brand Corporation and Superyacht Base.

Information and image: Superyacht Base/APSA