Kobe Private Custom Walking Tour
Gallery image 2
Gallery image 3
Gallery image 4
Gallery image 5

Kobe Private Custom Walking Tour

Active
(5 reviews)
4h - 8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Kobe Private Custom Tour – Explore at Your Own Pace
Discover Kobe with a fully customizable private tour. Whether you prefer a relaxed journey or want to see as much as possible, our expert guide will craft the perfect itinerary.

Enjoy the scenic Harborland, Meriken Park, and Kobe Port Tower, or admire the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge. Stroll through Kitano Ijinkan, visit Ikuta Shrine, or take in breathtaking views from Mt. Rokko and Mt. Maya.

Food lovers can explore Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown) or enjoy sake tastings at top breweries like Hakutsuru and Kikumasamune. If relaxation is your goal, unwind in the famous Arima Onsen.

With flexible pick-up, tailored sightseeing, and expert guidance, this tour is designed to match your interests. Let us help you experience Kobe beyond the typical tourist spots!

Available options

8 Hours

Duration: 8 hours<br/>Pickup included

4 Hours

Duration: 4 hours<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Customized itinerary
English Speaking Guide

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Kobe Harborland is a vibrant waterfront area offering stunning views of the harbor and city skyline. Visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment at places like Mosaic Mall and the Meriken Park. With its scenic promenade and historical landmarks, it’s a perfect spot for relaxation and exploration.

2
Stop 2

Meriken Park is a scenic waterfront park in Kobe, offering stunning views of the harbor and iconic landmarks like Kobe Port Tower and BE KOBE sign. It’s perfect for a relaxing stroll, enjoying public art, or learning about history at the Earthquake Memorial.

3
Stop 3

Kobe Port Tower is a striking red landmark offering panoramic views of Kobe’s skyline, harbor, and Rokko Mountains. Its unique hyperboloid design and night illuminations make it a must-visit. Enjoy the observation deck and a revolving café for a memorable experience.

4

Nunobiki Falls is a breathtaking natural gem near Kobe, consisting of four cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery. Just a short hike from Shin-Kobe Station, it offers a peaceful escape with scenic views, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers.

5

Mount Rokko offers stunning panoramic views of Kobe, Osaka, and the Seto Inland Sea. A popular spot for hiking, nature walks, and winter sports, it’s also home to attractions like the Rokko Garden Terrace and the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, making it a year-round destination.

6

The Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum in Kobe showcases the history and craftsmanship of traditional Japanese carpentry. Featuring a vast collection of tools, exhibits detail the art of construction and design, offering visitors a unique insight into Japan's architectural heritage.

7

Arima Onsen is one of Japan's oldest and most famous hot spring resorts, located near Kobe. Known for its therapeutic "golden" and "silver" waters, it offers a relaxing experience with historic bathhouses, scenic views, and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for unwinding.

8
Stop 8

Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum offers a deep dive into Japan’s sake-making tradition. Housed in a former brewery, it features life-sized exhibits, traditional tools, and interactive displays. Enjoy free tastings of premium sake while learning about Hakutsuru’s rich history.

9

Sawanotsuru Sake Museum highlights the traditional sake brewing methods of the Nada region. Housed in a historic brewery, it features original tools, exhibits, and a sake-tasting experience. Visitors can learn about the craftsmanship behind Sawanotsuru’s rich, full-bodied sake.

10

The Former Foreign Settlement (Kyū-Kyoryūchi) in Kobe is a historic area that reflects the city’s cosmopolitan past. Featuring elegant Western-style buildings, it was once home to foreign merchants during the Meiji era. Today, it's a stylish district with shops, cafes, and galleries.

11

Nankinmachi is Kobe’s vibrant Chinatown, offering a lively mix of Chinese culture, food, and history. Stroll through its colorful streets, enjoy delicious street food like pork buns and dumplings, and experience festive decorations, especially during the Lunar New Year celebrations.

12
Stop 12

Ikuta Shrine in Kobe is one of the city's oldest and most revered Shinto shrines, dating back over 1,800 years. Surrounded by lush greenery, it offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the city. Known for its cultural significance, the shrine is dedicated to the goddess Wakahirume-no-Mikoto, symbolizing love and marriage.

13

The Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution in Kobe is dedicated to educating visitors about the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake. Through interactive exhibits and simulations, it highlights disaster preparedness, recovery efforts, and the resilience of the community in rebuilding the city.

14
Stop 14

Shin-Nagata in Kobe is a lively district that blends modernity with local culture. Rebuilt after the 1995 earthquake, it features vibrant shopping areas, local eateries, and a mix of historical and contemporary attractions, offering a great insight into Kobe’s resilience and charm.

15
Stop 15

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is the world’s longest suspension bridge, connecting Kobe to Awaji Island. Admire its impressive engineering, stunning ocean views, and vibrant night illuminations. Visitors can also explore the Bridge Exhibition Center or walk its Maiko Marine Promenade.

16
Stop 16

Shinkaichi in Kobe is a lively district known for its vibrant nightlife, historic charm, and diverse dining options. Famous for its retro atmosphere, it features traditional bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, offering an authentic glimpse into the local culture and history.

17

Kitano Ijinkan is a historic district in Kobe, known for its beautifully preserved foreign merchant houses from the Meiji and Taisho periods. Stroll through charming streets lined with unique Western-style architecture, offering a glimpse into Kobe’s cosmopolitan past and scenic views of the city.

What's not included

All Fees and Taxes
Private transportation

Available languages

Guide guide
JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
4 reviews
5★
4
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please note that the tour price does not include entrance fees, as they vary depending on the spots included in your customized itinerary. Entrance fees will be charged separately based on the locations visited during the tour.
This itinerary involves walking throughout the day, so it may not be suitable for those who are not confident in their walking ability or for wheelchair users.
We may not be able to guide you to high-cost attractions such as theme parks or locations far from the tour area. In some cases, you may be required to cover the guide’s admission or transportation fees.

Meeting point

Please meet the guide in front of the JR ticket office, "Midori-no-madoguchi," located next to the Central Gate of JR Sannomiya Station. The guide will be holding a yellow sign with the logo.

About Kobe

Kobe is a vibrant port city known for its stunning harbor views, diverse architecture, and world-class cuisine. It's a blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern urban living, with a rich history as an international trading hub.

Top Attractions

Kobe Port Tower

A iconic red tower offering panoramic views of Kobe's harbor and skyline. It's a symbol of the city and a popular photo spot.

Architecture 1-2 hours ¥800

Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown)

One of the largest and most vibrant Chinatowns in Japan, filled with colorful shops, restaurants, and street food stalls.

Cultural 1-3 hours Free to explore, varies for food and shopping

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden and Ropeway

A beautiful garden with a variety of herbs and flowers, accessible by a scenic ropeway ride offering stunning views of Kobe.

Nature 2-3 hours ¥1,600 (includes ropeway and garden entry)

Kobe beef

Kobe beef is one of Japan's most famous and luxurious culinary delights, known for its tenderness and rich flavor. It's a must-try when visiting Kobe.

Cultural 1-2 hours (for a meal) Expensive (¥10,000-¥30,000 per person)

Arima Onsen

One of Japan's oldest and most famous hot spring resorts, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience in a beautiful mountain setting.

Religious Half day to overnight ¥1,000-¥5,000 (varies by bathhouse and ryokan)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kobe beef

Tender, marbled beef from Tajima cattle, known for its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Dinner Contains beef

Ikayaki (grilled squid)

A Kobe specialty, this grilled squid is seasoned with soy sauce and served with a tangy dipping sauce.

Snack Seafood, gluten (soy sauce)

Kobe-style sushi

A local twist on traditional sushi, featuring fresh seafood and unique toppings.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish, gluten (soy sauce)

Menki crab

A popular winter delicacy, Menki crab is known for its sweet and tender meat.

Dinner Seafood

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Rokko Mountains Mountain biking Ropeway ride to Nunobiki Herb Garden Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Scenic harbor cruises Temple and shrine visits Traditional crafts workshops

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

These seasons offer pleasant weather and are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Spring brings cherry blossoms, while autumn offers vibrant foliage.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Japanese
  • Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
  • English: Moderately spoken (in tourist areas)

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60Hz (varies by region)Hz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kobe is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, travelers should always be aware of their surroundings and take basic precautions to protect their belongings.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid sharing your PIN
  • • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night

Getting there

By air
  • Kobe Airport • 12 km from city center
  • Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 30 km from city center
By train

Shin-Kobe Station, Sannomiya Station

By bus

Sannomiya Bus Terminal, Kobe Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway system is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. It's the best way to get around the city quickly.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Sannomiya Kitano-cho Nada

Day trips

Himeji Castle
30 km from Kobe • Half day to full day

One of Japan's most famous and well-preserved feudal castles, known for its elegant white exterior and beautiful gardens.

Osaka
30 km from Kobe • Full day

A vibrant, bustling city known for its modern architecture, historic sites, and delicious street food. Osaka offers a mix of traditional and contemporary attractions.

Koyasan
50 km from Kobe • Full day to overnight

A sacred mountain and the center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Koyasan is home to numerous temples, monasteries, and beautiful gardens.

Festivals

Kobe Luminarie • Early December (dates vary) Kobe Port Festival • Early May (dates vary)

Pro tips

  • Visit the Nunobiki Herb Garden and Ropeway for stunning views of Kobe and beautiful gardens.
  • Try Kobe beef at a high-end restaurant for an unforgettable culinary experience.
  • Explore the historic Kitano-cho neighborhood for a glimpse into Kobe's international past and beautiful views of the harbor.
  • Take a day trip to Himeji Castle, one of Japan's most famous and well-preserved feudal castles.
  • Visit the Kobe Luminarie festival in December for a breathtaking light display along the harbor.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 0-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 7
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

Similar Experiences

Similar on Klook