Private Tour Guide Kobe with a Local: Kickstart your Trip, Personalized

Kobe , Japan

Private Tour Guide Kobe with a Local: Kickstart your Trip, Personalized

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(1 reviews)

2h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Within 24 hours after booking, you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host with a personalized itinerary to explore Kobe your way.
You could check out top attractions such as Kobe Harborland or bustling Chinatown (one of the biggest in Japan), explore the area you are staying in or just wander the streets like a true local. Plan B- grab your host and head down to a restaurant where you can sit down to a meal and get the inside scoop on where to go and how to get there.

Available options

3-hour Kobe Walking Tour

Duration: 3 hours

2-hour Kobe Walking Tour

Duration: 2 hours

What's included

2 or 3 hours with a host

Private and personalized experience

Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or taxi options)

Detailed itinerary

Find your feet in the lively city of Kobe with your host, who will show you the ropes, starting with Kobe Station!

IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences

Stroll along the Maiko Marine Promenade as you familiarize yourself with the sights and faces of the city

IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences

Stop 3 Pass by

In Kobe sea shore spot, catch a glimpse of symbolic buildings such as Kobe port tower, Kobe Maritime museum.

IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences

Stop 4 Pass by

Developed by Chinese merchants who settled in Kobe in 1868, this is a popular and shopping and dining district. Packed with shops, restaurants and food stands, you can try popular street gourmet, such as steamed buns, ramen, tapioca drinks and various other Japanized-Chinese dishes.

IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences.

What's not included

Tickets to any attractions

Transportation costs

Gratuities (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

(The host will be waiting in front of the tourist information center)
After booking, you can adjust the meeting point to fit your preferences with the help of our Experience Planners.

Important notes

We’ll be in touch within 24 hours after booking to find out more about your personality and interests so we can assign a like-minded local who will create a bespoke experience for you.

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.