Kobe Private Tours with Locals: 100% Personalized, See the City Unscripted
Active
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
It's impossible to see all Kobe's must-sees in a day! The important thing is that you get to experience the highlights that are unmissable to you so hand your bucket-list over to one of our hosts and get exploring! Whether you want to explore iconic monuments, check out the scenic gardens and beautiful waterfalls or sink your teeth into the famous Kobe beef- the choice is yours. From leisurely strolls along the Maiko Marine Promenade to hikes up Mount Rokko and food sampling in Kobe Motomachi- aka the street of shopping- adventure awaits.
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. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.
Available options
4-hour Kobe Walking Tour
Duration: 4 hours
3-hour Kobe Walking Tour
Duration: 3 hours
2-hour Kobe Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours
6-hour Kobe Walking Tour
Duration: 6 hours
5-hour Kobe Walking Tour
Duration: 5 hours
What's included
8 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
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Shopping and entertainment district between JR Kobe Station and the waterfront of Kobe’s port area. The district offers a large selection of shops and cafes; the perfect spot to start your jam-packed day with a typical Kobe’s breakfast.
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
2
Stop 2
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
3
In this facility, you will learn about the real circumstances of the Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake.
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
4
When touring Kobe, visiting Kitano area, the old foreign settlement quarter, is a must.
Its history dates back to the opening of Kobe Port (1868) to foreign trade. At the time foreigners could only live in designated areas where they could rent houses and in Kobe that area was Kitano. There are around 20 old Western-style buildings open to the public, seeing them all would be a daunting task, but your local host will hand-pick for you the most suggestive ones.
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
5
What better spot than to learn more about Japanese religion and cultural heritage than Ikuta shrine whose history stretches back more than 1800 years ago?
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
6
Nunobiki Falls is considered one of the Three Greatest Divine Waterfalls in Japan, so it might be hard to believe that such a famous waterfall is only a 15-minute hike away from Shin-Kobe Station! Up the hill from this great waterfall is the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens, with 200 species and 75,000 seasonal flowers and herb plants bloom throughout the year!
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
7
Amble up (or take a cable car) to the top of Mount Rokko, where you can enjoy the so-called “10 Million-dollar” view above the city and Kobe Bay.
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
Food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)
Available languages
Guide guide
JA
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
5 reviews
5★
5
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
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
