Kobe Highlights & Hidden Gems: Private & Custom Tour with a Guide

Kobe , Japan

Kobe Highlights & Hidden Gems: Private & Custom Tour with a Guide

Active

(69 reviews)

3h - 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

This isn’t a scripted sightseeing tour. Your host will tailor the day around your interests, from waterfront promenades and bustling markets to peaceful shrines and quiet backstreets. Every moment is designed to reflect your pace and curiosity.

After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire so we can match you with a like-minded host. They’ll reach out to suggest an itinerary and confirm a meeting point. The route remains flexible, with time to pause, wander, and explore the real Kobe.

Available options

8-hours Walking Tour in Kobe

Duration: 8 hours<br/>Pickup included

4-hours Walking Tour in Kobe

Duration: 4 hours<br/>Pickup included

6-hours Walking Tour in Kobe

Duration: 6 hours<br/>Pickup included

3-hours Walking Tour in Kobe

Duration: 3 hours<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Online questionnaire link sent after booking to tailor your experience and match you to a local host

Flexible durations and start times - Pick your preferred duration when you book

Get picked up (on foot) at your accommodation if it's central!

Private and personalized walking experience with insider tips from a passionate local

Direct communication with your host for itinerary planning and local recommendations

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

See Kobe through the eyes of someone who calls it home—discovering the city’s contrasts, character, and everyday rhythm with a local host who knows it intimately. Before your experience begins, you’ll complete a short online questionnaire so we can design a route based on your interests—whether you’re drawn to culture, food, architecture, or hidden gems. Here are some highlights to inspire your journey:

Begin at one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, quietly nestled within the heart of the city. Your host will share the story of its founding and guide you to nearby paths and sacred spaces that offer calm within Kobe’s urban center.

Stroll through this covered arcade lined with shops, snack stalls, and retro storefronts. Your host will highlight local favorites, family-run businesses, and unique finds that blend the area’s old-school charm with modern Kobe culture.

Stop 4 Pass by

Explore Kobe’s compact but vibrant Chinatown, where colorful streets and delicious aromas lead the way. With your host, discover hidden alleyways, regional delicacies, and cultural stories you won’t find on the main tourist trail.

Stop 5 Pass by

Walk the lively waterfront promenade, home to stylish cafés, public art, and panoramic views of the bay. Your host will share how this area has evolved and point out lesser-known spots where locals relax, shop, and take in the scenery.

Stop 6 Pass by

Finish your experience in this open-air park by the harbor, where sculptures and green space offer a peaceful close to your walk. Reflect on the day’s discoveries with views of the water and insight into Kobe’s identity as a resilient port city.

What's not included

Food, drinks and tickets to any attractions

Transportation (primarily a walking experience, public transport may be used at an additional cost)

Gratuities (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

19 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

50 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

This is a private City Unscripted experience: real people, real connections

After booking, you'll receive a short online questionnaire to share your interests, preferences, and must-sees. Your City Unscripted guide will personally reach out to craft a fully customized itinerary that suits your style—whether you love history, food, hidden gems, or cultural experiences.

This private tour is a walking experience. A private vehicle is not included.

Public transportation or local taxis may be used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with your host after your reservation is finalized.

Meeting point

This is a great central point to meet your host if your hotel is not listed.

Important notes

Once you've booked your experience, your local host will personally reach out to tailor the adventure to your interests. Whether you're seeking authentic food spots, cultural insights, or hidden gems, we ensure your journey is immersive, personalized, and uniquely yours, transforming your tour into a meaningful connection with the city.

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.