Kobe , Japan

Kobe City Tours

Active

(6 reviews)

5h - 6h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

-I will take you to a hidden gem Japanese restaurant that locals love. Everyone really enjoys it!
- Special tour designed for guests arriving on a fancy cruise ship at Kobe Port.
- Explore lively Chinatown with delicious scents and tastes.
- Shop for souvenirs at Kobe Port Tower
- Visit Ikuta Shrine for a peaceful cultural experience.
- Take a thrilling ropeway ride at Nunobiki Herb Gardens for stunning views.

Available options

Kobe City Tours

Pickup included

What's included

Gratuities

Detailed itinerary

1. Sightseeing: Nankinmachi is a historic area adorned with Chinese-style buildings and decorations, allowing participants to appreciate its unique ambiance.
2. Shopping: Nankinmachi offers a variety of traditional Chinese goods and souvenirs for purchase, giving participants the opportunity to shop and bring home mementos.
3. Dining Experience: With numerous Chinese restaurants and cafes, participants can savor authentic Chinese cuisine and enjoy tea in the area.

Stop 2

At Kobe Port Tower, you can enjoy sake tasting! You can also find souvenirs that are perfect for Kobe gifts!

Exploring the Shrine Grounds: Visitors can wander through the serene grounds of Ikuta Shrine, taking in the beauty of the traditional architecture, lush greenery, and peaceful atmosphere.

1. Herb Garden Exploration: The expansive grounds feature a wide variety of herbs and plants for visitors to enjoy while strolling through the garden, taking in the fragrant scents of the herbs.

2. Herb Workshops: The herb gardens host workshops and experiential events related to herbs. Participants can learn about herb cultivation, cooking with herbs, and brewing herbal teas while having fun.

3. Herb Product Shopping: The on-site shops offer organic products, herbal teas, and extracts made with herbs for visitors to purchase. Tourists can buy herb products as souvenirs or for personal use.

4. Dining at Restaurants and Cafes: Within the herb gardens, there are restaurants and cafes serving dishes and sweets made with herbs. Visitors can savor herb-infused cuisine while relaxing in the fragrant surroundings.

What's not included

I will take you to a beloved Japanese restaurant that is not easily found by tourists. The lunch prices range from 2,000 yen to 5,000 yen.

Public transportation at your own cost is needed for this tour. From JR Kobe Station to JR Sannomiya Station costs 150 yen. From Sannomiya Subway Station to Shin-Kobe Station costs 210 yen.

Admission to Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens plus ropeway ticket: 2,000 yen per adult.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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.