KOBE Highlights Private Tour with a Local Guide

Kobe , Japan

KOBE Highlights Private Tour with a Local Guide

Active

5h - 7h

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the best of Kobe in one day with a friendly local guide.

Choose how to explore — "on foot and by public transportation (without car)" or " with a driver-guide (wagon car)".

As Japan’s first international port, Kobe offers a unique mix of East and West. You’ll visit shrines, Western-style houses, and the historic foreign settlement, showcasing the city’s charm.

Beyond the city centre, explore Nada’s sake breweries, Arima Onsen, and mountain views.

While it’s hard to cover everything in one day, your itinerary will be tailored to your pace and interests.

This private, flexible tour lets you experience the real Kobe — your way, on foot or by car.

Note: Meals are not included. If you’d like to try Kobe Beef, your guide will recommend and escort you to a restaurant that suits your preferences and budget.

Available options

Driver-Guide (with Car)

6 seater Wagon<br/>Parking and highway tolls<br/>Pickup included

Public Transit (without Car)

Pickup included

What's included

English-speaking guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

A popular waterfront spot where you can capture great photos of Kobe’s port.
Perfect for taking home as a memorable souvenir.

A stylish district built in the late 19th century for foreign merchants.
Today, its Western-style architecture and luxury shops make it one of Kobe’s most elegant areas.

A charming hillside district with Western-style houses from the late 19th century.
Strolling here feels like stepping into old Kobe’s international past.

One of Kobe’s oldest Shinto shrines, founded over 1,800 years ago.
Known for blessings of good relationships, it’s a peaceful oasis in the city center.

【Option】Nadagogo, the “Five Sake Villages,” is Japan’s top sake-brewing area.
Pure water from Mt. Rokko, quality rice, and sea breezes make it ideal for sake.
Here you can visit historic breweries and taste Japan’s finest sake.

【Option】Arima Onsen is Japan’s oldest hot spring town, with charming streets full of shops and history.
Even without entering a bath (extra fee), visitors can enjoy foot baths and strolling through the traditional townscape.

【Option】Mt. Rokko is known for offering one of the most beautiful night views in Japan, overlooking Kobe and Osaka Bay.

What's not included

Any food and drinks at restaurants should be paid for by the guests. Your guide will recommend and take you to a restaurant that suits your budget and preferences.

If you choose to enter any facilities during the tour, please pay the entrance fee on site. If you would like your guide to accompany you inside, kindly cover the admission fee for the guide as well.

If you choose the walking & public transport option, transportation costs such as bus, train, or cable car fees are not included. Guests cover these expenses, including the guide’s fare.

Available languages

Guide guide

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

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

Please show the screen when meeting the guide.

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.