Premium Kobe Beef Experience and Sake Tasting Culinary Tour
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Premium Kobe Beef Experience and Sake Tasting Culinary Tour

Active
4h
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 Kobe’s rich culture, flavors, and history on this unforgettable tour. Start in Nada, one of Japan’s top sake regions, where you’ll taste premium sake, see traditional barrel-making, and enjoy sake-lees ice cream at Kiku-Masamune. You’ll even receive a special sake cup to take home!

Next, visit the historic Ikuta Shrine as your local guide shares Kobe’s fascinating past. Then, the highlight: a counter seat at a teppanyaki restaurant to watch world-famous Kobe beef grilled live—an unforgettable experience.

Perfect for foodies, sake fans, and curious travelers, this tour offers local flavor and cultural insight, with friendly guidance throughout.

Available options

Premium Kobe Beef Experience and Sake Tasting Culinary Tour

What's included

MagicalTrip English Guide
Kobe Beef Lunch- Enjoy premium Kobe beef grilled teppanyaki-style.
Local English Guide -Learn local stories and insights from your English-speaking guide.
Sake Cup -Souvenir Take home an original Kikumasamune sake cup.
Tour Photos- Receive post-tour photos taken by your guide.
Watch artisans craft traditional cedar barrels used to make premium sake. Availability may vary.
Sake & Ice Cream- Try 6 kinds of sake and sake-lees ice cream (sorbet for non-drinkers).

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Meet at Uozaki Station and visit Kiku-Masamune Sake Museum

Right outside the ticket gate of Hanshin Uozaki Station.
If you're not arriving by train, the gate is located on the second floor, right next to the Lawson.

The theme of the museum is “Discovering the origins of sake brewing.”
From the process of sake brewing to the tools used, visitors can gain knowledge and interact with actual items,
experience the techniques, water, rice, and terroir that go into brewing Nada sake,
learn about the passion and traditions behind sake brewing,
and explore new ways to enjoy sake and the culture surrounding it...

2

Join the barrel-making tour (if available) and enjoy sake tasting
“Taruzake Meister Factory” is a new experiential facility established by Kikumasamune in 2023. As a place to convey the charm and manufacturing techniques of cedar barrels, which symbolize Japanese sake culture, it is the only facility in Japan where visitors can observe the entire process of barrel making from start to finish within the company premises. Visitors can watch skilled barrel craftsmen assemble and roast barrels up close, and enjoy exhibits that allow them to experience the scent and texture of cedar wood. Through the tour, visitors can experience the traditional craftsmanship and Kikumasamune's dedication to barrel sake production with all five senses.

3

Travel to central Kobe and explore Ikuta Shrine
Ikuta Shrine, located in Chuo Ward, Kobe City, is an ancient shrine with a history of over 1,800 years. Its name is recorded in the Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan), and it is said to have been founded by Empress Jingu as one of the three sacred places known as “Kando-koro.” The deity enshrined here is Wakahirume-no-Mikoto, who is revered as the god of textiles, performing arts, and matchmaking. Particularly beloved as “Ikuta-san of Matchmaking,” the shrine attracts many visitors seeking good matches and marital harmony. The shrine grounds feature the “Ikuta Forest,” where clear water flows, and have been revered as sacred grounds since ancient times. Additionally, having overcome the devastation of war and earthquakes, the shrine symbolizes “regeneration

4
Stop 4

Enjoy a Kobe beef lunch at a selected restaurant
“Kobe Beef” is a world-renowned brand of Wagyu beef, known not only in Japan but around the world.
However, not just any cow raised anywhere can be called ”Kobe Beef.”
It is a title granted only to a limited number of cattle raised under strict conditions and management.

“Kobe Beef” is a leading brand of Wagyu beef known not only in Japan but also around the world.
However, not just any cow raised anywhere can be called ”Kobe Beef.”
It is a title given only to a limited number of cows under strict conditions and management.

5

Tour ends in the Sannomiya area

After a satisfying meal, the tour ends at Sannomiya Station, with local tips to explore even more of Kobe on your own!

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Right outside the ticket gate of Hanshin Uozaki Station.
If you're not arriving by train, the gate is located on the second floor, right next to the Lawson.

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

Adults
Age 13-99
1
Childs
Age 4-12
0
Infants
Age 0-3
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 7
  • Adult required for booking
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Free cancellation available
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