Kobe History & Photo Tour to Capture the Scenery and Cityscape
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Kobe History & Photo Tour to Capture the Scenery and Cityscape

Active
(2 reviews)
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

We introduce you to a tour of Kobe, one of Japan's most famous port cities, where you can capture some of the most beautiful scenery!

The city of Kobe developed rapidly from a farming village with sprawling fields as the Port of Kobe was opened in the modern era and trade with foreign countries began.
The city topography limits the amount of land you can live on due to the proximity of the sea and mountains, and the buildings are lined up along the slopes.

Looking out to sea, cruise ships and transport ships come and go, and unique buildings such as the Port Tower and Harbor Land attract the eye in the harbor. Many tourists come to Kobe to enjoy the beautiful scenery. If you look towards the mountains, you will find many Western-style buildings that are deeply influenced by foreign cultures, and walking the streets will make you feel as if you have gone back in time.

Why don't you join us for a photo tour that will leave you with memories of your visit to Kobe?

Available options

Kobe History & Photo Tour to Capture the Scenery and Cityscape

What's included

Private Tour
Tour Guide
The necessary expenses for the guide during the tour

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Starbucks Coffee Kobe Kitano Ijinkan:
This Starbucks outlet is located in Kitano Ijinkan-gai, a district lined with much fashionable retro architecture. Its buildin g has gained a reputation for its sophisticated design that makes the most of its historical background, making it one of Kobe's most popular tourist attractions.

2

Weathercock House:
Weathercock House is one of the symbolic buildings of Kobe, along with Kobe Port Tower and Kobe Maritime Museum. The building, built in the classical German style, attracts the gaze of people with its beautiful brickwork. Inside the museum, there are exhibits that give visitors a sense of how life was in those days, and one can spend a relaxing time here.

3

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine:
Built more than over 800 years ago in 1180 by Taira no Kiyomori, one of the military leaders in Japan at that time, the shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, widely revered as a god of learning. However, what most poeple do not know is the shrine is also a great viewing spot! After climbing the steep stairs in the precincts of the shrine, you can see the city center and the Port of Kobe. It is a perfect place to take commemorative photos with such a spectacular view as your backdrop.

4

Kobe Foreign Settlement:
This area is a place where you can feel the history of Kobe's development through trade and the influx of foreign culture. The building in this area is often used for wedding photos and fashion magazine shoots because of its massive and gorgeous architecture. This place is amazing for those who want to take pictures with a sophisticated atmosphere.

5

Otsunaka Street:
This area is lined with old-fashioned buildings along the 800-meter east-west street. The buildings have been renovated and now house apparel stores, general merchandise stores, and cafes. The area is full of stores that offer a taste of Kobe's trends, and the scenery is different from that of Ijinkan-gai and the port.

6
Stop 6

Meriken Park:
Meriken Park is a park where you can take artistic photos with the BE KOBE monument and other unique objects placed throughout the park.

7

Kobe Harborland:
A facility locates on the west side of Kobe Port. Have lunch at a restaurant where you can enjoy a unique Kobe meal. The view from the facility is also a must-see, with its vermilion Port Tower, whistling cruise ships, and brick warehouses that remind us of the prosperity of the past.

8
Stop 8

Kobe Brick Warehouses:
This commercial facility consists of renovated warehouses that were in use during the period when trade flourished at the Port of Kobe. The distinctive red-brick buildings are popular as photo spots.

What's not included

Estimated Costs of the Tour: 500 JPY per Person
Breakdown: Transportation: 0 JPY, Admission Fees: 500 JPY, Meal costs: 0 JPY per Person
Optional Experience Costs: 0 JPY per Person

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.5
2 reviews
5★
1
4★
1
3★
0
2★
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1★
0

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
All transportation costs, entrance fees, food and drink costs, etc. incurred at the visited spots, will be borne by the customer.
Tour finishing spot is different from starting spot. Please let your tour guide know if you would like to change the finishing spot.
Please understand that tour spots might be changed to alternative spots in case of temporary closure.
If the weather is bad on the day, there is a possibility that the means of transportation, destinations, and routes may be changed.
This tour does not include a dining spot.
Please wear comfortable clothing as you will be walking a lot.

Meeting point

JR Sannomiya Station (Ticket Office right next to the central ticket gate)

Important notes

・Please contact us using the messaging feature or WhatsApp message : +81 80-7475-5829.
・Please note that we do not answer calls. In case of any difficulties meeting up, kindly call your tour guide directly.
・All transportation costs, entrance fees, food and drink costs, etc. incurred at the visited spots, will be borne by the customer.
・If you do not arrive at the specified starting place after 60 minutes from the agreed meeting time, the tour will be considered canceled.

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 18-99
1
Infants
Age 0-3
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 6
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available

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