Kobe Tour from Major to Minor Highlights by a Professional Guide!
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
1. Tour Managed by a Government Licensed Expert
This experience managed by a Government Licensed Guide Interpreter, ensuring that you gain deep insights into Nara’s rich history, culture, and traditions.
2. Flexible & Personalized Experience
We understand that every traveler has different interests, so our tour offers adjustable itineraries based on your preferences. Whether you want to spend more time at Todaiji’s Great Buddha or explore the serene gardens, we tailor the experience to suit your needs.
3. A Perfect Blend of History, Nature, and Local Culture
This tour is not just about sightseeing—it’s about fully experiencing Nara’s spiritual and cultural essence. This journey provides a perfect mix of history, nature, and modern-day charm.
4. Hassle-Free & Efficient Sightseeing
With a well-structured itinerary and a centrally located meeting point at Kintetsu Nara Station, travelers can maximize their time without worrying about navigation or missing key spots.
Available options
4 Hours Kobe Small Group Tour
Duration: 4 hours: 4 Hours of Kobe Group Tour Guided by Local<br/>Pickup included
Private 4 Hours Kobe Tour
Duration: 4 hours<br/>Pickup included
What's included
3 or 4 hours of Kobe tour
Hotel meet-up (available on request for PRIVATE tour only)
Kobe experience with a local tour guide with deep knowledge
Detailed itinerary
1
・Elegant Western-style mansions from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
・Distinctive architecture inspired by European and American design, from brick façades to stained glass and wooden staircases.
・Beautifully preserved interiors showing how foreign residents once lived in Japan.
・Scenic views over Kobe city and the harbor from the hillside location.
・A refined, quiet atmosphere that feels worlds away from modern downtown Kobe.
2
・A striking torii gate at the top of a long stone staircase, opening to panoramic views of Kobe.
・A compact, intimate shrine complex dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning and success.
・Scenic vistas over Kobe city, the port, and the sea, especially beautiful in the late afternoon.
・A quiet neighborhood atmosphere far removed from busy tourist areas.
・Seasonal scenery that changes throughout the year, adding to the shrine’s tranquil mood.
3
・A series of waterfalls cascading through a lush mountain valley, traditionally counted as four distinct falls, each with its own character.
・Mossy rock faces, clear streams, and shaded forest paths creating a cool, tranquil atmosphere.
・Scenic viewpoints where the sound of rushing water fills the air.
・Seasonal changes throughout the year — vibrant greenery in spring and summer, autumn colors, and crisp winter scenery.
4
・A classic Japanese strolling garden with ponds, stone bridges, waterfalls, and carefully shaped trees.
・Elegant traditional buildings and tea houses, reflecting refined tastes of the Meiji era.
・Seasonal beauty throughout the year — fresh greenery in spring, deep shade in summer, vibrant autumn leaves, and subtle winter scenery.
・Unexpected contrasts, where historic garden landscapes meet the backdrop of modern Kobe city.
5
・Beautiful Western-style buildings dating back to the Meiji and Taisho periods, many carefully preserved or restored.
・Elegant stone façades, iron balconies, and wide streets that feel more European than Japanese.
・Stylish cafés, boutiques, and galleries housed inside historic architecture.
・A calm, sophisticated streetscape that contrasts with the busier parts of Kobe.
What's not included
Transportation Fees for Public Transportation
Foods and Drinks
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Our tour guide will pick guests up at San-Kita Amore Park in front of the Gyoki Bosatsu sculpture and fountain.
OR
Our tour guide will contact the guests through WhatsApp or SMS and pick them up wherever they would like to for PRIVATE tours.
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.
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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