Kobe Private Custom Tour: A Port City Between Mountains and Sea
Active
3h - 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
Join a private custom tour of Kobe, one of Japan’s earliest open port cities.
Kobe’s cityscape reflects its long history of international exchange, blending Western-style architecture, former foreign settlements, local neighborhoods, mountains, and the sea within a compact, walkable area. With a local guide, you’ll explore how these elements shaped the city’s identity.
This flexible tour is customized to your interests. Depending on your preferences, you may visit historic foreign districts, portside areas, shopping streets, scenic viewpoints, or quieter local neighborhoods. The guide adjusts the route and pace throughout the tour, making it suitable for both first-time visitors and repeat travelers.
Rather than focusing only on famous landmarks, this experience helps you understand Kobe’s layout and everyday atmosphere.
The itinerary is for reference only. As this is a private tour, the guide tailors the experience within the tour duration based on guests’ interests and requests.
Available options
3 hours Tour
6 hours Tour
Duration: 6 hours<br/>Pickup included
4 hours Tour
Duration: 4 hours<br/>Pickup included
5 hours Tour
Duration: 5 hours<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Photo opportunities throughout
A Professional Local Guide
Itinerary planning support
Detailed itinerary
1
Walk through the historic Kitano area, once home to foreign residents. Learn how international exchange shaped the Western-style houses, why they were built on this hillside, and enjoy photo stops along the charming streets.
2
Walk from the mountain side toward the port, experiencing Kobe’s unique urban layout. Learn about the city’s compact geography, where mountains and harbor are closely connected, and enjoy the café-lined streets.
3
Explore the Former Foreign Settlement developed after the port opening. Discover how Western architecture blended with Japanese city planning, and take photos of elegant historic building exteriors.
4
Stroll through one of Japan’s three major Chinatowns. Learn about the Chinese community’s relationship with Kobe Port and discover both the tourist and local sides of the neighborhood. Street food tasting is optional.
5
Walk through a lively shopping arcade popular with both locals and visitors. Learn about everyday shopping culture in Kobe and experience how closely Motomachi connects to Chinatown and the Former Settlement.
6
Stop 6
Learn about the history of Kobe Port and its significance as an international harbor. Enjoy views of Port Tower and the waterfront, with time for photos and a short break.
7
Stop 7
Explore the redeveloped waterfront area and discover modern Kobe as a port city. Learn how former port facilities were transformed into public spaces, with free time for cafés, shopping, or relaxing by the water.
8
Enjoy panoramic views of Kobe from a hilltop, where mountains, city, and sea align in one view. This stop is optional and depends on weather, physical condition, and guest preference.
What's not included
Admission fees may be required depending on the locations visited.
Transportation during the tour
Food and beverage expenses
Personal expenses
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Your guide will be waiting in front of the Kobe Information Center (Tourist Information) in Sannomiya, holding a signboard for our inbound tour service. Please use it as a reference point. If you have trouble finding the guide, you can contact them via WhatsApp or phone.
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.
$113
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
