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Private tour in Kobe Stephen E
Kobe Highlights Tour - Full Day
5.0
(4) reviews
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8 hours
1
Tour date
Start time
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8 hours
1
Stephen E.
5.0
Guide rating
7
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2 hrs
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A British national living in Japan since 2007. I have a love for travel and a thirst for new cultural experiences that has led me around Asia, and ultimately to settle in this beautiful and exciting country. The Kansai region of Japan covers a wide area and includes major cities such as Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto as well as quieter spots such as Akashi, Himeji and many other "off the beaten path" places to enjoy. As an experienced guide, I am more than familiar with all of these places and the best, most beautiful, interesting and exciting spots that the region has to offer. Even in my free time, I'm always on the lookout for cool new locations to visit and I'm constantly attending events and festivals in the area. Having the opportunity to share these places with visitors to Japan is and always will be a great passion of mine. Ultimately though, it is the beautiful city of Kobe that has stolen my heart. Sandwiched between the mountains and the sea, there is something here for everyone. Whether you want to enjoy nature and take a stroll past waterfalls and through herb gardens, enjoy the pretty parks and views near the sea or visit the shopping areas and many bars and eateries that the city has to offer, Kobe has it all. You can also take a stroll through and experience it's rich history spanning from traditional Japanese, to foreign settlement to the modern Kobe we see today. A short train ride outside of the city centre hosts the highest concentration of sake breweries in Japan, and it is also widely regarded as the best quality sake in the world! As your guide, it is my utmost priority that you experience the places that interest you in the way that you feel you would enjoy them the most. For this reason, the places we visit and the pace of the tours can be fully discussed beforehand to ensure that your trip is a positively unforgettable one. Or simply, leave it in my hands and I'll take you to all of the best and must see spots in the area that we visit. Thank you for taking the time to read my introduction, and I am truly looking forward to showing you around this amazing place that I now call home!
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Stephen E.
Discover the best of Kobe with me as your guide!
Overview of your Kobe tour
Kobe is the city that I fell in love with and chose to move to and settle in from 2015. Kobe is an extremely charming city sandwiched between the mountains and the sea. If you're looking for nature, then Nunobiki herb garden and falls is a place where you can take in the stunning views of Kobe and unwind next to which is often referred to as one of the most "divine" set of waterfalls in all of Japan, inspiring poets throughout history. There are also many pretty parks and gardens dotted around the city where you'll often find me sitting and reading my book. Merken Park is probably one of my happiest places to chill out in all of Kobe with stunning daytime and nighttime views. Come with me through the more traditional areas such as Ikuta Shrine, The Old Foreigners Settlement and Chinatown. Nada district hosts the highest concentration of Japanese sake breweries in all of Japan and is also widely regarded as the best quality in the world! Let's make your trip an unforgettable one!
Your Kobe tour itinerary
- Pick up at your preferred location - Short train ride out to Hakutsuru brewery. - Ropeway to Nunobiki Herb garden. - Walk back down the mountain past the waterfalls (40 minutes approx). OR - Ropeway back down. - Uphill walk to the Kitano Historic District (time permitting if we have walked down the mountain). - Ikuta Shrine. - Chinatown and Old Foreigners Settlement. - Meriken Park and surrounding area. - Drop off at your preferred location. All of my tours are fully customisable. The above itinerary covers many of the highlights that Kobe has to offer, though there are many others such as Sorakuen Garden and Higashi Yuenchi park. For lunch, we can play it by ear on the day of I can pre book more popular places such as Kobe beef restaurants. There are also plenty places to do some shopping or have a local craft beer, if you want. Please note, if your ship arrives at Naka Pier (the secondary pier) there will likely be a slight reshuffling of the itinerary.
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Transport details
Type: Public Transportation / Category: Train
Mostly a walking tour, but requires some short ropeway (cable car), subway and train journeys for some attractions depending on the meeting point. All guide transport fees are covered in the price except for the ropeway which is ¥2500 return per person, if we decide to take it.
What's included
What's not included
Meeting location
Kobe, Hyogo, 651-0097, Japan
Sannomiya station is the centre of Kobe (not Kobe station) and so is one of the most accessible points to meet in the area. If coming by cruise ship, I can also meet you at Port Terminal station or if by bullet train then I can meet you at Shin-Kobe station. Hotel pickup is also available.
- You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
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Languages
English
JapaneseActivity level
Traveller reviews for this private tour in Kobe
4 reviews
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8 hours
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8 hours
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.