The 10 Best Cultural Tours in Kobe, Kinki

May 22, 2021 Jasper Kershner

Famous for its luscious beef and crisp, pure sake, the Japanese port of Kobe is a thriving metropolitan city with an international feel. The sake-brewing season runs from October through April, and that's the best time to take a tour of a kura (the Japanese word for brewery). Visit the Hakutsure Sake Brewery Museum year-round. Naturally, the nightlife here is prime perfection.
Restaurants in Kobe

1. Kobe private tour from Osaka (Shore excursion available from Osaka or Kobe port)

3-chōme-10-12 Chikkō, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0021, Japan All Star Osaka Walk
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Visit a beautiful port city, Kobe with a private guide!  As it's a private tour, you can relax and see more sights compared with other group tours. This tour covers most popular sites like Nunobiki ropeway and herb garden, Harbor land and Sake brewery. You can't miss Kobe beef. We'll help to book the Kobe beef restaurant, if you'd like.  Tour guide will meet you at your accommodation and start the tour easily and go to Kobe by subway and train and explore the city by train and taxi efficiently.

Inclusions: National licensed guide, Sake tasting, Hotel pickup

Exclusions: Gratuities, Transportation to/from attractions, Lunch, Drinks

Reviewed By Cheryl S

We loved our Kyoto tour! Our guides Aki and Minako made it so special, the whole tour guide team even came on the call to sing Happy Birthday for my daughter. They also made a lovely personalised video for her birthday. The entire experience was so interesting and enjoyable. Definitely recommend!

2. Nara private tour from Osaka (Shore excursion available from Osaka or Kobe port)

Tempozan Park, 3 Chome-2 Chikko, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0021, Japan All Star Osaka Walk
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Nara was an ancient capital of Japan from 710 to 784. You'll explore peaceful shrines, Great buddha hall in Nara park and amazing Japanese garden called Isuien. Nara has beautiful natural scenery, good traditional food, cultural and historical sites. Several historical sites have been resistered on UNESCO's World Heritage List. One of the most exciting things is deer in the park. They are so tamed and cute. Our professional friendly tour guide will show you the best route and some places that is hard to find for the first time visitors. Why don't you have a great day in Nara with us?

Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel/port pickup, Drop-off at designated area, Private tour, Lunch

Exclusions: Transportation fee (2,000-3,000JPY per person for public transportation, 60,000JPY for a private van, Gratuities, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Reviewed By Cheryl S

We loved our Kyoto tour! Our guides Aki and Minako made it so special, the whole tour guide team even came on the call to sing Happy Birthday for my daughter. They also made a lovely personalised video for her birthday. The entire experience was so interesting and enjoyable. Definitely recommend!

3. Private Tour - A Healing Journey Filled with History and Culture in Arima

Sannomiya Station, 4丁目-1-1番-1 Nunobikichō, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-0097, Japan otomo travel
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Arima Onsen (hot spring) is famous as the oldest hot spring resort in Japan. The high quality of the spring water still attracts people, and many tourists from Japan and abroad come to spend a relaxing time in the old-fashioned streets. In this tour, you can experience the deeper Arima culture by strolling around the hot spring town. There are two main types of onsen sources in Arima Onsen: the reddish-brown "Kinsen" (Gold hot spring) and the carbonated "Ginsen" (silver hot spring). It is said to be very rare to find two hot springs with completely different ingredients gushing out in the same area. At some of the spots, you can see the source gushing out, touch it, and drink it. We will introduce you to the mechanism of the source, and visit stores that sell Japan's first cider, which developed from carbonated water, and specialty rice crackers, to show you all the charm of Arima Onsen. Join this tour of the highlights of Arima Onsen and experience Japan's hot spring culture!

Inclusions: Private Tour, Tour Guide, Necessary expenses for the tour guide

Exclusions: Travel expenses and entrance fees for your own, Money for food/drinks, souvenirs and extra activities for your own, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, The use of private van

Reviewed By muhammadkamranalinak

Very good ???? experience I really enjoyed it fully fantastic I never forget it weather no pollution everything is perfect and appreciated.

4. Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Kobe City

Sannomiya Station, 4丁目-1-1番-1 Nunobikichō, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-0097, Japan Guicéna
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

In the north, the mountain. In the south, the sea... In the middle, you! Visiting this so beautiful city. We will discover together Kobe, from the north to the south. History, fashion and modernity are melting in this so picturesque city.

Inclusions: Guide fee

Exclusions: Lunch, Transportation , Kobe Ijinkan Museum entrance fee: 500JPY/people

Reviewed By Trail71720

Mouloud is an amazing guide. He is punctual, friendly and very knowledgeable. Since my husband and I speak very little Japanese we were grateful to have him around.

5. 1-Day Kobe Highlights Tour including Sake Tasting

Shin-Kobe Station, 1-chōme-3-1 Kanōchō, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0001, Japan OMAKASE
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Enjoy a leisurely 7-hour tour of Kobe, a port town that developed and flourished after Japan opened its ports to the world in the mid 19th century with a local guide. From the north in nature rich Mt. Rokko, downtown Kobe City in the south where you can enjoy shopping and gourmet, and Japan's leading sake breweries in the eastern Kashiwa sake district, enjoy a varied atmosphere in this coastal city. This tour covers all the best Kobe has to offer. We also offer pick-up and drop-off at Kobe Port making this a convenient day trip for those visiting Kobe on cruise ships such as the “Diamond Princess” or the “Celebrity Millennium”.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, English Guide, Round-trip ropeway, Taxi(From Shin-Kobe station to Sannomiya station), Sake Tasting, Hotel pick up & drop off, Train ticket(Sannomiya station → Sumiyoshi station)

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By lenorer9950

Tomomi, our tour guide was so well informed. Plus gave us great tips on other things to do & places to visit - great bonus!

6. Kobe Half Day Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private ★★★★★

Kobe, Hyogo, Japan City Unscripted Kobe
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4.6 based on 5 reviews

Discovering a new city, especially one like beautiful Kobe, is exciting but it's even more fun when you get to do it with a friend by your side. That is exactly what it will feel like as you explore Kobe with one of our hosts from the area. Visit Ikuta Shrine, one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, or amble up Mt. Rokko. You could also venture beyond Mount Rokko to the outdoor hot springs of Arima Onsen. Kobe is a hive of activity, from fine dining to downtown shopping, animal petting, so get ready for an adventure. adventure awaits. Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Inclusions: Private and personalized experience, 4 hours with a host, Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options), Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Tickets to any attractions, Transportation costs , Gratuities (optional)

Reviewed By jhwwre

Booked this months ago with high expectations. Waited at the meeting point for 25 minutes and the guide never showed. Called and emailed the tour operator with no response. Stay away!

7. Private Kobe Tour for Families with a Local, 100% Personalized ★★★★★

Kobe, Hyogo, Japan City Unscripted Kobe
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

Family fun awaits you in Kobe, you just need to know where to look. You'll join one of our friendly hosts who will plan your family’s day in the city so you can get down to having fun! Think neon lights, arcade games, cable cars and exotic animals. Ride a cable car up Mount Rokko, venture to the delightful Arima Onsen hot springs or visit the Oji Zoo or Sega game arcade at Umie. When tummies start to rumble why not trade in the traditional restaurants for an "owl café" where real owls sit on perches. Adventure awaits! Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Inclusions: A private and personalized experience , 5 hours with a host , Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options), Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

Exclusions: Food and drinks , Tickets to any attractions , Transportation costs , Gratuities (optional)

Reviewed By Lillian C

the highlight of the tour, we spent 4 full days with our well travelled, guide, Ken san, no nonsense , precise, after intensive Kyoto, the parks, the shrines, the food, Kobe was a lovely change, i recommend the beef houses there, kobe beef, you can google it online

8. Kobe Walking Tour (Round Trip from Kyoto)

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo, 17 Nishikujō Inmachi, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8412, Japan JTB Sunrise Tours
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3.0 based on 1 reviews

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in the port city of Kobe, with round-trip public transport by rail from Kyoto. Travel around Kobe City on a cute city loop bus modeled after the Ijinkan (Western style residences) found in Kitano. Then Stroll through Meriken Park and cruising. After a buffet lunch, head to The Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens which is one of Japan's largest herb gardens where around 75,000 flowers and herbs of approximately 200 varieties bloom. Enjoy the various flowers and herbs in each season.

Inclusions: Buffet lunch, Professional English-speaking guide, Public transportation fee

Exclusions: Hotel drop-off, Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By mm0711

The tour was just like a live stream. You will get on a rickshaw and your friendly driver will show you around in Kyoto. After the ride, your guide will walk with you and take you to the beautiful bamboo forest and Tenruji Temple. You will also meet monkeys at the park in Iwatayama! The only thing I was disappointed about was I couldn't taste the Shojin Ryori or Buddhist vegetarian meal that our guide Mickey-san showed and explained. I should be on the real tour!

9. Kobe Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide

Japan Guide Agency
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3.0 based on 1 reviews

"This value-packed trip with a nationally-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Kobe! Perched on a hillside sloping down to the sea, Kobe is one of Japan's most attractive and cosmopolitan cities. Compact and designed for walking, it is easily visited as a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto. Immerse yourself in the city's distinct atmosphere and dining options! Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The Nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history."

Inclusions: Free Photos, Hotel Pick up and Drop-off, Licensed Local Guide

Exclusions: Other personal expenses, Lunch - Lunch (for yourself and your guide), Entrance fee (for yourself), Private Vehicle, Transportation fee (for yourself and your guide)

Reviewed By Cwshaman

The flexibility to chose locations that suited our wants and abilities was great. Hiro San was very quick to put together an itinerary that accommodated a family with a stroller-baby (no monkey park due to long unpacked walking paths). Taking in the beautiful temples and view of the Kyoto from the west was breath taking and the guide was able to explain many things we as new Japanese learners could not read or know through cultural knowledge. Overall a great experience, a wonderful and lively guide, and some great memories.

10. Kobe Walking Tour (Round Trip from Osaka)

Hotel Granvia Osaka, 3-chōme-1-番1号 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0001, Japan JTB Sunrise Tours
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2.0 based on 1 reviews

See the best of Kobe on this full-day walking tour. You’ll learn about one of Japan’s largest cities, known for its vibrant street culture. With your guide, take the train from Osaka to Kobe, where your immersive walking tour begins. You’ll spend the day traveling around Kobe’s historic districts on a city cute bus, cruising scenic waterfront parks, enjoying a Japanese and Western-style mixed buffet lunch and visiting the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens which is one of Japan's largest herb gardens.

Inclusions: Lunch, Professional English-speaking guide, Round-trip public transportation fee

Exclusions: Hotel drop-off, Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By mm0711

The tour was just like a live stream. You will get on a rickshaw and your friendly driver will show you around in Kyoto. After the ride, your guide will walk with you and take you to the beautiful bamboo forest and Tenruji Temple. You will also meet monkeys at the park in Iwatayama! The only thing I was disappointed about was I couldn't taste the Shojin Ryori or Buddhist vegetarian meal that our guide Mickey-san showed and explained. I should be on the real tour!

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