Kobe Private Tour Guides
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Popular Kobe Tour Guides
Rika N.
Hi, I am Rika. I am in Kobe city now. Welcome to Rika’s personal guide tour! I was born in China, group up in Japan, high school was an English course, and majored in Business Administration at Kobe University, so I speak Chinese, Japanese and English! I like working with people. I worked for a major trading company, competing for first or second place in Japan, for over 10 years. I am currently working for a share houses company. The company manages more than 12 share houses in Kobe. About half of our residents are foreigners from different contries. I really enjoy talking with the people who have various backgrounds around the world. Kobe is a very convenient place with easy access to Osaka, Nara and Kyoto! It is famous for its traditional culture, old history, wonderful nature and delicious food, like Kobe beef as you know! So far I have two main tours available. One is” Eating Tour” at Higashiyama shopping street. Higashiyama Shopping Street is known as “Kobe's kitchen” and has long been loved by Kobe citizens. You can enjoy the local food tour and learn some survival Japanese while you are at it! The other one is Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, which is one of the world's longest suspension bridges! We can go to the top of the Bridge, 300m over the sea, and enjoy the panoramic view from the top! Let’s get together to enjoy real Japan! I am waiting for you!
裕治
我是华人，从出生以后一直住在日本。最近我取得了翻译导游的批准，所以给你们介绍一下鲜为人知的好地方 跟美食的餐馆等等。(还有随行买土产品)
Eric T.
Hallow ! This is Eric Tanaka. I was born in Kyoto, and I have been living in Kyoto. I am sure that Kyoto is one of the best city for sightseeing and living. I wish if I can introduce some nice places for you by walking around city streets. Also, in suburbs, there are a lot of nice sightseeing places such as Bamboo forest, Monkey park, Fushimi shrine, Zen practice temples and so on. Let's enjoy Kyoto town and Kyoto food.with me.
Shuji O.
Hi, I am Shuji, a licensed tour guide living near Kansai International Airport. I taught world history in high schools for four decades. So, I can explain Japanese culture or history in an easier way tailored to you who have different cultural and historical backgrounds. I also practiced Kendo, Japanese fencing, for more than four decades, and now I enjoy growing vegetables and going fishing. Therefore, I can also share some Japanese culture and its nature. I have traveled to more than 25 countries and all over Japan. I’m also passionate about photography and know many photogenic places in Japan. If you prefer to go off the beaten track, I can take you to hidden gems, including some cozy restaurants. Of course, I also know how to enjoy the crowded, most popular tourist sites. I am here to make your trip stress-free. See you soon!
Koichi W.
Hi! I'm Koichi. I was born in Osaka, I studied in Kyoto when I was a university student. Now I live in Shiga next to Kyoto. I am a national government licensed tour guide. I have been guiding about 160 groups over the past twelve months. I usually guide my customers mainly in Kansai region including Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Shiga by public transportation systems. Well, I am curious about Japanese history, especially the history of Japan's ancient times since I was raised next to the world biggest mausoleum of the ancient Emperor called "Nintoku" in Sakai city Osaka which has just become one of the world cultural heritage sites. I dug out some ancient earthen ware vessels around there when I was a primary school student like the adventure archaeologist “Indiana Jones" (It’s our secret!!). That was my hobby. Now, one of my hobbies is outdoor activities such as mountaineering, kayaking, skiing and others. So I would like to take you to some good places where you can enjoy Japanese unique nature. I love to guide foreign visitors from all over the world. I think it is my calling or heavenly given job. Let's go and enjoy together! I hope to see you soon.
Makoto Y.
Hello, I’m Makoto (Mac) and I'm a national-licensed tour guide. My previous career as an automotive engineer, gave me the opportunity to learn English and to live in the US, Germany, and England. After I retired, I learned more about the Japanese history especially focusing on Nara and Kyoto to become a historical specialist of the Nara area. I now live in Ikaruga town in Nara prefecture, where the UNESCO World Heritage, Horyuji temple is located. I regularly offer guides on the Fujinoki tumulus, which is located near the Horyuji temple. It contains very interesting Archaeological findings from the end of the Kofun Period. Recently, there are many foreign tourists who come to Japan, and I hope they enjoy learning about the culture and history of Japan. I would like to help tourists have a broader and deeper understanding of the Japanese culture and that is the reason why I decided to become a tour guide to help and support their experience in Japan. Nara is the place where Japan started. The capital was located in Asuka, Fujiwara and Nara before it moved to Kyoto. Therefore, there are many places to visit in Nara to trace the original history of Japan, which I have a depth of knowledge. Let’s explore the roots of Japan together!!
Takashi M.
Hi, my name is Takashi!! When I go abroad, I think that how nice it would be to have a friend there and hang out together. I want you to feel like you have a friend in Osaka and we can go around and explore. I was born and grew up in Japan. And I speak English, Spanish and Japanese. I can be the perfect guide for you!! I can guide you in any city in Japan, just let me know where you wanna go :)
Yoshihisa T.
Hi. My name is Yoshihisa. Call me "Yoshie", please. It means good or O.K. in Japanese. I live in Joyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, located just in between Kyoto and Nara. I was born and raised in Iga, Mie Prefecture. Iga is a birthplace of ninja and a renowned haiku poet, Matsuo Basho. I might be a descendant of ninja. I aim at becoming a linguistic ninja, following a part of Basho's lifestyle with the incorporation of seasonal changes into my tours. In addition to visiting famous temples and shrines, I invite you to lesser-known places of historic interest. Once in a month I go hiking or mountain climbing with some friends mainly in mountains surrounding Kyoto and Nara basins. Recently I have got intrigued by the charms of Buddhist statues, which are manifestations of people's wishes and prayers. I also like izakaya (Japanese-style taverns) hopping, tasting delicious dishes and locally brewed sake at reasonable prices. Especially I like communicating with people from home and abroad, talking face to face. Some of the above-mentioned elements are included in my walking tours. I hope you will discover new aspects of cultural and natural beauty in Kansai area through one of my tours which you could never gain otherwise. One of my favorite phrases that come from Zen Buddhism is Ichigo Ichie or this meeting-but only once in a lifetime. My interpretation goes this way: This place and this moment never cross again. Each and every good encounter, however, lingers on like the sound of a temple bell. Won't you explore a deeper world of Japanese culture in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka with me?
New Kobe Tour Guides
Leo T.
Hello I'm Leo, I’m a passionate tour guide working all over Japan, dedicated to sharing the country’s beauty, culture, and hidden gems. Guiding isn’t just my job — it’s my true passion. My mission is to create unforgettable experiences that let you connect with Japan on a deeper level, beyond the usual tourist spots . With me, you’ll meet locals and discover the real Japan in ways most visitors never get to see. Whether it’s exploring peaceful temples, tasting authentic regional dishes, or learning about time-honored traditions passed down through generations. Every tour is thoughtfully crafted to be unique and meaningful, so you’ll carry these memories with you long after your journey ends. Let’s explore Japan together and uncover its true spirit!
Karim A.
Hello and welcome! My name is Karim, and I'm your local guide for unforgettable tours across Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara — three of Japan’s most iconic and culturally rich cities. With a deep passion for Japanese history, food, and culture, I specialize in creating fun, informative, and personalized experiences that go beyond the typical tourist spots. Whether you want to explore ancient temples in Kyoto, vibrant street food in Osaka, or the peaceful charm of Nara’s deer parks and shrines, I’m here to help you experience it all like a local. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, I’ll make sure your visit is filled with authentic stories, local insights, and great memories. Let’s discover Japan together — one step, one bite, and one beautiful view at a time! Looking forward to meeting you, Karim
Leo A.
Hi, I’m Leo!! your local-friendly tour guide in Japan. Easy to talk to, fluent in English, passionate about Japanese history, and always ready to show you hidden local spots. Whether you're here for travel, filming, or just good conversation!! I help you connect naturally and deeply with Japan. Let’s explore the real Japan, together.
Gary S.
As an inbound tour guide and outbound tour leader, I have had the honor of serving guests from over 56 countries. I specialize in both private tours and bus higaeri (one-day) tours for Japanese local tourism services. I am also proud to be a 5-star-reviewed tour guide on other platforms. I speak Japanese, English, Mandarin, and Cantonese—skills I developed during my long-term career as a project manager in international joint ventures requiring multilingual and cross-cultural communication. This enables me to interact smoothly with tourists from regions such as Taiwan, Hong Kong (SAR), and mainland China, as long as we share a common language like English. In addition, I’m currently studying French, Spanish, Italian, and German to deepen my understanding of diverse cultures and enhance the experience I provide. I believe in the importance of omoiyari—the Japanese concept of empathy and consideration—an essential trait cultivated through personal growth, social experience, and professional challenges. I always strive to stand in my guests' shoes and provide thoughtful, personalized service. I also bring a sense of humor and optimism to my work, guided by a strong belief in the power of trust, shaped by my interest in Buddhism, Shintoism, and Protestant Christianity. In August 2024, I joined my first Heiro tour led by Japanese trainers, a couple who became certified Heiro masters after completing the practice 11 times. This experience enriched both my spiritual perspective and cultural understanding.
Marcelo M.
Maru is from San Diego California. Has been in Japan over a decade. Maru has come for the love of video games and anime. Enticed by the beauty of Japanese art. Maru is happy to share Japanese food and quirky cultural differences to take unique memories back home. Maru es de San Diego California. Lleva en Japón más de una década. Maru llegó por su amor a los video juegos y el anime. Seducido por la belleza del arte Japonés, está feliz de compartir la comida Japonesa y las peculiares diferencias culturales para que puedan llevarse recuerdos únicos a casa.
Jungo S.
Nice to meet you. My name is Jungo, and I was born in Osaka. I have spent most of my 31 years living here in Osaka. The reason I decided to become a tour guide is that I lived in Canada and Australia for two years each. During that time, my family visited me several times, and I guided them with all my effort, helping them enjoy their travels to the fullest. They were extremely satisfied with my guidance. Based on this experience, I decided that I wanted to help tourists from all over the world explore Japan and fully enjoy this country that I am so proud of. I also love traveling by car from Osaka, and I am confident that I can offer wonderful travel plans to everyone. Please let me help make your trip a great experience. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Jay T.
Welcome to my world of Small-group Private Walking Tours in Kyoto, Kobe, and Osaka, Japan! Each tour is meticulously designed to showcase the local area, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! Below are just a few tantalizing samples of tours I have provided. Get ready to explore Japan like never before! Remember, all tours are completely private and can be customized at a moment's notice to suit your group's preferences. If you don't see what you want, please contact me. Let's turn your dream tour into a reality! Although I'm not superstitious, I have a fascination with monster, ghost, magic, and horror stories. I find the Japanese versions of these tales especially intriguing, as they put their own spin on history and superstition. You can expect to hear some interesting tidbits about these cultural nuances during my tours. My walking tours are all about providing a personalized and focused experience for my clients. I aim to take you to lesser-known sites, share hidden secrets, introduce you to cultural curiosities, and of course, let you taste some delicious local Japanese foods. I want to show you the most unique features of each area we visit. While there may be quite a bit of walking involved, don't worry - I'll make sure to adjust the pace and frequency of rests to suit your needs. Everyone has different physical abilities and preferences, and I want to ensure that everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable experience. So lace up your walking shoes and let's explore Japan together! I'm a professional entertainer and former teacher, so I may add a bit of flair to my tours by sharing some stories about myself and my background. I have taken dozens of cruises, love meeting people from all over the world and am a proud supporter of Ukraine, Israel and Democracy in general. Plus, I'm LGBTQ+ friendly!
Kazu Y.
Please check "IMPORTANT". Hi, I’m Kazuto! Please call me “Kazu”! I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been working as a Japanese tutor and sometimes show my students around Osaka. My students sometimes feel stressed in Japan due to the language barrier even though they study Japanese and I’ve decided to become a tour guide in Kansai to help tourists! DO YOU WANT A STRESS-FREE TRIP? I can be your private concierge for your trip. Let me know if you need any help! By the way, I like anime, manga, video games, I’m an Otaku :) There are a lot of “otaku” places in Osaka like “Nintendo Osaka”, “Pokemon Center”, “Shonen-JUMP store”, “Universal Studio Japan” and so on. I want to show impressive Japanese Pop Culture so much!! Japan has limited-time anime, game or manga-collab cafes. You have to book for many of them and I can help you with the booking! Also, I like eating out! I can offer bar-hopping tours, share good ramen restaurants, and so on! I’m looking forward to seeing you! Let’s explore deep Osaka!
Day Trips from Kobe
Kobe Tour Reviews
Marshawn H.
“Kobe and Beyond”
We had the pleasure of having Rika as our tour guide in Kobe, Japan, and she was excellent. She took us to all the places we requested and went above and beyond to answer our many questions. Before our tour, she even researched how to navigate to an off-the-beaten-path outlet mall we wanted to visit, ensuring everything went smoothly. Throughout the day, she made sure we felt safe and comfortable while navigating the streets and trains. Thanks to her, we left with a deeper appreciation and understanding of Kobe—beyond just its famous Kobe beef. Rika’s professionalism, preparation, and warm personality made our experience truly memorable. Highly recommended!
Rika N.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I still vividly remember that day — all the walking we did, the laughter we shared, and the delicious food we enjoyed. I often tell my family and friends about it, as if it happened just yesterday. It made me so happy to hear you speak about the beautiful things you discovered in Japan. And of course, the highlight was our outlet shopping adventure! I still wear our matching earrings often — they take priority over many of my other accessories, hahaha. Shopping with girl friends is truly more fun, and I guess that’s something universal! I look forward to seeing you again in Japan someday. Warm regards, Rika
Tim J.
“Perfect Kobe Experience from Ship to City”
We had a wonderful afternoon and evening with Rika! Arriving on the Spectrum of the Seas, we were welcomed right from the harbor with a personal touch and perfect service. She guided us to the most beautiful spots in Kobe and shared many interesting insights along the way. The atmosphere was warm and relaxed, and the highlight was without a doubt the delicious Kobe beef – absolutely outstanding! Highly recommended for anyone wanting to discover Kobe in a special way.
Rika N.
Hi Tim, Thank you so much for your wonderful review — it truly warms my heart and encourages me. I still often think back to the wonderful time we spent together and share those memories with my friends and family. It was more than just sightseeing — I truly enjoyed our many conversations about different cultures with your intelligent and insightful mother, and I learned a great deal. Thank you for giving me such special memories. I’m planning to take a friend to that Belgian restaurant in Sannomiya’s dining district — the one with the delicious beer — and I’ll be sure to send you my impressions and some photos afterwards. Until recently, I thought Belgian chocolate was the most famous thing from Belgium, but thanks to you, I’ve discovered so many more charms of your country. Over the years, I’ve guided many international guests, but you and your mother asked the most thoughtful questions and truly engaged in cultural exchange. It gave me the opportunity to reflect on and deepen my own understanding of Japanese culture. Thank you so much for that! This work allows me to meet so many wonderful people and serves as a window to the world. I will continue to share the beauty of Japan — and Kobe in particular — with people from all around the globe. I hope our paths cross again someday — it would be a pleasure to see you both in Kobe or elsewhere in the world. Warm regards, Rika
Julie P.
“Our Kobe beef tour”
My husband and I had a wonderful day with Natsuko. She was very caring and accommodating. She made sure we saw everything that we wished to see. From Chinatown, the Kobe shrine and the beautiful Herb gardens. She then took us to a real certified Kobe beef restaurant where we had the most amazing lunch. She found us a Saki museum that was open because we really wanted to visit one and most were closed and guided us through the trains there and directly back to our ship. She was lovely and friendly throughout the day and made us feel very welcomed to her city.
Natsuko I.
Thank you so much for writing a review of today's tour so quickly! I'm really happy to read your nice message, and it makes me a little embarrassed because you praised me so much. I also had a great time spending the day with you. Many sake breweries were closed on Wednesday, but I'm glad I could take you to one of the famous ones. I'm also happy to hear that you enjoyed the Kobe beef restaurant, especially your "wow!" It was great to smile all day because you warmly welcomed me. Thank you again! Natsuko
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