Exploring Kobe, Hyogo
Kobe come to a vital life again from intense earthquake that hit on Jan 17, 1995. Kobe always creates us a resplendent, exotic mood that the cosmopolitan city has. The old foreign settlement where sophisticated modern architecture still remains upper town must be the reason to ferment that atmosphere and give the period of cosmopolitan flavor. At Meriken Wharf, you can hear the whistles of ships and touch cultural history in this city.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Kansai District (Kansai district = City of Osaka, Kyoto, Nara or Kobe)
To meet you at your hotel lobby, with Gowithguide welcome sign board your name on. Followed after brief tour orientation, we start the tour of the day
We take you to Osaka METRO station or JR, private railway station whichever closer to your hotel. If you stay in Kobe, we can save 45 min travel by train to JR or Hankyuu-San No Miya station. We pop in City Loop bus that leads us to England House, Youkan-Nagaya (French) House and Ben's House on Kitano Ijinkan Street.
Kitano Ijinkan Street
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden
We take City Loop bus again at Kitano-Ijinkan bus stop, and get off next bus stop, Kobe Nunobiki-Herb Garden station. We take a ropeway to lead us to Nunobiki-Herb garden. (10 min ropeway ride).
Nankin-machi (China Town)
We take City Loop bus again. 10 min walk from Hankyuu or JR San No Miya station to Nankin-machi (China Town)
Meriken Park and Kobe Harbor-Lad Umie (Shopping and Food Court)
End of this day tour at your hotel in Osaka. If you stay in Kobe, we arrive earlier. If you stay in Kyoto, Osaka or Nara, we arrive later
Ending Point
At your hotel in Kansai District (Kansai district = City of Osaka, Kyoto, Nara or Kobe)
Want to personalize this tour?
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/6701/201f234c-99c5-488c-a864-a874ecf41b10.png)
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included:
*Guide fee, hotel pick-up fee in Kansai District (Kansai district = City of Osaka, Kyoto, Nara or Kobe)
*Travel expense as required for the guide to travel with customers by means of public transportation such as train, subway, bus.
Travel expenses for the guide included herein are limited within Kansai district (Kansai district = City of Osaka, Nara, Kyoto or Kobe)
*Admission fees, tickets for the guide as might be incurred at Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens, temples, shrines or the like.
*Meals , drinks or the like for the guide during the tour
*Any tax or the like as might be incurred by the guide in Japan
*Gratuity
Not included:
*Fees to cruise river or sea or the like for the guide
*Tickets for Universal Studio Japan, museum or the like for the guide as might be required at private or public entertainment facilities.
Tour Important Information
Visit the old foreign settlement and you can understand why Kobe is called cosmopolitan city. At Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, here for sure, you will find best places for romantic chats in ropeway cabin or walks whichever you prefer and spend unforgettable time with full of 75,000 herb flowers.
Nankin-machi (China town) is always full of gourmet people. Kobe beef is also on the menu even at a hole in the wall restaurant, never let them down.
At Meriken Park, some attractions are romantic cruises that last 60 minutes. You can also admire beautiful panorama view of Kobe harbor from Kobe Port Tower or restaurant, art craft shop complex named Umie MOSAIC. Breath-taking sunset view is what makes this place so romantic
City loop bus runs every 10 to 15 min and takes you right on the spot. A one-day pass is advantageous, on sale in City Bus, at the Kobe Information Center (Sannomiya), Tourist Information Offices (JR Shin Kobe bullet train station)
- IMPORTANT -
Be quiet and respectful in Temples and Shrines complex
Remove hats and sunglasses in front of main sanctuary in Temples, Shrines.
Not to touch old buildings, old remains and objects
Not to take pictures where prohibited in Temples and Shrines complex
Take your shoes off before stepping on tatami
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Masahisa M.
Lived in Chicago (5 years), Toronto (1 year), Singapore (2 years), Indonesia (4 years) and Birmingham, UK (11 years) to construct business platform, now retired after 40
years employment in Japan. Dynamic tour guide who develops many different ways along with rich experience overseas to entertain large or small tour groups. Enjoys the interaction with tour groups, very strong group presentation and communication skills, finds each guest question as an opportunity to learn anything new. Constantly learning information about each tour spot to enhance tours. Guided 9,513 guests all over the world across Japan as of March 31, 2026 since Feb 2015.
Reviews
Nino T.
“Exploring Osaka”
We booked Mike for Osaka tour after we had an amazing tour a few days earlier in Kyoto. Once again very thoughtful itinerary was planned for us to take into the the Museum, Tenjin Shopping Street, Kiromon Market Dotonbori street for lunch. A highlight was Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine and a delightful tram ride. Another memorable day with Mike exploring Osaka.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/6701/201f234c-99c5-488c-a864-a874ecf41b10.png)
Masahisa M.
Nino Thank you so much for traveling such a long way to visit Japan. I feel honored to have guided you in Kyoto and Osaka, and I’m very happy to know the tours added something meaningful to your trip. Please take home many wonderful memories, and I hope our paths cross again someday. Thanks Masahisa
Nino T.
“Exploring Kyoto in Rakutou (East) and Rakuchu (Central)”
The tour with Mike was unbelievable. We packed so much in to one day and all learned quite a lot about Kyoto and the many beautiful shrines and temples to explore. Th opportunity to gain access and visit some of the lesser known and less busy Shrines was a bonus and we are very grateful to Mike for suggesting these and helping us to arrange the passes. This is a great way to contrast Kyoto more known tourist spots with the beauty and calmness of the imperial gardens Thank you Mike.
Noah L.
“A Great Kyoto Tour with Mike-San”
Mike was an absolutely fantastic tour guide. He came armed with a wealth of knowledge and catered / specialized the tour on the fly to match our curiosities and interests. An all-around special guy. His energy and enthusiasm were infectious. Took some Polaroids with him to commemorate the day. We like Mike!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/6701/201f234c-99c5-488c-a864-a874ecf41b10.png)
Masahisa M.
Noah I am truly grateful that you came all the way to Kyoto and that I was able to spend such a wonderful time with you and the professor. My only regret is that the visit to the Uzumasa studio set could not be arranged this time, as it coincided exactly with their filming schedule. King C. Gillette, when introducing his groundbreaking invention of the disposable razor blade, identified the following three conditions for achieving success in business: 1) The ability to incorporate the latest technology into the product 2) The existence of widespread demand for that product 3) The capability for mass production (that is, producing large quantities at low cost) With these three elements in place, his “razor blade business” achieved worldwide success. After watching your commercial videos, I was deeply impressed by your talent and artistic sensibility. Walking through Kyoto with all of you—future leaders of American cinema—has become a precious memory for me as well. I hope we can meet again someday, either in Japan or in the United States. Wishing you great success in your future careers in the film industry. Thanks Masahisa
$281/ per group
More tours by Masahisa M.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/1687/44f3e8f3-cc92-4c79-9fd8-98599bed3dab.jpg)
Exploring Kyoto in Rakutou (East) and Rakuchu (Central)
Kyoto is known as exotic sightseeing places and numerous historic, quaint old monuments are seen all over the town. This tour covers part of Rakutou (East district) and Central district. Visiting Rakutou, Gion, Yasaka-jinja shrine, Kodai-ji temple, Kiyomizu-dera temple are the most famous sightseeing spots in Kyoto. Particularly well known for the deity of love and marriage in Rakutou area.
Exploring Kyoto in Rakutou (East) and Rakuchu (Central)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/1681/40385.jpg)
Exploring Kyoto in Rakusai (West) and Rakuchu (Central)
Kyoto is known as exotic sightseeing places and numerous historic, quaint old monuments are seen all over the town. This tour covers part of Rakusai (West district) and Central district. Visiting Rakusai , Tenryu-ji temple represents the Kitayama culture. Nijyo-jo castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace in Rakuchu (Central district) are the cultural center during Heian, Momoyama and Edo periods.
Exploring Kyoto in Rakusai (West) and Rakuchu (Central)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/1717/40407.jpg)
Exploring Osaka
8,000 years ago, Osaka slept under a large seashore lake. This city of lake later turned to a city of smoke and eventually grew into the 2nd key international city after Tokyo. Birth place of industry in Japan, such as bank, insurance, steel, machinery, spinning, medicine, ship building, electrical appliance, etc. Touching days of Osaka ,Then and Now.
Exploring Osaka
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/1676/07952f33-0fe3-438f-8b15-855da1c10b2e.jpg)
Exploring Nara, Nara Pref
Nara is ideal for those who wish to see not only numerous historical structures but also to touch, feed wild deers roaming freely around in the Nara Park. There are 8 UNESCO heritages in Nara spotted sparsely in the historic regions which have full of rich tales in Nara period (from 710 to 794). Visiting 4 UNESCO heritages (3 temples and 1 shrine) in this tour in addition to one Japanese garden.
Exploring Nara, Nara Pref
Other Popular Day Trip Tours in Kobe
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22805/1ada7c67-ff2e-4406-b324-4dfaab9060f4.png)
Best of Kobe Full Day - Gondola (city views), Harbor (ocean), Arima Onsen (mountainside)
Most visitors rush past underrated Kobe on the way somewhere else, but the city offers big-city energy without the crowds. Ride the scenic Nunobiki Ropeway above Kobe Harbor and Osaka to hilltop gardens filled with seasonal flowers and panoramic views. Stroll the Meriken Park waterfront with its harbor landmarks, then head into the mountain countryside of Arima Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot spring towns. Enjoy world-famous Kobe beef or another option tailored to your tastes and budget.
Best of Kobe Full Day - Gondola (city views), Harbor (ocean), Arima Onsen (mountainside)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/97525/735a7a14-6666-41a9-b1d1-4422d9c479e0.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/1754/37019.jpg)
Kobe Arima Rokko One-day Tour
This tour is designed for those who would like to enjoy a variety of experiences in Kobe in a single day. The tour includes a visit to Ijinkan Town ( a former foreign residence area ) in Kobe, hot spring bathing in Arima Onsen, an aerial cableway riding from Arima to Rokko and taking in a splendid view of Osaka Bay from the top of Mt. Rokko.
Kobe Arima Rokko One-day Tour
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/2109/19826.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22044/362bcb9c-0760-4fb4-8872-e4e52f07cbb8.png)
Best of Kobe Half-Day Tour: Gardens, Chinatown & Harborland
Discover the highlights of Kobe on this relaxed half-day tour combining nature, city life, and seaside views. Start with a scenic ropeway ride to Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens, where seasonal flowers and panoramic views await. Continue through Sannomiya, the lively city center, then explore the colorful streets and flavors of Kobe Chinatown. The tour ends at Harborland, a popular waterfront area perfect for photos and a peaceful stroll by the sea.
Best of Kobe Half-Day Tour: Gardens, Chinatown & Harborland
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/91850/8a94df80-8581-4c41-b3e9-ee08a93c361f.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/44/4072.jpg)
KOBE Golden Tour
Kobe is one of the two largest ports in Japan. The city is well sheltered by a range of hills, with a population of about 1.5 million ranking it the 8th largest city in the nation. I can take you to Kitano Ijinkan (Foreigners' residential area), Meriken Park, Cinese market and Kobe Port Cruising. Kobe is very famous for Kobe beef, so if you want, I can take you to Kobe beef restaurant. Basically we use city loop bus for about 1,000JPY/person and your entrance fee is about 1,000JPY/person.
KOBE Golden Tour
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/38/141430.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/1693/92935.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/1693/44801.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/1693/159210.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/1693/136677.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/1693/a4064618-9c6c-4541-849c-b7b7828759e9.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/1693/88697.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/1693/82079.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/1693/82078.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/1693/40978.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/1693/136678.jpg)