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Exploring Kobe, Hyogo
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Joined 2017
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?
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
Joined 2017
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
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Vladislav S.
“A great way to visit Osaka highlights ”
We spent the whole day with Mike walking around Osaka. He met us in our hotel lobby and took us to Umeda Sky, Osaka Castle, Dotonbori and the Kuromon market, Shinsekai, as well as many other places. Everything, from the communications, to facts sharing, and attention to our requests was top notch. My wife mentioned that we are planning a trip to Hokkaido and Mike have us an itinerary with lots of good advice. I consider ourselves lucky to meet Mike and be able to spend a day with him. Mike, thank you so much for showing us around Osaka, all the information and knowledge you shared, as well as all the amazing pictures you took!
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Masahisa M.
Vladislav Thank you very much for coming all the way from beautiful, nature rich Kiwiland again this year. It was truly a pleasure to guide such a lovely young couple, and I was able to enjoy a wonderful day myself. If you have any questions as you plan your future trip to Japan, please feel free to ask me anytime. Thanks Masahisa
Katie D.
“Fantastic historical tour”
Masahisa-san was an incredible guide, navigating the side-streets with ease and allowing us to see even more of Nara and Osaka than we had hoped! He has a wealth of life experiences to share and is a very calming presence throughout the day. He is committed to making sure you get the best photographs and has a great eye for what will make a good picture. I would highly recommend touring with him and look forward to hopefully doing so again in the future!
Masahisa M.
Katie Thank you so much for traveling all the way from afar to visit us. I’m relieved to hear that you might have returned home safely. Hearing the recent news about NYK and the new young mayor made me feel as if I were chatting with both of you at Madison Square Garden. If you have the chance, please do come visit us again. Thanks Masahisa
Jake and diana R.
“A Must-Do While In Kyoto”
We had such a special with Masahisa! He was the perfect tour guide, taking us to 10 different locations throughout East Kyoto each of which he was extremely knowledgeable about. He knew where to take us at what times in order to avoid crowds and brought us to quiet, beautiful locations that we wouldn’t have found otherwise. This was one of our favorite activities of our entire Japan trip and we could not recommend Masahisa more! He also took so many photos for us without us even asking, a true professional in every manner. :)
Masahisa M.
Jake and Diana Thank you for coming all the way from the “Windy City,” where I spent my working years and made countless cherished memories. It is my only regret that I was unable to show you the few remaining places in Kyoto where the quiet elegance of the ancient court culture still lingers. Still, spending the day with beautiful couple brought me great joy, and I truly had a wonderful time. Once again, I sincerely appreciate your long journey to visit, and I would be delighted if, in some small way, I was able to contribute to creating memorable moments from your trip. Thanks Masahisa
$282/ per group
More tours by Masahisa M.
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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)
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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