Japan KOBE BEEF and Japanese Tea Ceremony Tour (pick up at Kobe Port Terminal)
Welcome first-time visitors to Kobe!
This beautiful city, set between the sea and mountains, mixes old traditions with modern style.
Enjoy delicious Kobe beef and try a traditional tea ceremony to learn about Japanese culture. You will also visit Ikuta Shrine which is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, and the lively China Town and exciting Kobe Harborland. Join us for a fun day full of great food, culture, and unforgettable experiences!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Kobe Port Terminal or At your hotel or a particular spot
- *The 3rd floor plaza of Kobe Port Terminal I'll be waiting with a sign that has your name on it.
Japanese Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience Time
Experience the Japanese tea ceremony, a practice that represents harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. Our lessons are designed for international guests and provide a special chance to explore this ancient tradition. With experienced teachers, you'll learn how to prepare and enjoy matcha tea, understand the meaning behind each step, and discover the deep philosophy of the ceremony. Whether you're a traveler or someone interested in culture, this experience will give you a greater appreciation for Japan's rich heritage and create lasting peaceful memories.
"Be Kobe" Monument
The "BE KOBE" monument is a symbolic structure located in Kobe, designed to express the city's resilience and unity in the face of adversity. The bold "BE KOBE" letters convey a message of hope, strength, and solidarity. This monument serves as a reminder of how the people of Kobe overcame challenges and achieved recovery after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995. It reflects the enduring spirit of resilience and unity of Kobe and its residents, becoming a landmark of the city.
Kobe Port Tower
Kobe Port Tower is a landmark in Kobe, Japan, standing 108 meters tall. Its unique design resembles a traditional Japanese drum, called a tsuzumi. From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Kobe's cityscape, the harbor, and the surrounding Rokko Mountains. Inside, the tower features shops, restaurants, and exhibition spaces, offering a comprehensive experience of Kobe's maritime heritage and modern development. The tower reopened on April 26, 2024, after renovations, now including a rooftop deck at 100 meters above ground, providing a 360-degree view of the city.
Harborland
Kobe Harborland is a lively waterfront district that offers a perfect mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Located along Kobe Port, it’s one of the city’s most popular destinations, loved by both locals and tourists.
Here, you can explore stylish shopping malls like Mosaic, enjoy delicious meals at restaurants with ocean views, and relax at cozy cafés. Take a scenic walk along the waterfront, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the bay, especially at sunset when the city lights reflect beautifully on the water.
Harborland is also home to exciting attractions like the Kobe Maritime Museum, the iconic Kobe Port Tower, and a giant Ferris wheel that lights up the night sky. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening, a fun day out with family, or a place to soak in Kobe’s vibrant atmosphere, Harborland has something for everyone.
KOBE BEEF restaurant
Kobe beef is renowned worldwide for its exceptional marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor. Originating from the Tajima strain of Japanese Black cattle raised in Hyōgo Prefecture, this premium beef undergoes strict quality standards to earn the Kobe name.
In Kobe, numerous restaurants specialize in preparing and serving this delicacy. Expert chefs utilize traditional Japanese culinary techniques to highlight the beef's natural flavors and quality. Diners can indulge in a variety of dishes, from succulent steaks to savory teppanyaki, each showcasing the unparalleled attributes of Kobe beef.
Visiting a Kobe beef restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience, allowing guests to savor the melt-in-your-mouth texture and exquisite taste that define this esteemed meat.
Ikuta-Shrine
*One of the oldest shrines in Japan
*Originally built over 1,800 years ago
*Entrance free
China Town
Kobe’s Nankinmachi, also known as Kobe Chinatown, is a lively and colorful district in the heart of the city. As one of Japan’s three major Chinatowns, it offers a unique blend of Chinese culture, food, and history.
Stroll through its charming streets filled with traditional Chinese architecture, bright red lanterns, and a variety of shops and restaurants. Here, you can enjoy delicious Chinese street food, dine at authentic restaurants, and find unique souvenirs. During festivals, the area becomes even more vibrant with traditional performances and festive decorations.
A favorite spot for both locals and tourists, Nankinmachi is the perfect place to experience the flavors and atmosphere of China right in Kobe.
Sannomiya Shopping Area or Sannomiya station
We say goodbye at Sannomiya Shopping Area
or
Sannomiya station
JR Sannomiya Station is the liveliest station in Kobe city. From Sannomiya Station to Kyoto Station, you can take the Special Rapid Train and arrive at Kyoto Station in 53 minutes.
Ending Point
Sannomiya Shopping Area or JR Sannomiya Station
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee
1) Meal at a Kobe beef restaurant
Cost per person ranges from ¥5,000 to ¥15,000.
2) Admission fee for Kobe Port Tower
Entrance to Kobe Port Tower is optional. If you choose to enter, it will cost ¥1,200.
3) Fees for transportation (train, bus, cab, etc.)
Tour Important Information
*Plans, Time & Location can be all flexible based on your request.
please feel free to contact me!
*Note about Summer (July & August)
Because of the intense summer heat, a small additional fee will be added to tours during July and August.
Thank you for your kind understanding!
Important message from the supplier
• Our tours can be customized according to your needs and preferences.
• Click below to tell us what you are looking for.
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 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!
Reviews
Jo R.
“Rika's Kobe Shore Excursion”
10/10 Rika, this was a great tour, even though we changed our minds so many times. You accommodated everything we wanted to do and more. The Kobe Beef with Hiroshi will stay with us forever. Your personality, friendliness and caring was always at the forefront and we felt like we were touring with a friend instead of a guide. The views going up to the herb garden are amazing and not to be missed. Thank you.
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Rika N.
Dear Jo and your wonderful family, Thank you so much for your perfect rating — I am truly honored. I imagine that by now you are back home, perhaps enjoying a lovely afternoon tea with the cute spoon you bought at the herb garden! Spending the day with you felt like I was with my own family. I was especially impressed by your three-generation trip — from 25 to 85 years old. I truly believe not many families in the world can share such a special journey together. Jo, as the organizer, you did an amazing job. It must have taken a lot of effort — well done! Grandma Yvonne is such an elegant and charming lady. She reminded me of Rose in Titanic in her later years — graceful and beautiful. I hope I can be like her when I grow older! Uncle John disappeared a few times, but he is clearly full of love and warmth. Elizabeth is very thoughtful and observant — she asked questions that even I couldn’t always answer! I will study harder! And Caytlyn’s horse photos are absolutely stunning! I love horses too, and one day I would love to visit with my family. This is truly one of the most rewarding parts of being a guide — making friends from all over the world. Thank you again, and I hope our paths cross again someday! Warm regards, Rika
Denisa K.
“Great day in Kobe with Rika”
We spent fabulous day in Kobe with Rika. She did her best to accommodate our wishes. We had several dishes and also found out mew facts about japanese culture. Rika took us to the sake brewery and also got tockets for the sunset cruise which was incredible. We were also lucky to meet her son who is a lovely gentleman who also contributed to the amazing experience. Thanks Rika.
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Rika N.
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! It was my very first time hosting guests from the Czech Republic, and it became a truly unforgettable experience for us as well. I was honestly impressed by how much you already knew about Japanese culture—sometimes even more than me! And I’ll never forget your notebook full of stamps, that was amazing . I’m so happy you enjoyed the sake brewery and the sunset cruise. It was also a pleasure for my son to meet you. It’s truly wonderful how many people in Europe grow up speaking two or three languages from such a young age—I really admire that. Meeting you was also a great motivation for my son’s studies, and we truly appreciate it. Please come back to Japan again—I would love to see you both in the future! Warm regards, Rika
Paul M.
“Disaster never happened ”
Our guide did not check which cruise terminal our ship was located so went to the wrong one.She had the ship name months ago. She did not seem to know there were two terminals. We waited in the cold For one hour she arrived but did not know where to park her car. We gave up and cancelled and proceeded on our own. We would like our money refunded
$220/ per group
More tours by Rika N.
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Kobe Shore Excursion: Scenic Ropeway, Herb Garden, Tea Ceremony & Kobe Beef (Kobe Port Terminal)
*Breathtaking ropeway ride & Herb Garden stroll *Peaceful tea ceremony experience * Famous Kobe beef lunch * Local area shopping or walking * Pick-up & drop-off at Kobe Port Terminal * Private flexible tour with English-speaking guide
Kobe Shore Excursion: Scenic Ropeway, Herb Garden, Tea Ceremony & Kobe Beef (Kobe Port Terminal)
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Japan Kobe Eats & Local Secrets: A Tasty Walk Off the Beaten Pathpick up at Kobe Port Terminal)
Higashiyama Food Arcade is known as “Kobe's kitchen” and has long been loved by Kobe citizens. About 130 stores are lined up along a 300-meter stretch from north to south!It will be a fast-paced 3-hour tour where you can eat, walk, and experience Japanese culture and history. The lively food arcade stimulates the senses with its lively shouts, appetizing smells, retro designs and so on. It is hard not to be distracted by all the colorful flowers, sundry goods and fresh handmade food!
Japan Kobe Eats & Local Secrets: A Tasty Walk Off the Beaten Pathpick up at Kobe Port Terminal)
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