When you come to Japan, the best thing to do is to eat Kobe beef! That's why I created a Kobe beef tour.
The moment you taste Kobe beef, its deliciousness and aroma will melt in your mouth.
Kobe Beef Tour Version 2 includes visits to Chinatown, shopping streets, Ikuta Shrine, Nunobiki Herb Garden, and a Kobe beef restaurant.
China town
- Kobe's Nankinmachi, also known as Kobe Chinatown, is a bustling and vibrant district in the heart of Kobe City. It is one of the three major Chinatowns in Japan and offers a unique blend of Chinese culture and cuisine. Visitors to Nankinmachi can explore narrow streets lined with traditional Chinese architecture, red lanterns, and a wide array of shops and restaurants offering authentic Chinese dishes and souvenirs. The area comes alive with energy during festivals and events, showcasing traditional Chinese performances and vibrant decorations. Nankinmachi is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, providing a taste of China in the heart of Kobe.
Sannomiya Center Street, located in the heart of Kobe, Japan, is a bustling and vibrant shopping district known for its wide array of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment options. This lively pedestrian street stretches for approximately 400 meters and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking to shop, dine, and explore.
Visitors to Sannomiya Center Street can find a diverse range of stores offering fashion, accessories, cosmetics, electronics, souvenirs, and more. From well-known international brands to local specialty shops, the street caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. Additionally, the street is lined with cozy cafes, trendy restaurants, and eateries serving a mix of Japanese and international cuisine, providing plenty of dining options for shoppers to refuel and relax.
With its convenient location near Sannomiya Station, easy access to public transportation, and a lively mix of shops and eateries, Sannomiya Center Street is a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment in Kobe. Whether looking for the latest fashion trends, unique souvenirs, or a delicious meal, visitors to Sannomiya Center Street are sure to find something to suit their tastes and enjoy a memorable experience in the bustling heart of Kobe.
Ikuta Shrine is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Kobe, Japan, with a history dating back over 1,800 years. Located in the heart of the city, it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking a spiritual experience. The shrine is known for its serene atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and lush greenery, making it a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling urban landscape. Visitors can explore the various prayer halls, torii gates, and sacred grounds, as well as participate in traditional rituals and ceremonies. Ikuta Shrine is also famous for its role in the annual Setsubun festival, where people gather to drive away evil spirits and welcome good fortune. Whether seeking spiritual guidance, cultural insights, or simply a peaceful retreat, Ikuta Shrine offers a unique and enriching experience for all who visit.
Nunobiki Herb Garden is a charming botanical garden located in Kobe, Japan. It offers a delightful escape into nature with its vast collection of aromatic herbs, vibrant flowers, and lush greenery. Visitors can stroll through the garden's various themed areas, each showcasing different types of herbs and plants from around the world. The garden also features scenic walking trails that lead to picturesque viewpoints overlooking the city and nearby waterfalls. In addition to its natural beauty, Nunobiki Herb Garden hosts seasonal events and workshops where visitors can learn about the cultivation and uses of various herbs. Whether you're a nature lover, a herb enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Nunobiki Herb Garden provides a serene and refreshing experience for all who visit.
Kobe Beef restaurants in Kobe, Japan are renowned for serving some of the finest and most sought-after beef in the world. These restaurants specialize in preparing and serving Kobe Beef, a high-quality and premium variety of beef known for its exceptional marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor. Kobe Beef is sourced from a specific breed of Wagyu cattle raised in the Hyogo Prefecture, where they are carefully raised and fed a special diet to enhance the quality and taste of the meat.
Visitors to Kobe Beef restaurants can indulge in a luxurious dining experience, savoring the melt-in-your-mouth texture and exquisite taste of the beef. The chefs at these restaurants are highly skilled in preparing Kobe Beef dishes, often using traditional Japanese cooking techniques to highlight the natural flavors and quality of the meat. From succulent steak cuts to sizzling teppanyaki dishes, Kobe Beef restaurants offer a wide range of culinary creations that showcase the unparalleled quality of this premium beef.
There is Shin-Kobe Station located right near the herb garden.
If you wish to have ample time to explore Kyoto in the afternoon and partake in a kimono-wearing experience, it is advisable to board the Shinkansen shortly after lunch from the nearby Shin-Kobe Station. In Kyoto, you have the opportunity to enjoy a kimono experience, which can be included as an optional activity. For more information, please inquire when booking a private tour. The Shinkansen journey from Shin-Kobe Station to Kyoto Station takes 30 minutes and costs 2,870 yen.
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 and It will cost 1,110 yen.
Shin Kobe station or Sannomiya station
guide fee
- Admission fee to Nunobiki Herb Garden: 2,000 yen
- Taxi fare (approximately 1,000 yen) in case of rain or extreme heat making walking difficult
- Meal cost at the Kobe Beef restaurant: 5,000 yen to 20,000 yen per person
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
I can only work from 9:00 to 16:00.
“Be Kobe Natsuko ”
From the very first meet, the rapport with Natsuko was instant. A caring n thoughtful guide with good knowledge of the place. Though Japanese, Natsuko spoke very good English too. Though this private tour involved a lot of walking, we kept up with each other well. Natsuko met us at the cruise port, and our first visit was to Chinatown followed by a walking tour of the extensive kobe harbour. Then on to sample some Japanese food at a local Japanese restaurant. A visit to the Ikuta sheine was a good part of the experience too. The last part of the guided tour was taking the ropeway up to the herb Gardens ( very worth the visit). And walked halfway down experiencing various herbs along the way. Our tour ended with a drop of at the Samomiya station. Thru it all, Natsuko's experience n kmowledge shown through. Would highly recommend Natsuko as a guide for the Kobe n Osaka areas. And wouldn't hesitate to use Natsuko again.
Natsuko I.
(7 reviews)From the very first meet at the terminal, I could immediately sense a connection with you and your wife. The tour started with smiles and even the bus ride was enjoyable. Despite the extensive walking from Chinatown to Port Tower and Harborland, it was a delight to admire the beautiful views of Kobe's seaside. I appreciate your interest when I shared the historical background of why Kobe's monument reads BE KOBE instead of KOBE. It was a pleasure to experience the sacred atmosphere together at Ikuta Shrine with eyes closed. The view from Nunobiki Herb Gardens was truly breathtaking. I was genuinely happy to be your tour guide. Thank you! Warm regards, Natsuko
William B.
Osaka Castle and Wagyu Teppanyaki Experience Tour
“A great day at Osaka Castle and Museum of Housing and Living”
I had a great time with Natsuko. I went to Osaka Castle and took in the history with her as my guide. Then we had a very good lunch of wagyu beef, which was complete with a brownie dessert that welcomed me by name to Osaka. After that, we went to the Museum of Housing and Living, where we wore kimonos and walked through a reconstruction of an Edo-era town, learning about the different buildings and typical homes of the time. It was a busy and eventful day, and I recommend Natsuko and her tour to anyone who wants to know more about the city and its history.
Natsuko I.
(7 reviews)I'm glad you had a great time at Osaka Castle and the Museum of Housing and Living. I also had a wonderful time. I was delighted to be your tour guide, and I would love to meet you again someday as friends in Japan. You were really skilled at the shuriken game at Osaka Castle. I'm glad that you had a great time at the Osaka Castle keep, where you, being knowledgeable and inquisitive, could have a more enriching experience. I was happy to see you enjoying the Wagyu beef at the restaurant. Your kimono attire suited you perfectly. Thank you for the kind words, and I hope to see you again soon for more adventures in Japan!
“Wonderful tour of Kobe and Kyoto”
We had a fabulous day with Natsuko on our recent trip to Japan. She planned the day with us ahead of time to make sure that we had a great experience. She was in constant contact with us from the time of booking and gave us a lot of choices. She met us at the Kobe port and gave us a wonderful walking tour of Kobe. She told us the history of Kobe as we walked. We asked her to choose a Kobe beef restaurant for lunch and she chose a great spot that we enjoyed very much. After lunch, she traveled with us to Kyoto by train and reserved a Kimono experience for the four of us. It was a fabulous day because of her. I addition to being a very nice person, she spoke very good English. We highly recommend her and consider her a friend now. We look forward to seeing her again.
Natsuko I.
(7 reviews)To John, I am truly delighted to read such a wonderful review from you. I feel very lucky to have met you and your family. Your family is so kind and wonderful. As we walked around the Kobe Bay Area, local children approached you and looked at you with admiration, making me feel like I was escorting a celebrity. I am glad that you enjoyed the Kobe beef restaurant I chose for you. It was a local spot where you could savor authentic Kobe beef, and I was happy to share that time and happiness with you. Thank you for sharing the details leading up to the tour as well. It was enjoyable discussing the itinerary with you before we met in person. And even more so, it was a pleasure to meet you on the day and take your family on the tour of Kobe. I look forward to the next time we can meet as friends. Natsuko