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Kobe's Best [6 hours]
Joined 2024
Get ready for the ultimate city adventure with a thrilling walking tour in Kobe! Explore Kobe's iconic waterfront shopping and sightseeing areas, and journey to a hilltop vantage point where all foreigners were once required to live. This tour promises to be an unforgettable experience filled with history, culture, and stunning views. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Kobe!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Ship, train, or hotel
- I'll meet you at your cruise ship terminal building (please mention ship name!), Kobe hotel, or a Sannomiya train station of your choice.
Waterfront shopping/sightseeing areas (or might be later)
Kobe's classic waterfront area, with views of Kobe Port tower, the Mosaic ferris wheel, the Kawasaki Maritime museum, and Anpan Man Museum.
Herb Garden and scenic vista (optional)
Experience a panoramic view of the city from a mountaintop garden that is truly impressive. Reach this stunning vantage point by taking an exhilarating ropeway ride. However, it is not recommended to visit on weekends as there can be a tremendous waiting line. If the wait is too long, don't worry - we'll simply move on to the next destination and explore something else. Let's embark on this thrilling adventure and soak in the beauty of the city from above!
Ikuta Shrine
Enchanting Ikuta Shrine, a place steeped in mystery and history. Join us as we uncover the hidden purpose and delve into the significant role this ancient shrine plays in Japanese history. Let's unravel the secrets and legends that surround this mystical site, immersing ourselves in the rich cultural heritage it holds.
The "Restaurant street" of Kobe, and other shopping streets
Let me guide you to the ultimate destination for savoring authentic Kobe Beef in town (at a great price!), along with a plethora of other dining options. After that we will leisurely wander through Kobe's charming covered shopping streets, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Get ready to be tempted by an array of irresistible items that you won't be able to resist purchasing!
Kobe Chinatown
Welcome to Nankin-machi, also known as Kobe Chinatown! This vibrant district is the result of centuries of Chinese immigration to Japan. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history as you sample delicious and unique Chinese cuisine, some of which can only be found in Japan! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds.
Ending Point
Back where we started, or drop-off at a nearby location of your choice.
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
Private Guide (me!)
Pickup and drop-off on foot
I suggest a total of at least 3000 yen cash per person for incidental expenses. These may include:
Entry to certain shrines, temples, gardens, museums. Such fees are usually small, but Osaka Castle is 2000 yen. Sky Building's rooftop viewpoint is also 2000 yen.
Transportation: Walking or Train/Bus/Subway (not included)
OPTIONAL to cover in-city transit for each person who needs it: ¥2,000
Personal expenses. Drinks, Snacks, Meals at your expense.
Good idea to bring change/small bills to use in vending machines to buy drinks. There will be convenience stores, and may be souvenir shops on the road.
Shrines and many small shops still only take Japanese cash.
Tour Important Information
Itinerary listed is merely a loose guide! I don't guarantee we'll be able to visit any particular place, although I'll do my best. We will at times need to change the order of events, places we visit, etc. as determined on the day of the tour. Japanese attractions also have a habit of suddenly closing without notice. If this occurs, I'll simply fill in that time with something else I think you'd enjoy.
These are all WALKING tours, and we may cover significant distances (sometimes >10km per four hours) on foot. Please dress appropriately for that, and for the weather. Japan can get quite hot and humid in summer, and it gets chilly in the winter. Sunblock, insect repellent, etc. recommended.
Roadways and walking areas in Japan can be quite rough and uneven. Please watch your step! Injury liability is usually determined by the courts to be the walker's fault for lack of care, not that of anyone else.
Many museums and attractions are closed on Mondays. We'll go somewhere else, so generally not a problem unless you had a specific interest in one.
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 2024
About Tour Guide 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!
Reviews
“Great time touring Kyoto”
Touring Kyoto with Jay was an absolute blast! He was very knowledgeable and informative in all the places we visited. You cannot go wrong with choosing Jay as your guide. We highly recommend him.
![Kyoto: Bamboo, Mountains and Markets [8 hours] - 1](https://gowithguide.com/images/e1CqJbcUWXpsw1p9w_ZNIntFGmN7ZGI2uMl95iDsb-o/f:avif/h:1024/w:1024/plain/gowithguide/reviews/17379/2ade237d-3811-45ae-8034-5d6ca7ee58f6.jpeg)
![Kyoto: Bamboo, Mountains and Markets [8 hours] - 2](https://gowithguide.com/images/KHEMNg6nG2ciFh37BLYsKj2Hr6Z1wBpcOVyFP4K2vOE/f:avif/h:1024/w:1024/plain/gowithguide/reviews/17379/84ba4360-74da-4ffe-ab53-3aefd0aa714d.jpeg)
![Kyoto: Bamboo, Mountains and Markets [8 hours] - 3](https://gowithguide.com/images/5vrrbXFNeMGyxQF-FNoP1l--0dIBcg9zf76r2_j2chM/f:avif/h:1024/w:1024/plain/gowithguide/reviews/17379/6f7af73d-0465-4d3c-8e31-3405cbe78338.jpeg)
![Kyoto: Bamboo, Mountains and Markets [8 hours] - 4](https://gowithguide.com/images/BfFh4yHid10pP0Dj2nFYTGv0oJNlbFAo4ilQGFe0V4s/f:avif/h:1024/w:1024/plain/gowithguide/reviews/17379/733f974f-c41b-4dec-a32c-d0125af36baf.jpeg)
Jay T.
You got some great photos. Glad you had fun!
“Not Quite the Tour We Hoped For”
While the rain wasn’t an issue for us—after all, we embraced it during several outings—overall, we felt this tour didn’t deliver the value we expected. It was the most expensive tour we booked, yet it was also the shortest, and we didn’t manage to visit all the locations. The guide shared some great stories, but in the end, we just didn’t feel it was worth the price we paid.
Jay T.
Thank you for your honest criticism. I sincerely apologize for not meeting your expectations during the tour. Your feedback is greatly appreciated, and I value the time you took to share your opinion. I am dedicated to learning and improving from this experience to enhance future tours. I hope you will give me another opportunity to provide you with a better experience on a future tour.
“Jay T in Osaka”
Jay was amazing. We went to Osaka Castle, a home market, an entertainment area and we navigated all of this by train/subway. We walked thru food tasting markets and found a restaurant willing to only serve us drinks as we weren’t yet hungry. I would highly recommend him. He knows the city like the back of his hand.
Jay T.
Thanks, Nancy! You guys were amazing, too.
$350/ per group
More tours by Jay T.
![Osaka "Free Itinerary" Tour [6 Hours]cover image](https://gowithguide.com/images/Yq85_3IKyDbWYN-7vLsfFbrdz1PRFQgCWqWM9T-8IFA/f:avif/h:480/w:480/plain/gowithguide/tours/15721/096b0137-db26-48b5-aaaf-dea52d833435.jpg)
Osaka "Free Itinerary" Tour [6 Hours]
You've a tour group with many ideas. Some have done research, while others want to go with the flow. You can't find a tour that ticks all the boxes. Until now. I'll take you to your chosen destinations, and if we pass by a hidden gem, I'll share it with you. This tour gives you the freedom to make changes on a whim. Whether you want to switch up the itinerary or explore a lesser-known spot more deeply, I am all in. I thrive on spontaneity and am happy to accommodate your every whim.
![Kyoto: Bamboo, Mountains and Markets [8 hours]cover image](https://gowithguide.com/images/x0nGcqBMgwCpQQgzty_E2yK7lsAJntyNJVqn-CQ9mF0/f:avif/h:480/w:480/plain/gowithguide/tours/16152/2c3b4ad9-fb64-42f6-97ce-a08f04f0cbf4.jpg)
Kyoto: Bamboo, Mountains and Markets [8 hours]
The tranquility of a meticulously maintained bamboo forest, a mountain shrine with vibrant red torii gates, and a breathtaking view of the city from a mountaintop temple. In this adventure we will explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, visit the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, and wander through the Tofuku-ji temple (especially beautiful in Fall or Spring). Later, we check out Kiyomizu-dera and walk through Yasaka Shrine, Gion, Shirakawa Lane, Pontocho, Teramachi, and over to the Nishiki Market.
![Exploring Kyoto—from Osaka Cruise Terminal [8 hours]cover image](https://gowithguide.com/images/iASq5dvzkpqBaEglEEx2Ht0X8075MqZI3ojXEu7deOM/f:avif/h:480/w:480/plain/gowithguide/tours/15731/23f0716b-8c53-4db4-95e6-f69a27a18905.jpg)
Exploring Kyoto—from Osaka Cruise Terminal [8 hours]
We'll go to Kyoto, explore some of the city's finest attractions, and safely return to the ship. —Breathtaking views from hilltop Kiyomizu Temple —The enchanting world of Gion's geisha—you may even catch a glimpse of one! —Fushimi Inari Shrine, where vibrant red gates line the path up the mountain Group Size: up to 8 people Transportation: Walking or Train/Bus/Subway (not included) OPTIONAL to cover in-city transit for each person who needs it: ¥4,000
![Ancient Wizard of Kyoto [4 Hours]cover image](https://gowithguide.com/images/tuQOCrOO2sM6VGcil9G5brC9iV4IdyHugNaPPtFIdis/f:avif/h:480/w:480/plain/gowithguide/tours/15709/9e763dd4-f120-4f95-9784-cb9d18b1ca63.jpg)
Ancient Wizard of Kyoto [4 Hours]
A thrilling ancient tale of a formidable Japanese sorcerer, who wielded unimaginable power over a thousand years ago. Join us as we venture to a sacred shrine dedicated to his memory, and explore the eerie abode of his otherworldly assistants. Be amazed as you encounter a collection of mystical religious talismans and amulets, each intricately decorated with symbols that will leave you spellbound. Don't miss out on this extraordinary journey into the realm of magic and mystery!
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Kobe
KOBE BEEF tour ver.①
When you come to Japan, it's all about Kobe beef! That's why I created a Kobe Beef Tour for you.The moment you taste Kobe beef, its deliciousness will melt in your mouth. The destinations for Kobe Beef Tour Version 1 are Kobe Harborland, Chinatown, and a Kobe beef restaurant. At Kobe Harborland, you can visit the world-famous Ghibli store, enjoy a matcha latte, and capture some beautiful photos at the picturesque seaside spot. In Chinatown, you will feel like you are in China.
Kobe One-Day Tour
Kobe is blessed with rich nature, surrounded both sea and mountains. And a result of it's unique history, Kobe has the charm of a blend of Japanese and Western culture. By joining this tour you will discover the multifaceted charm of Kobe!
Kobe : Hyogo Golden Route (one of five tours)
Hyogo prefecture is about 150km long in north-south direction. There are many sight seeing spots, not only Kobe, Himeji but also Izush-Toyooka, Tanba-Sasayama Awaji island. So Hyogo government decleared "Hyogo Golden Route" as recommended tours. I would like to guide those areas where tourists do not know well. Each area is one day tour. You can have a different experience from Kyoto or Osaka.
Hiroshima One-Day Tour from Kyoto
Itsukusima Shrine, floating shrine in the sea will attract you. At this district, the difference between high tide and low time is 3-4 meters, and the you can walk to the Large size Torii in the Sea Hiiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome, and Atomic bomb Museum will remind you why the World Peace is important for Human-being.
