Kobe (Sake Brewer in Nada, China Town & Sorakuen Garden)
Joined 2019
Kobe has developed as an international port city, and people from abroad have created their own unique culture there which made Kobe an exotic city. Chinatown, and Ijinkan, former residences for early foreign settlers, are typical examples. Kobe is also known as a famous its sake, there are many sake breweries in the Nada area. On this tour, we will visit China Town and Sorakuen, a Japan garden which has an Ijinkan, and a sake brewery in Nada.
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 Osaka
Sake brewer in Nada
It is said that sake brewing has been carried out in this region, which was blessed with rice and water as raw materials, brewing technology and climate, since the 14th century. Even today, Nada's sake brewing industry leads the sake industry in Japan, with shipments accounting for one-quarter of the national shipment volume. In this tour, we will visit the Sake Brewery Museum, which has been renovated from an old sake brewery built in the early 20th century, and try sake tasting
China Town
Kobe Chinatown has more than 100 restaurants and shops within a range of 200 meters from east to west and 100 meters from north to south, and there are also many vendors selling dim sum, sweets and gift items. It is said that there are 10,000 overseas Chinese in Kobe, and it is recognized that many of them are good at business and that China Town in Kobe is the result that they have built very good relationship with the Japanese society.
Sorakuen Garden
Completed in 1911 by a former samurai and successful businessman in Kobe, this vast mansion consists of gardens and houses. The garden is a pond strolling style, but a plaza was added under the influence of Western culture. Many buildings were lost in the war, except for the former Kodera family stables, gates, and fences, but after the war, the former Hassam residence, ijinkan, and a 17the century boathouse used by the former feudal lord were relocated.
Ending Point
At Osaka station
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
guiding fee
transportation fare(you and guide);
lunch
entrance fee
insurance
Tour Important Information
Tours are NOT covered by insurance.
Transportation fare (train tickets); JPY 1,500 round trip per person plus guide, entrance fee; JPY 300 per person and lunch for guests and guide are NOT included.
Ask for details.
Direct payment for tickets, lunch and others will be occurred in CASH on the spot on the day of the tour.
IF YOU ARE GOING TO USE "JR PASS", PLEASE INFORM ME BEFORE BOOKIG.
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 2019
About Tour Guide Hiroyuki T.
Hi!
I had been working for Wakayama Prefectural Government for 38 years, mainly in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am a national certificated English guide and I have a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations.
I am very good at cultural heritages.
And Koyasan and Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture are inscribed in the World Heritage List as parts of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". I was a project manager of "the Koyasan and Kumano World Heritage Inscription Project” at Wakayama Prefectural Government. I know inside and out of Koyasan, Kumano, Wakayama and other places in the Kansai area.
I have a lot of experience of guiding as I was also in charge of international relations for a long time at the government.
I will be able to provide interpretive guiding service for you around Koyasan, Wakayama, Osaka and other places in the Kansai area as I am a cultural heritage management and international relations professional.
I am sure you will be able to get deeper understandings on Japanese culture and that your trip with me will be memorable one.
Reviews
Mandy R.
“Excellent Guide - Koyasan ”
Hiro was a very knowledgeable guide. He explained the very well the history and central tenants of esoteric Buddhism. All new information for us. He was punctual and answered all our messages in a timely manner. We loved our time exploring this very beautiful and tranquil village. We were also very appreciative of his help navigating the train system. He was very kind helping us with this, in fact he went out of his way to assist. The whole experience felt genuine and authentic. Thank you Hiro for introducing us to Esoteric Buddhism. You did it with grace and charm. Mandy and Shane
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind message. It was really nice spending time with you at Koyasan. The ceremony we saw was a ceremony for the new head priest. It is really rare to see it. We were blessed by Buddha and Kukai.
Brigitte S.
“Memorable Osaka ”
If you're looking for a fantastic tour guide in Osaka, look no further than Hiroyuki! We had the pleasure of spending a day with him, and it was an unforgettable experience. Hiroyuki met us promptly at 7:30 a.m. at our hotel, ready to make the most of our short 5-hour window in the city before we had to head back to Kobe for our cruise sailaway. He not only ensured we had a fantastic time but also took pictures of our group at various locations, ensuring we left with great memories. He knew all the "very best picture points" (VBPP) and helped us capture stunning photos that we'll cherish. Hiroyuki is also a great historian, sharing fascinating stories and insights about the places we visited - Osaka Castle, Shitennō-ji Temple, Jodo Garden, and Kuromon Market. At the market, he shared a tip on how to identify the stores that sold authentic Japanese goods! He also taught us the proper way to wash our hands before entering a temple, showcasing his deep knowledge of Japanese culture and traditions. Although we didn't have time to visit Dotonbori and other places due to the limited schedule, it just means we’ll have to return to Osaka to explore some more. Hiroyuki was aware of our ship’s departure time; he took the train with us back to Kobe making sure we got on our cruise ship with plenty of time before sail away. Hiroyuki made our brief stay in Osaka memorable. His professionalism, patience, and in-depth knowledge made him an outstanding guide. Highly recommend him to anyone looking to experience Osaka in a meaningful way!
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind words. It is very good to know that you enjoyed my Osaka tour. Yes, you are right. We didn't have enough time to visit many places in Osaka. There are many attractive places in the Osaka Area as well, Nara, Himeji, Mt. Koya and others. Come back to Osaka in the near future. I will be looking forward to seeing you again. Hiro
Rupal V.
“2 Days in Kyoto ”
Our special thanks to Hiro for a wonderful 2 days spent in Kyoto… he was very patient and adjusted well to the needs of our group, and shared his extensive knowledge ( great insights in to the various religions and practices, shrines & temples and various customs) and gave us a great flavour of Kyoto with visits to Kinkakuji Golden pavilion, Ryoan-ji rock garden, Arashiyama bamboo forest and surrounding area, Nishiki market, Sanjusangen-do temple, sake museum, Byodo-in temple, and Fushimi Inara Shrine. We highly recommend him.
Hiroyuki T.
We had cold days but it was really nice spending time with you in Kyoto. Thank you very much. It is always nice spending time with those who show respect to Japanese culture. Thank you very much for beautiful pictures as well. How many pictures did you take by the way ? Pictures are nice to remember things. I will always remember you with these pictures. Hiro
$303/ per group
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One day tour to Mt. Koya from Osaka. Be enchanted.
Mt. Koya is a very important part of the World Heritage site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountains”. Mt. Koya is in Wakayama Prefecture and I used to work for Wakayama Prefectural Government as a general manager of Cultural Heritage Division and I was also in charge of the World Heritage Project. I know this sacred mountain very well.
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