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 sake production area, and 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.
At your hotel in Osaka
Hotel pick up
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
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.
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.
Hotel drop off
At your hotel in Osaka
guiding fee
transportation fare(you and guide);
lunch
entrance fee
insurance
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 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.
Christina R.
Mt. Koya, Kumano and Kumano Kodo Three Days with car
“A Perfect Private Tour”
Hiro is a wonderful, thoughtful, and considerate guide. I requested a custom 3-day tour starting on Mt Koyasan and concluding in Wakayama. Hiro rented a car and promptly picked me up at the temple I was staying at and we were off on our adventure. Hiro was a cautious and careful driver and I always felt safe. We headed to my first requested destination- a marvelous boat ride at Dorokyo Gorge. Next, Hiro arranged the perfect accommodation for me at an onsen resort in a room with a stunning view of the river. The following day we walked a portion of the Kumano Kodo trail and I very much appreciated that Hiro let me walk at my pace and enjoy the time on the path. Hiro also took me to several shrines, was knowledgeable about them all, and answered all my questions. I was pleasantly surprised by the incredible ocean view of my second accommodation. It was awesome! On our final day, we started to walk the final part of the Kumano Kodo leading to Kumano Nachi Taisha and the falls but the heat and humidity were just too much for me and I could not go any further. Hiro said, "It's okay, I have an escape." We were able to stop after just a few more stairs and he went back to the parking area, got the car, picked me up, and drove to the final shrine and falls. I was so grateful! After a beautiful visit to the falls, Hiro drove me back to Wakayama, walked me into the train station, helped me purchase my ticket, and ensured I headed to the correct platform to get me back to Osaka. Hiro is a great guide and I would not hesitate to hire him again!
Hiroyuki T.
(115 reviews)Thank you very much for your kind words. It was really nice to visit sacred site Kumano with you. It's always nice to travel with a person who understands the value of Japanese culture and pay respect to our religions. Please come back to Japan someday, there are a lot more to see and to experience. And thank you very much for protecting me from a snake!
“Great Day Out with Hiro”
We had a great day touring Osaka with Hiro! The weather was hot and humid, and Hiro adjusted the schedule as we went in order to minimise the impact on us, which was greatly appreciated. We visited a Shinto Shrine, watched a group briefly lift and carry a movable shrine (very impressive!), then headed off to sample savoury Japanese pancakes, cooked right at your table. That was a new and exciting experience. We visited Osaka Castle - Hiro is extremely knowledgeable in the history of the castle and of Japan/Osaka. From there we made our way to a lovely and serene traditional Japanese garden and some beautiful temples. And we saw hundreds of turtles! Hiro speaks excellent English, and as mentioned is expert in Japanese history and culture. He was very kind to us, and helped us make the most of the difficult weather. We can recommend Hiro without reservation, and he will make your Osaka experience so much better. Thank you Hiro - it was a pleasure meeting you and having you guide us!
Hiroyuki T.
(115 reviews)It was very nice meeting you yesterday. Yes, it was really hot and humid. I am used to this kind of weather, but it was a little tough even for me. I was glad that we all survived. The rainy season is about to end, after this comes very hot summer. It will be tougher for me. I know I have to take care of myself, and you too take good care of yourself. Thank you very much once again.
“Translation & tour”
Hiro is a very knowledgeable, patient, flexible & kind person. It was great having him around. We were lucky to have chose him.
Hiroyuki T.
(115 reviews)It was really nice visiting Sakai with you yesterday. Knife sharpening was new to me and I found it very interesting. I am going to add this to my tours. Thank you very much. I hope you could found 1000 sharpening stones today at the Kitchen Ware Street.