We visit Kobe from Osaka. Kobe has a different feel from Osaka or Kyoto. We will see the beautiful harbor area and mountain park, which we can enjoy from the Port Tower and Nunobiki Herb Garden. Kobe also has an international feel. There is an extensive Chinatown, Residences of the Western people, a Cathedral, a Mosk, a Synagogue, etc.. And, if you like, we can walk a mountain trail and visit some waterfalls. Let's enjoy them.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel or railway station in Osaka
Meeting
Osaka Station
JR Osaka Station
JR Kobe Station
We start walking from JR Kobe Station to the harbor area.
Harbor Land to Mosaic
We walk through the shopping street.
Mosaic has some nice cafes.
Port Tower to Meriken Park
We walk along the coastal line to the Port Tower.
We will go up to the Port Tower, or If you like, we can take a boat for an hour and enjoy the view of Kobe from the sea. Then we can walk to Meriken Park, which also has lovely views.
Port of Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park
This park commemorates the devastating 1995 earthquake, and this waterfront memorial displays preserved damage.
Lunch at Kobe Chinatown Nankin-machi
This large Chinatown was Established in 1868, offering eateries and souvenir shops. We can eat lunch here.
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens
It is just 10 minutes by ropeway
from the town and offers spectacular views of the city streets. There are so many flowers and herbs.
JR Sannomiya Station
We take a train to Osaka
Ending
Your hotel or Osaka Station
Ending Point
At your hotel or railway station in Osaka
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
- guide fee
- hotel or station pickup
- insurances
- transportation fee for you and the guide: taxi, metro, bus,
conventional train(from Osaka to Kobe), cable cars about 4800
yen /per person
- lunch for you and the guide
- admission fees(Port Tower): 1200 yen /per person for you and
the guide
We will walk the flat paved road for one hour while visiting many places. At Nunobiki Herb garden, we walk the downhill course for a half hour.
Hi, I am Shuji, a licensed tour guide living near Kansai International Airport.
I taught world history in high schools for four decades. So, I can explain Japanese culture or history in an easier way tailored to you who have different cultural and historical backgrounds.
I also practiced Kendo, Japanese fencing, for more than four decades, and now I enjoy growing vegetables and going fishing. Therefore, I can also share some Japanese culture and its nature.
I have traveled to more than 25 countries and all over Japan. I’m also passionate about photography and know many photogenic places in Japan.
If you prefer to go off the beaten track, I can take you to hidden gems, including some cozy restaurants. Of course, I also know how to enjoy the crowded, most popular tourist sites. I am here to make your trip stress-free. See you soon!
“Shuji-san's way is the right way!”
First off I wanted to thank Shuji-san for a wonderful experience in Kyoto with my family and friends. We live in Tokyo and decided to take a 1.5 day trip down to Kyoto with out of town guests from the US. Shuji-san was extremely accommodating and was able to help adjust his suggested itinerary with a customized agenda to help ensure that we could see some of the primary sites that were more crowded in addition to the lesser known shrines and areas that across Kyoto. We traveled also with our 2 x boys aged 13 & 10 years old and Shuji-san was also connecting with them to make sure that they were also having a great experience as well. We trusted Shuji-san to help us deliver an experience for our friends and he was able to surpass our expectations. His knowledge and experience was super helpful and our Kyoto visit would not have been the same if it wasn't for him. Even though we have been to Kyoto several times ourselves, this added experience and help navigating the locations was a great way to compliment our exploration. Highlights included an appreciation of the beauty of temples, the fall foliage as noted by the agenda, spontaneous photos and a less traveled aqueduct bridge through one of the temples. Thank you Shuji-san. It was a pleasure meeting you and we hope to cross paths again. ありがとうございました。お時間を割いていただき、会話も楽しめ、素晴らしい経験ができました。どうぞ良いお年をお迎えください。
Shuji O.
Hi Richard, Thank you for a very thorough review. I'm happy I got it. I called this tour 'Less Crowded, Stunning Fall Foliage - Kyoto'. But since you were with your friends who were visiting Kyoto for the first time, I changed it on the spot. But the most exciting thing was that you and your kids chose 'Adventure' from my last suggestions. It was already a little dark, but we enjoyed the last place. You made our tour very great. Yes, I enjoyed it a lot too. Even though you live in Japan, guides can make your trip to Japan different. See you again in the near future again. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
“Shuji is one of a kind!”
I had a wonderful time exploring with Shuji, an exceptional guide. The temples and gardens were stunning and captivating. The experience of walking around the small streets was fantastic. Shuji was eager to share his knowledge, which was both interesting and informative. His expertise and support were beyond my expectations, and I will always be thankful. You are truly the best!
Shuji O.
Thank you for your wonderful words, which seem too good for me! I'm so glad you enjoyed the places and our experiences. Yes, we had an extraordinary time in Kyoto, avoiding the crowds. We rarely have such a special moment. You were so interested in Japanese nature, culture, and heritage. I hope you can visit Japan again and add more Goshuins. See you again!
Alyssa A.
Deep in Nara from Osaka by car ~ Off the beaten track ~
“Enjoy a Historical Tour in Nara!”
Traveling with Shuji felt like going on a field trip, especially with his background as a history teacher. He took the time to explain several major cultural locations, including the art displayed in museums, but also adjusted the tour to include a trip to Nara Park based on my request for my daughter. If you're looking for something different, highly recommend talking to Shuji to personalize your trip!
Shuji O.
Thanks for the great review. We enjoyed the beautiful and historic temples, Hasedera and Horyuji, avoiding the crowds as much as possible. We also enjoyed playing with the deer in the popular Nara Deer Park. We enjoyed wonderful places in the best season of fall foliage. I hope this will be a good memory for your family.
$254/ per group