Sightseeing cruise around Kobe harbor
The scenery of Kobe city from the ocean is quite breathtaking with Rokko Mountain range in the background. Enjoy a 45-min sightseeing cruise to appreciate the iconic view. Also, this cruise will take you to many other scenic spots in Kobe harbor such as the shipbuilding area where gigantic ships and gargantuan dock, Port Island an artificial land created in early 1980's, and Kobe Airport and Airport Connecting Bridge. If the weather permits, Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, the world's longest suspension bridge connecting Honshu and Shikoku islands can be also seen in distance.
After national isolation, Kobe opened up its port to the outside world in the late 1800's, and since then, the city has rapidly flourished as a port town. You will be able to find a lot of Western and Chinese influence from those times which you don't see in the surrounding traditional cities like Kyoto or Nara.
Sample Itinerary (8.5-hour tour)
On your way to the center of Kobe city, stop by Nada which has been producing high-quality sake since the 14th century. Thanks to chill wind from Rokko mountains and coastal sand bars with water quality suitable for sake production, there are about 30 sake breweries in the area. One of them, called "Fukuju" has been served at the banquet dinner of Nobel Prize award ceremony since 2008. You will be escorted to one of the breweries where you can learn about sake production and taste freshly brewed sake. 
Then, move to Kobe city center and visit Kitano area, one of the most iconic sites in Kobe, where over 20 European-style residences established by foreign traders and diplomats in the late 1800s are located. Now, about 15 residences that still remain are open to the public as museums or shops. You will be escorted to one of the picturesque residences overlooking the port of Kobe. 
One of the most famous food in Kobe is no doubt, Kobe beef, a breed of wagyu (Japanese beef) that must past strict requirements to earn its label. Enjoy this worldly-known tender and beautifully marbled beef with rich flavor for lunch. * Lunch fee is not included in the tour price.
After lunch, stop by at Nankinmachi which is the second largest Chinatown in Japan followed by Yokohama. Here, too is a site where Chinese people settled down when Kobe Port was opened to foreigners in the late 1800's. Streets are lined with over 100 Chinese restaurants and stores. There are many food stalls offering butaman pork buns, shark fin soup, noodles, and more. Walk through this lively district where Chinese culture and Japanese hospitality are mixed creating a unique atmosphere.
Move on to Kyu-Kyoryuchi, Former Foreign Settlement. When Kobe port was opened in 1868 after Japan's national isolation, the foreign settlement was constructed and the area had been developed by foreigners for about 30 years until it was returned to the Japanese government.
Nowadays, Kyu-kyoryuchi became a high-end fashion shopping area. You can find established Japanese designer's brands, international brands, as well as individual boutiques. The area is also known for having stylish cafes and upscale dining housed in historical buildings.
After walking around shopping, take a rest at a café serving Japanese-style European patisseries. Some of the most established Japanese patisserie shops have opened here around early 1900's. Enjoy having afternoon break with sweets and freshly roasted coffee which is another Kobe's specialty that was introduced by the foreigners coming through Kobe Port.
At the end of the tour, reach the waterfront at Kobe's port area. The landmark of Kobe, Kobe Port Tower and Kobe Maritime Museum can be seen. Go up Port tower to enjoy the 360°panoramic scenery of Kobe from the cityscape with Mt. Rokko to the beautiful ocean.
Options
Light hiking to Nunobiki Falls and Nunobiki Gohonmatsu Dam
Nunobiki Falls is a series of four waterfalls located on mountain side of Shin-Kobe bullet train station. During the 30-minute hike up to Nunobiki Gohonmatsu Dam, visit all four waterfalls in a lush natural setting and also Miharashi Observation Platform where you can appreciate the panoramic view of Kobe city. After passing by Nunobiki Gohonmatsu Dam, stop by at Japan's first concrete gravity dam registered as National Important Cultural Properties, and then take a ropeway down to the city. - Alternatively, you can enjoy ropeway ride up to Nunobiki Herb Garden. On your way, you will be able to observe Nunobiki Waterfalls and the panoramic view of Kobe city.
The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Museum and monuments
This museum was established to remember the tragic event that occurred in 1995, to share the experience and lesson learned, and to educate the younger generation about disaster prevention and management. The reproduction of the earthquake's aftermaths, documentary films, and the interactive displays will help raise awareness and provide ideas on how the risk of such a disaster can be mitigated. There is also Port of Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park where the damaged site is preserved and monuments for the victims at Higashi-yuenchi where the memorial service is held every year.
Photos © KOBE TOURISM BUREAU
Price for this sample itinerary
(price per group)
| 2 persons | 3 persons | 4 persons | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 hours | 82,000 yen | 85,000 yen | 92,000 yen |
(10% consumption tax included)
Including: Nationally-licensed English-speaking tour guide, admission fees, public transportations, service charge and consumption tax
Not Including: Lunch fee
Note:
- Our private tours can be customized to your interests and preferences. Let us know any place you wish to visit. If you would like to include one of the sites among above-mentioned "Options", please let us know.
- The price is for the sample itinerary above. Price may be subject to change depending on the options you choose.
- Private car can be arranged for extra fee.
- Tours can be arranged for a larger group. We will recommend appropriate transportation taking your group size into consideration.
Payment
Please pay by credit card. You will receive an E-mail with an URL where payment can be made online. The page is protected by Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to ensure the safety of your credit card information. We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express, Diners, and JCB.
Request for a Private Tour
Why tour with us?
- Customized Private Tour
We will customize your own tour depending on your interests and preferences. Since all tours are private tours, you can enjoy your tour thoroughly at your pace.
- Nationally-Licensed Guides
Our locally-based guides who are knowledgeable, friendly and flexible ensure pleasant, comfortable and worry-free tours.
- Authentic Experiences
Our travel consultants from all over Japan with network and knowledge - not just highlights but also off the beaten paths - work passionately to enrich your experiences.
Private Tours in other destinations
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We can also arrange privately-guided tours in other destinations throughout Japan. Also, your tours can be tailored to your specific interests such as culture, food, and nature.
