Private Car Tour to Kyoto & Beyond | Kobe/Osaka Shore Excursion
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
This tour is perfect for cruise passengers arriving at Kobe or Osaka Port who want to make the most of their time in Japan!
Travelers staying in Kobe or Osaka are also welcome.
As local experts, we customize a stress-free day tailored to your schedule and wishes.
Whether you want to explore the vibrant city life of Kobe and Osaka, immerse yourself in the rich history of Kyoto, Nara, and Himeji, or discover charming hidden gems in the countryside, we’ve got you covered!
This tour is available in two options.
① The Driver-Guide Option (Max 4 people)
Your guide also drives a standard passenger car, leading you to amazing sights with just a bit of light walking. Perfect for a flexible and casual day out.
② The Separate Driver & Guide Option (Max 8 people)
With a dedicated driver and a personal guide, your group can relax and enjoy smooth, premium comfort with convenient door-to-door transportation.
Book your tour now, and let's start planning your perfect itinerary together!
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Kobe
Kobe is a scenic port city surrounded by mountains and sea, known for its rich international history and elegant atmosphere. "The Kitano Ijinkan district" features Western-style houses from the 19th century, while "Harborland" offers waterfront views and shopping. "Ikuta Shrine", one of Japan’s oldest, stands in the city center. "The Nada district" is home to many sake breweries, offering insight into traditional brewing culture. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from "Mount Rokko". Kobe is also famous for its refined "Kobe beef" and a blend of Japanese and Western influences throughout the city.
Osaka
【45min from Kobe】Osaka is a vibrant city known for its energetic street life, modern architecture, and rich food culture. Landmarks like Osaka Castle and Dotonbori are iconic, but they’re often crowded with visitors. With a private vehicle, you can venture beyond the busy city center to explore quieter, lesser-known areas with local charm. Historical neighborhoods, peaceful riverside parks, and cultural sites such as hidden temples or retro shopping arcades reveal a different side of Osaka. Traveling by car offers flexibility and comfort, making it easier to experience both the city’s lively heart and its more relaxed, authentic surroundings.
Options
Separate Driver & Guide Option
Private Vehicle & Guide Pickup included
Driver-Guide Option
The guide drives the vehicle Pickup included
What‘s Included
English-speaking guide
Parking fees, fuel, and highway tolls are included in the tour price.
The vehicle type and grade vary depending on the option and group size.
Meals are not included, but your guide will do their best to find and take you to a restaurant that suits your taste.
If you choose to enter any facilities during the tour, please pay the entrance fee on site. If you would like your guide to accompany you inside, kindly cover the admission fee for the guide as well.
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
29 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent two-day tour with Zack! Friendly, knowledgeable, and extremely accommodating. His local expertise and personal
Tatiana P,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the pleasure of spending two days in Kobe with Zack as our tour guide, and he was outstanding. Zack was friendly, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable about the city, its history, and local culture. He was also very accommodating, tailoring the tour to our interests and ensuring we had a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout. His enthusiasm and attention to detail made our visit truly memorable. We learned so much and discovered places we would never have found on our own. We highly recommend Zack to anyone visiting Kobe and looking for an exceptional guide.
An excellent taste of history, culture, food and insight into the Japanese way of life.
Jacqui C,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Zack was so helpful in helping us to plan our tours with the time we had. His English is excellent as was his knowledge on culture and history. He listened to our requests and adjusted plans to suite. We highly recommend his services.
English speaking, knowledgable local guide and driver all in one! Look no further. He’s the best.
leah h,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Authentic Japanese experience with Zack. Fluent in English, comfortable car, kind, courteous, knowledgeable and very accommodating. Can’t recommend him enough. He made us feel that none of our requests were too much and shifted his itinerary for us to experience local treasures over big sites when we asked for the them. He kept us away from the crowds in Kyoto. We will definitely hire him again when we go back for more cultural experiences in beautiful and fascinating Japan. He books other tours in Japan as well. I would start with Zack when planning a trip.
Amazing and beautiful Japan
81andriyv,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We’ve just returned from our first trip to Japan, and one of the absolute highlights was the two-day excursion organised and guided by Zack. On the first day, we travelled from Kobe to Osaka and Kyoto, followed by a local Kobe tour on the second day. Zack planned everything exceptionally well, taking into account our interests and the very limited time we had. The experience was amazing, educational, and truly unforgettable. Over those two days, we learned so much about Japanese culture and history. More importantly, we had the rare opportunity to see Japan through the eyes of a local—something that simply isn’t possible when visiting attractions on your own. After this experience, we’re already eager to return to Japan and continue exploring this fascinating country and its rich culture. Finally, I’d like to thank Zack once again—not only for his outstanding skills as a guide but also for his engaging personality. I would highly recommend his private tours to anyone visiting Kobe.
Great Experience
Alan W,May 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our driver Zach was outstanding. He was flexible, took care of my wife and son even though I was not feeling well and missed the tour.
Book them!
Jen W,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a fantastic tour! Wonderful guide and driver. Flexible to our family’s needs. Definitely recommend!
Kobe and Osaka
X9920KJdavidm,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Zach was a tremendous guide full of knowledge and great energy. Highly recommend if ever in Kobe! Thank you Zach!!
Exceptional Day
Liakat H,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent itinerary organised by Zac, full day with comfort breaks and a great dinner experience with Kyoto and Wagu beef. Tommy was a great guide, full of charm and grace with good knowledge.
gret experience
Travel276643,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00they are amazing! we had the best experience! thank you for making a super day even better
To service
N3601WNpaolap,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience absolutely great super efficient professional really made her stay amazing
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Operated by KDMC