Private Tour
Private Car Tour to Kyoto & Beyond | Kobe/Osaka Shore Excursion
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
The best way to enjoy a private day trip by vehicle, exploring from Kobe or Osaka to Kyoto, Nara, or nearby destinations based on your schedule.
This tour is ideal for cruise passengers arriving at Kobe Port or Osaka Port, as well as for travelers staying in Kobe for leisure, business, or MICE events.
Your itinerary is customized to match your schedule, interests, travel style, and season. With local insight, we design the best routes and stops for a smooth experience—whether you prefer famous landmarks, local culture, or countryside scenery.
This tour is available in two options.
① "The driver-guide option" is led by a licensed guide who also drives a private vehicle. It is more cost-effective, uses a standard passenger car, and some walking may be required. (max. 4 people/10 hours)
② "The separate driver & guide option" includes a dedicated driver and guide, offering smoother, more comfortable transportation for larger groups. (max. 8 people/10 hours)
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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
Options
Driver-Guide Option
The guide drives the vehicle Pickup included
Separate Driver & Guide Option
Private Vehicle & Guide Pickup included
Reviews
27 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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
The best day out EVER!
Linda C,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Zack was super at communicating before our trip and he was very reliable, appearing exactly on time at the cruise port. Zack had a nice clean car with plenty of space. Nothing was too much trouble for him. He provided water and traditional treats for our journey. He helped us to navigate the sushi menu at a lovely traditional restaurant. He is a lovely guy, with a well thought out itinerary incorporating all of our preferences and some great suggestions of his own. His command of the English language is exceptional. Out group highly recommends him! Thank you Zack for a very memorable day.
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Operated by KDMC