Private Tour
Private Car Tour to KYOTO, OSAKA or NARA | KOBE Shore Excursion
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
The best way to enjoy a private day by vehicle, exploring from Kobe to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, or nearby destinations — selecting places that fit your schedule.
This tour is ideal not only for cruise passengers arriving at Kobe, but also for travelers staying in Kobe for leisure, business, or MICE events.
Your itinerary is fully customized to match your schedule, interests, travel style, and season. With local insight, we design the best routes and stops for a smooth, enjoyable experience—whether you prefer famous landmarks, local culture, or quiet 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
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
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
Separate Driver & Guide Option
Private Vehicle & Guide
Pickup included
Driver-Guide Option
The guide drives the vehicle
Pickup included
Reviews
19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Excellent
garytL3079VT,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great customized tour of what we wanted to see & experience. Zach was terrific in showing us all the sites we wanted to see & some he suggested. He even took pictures of us. He really made our time worthwhile see areas we didn't even know about. And he really add a lot of great commentary about the area.
Perfect guide!
Nen608707,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The weather could have been better, air temperature a few grades higher, but the guide was just perfect! Starting from the moment of booking till the end of our tour Zack was helpful and willing to share his knowledge with us.
We had an amazing time on...
Alex B,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing time on our full day Kyoto excursion Marie! She was extremely flexible as we were traveling with a one year old baby and made it really fun and enjoyable. She has very good English as well.
Great guide.
Susan M,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Zach was wonderful to work with. He put a customized itinerary together for us to Nara and Osaka. He was very knowledgeable during our tour and worked with us on exactly what we wanted to see and do. He even help us arrange a tour on a day he wasn’t available! Highly recommend!
It was a well planned...
AiHong L,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a well planned tour, Zack giving suggestions and options. He was well organized, very enthusiastic, communicates well and answers messages very promptly. Was also accommodating.
Wonderful tour overall. Would recommend to anyone who needs a guide for Kyoto, Osaka or Kobe)
340ail,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Enjoyed the day tour with Zack to Kyoto. Tour was very well organized and he communicates very promptly and well.
Kyoto and Kobe Tours
Stephen P,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Zack-san understood the assignment of wanting to see the culture and highlights of Kyoto and Kobe that aren't touristy! Somehow, we lucked out and caught a large local market that only happens once a month. It was so great to see local artisans and found very unique souvenirs. He also taught us about the Sake of Kobe as well as Kobe beef! He was very prepared for the longer trip into Kyoto and we really appreciated his flexibility!
An all-round successful excursion with many unique experiences
Global38855197705,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This trip was the best we did in Japan. Zack is a great guide and has passed on his knowledge to us with great pleasure. He immediately responded to our request for a small change to the tour and incorporated it into the original plan. Zack showed us a tea house with a 500-year tradition and we could taste original Japanese sweets. His tips have taken us to places that the big tour groups can't visit at all.
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Operated by KDMC