Private Tour
Private Kobe Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore the both modern and traditional sides of Kobe with your government-licensed guide on this full-day tour. Enjoy the ease of travelling in a private vehicle. Come and discover the beautiful and architecturally stunning city of Kobe with us!
Perched on a hillside sloping down to the sea, Kobe is one of Japan's most attractive and cosmopolitan cities. Immerse yourself in the city's distinct atmosphere and dining options! From seafood to sake to sweets, Kobe has it all! We hope to guide you in Kobe soon!
Note: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Service animals allowed
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Only one reservation per group allowed. You cannot combine multiple reservations into one group.
There are only a limited number of car seats and booster seats. Rear-facing car seats are not available. You must contact us directly if you need them.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Private vehicle
Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list'
Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
What To Expect
Mt. Rokko
Mount Rokko (六甲山, Rokkōsan, 931 meters) is the highest peak in the Rokko mountain range, which provides the pleasant green backdrop to the city of Kobe. Panoramic views of the heavily urbanized Hanshin region (Kobe and Osaka) can be enjoyed from the mountain and are particularly spectacular around sunset.
Shin-Kobe Trail
Shin-Kobe Ropeway (新神戸ロープウェー) is one of three services that lifts tourists up the southern slopes of the Rokko mountain chain. The ropeway departs from next to Shin-Kobe Station, Kobe's shinkansen station. As it ascends, it passes by the Nunobiki Waterfall and the Nunobiki Herb Garden, giving a nice aerial view of both. The highlight of the ride lies in the observation deck located just beside the top station, which offers spectacular views of Kobe and is a popular night view spot.
Options
Van (for 7 PAX or less)
Van (for 7 PAX or less)
Pickup included
Regular Car(for 2 PAX or less)
Regular Car(for 2 PAX or less)
Pickup included
Mini Van (for 4 PAX or less)
Mini Van (for 4 PAX or less)
Pickup included
Reviews
8 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
We got rained out for a...
Kristina C,
Jul 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00We got rained out for a few stops on the tour, but our guide (Yama) made the best of it and allowed us to quickly pivot. Yama is extremely knowledgeable, kind, funny and very professional. Would highly recommend!
Rain Man(as he says he is called) provided a great tour
Angela J,
May 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had a great time on the tour. Our guide, Yama was exceptional as was our driver. The only bad part was the rain. Yama took so many pictures of us. We didn't have a lot of time because our cruise left at 2:30 but we saw so much.
Fun day in Kobe
Hermina T,
Mar 31, 2025
- Viator
4.00We had a nice day with our guide and driver and saw most of what we wanted to see. Would have liked to hear more history and be able to have an earlier break for lunch but overall a great way to see Kobe.
All our best spots in a day
Steve J,
Feb 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00Yama was terrific from the time we booked until we said goodbye in Kobe. The ride was so roomy and comfortable. We researched the city and submitted a list of our wants. Yama created a custom itinerary and sent it to us. We approved it and he kept in touch. When one part of our tour became unavailable due to maintenance, he notified us right away and provided a work around. The tour was professional and thorough. He took pictures of our group during the tour and sent them to us right away. He made every stop very interesting and we left with wonderful memories.
A great day touring Kobe with a wonderful guide.
Mark F,
Feb 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00Yama-san was our wonderful, energetic Kobe guide. Born and raised in Kobe, he had lots of “native” info. He was also very prepared. Before our tour, he communicated ideas about our itinerary in excellent English. On discovering the herb garden was closed, he smartly suggested visiting two sake breweries instead. He also gave clear, detailed directions from our hotel in Osaka to our meeting place at the train station in Kobe and was there to greet us on our train’s arrival. Yama-san immediately led us to our very nice driver of a large, comfortable van. We headed to the impressive Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Maiko Marine Promenade, boasting the second longest suspension bridge in the world. Yama-san described the building of the bridge and also his childhood years before that, when he’d fished there with his father. We then went to Chinatown where we walked up and down the colorful, crowded street (fortuitously during the Chinese Lunar New Year). We next visited Kitano Ijinkan town. Yama-san summarized its history, showing us examples of how wealthy businessman and diplomats lived in the early to mid-20th century, including a former US Consul’s home. That's where he talked about the devastating 1995 Kobe earthquake that destroyed many of the Ijinkan homes, and more tragically, killed over 6,000 people. He was at home that morning and relayed personal details of that day. From there, we drove to two sake breweries which we found extremely interesting and thoroughly enjoyed. We learned the intricate process of how sake used to be made and how that has changed with modern technology. Happily, we got to sample saki at both breweries and bought some to bring home as a memory of our day in Kobe with Yama-san. Mark and Suzan, Miami
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Operated by Japan Guide Agency