Private Car Tour to Kyoto or Beyond (KOBE/OSAKA Shore excursion)

5.0
(8 reviews)
Kobe, Japan

6 to 9 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: Japanese and 1 more

- This tour is led by a licensed guide officially permitted to provide guiding services using their own private vehicle — serving as both your driver and guide throughout the day.

- This makes the experience more convenient than tours relying on public transportation and much more cost-effective than booking a guide and vehicle separately.

- Pickup is available from Kobe or Osaka Port, or any location within Kobe or Osaka City. Whether you’re arriving by cruise or staying locally, this private tour is the easiest and most flexible way to explore at your own pace.

- Visit Kobe or Osaka, or travel to nearby destinations such as Kyoto, Nara, or Himeji — or head off the beaten path to peaceful countryside towns and hidden gems, all comfortably reachable in a day.

- Your itinerary is fully customized based on your schedule, interests, and seasonal highlights. Feel free to share your requests after booking, and we will create a personalized plan for you.

What's Included

Bottled water
Souvenir photo taken by your guide
English-speaking licensed driver-guide
The vehicle is a family wagon. As luggage space is limited, we recommend bringing only one bag per person. Parking fees, fuel, and highway tolls are included in the tour price.
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.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

The local guide will pick you up at Kobe Port Terminal, Osaka Cruise Terminal, or any places within Kobe & Osaka City.

Please note: If your hotel does not allow vehicles to stop directly at the entrance, you may need to walk a short distance to a nearby pickup location.

The vehicle is a wagon. There is limited space for luggage, so if your group has more than 4 people, please bring only small or minimal luggage.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 to 9 hours (approximately)
  • Kobe (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • Osaka (Pass by)

    【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.

    Admission ticket free
  • Kyoto (Pass by)

    【90min from Kobe】Kyoto is a city steeped in history, known for its countless temples, shrines, and traditional wooden townscapes. While famous areas like Gion and Arashiyama attract large crowds, traveling by private vehicle offers a chance to escape the busy tourist spots and discover hidden gems in the surrounding countryside. Quiet gardens, lesser-known temples, and scenic rural landscapes await just a short drive from the city center. With a private car, you can enjoy a more relaxed pace, avoid public transport congestion, and explore places that offer a deeper, more tranquil side of Kyoto away from the usual tourist trail.

    Admission ticket free
  • Nara (Pass by)

    【90min from Kobe】Nara is known as the birthplace of Japanese Buddhism and home to some of the country’s oldest and most significant cultural sites. Highlights include the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple, the sacred deer roaming freely in Nara Park, and the beautifully preserved Kasuga Taisha Shrine. While central areas can get busy, traveling by private vehicle allows you to reach quieter spots like traditional villages and lesser-known temples in the surrounding countryside, offering a more peaceful and personal experience of Nara’s deep spiritual heritage.

    Admission ticket free
  • Himeji (Pass by)

    【30min from Kobe】Himeji is best known for Himeji Castle, Japan’s most spectacular and well-preserved feudal fortress, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city also offers elegant gardens like Koko-en and quiet, walkable streets around the castle town. With a private car, you can explore nearby local areas, visit artisan workshops, or enjoy seasonal flowers and mountain views—away from tour group crowds. Himeji’s compact size makes it ideal for a half-day trip, especially when paired with other destinations like Kobe or Akashi.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    【30min from Kobe】Awaji Island offers a refreshing escape from the city, with ocean views, lush parks, and cultural spots tied to Japan’s creation myths. Easily reached via the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge from Kobe, the island is ideal for a private day trip by car. A top highlight is Nijigen no Mori, a unique anime-themed park featuring attractions from Naruto, Godzilla, and more. You can also explore coastal shrines, flower gardens, and scenic drives. With fewer crowds and a slower pace, Awaji combines nature, fun, and local charm—perfect for families, anime fans, or anyone looking to experience something different.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by KDMC

Tags

Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Walking Tours
Ports of Call Tours
City Tours
Car Tours
Shore Excursions
Additional fees
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
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Port Pickup
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 8 8 reviews
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