Kobe Private Custom Tour: A Port City Between Mountains and Sea

listing image 1
Show all photos
3 to 6 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 1 more

Join a private custom tour of Kobe, one of Japan’s earliest open port cities.

Kobe’s cityscape reflects its long history of international exchange, blending Western-style architecture, former foreign settlements, local neighborhoods, mountains, and the sea within a compact, walkable area. With a local guide, you’ll explore how these elements shaped the city’s identity.

This flexible tour is customized to your interests. Depending on your preferences, you may visit historic foreign districts, portside areas, shopping streets, scenic viewpoints, or quieter local neighborhoods. The guide adjusts the route and pace throughout the tour, making it suitable for both first-time visitors and repeat travelers.

Rather than focusing only on famous landmarks, this experience helps you understand Kobe’s layout and everyday atmosphere.

The itinerary is for reference only. As this is a private tour, the guide tailors the experience within the tour duration based on guests’ interests and requests.

What's Included

Photo opportunities throughout
A Professional Local Guide
Itinerary planning support
Admission fees may be required depending on the locations visited.
Transportation during the tour
Food and beverage expenses
Personal expenses

Meeting and pickup

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

Pickup will be arranged at the location you provide during your reservation, and your guide will arrive either on foot or using public transportation. A guide fluent in the language will accompany you to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

OR
Meeting point
Kobe Information Center (Tourist Information)

Your guide will be waiting in front of the Kobe Information Center (Tourist Information) in Sannomiya, holding a signboard for our inbound tour service. Please use it as a reference point. If you have trouble finding the guide, you can contact them via WhatsApp or phone.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 to 6 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Kitano Ijinkan-gai

    Walk through the historic Kitano area, once home to foreign residents. Learn how international exchange shaped the Western-style houses, why they were built on this hillside, and enjoy photo stops along the charming streets.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Walk from the mountain side toward the port, experiencing Kobe’s unique urban layout. Learn about the city’s compact geography, where mountains and harbor are closely connected, and enjoy the café-lined streets.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    The Former Foreign Settlement of Kobe

    Explore the Former Foreign Settlement developed after the port opening. Discover how Western architecture blended with Japanese city planning, and take photos of elegant historic building exteriors.

    25 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Chinatown (Nankinmachi)

    Stroll through one of Japan’s three major Chinatowns. Learn about the Chinese community’s relationship with Kobe Port and discover both the tourist and local sides of the neighborhood. Street food tasting is optional.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street

    Walk through a lively shopping arcade popular with both locals and visitors. Learn about everyday shopping culture in Kobe and experience how closely Motomachi connects to Chinatown and the Former Settlement.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Kobe Port Tower

    Learn about the history of Kobe Port and its significance as an international harbor. Enjoy views of Port Tower and the waterfront, with time for photos and a short break.

    25 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Kobe Harborland

    Explore the redeveloped waterfront area and discover modern Kobe as a port city. Learn how former port facilities were transformed into public spaces, with free time for cafés, shopping, or relaxing by the water.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Venus Bridge

    Enjoy panoramic views of Kobe from a hilltop, where mountains, city, and sea align in one view. This stop is optional and depends on weather, physical condition, and guest preference.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • 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
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Supplied by YURAGI
Show 2 more

Tags

Half-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Sustainable Tours
Cultural Tours
Walking Tours
City Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

Show more
from per person
Was {{formatPrice(summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount, currency, 2)}}
Book Now