Top Hyogo Prefecture Culture - page 4

"Beyond a tour, this is a private masterclass revealing Japan's invisible spirit. As a licensed guide and student of Tea, I lead you to discover the soul of japanese philosophy. What You Will Do: ・Philosophy of Shadow: Learn 'Wabi-Sabi'- finding beauty in imperfection. Explore how 'shadow' creates depth. ・Masters of the Way: Discover how Zen and Bushido were embodied by Steve Jobs and saigo Takamori. ・Traditional Tea: Experience the Way of Tea at the Koko-en tea house, enjoying matcha and sweets while learning the philosophy. ・Clear Mind Meditation: Conclude with a 3-minute sitting meditation in the quietude of Koko-en to find internal clarity. What You Will Take Home: A handmade Washi paper summary of the philosophy. A Personal Promise: My goal is to offer a lens for viewing the world with internal clarity. I am a licensed guide loving jokes and Sake, ready to share the true soul of Japan.

Experience a private Japanese calligraphy session, limited to one group per day. Begin by grinding ink and calming your mind, then learn the basics of brushwork at your own pace. Create your own unique piece and take home a meaningful memory of your time in Japan.

Cycling through Ikuno, a mining town with a history spanning over 1200 years. The ore road is the remains of the railway line along which trolleys carried ore in those days. You can follow this road by bicycle or walk part of it. Enjoy the rivers, shrines, and beautiful natural scenery along the way. Leaving Ikuno, with its old traditional Japanese houses, the tour continues along a nature-rich mountain path, stopping at the oldest cast-iron bridge in Japan, built by French engineers over 170 years ago. It is a popular photo spot for tour participants! Further along the winding road, as you approach Mikobata, you will come across the ruins of the huge Mikobata Ore Dressing Plant. You will marvel at the size of the site. Learn about the history of the ore dressing plant from the locals and have the opportunity to buy locally made souvenirs. Here we enjoy lunch. Afterwards, you will be free to explore the area. We end the tour at Nii Station.

Tamba-ware Pottery, one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, originated in Tachikui, Tamba Sasayama. The symbolic "climbing kiln" as a historical remain was used for firing ceramics for three days and nights at 1,300°C (1,300°F). With over 50 kilns in the area, local pottery artists work together to inspire a diverse range of styles from traditional crafts to innovative pieces. Meet your English-speaking guide outside Aino Station and transfer to the Tamba Sasayama area. Enjoy the tranquil nature and learn about the long history of Tamba-ware kilns as you visit approximately three local kilns with a local artist. Possible kiln visits include Ichino Denichi Kiln specialized in flower pots with unique designs dedicated to specific types of plants, Kaneto Kiln as a globally renowned kiln popular in overseas galleries for its creative design, and Toshihiko klin/gallery that features a wide variety of pottery work, from daily dinnerware to stunning work of art.

In the north the mountain, in the south the sea and in the middle you! I am inviting you to visit this beautiful city, we will discover it together from the north to the south. History, fashion, and modernity are melting in this so picturesque city and along the way, you will enjoy seeing its highlights like Kitano Ijinkan, Sorakoen Garden, China Town, Meriken Park, and The Nunobiki Herb Garden. On this tour, I will introduce you to the main sights of Kobe, from China Town with a wide variety of great and tasty street food. Meriken Park and Hanshin Awaji Great Earthquake Memorial Park, Red Port Tower and the white Kobe Marine Museum are a beautiful contrast. Enjoy a cruising tour around Kobe Port and panoramic views of Kobe and Osaka, which are particularly beautiful at sundown. If you are not staying in Kobe, contact me with your questions so that I can answer everything you want to know better, on what to visit or what can be done or experienced during your visit to Kobe.

Come with us to visit Osaka Kita for half a day on foot and by public transport! We start by strolling along the Yodo River Park to enjoy the breathtaking view towards the skyline of the modern city. We follow the river, then pass through the Juso Bridge, to arrive at Umeda Sky Building. The 360° panoramic observatory then offers us a magnificent view towards Osaka and the whole region! Then we pass through Osaka Station, a modern railway hub with shops, restaurants, and cafes, before diving into the heart of the Umeda business district. Our last stop is the Ohatsu Tenjin Shinto Shrine, famous for its tragic 18th century love story and its role in protecting Osaka Kita. After this midday, you will have had plenty of eyes and you will learn more about Osaka Kita, its history, architecture, and culture. Are you coming? We are waiting for you!

First, we'll meet up one of station of JR line. Once you go out the station, What makes this tour fantastic and interesting is the number of places you can travel to. For example, Kobe city is known for port city in Japan where had a lot of of imports and trades, and a lot of international people built their own culture here. On the other side, If you go over the Rokko mountain, you can find nostalgic Arima onsen town, which makes you feel relax and deep into Japanese traditions. But no worries about managing everything yourself! We are here to guide you around to introduce most of them.

Experience the best of Kobe city with a private 8-hour tour tailored to your preferences. Select 4 to 5 must-see locations, and let an expert guide provide personalized insights and ensure a hassle-free journey. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Kobe’s rich culture and vibrant atmosphere at your own pace. Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families looking for a custom adventure.

City tours are great for first-time visits but often have rigid itineraries and tight schedules. This tour offers the chance to design a completely custom family-friendly itinerary with a local host assigned to you based on your interests. Highlights can include riding a cable car up Mount Rokko, visiting Arima Onsen Hot Springs, or checking out the Oji Zoo. Once the tour begins, you’re free to change destinations as you see fit.

・A cultural check-in experience unique to Kinosaki, where you immerse yourself in the town’s hot spring culture—not just the baths. ・Learn the traditional bathing etiquette of Kinosaki Onsen directly from the chief priest of Onsenji Temple. ・Record your travel memories with a cultural stamp book featuring Kinosaki straw marquetry, a traditional craft with over 300 years of history. ・Store your luggage before check-in and get an introduction to Kinosaki Onsen’s history, public bathhouses, and recommended local shops. ・Travel sustainably using eco-friendly electric vehicles, with a local guide accompanying you throughout the tour.

From Kobe Port your host could lead the way to Sannomiya, the center of Kobe’s youth culture, or a little more inland to retro Shinkaichi’s quirky shopping areas and quaint cafes. You could discover Nankinmachi (Kobe’s Chinatown), barbecue your own Kobe beef, or pray for love at the 3rd-century Ikuta Shrine. The city’s natural beauty isn’t hard to find – at the famous Rokko mountain range you could hike pristine forest trails, soak in the Arima hot springs, or take the Rokko cable car to the summit for views all the way to Osaka!  Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Discover the story behind Japan’s sake culture on a guided walking tour through Nada Gogo, one of the country’s most renowned sake-producing regions. Starting at Hanshin Sumiyoshi Station, your guide will welcome you and introduce the tour before leading you through the neighborhood, explaining Kobe’s geography and why this area became ideal for sake brewing. Visit three historic breweries—Hakutsuru, Kikumasamune, and Sakura Masamune—each with its own philosophy and flavor style. Learn how sake is made, how it differs from other alcoholic beverages, and how tradition and craftsmanship influence taste. At each brewery, enjoy tastings of approximately 3 to 5 types of sake, allowing you to compare styles and discover your favorites. This relaxed, easy-to-follow experience suits both beginners and sake lovers. With a knowledgeable guide, walkable distances, and an optional seasonal lunch at the final stop, the tour offers a meaningful way to experience Japanese sake culture.

Come with us to visit Kobe for 4 hours on foot and by public transport! This tour begins with a visit to downtown Sannomiya. We then go to Kitanocho. This is the European Quarter of the city. You will see, his contemporary history is exciting! This area, located on a hill, also offers fantastic views of the city below. We go down the city and then we will arrive at Nankinmachi Chinatown. We can visit China while staying in Japan, how wonderful! We finish with the Port of Kobe and Harborland. This family-friendly port area is lively. We will see the renewal of the city after the great earthquake of 1995. We can admire the famous tower, the port, the boats here and there, and the attractions. After this day, you will learn more about this city full of history, culture, and modernity. You'll leave with plenty of memories. Are you coming? We are waiting for you!

Exclusively designed for cruise travelers docking in Kobe or Osaka, this customizable Nara tour takes you to iconic sights like Kofuku-ji Temple, Todaiji Temple, and the famous Nara Deer Park. Perfect for families and culture seekers, it offers a seamless, stress-free day with insider knowledge, sacred shrines like Kasuga Taisha, and unforgettable encounters with friendly deer—all while ensuring timely return to your ship Tour itinerary is designed based on hiring a car/van for 10 hours (Please carefully check the Inclusions & exclusions and the booking and payment options) to provide ample time to visit Nara's most iconic cultural & historic landmarks, ensuring a comprehensive experience of the city's rich heritage. Itinerary (Customizable): 08:00 Meeting at Osaka or Kobe port (depending on your cruise ship dock time) 09:30 Kofuku-ji Temple 11:00 Nara Deer Park 12:00 Lunch Break 13:30 Todaiji Temple 15:00 Kasuga Taisha Shrine 16:00 Back to the Port 18:00 Drop off at the port

As we traverse through a tunnel, a gentle descent unfolds, revealing the picturesque farming landscape. Crossing over the river and venturing through the woods, you'll encounter intriguing artifacts and captivating scenery, each beckoning to be captured through your lens. With luck on your side, you may even capture a stunning close-up shot of a passing train, at a renowned photography spot cherished by locals. Your cycling guide will expertly navigate the route back to Ikuno Town, unveiling notable points of interest along the way. After reaching our destination, a brief yet enriching walking tour will acquaint you with the charming essence of Ikuno town. Prepare to immerse yourself in a wealth of discoveries and insights.

This is the ideal tour for travelers wanting to discover Kyoto's highlights efficiently in a private vehicle accompanied by a government-licensed and experienced multilingual guide! Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Discovering around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book this tour! Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you! Note: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.

First-time visitors to Kyoto, this is the tour for you. Spend a day discovering some of the city’s best places with a driver to take you around and speed up your sightseeing. Places to check off along the way include Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Gion, and Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, with the ability to customize your route if you wish.

As you only have 2 days in Kyoto, I can show you the best spots in Kyoto visitors should see. The tour includes visits to some of the top spots of Kyoto. What makes this tour unique? Tour itinerary is planned to cover the top sightseeing spots of Kyoto and long enough to go around the cultural and historic places too. Itinerary is shown here, however, you can still customize it in arrangement with the guide. Day-1 09:00 Meet at your hotel in Kyoto 09:30 Nijo castle 11:00 Kinkakoji temple 12:30 Ryoanji Temple 14:00 Lunch break (Kyoto station) 15:30 Fushimi Inari shrine 17:00 Tour finish Day-2 09:00 Meet at your hotel in Kyoto 10:00 Bamboo forest, Nonomiya Shrine and Tenryu-ji temple garden 11:30 Hozu-gawa river and Togetsu bridge 12:00 Monkey's park 14:00 Lunch (Kyoto station) 15:30 Kiyomezu dera temple and Gion area 17:00 Tour finish

Take the train to Osaka with your local host and discover a side of the city that most visitors miss. From the moment you step off the ship, everything is taken care of — including a private taxi from Kobe Port to the station and round-trip train transport to and from Osaka. Explore vibrant street food alleys, neon-lit districts, and peaceful temples tucked into the heart of the city. Stroll through Dotonbori’s electric atmosphere, uncover stories behind Osaka Castle, or sample takoyaki from a local vendor. Whether you’re into history, food, or just soaking up the energy of the city, your day will be shaped around what excites you most. Before the tour begins, you’ll complete a short online questionnaire so we can match you with the perfect local host to design your ideal day in Osaka.

・A self-guided program that lets you make the most of your free time before check-in and discover Kinosaki at your own pace. ・Record your journey with a Onsen Stamp Book featuring Kinosaki straw marquetry, a traditional craft with over 300 years of history. ・Store your luggage before check-in and get an overview of Kinosaki Onsen’s history, public bathhouses, and recommended local shops. ・No license required! Experience quiet, eco-friendly travel with our compact, easy-to-handle electric bikes (electric tuk-tuks also available as an option).

You’ll spend the day with one of our hosts discovering the true nature of Kobe - and there is plenty of nature to see, the city is wedged between sweeping coastlines and vast mountain ranges after all. Explore the thriving Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street and indulge in authentic cuisine in Nankinmachi, Kobe’s Chinatown. Scale the Kobe Port Tower, where you can see the city's sweeping skyline highlighted by the neon, and discover hidden gems along the way, like the smaller shrines and historic streets that many visitors miss - but not you! Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Explore Kyoto's rich history and culture as a fully customizable private tour from Kobe. Meet your local guide at Kobe port terminal and embark for a journey tailored to your interests. Visit iconic sites such as the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, tranquil bamboo groves, and the vibrant streets of Gion. Whether you wish to explore ancient temples or hidden gems, your guide will curate the perfect experience just for you. This all-inclusive tour promises a unique look at Kyoto's beauty and traditions, ensuring a memorable day. - Private, fully customizable tour from Kobe to Kyoto - Visit landmarks including Fushimi Inari Shrine, Golden temple, and more - Experienced local guide to tailor the itinerary to your preferences - Opportunity to discover hidden gems and local favorites in Kyoto upon your request

Photos courtesy of: - “Red Pumpkin” Yayoi Kusama,2006 Naoshima Miyanoura Port Square * No Reproduction Explore the art island of Naoshima with this hassle-free, luxury day tour accompanied by an English-speaking attendant. In a single day, you will have the opportunity to explore Naoshima’s premier highlights, including the Benesse House Museum, the Naoshima New Museum of Art, and the iconic Red Pumpkin, without worrying about a single logistical detail. The tour price includes all transportation, museum entrance fees and full English support from our attendant throughout the trip. Sit back and relax in our luxury vehicle as we escort you between attractions across the island. - Complimentary alcoholic and soft drinks on board of our luxury bus - Entrance fees for Naoshima museums included - Round-trip Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets between Kyoto and Himeji - Round-trip luxury bus transportation between Himeji and Naoshima

Skip the crowds—this is a private tour for your group only. An exclusive private tour for all the romantics of the world! Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most romantic places in the city. You will feel spellbound in a charming atmosphere. Himeji Castle and the surrounding Kokoen gardens make for an incredibly romantic place to explore. Where can you make lovely photos? You will be surprised how many historical love stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, parks of the city. From heartbreaking and tragic, to the hilarious or spicy ones. Find love and happiness in sacred places dedicated to sweethearts. What is the most famous historical couple in Japan? Which holy shrine is dedicated to love? Koinoki Shrine is dedicated to love and is the only shrine in Japan that enshrines the god of love Koi-no-Mikoto. This tour is especially recommended in the Saint Valentine period!