Top Hyogo Prefecture Culture - page 4

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.

・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.

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.

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.

If you are a first-time visitor to Kobe, this private and personalized tour will help you find your feet. In the company of a carefully chosen guide who shares your interests, you'll get a local's perspective as you explore the city on foot. You'll see top attractions, such as the Maiko Marine Promenade and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, as well as a few hidden spots that only locals know about.

A Great Mix of the Old & New of Kobe City... oh yeah! Spend time enjoying the city, (and not spending time getting lost in train stations or lost in translation)....another Oh yeah! You will have a fluent English Speaking local guide. This is a personalized tour experience around your interests. A private tour - to maintain the unique energy of your group. Have any special interests or requests? We can add it into your Kobe experience...just let us know. Once you have booked your experience, we will be in touch with you within 48-hours to plan your personalized experience, and finalize our meeting point. For tours less than 48-hours, we will contact you sooner.

Embark on a private tour that unveils Japan's rich historical and spiritual heritage with a cable car journey to Himeji Castle and Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple. At Himeji Castle, explore its remarkable defensive features, crafted with exquisite precision through Japan’s turbulent history. Our guide will highlight the castle's advanced defensive systems and architectural elegance, showcasing its role as a symbol of strength and beauty. Then, head to Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple, where you'll visit the revered Mani-den Hall and the impressive “Mitsuno-do” area. The Mitsuno-do, with its three historic halls standing in majestic alignment, offers a breathtaking sight and has served as a dramatic backdrop for films like "The Last Samurai." This tour provides a deep dive into Japan’s architectural prowess and spiritual traditions, offering a unique and immersive experience of its cultural treasures.

Arriving or staying in Kobe but want to visit Osaka? This driving tour from Kobe to Osaka is for you! From Osaka castle, to Dotonbori District’s legendary Takoyaki, and the retro vibes of Shinsekai District with its famous giant blowfish lantern, Osaka’s many dynamic sights will enthrall you. Hungry? The kitchen of Japan, Osaka, is more than happy to tempt you with its many local dishes. Book a tour with us to find the best places to eat okonomiyaki! This driving tour is perfect for independent travelers that would like to take in the sites on their own. Allow your private chauffeur to take you around in comfort and style. Once your tour is done, your chauffeur will take you to Kobe so that you can continue your travels across Japan. Note: This tour is for independent travelers that need private transportation only. This tour does not come with a guide and you will not be able to ask for recommendations from your driver or Japan Guide Agency.

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.

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.

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.

Explore the both modern and traditional sides of Kobe with your English-speaking chauffeur on this full-day driving tour. Enjoy the ease of travelling in a private vehicle and the independence of exploring the sights on your own. 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 see you in Kobe soon!

This private tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Kobe or those wanting to explore its highlights in a day. Save time itinerary planning and enjoy a guided adventure showcasing nature spots, shrines, museums, and great shopping and foodie spots. Highlights include Nunobiki Falls, Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum, Ikuta Shrine, and Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

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.

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.

See Kyoto’s major sights in a private tour lasting 4 to 8 hours. Don’t worry about travel logistics or wasting time waiting for a taxi or rideshare—your private car will take you from place to place. Tailor the itinerary to your interests so you only stop at the attractions you want to see.

Skip the crowds—this is a private tour for your group only. Together with the professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city UNESCO World Heritage Site, Himeji Castle is hands down, the best-preserved feudal castle in the entire country. You will have a chance to explore the city while hearing fascinating facts and legends. Himeji is home to some exciting attractions that could turn a regular vacation into an extraordinary one. There’s something very relaxing about walking the streets of Himeji. Enkyoji with a history of more than 1000 years, a traditional temple, a cultural property designated by the country. You will be surprised how many stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, and corners of Himeji. Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. Perfect for those who are visiting the city for the first time and want to get the most of it!

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!

*The photos of Himeji Castle are of Courtesy of Himeji City Explore the rich history of Himeji area on this 1 day tour from Kyoto, featuring a visit to an authentic swordsmith and the UNESCO World Heritage Himeji Castle. The journey begins with a comfortable ride in a deluxe bus that feels like business class on an airplane, offering a selection of complimentary soft drinks and sake. Visit a Japanese Sword (Katana) workshop for an authentic sword-making demonstration and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local sake brewery. An English-speaking guide will lead you through the breathtaking Himeji Castle, showcasing its architecture and samurai history. After a memorable day, we will accompany you by bus to Himeji JR Station and provide you with a shinkansen (bullet train) ticket to return to Kyoto or Osaka on your own. - Deluxe bus transportation from Kyoto to Himeji - Return by shinkansen (bullet train) - Japanese sword workshop - Himeji Castle guided tour - Sukiyaki lunch at sake brewery

Explore Kyoto's rich history and culture as a fully customizable private tour from Kobe. You will be acccompanied by a national licensed tour guide all day. 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

1. Tour Managed by a Government Licensed Expert This experience managed by a Government Licensed Guide Interpreter, ensuring that you gain deep insights into Nara’s rich history, culture, and traditions. 2. Flexible & Personalized Experience We understand that every traveler has different interests, so our tour offers adjustable itineraries based on your preferences. Whether you want to spend more time at Todaiji’s Great Buddha or explore the serene gardens, we tailor the experience to suit your needs. 3. A Perfect Blend of History, Nature, and Local Culture This tour is not just about sightseeing—it’s about fully experiencing Nara’s spiritual and cultural essence. This journey provides a perfect mix of history, nature, and modern-day charm. 4. Hassle-Free & Efficient Sightseeing With a well-structured itinerary and a centrally located meeting point at Kintetsu Nara Station, travelers can maximize their time without worrying about navigation or missing key spots.

Explore the essence of Japanese craftsmanship on this private guided tour of the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum in Kobe. This unique journey delves into the artistry behind Japan’s iconic architecture, showcasing a remarkable collection of historical tools and exhibitions that highlight traditional woodworking techniques. You'll learn how precision and beauty were achieved long before modern tools, gaining insights into the skills passed down through generations. This tour offers a captivating look at the craftsmanship that defines temples and traditional buildings, making it a must for cultural enthusiasts. - Private guided tour focused on Japanese woodworking craftsmanship - Visit the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum with engaging exhibitions - Discover the history and precision behind traditional Japanese tools - Perfect for travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience in Kobe

Explore Kobe like never before, with a Tajima cow as your guide! This self-guided walking tour takes you from the historic Kobe Station through waterfront parks, vibrant Chinatown, chic shopping arcades, and lush herb gardens, ending in the lively Sannomiya Center Gai. Along the way, enjoy immersive stories, fun facts, and a unique bovine perspective on the city's classic sights. Perfect for first-time visitors and seasoned explorers alike! Solve puzzles, explore the city, and find hidden gems at your own pace. Try a new type of experience with your smartphone, the perfect mix between a walking tour, sightseeing, and a scavenger hunt.