Top Hyogo Prefecture How to Get Around in 2026

Kobe is not a famous for tourists in Japan. So you can enjoy a travel dIfferent from Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. I take you 3 bars that you can not find alone, and you can experience that you have not tried many things before. Moreover those are bars with a unique style that can only be found in Japan. The first bar is "Tachinomiya" at near a railway alley. We have to drink and eat without seats, `STANDING`. :) The second bar is "Izakaya", the most popilar bar style of special atmosphere in Japan. There are rare Beer, Shochu or Awamori (Japanese distilled spirits). The third bar is Koryoriya which a Sake Sommelier do hospitality. They offer special and the most recommended Japanese Sake of the day. And you can try Japanese home made cuisines. Those are only known to local persons. All of those are my favorite and recommendation because there are few tourists come for no English menu. In particular, Koryoriya is unknown to tourists. So I belive you can make Special memories.

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

Create your perfect day in Kansai with a fully customizable private tour tailored to your interests. Explore historic landmarks, enjoy cultural experiences, visit theme parks, or take in stunning night views — all designed around you. Sample ideas include visiting Osaka Castle, exploring Todai-ji and Nara Park, discovering hidden local spots, and enjoying authentic local food experiences. You may also choose attractions like Universal Studios Japan, scenic viewpoints such as Mount Rokko, shopping districts, or cultural activities. Enjoy private transportation and flexible scheduling to make the most of your time. Ideal for families, couples, and small groups. Tour duration can be extended upon request for an additional fee, depending on availability. Entrance fees, meals, and optional experience costs are not included and are paid separately based on your chosen itinerary.

Join an expert brewer for an exclusive journey through Japan’s most famous sake region. Go beyond the free tasting areas to explore traditional techniques, visit a master cooperage where barrels are still handcrafted, and enjoy a guided tasting and food pairing at a local standing bar. > Exclusive Tastings: Sample rare Nama (unpasteurized), barrel-aged, and ultra-premium Daiginjo sake. > Behind-the-Scenes Access: Visit a workshop where skilled craftsmen still hand-build traditional wooden sake barrels. > Expert Insights: Learn centuries-old brewing secrets and local culture from an experienced sake brewer. > Sake Knowledge: Learn about different styles of sake and how to pair them with food directly from an industry insider.

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.

Start your day at the iconic Himeji Castle, then leave the crowds behind and journey into the peaceful countryside by private minivan. This flexible, off-the-beaten-path tour lets you stop at local shops, chat with farmers and friendly elders, help with seasonal farm or fishing tasks, try pottery-making, or stroll through flower gardens—whatever catches your interest! It’s an immersive rural adventure filled with natural beauty, spontaneous moments, and genuine local connections. What kind of unforgettable encounters will you find on Himeji’s country roads?

Let's Create an Unforgettable Memories Don’t just visit Himeji experience it like never before. Walk through centuries of history at Himeji Castle, then dive into the delicious world of tsukemen at one of the area’s top ramen spots. Spaces are limited for this exclusive private tour. Book now to secure your spot and make your trip to Himeji truly unforgettable.

Nada Gogo, a key region in Japan’s sake industry, is renowned for its dynamic production and rich history. This tour introduces you to three distinguished breweries, each with a unique philosophy and style of crafting sake. Explore traditional facilities where centuries-old techniques blend with modern innovation. Learn about the sake-making process, from rice selection and polishing to fermentation and maturation, which give Nada Gogo sake its signature depth. Along the way, enjoy exclusive tastings that showcase diverse flavors shaped by the region’s pure water, climate, and craftsmanship. Guides will share insights into the culture and traditions that established Nada Gogo as a leading hub in Japan’s sake world. This immersive experience offers both tastings and a deeper appreciation of Japan’s sake heritage, leaving you with lasting insight into the artistry that makes this region a cornerstone of the industry.

With the concept of "Go to the place you like. With the people you like. At the time you like.", this is a vehicle rental system with recommended routes devised by a local travel agency. On these recommended routes, you can go on a stroll through the elegant streets, and encounter not only crabs, but many other attractions that Kinosaki has to offer. [No need for an international driver’s license] Visit places you can go only with a small and powerful electric scooter! The local travel agency has devised an adventure tour of Kinosaki's nature in your spare time before or after check-in or check-out at your hotel! The electric vehicle which emits no carbon dioxide while driving, is one of the most eco-friendly cars in terms of environmental performance! Kinosaki is more than just hot springs! Search for the storks that bring happiness, and visit the power spot Genbudo Cave and circle the islands in the Maruyama River!

The legend of the hot spring of Kinosaki. History recovered from the earthquake. Kinosaki's traditional craft that Siebold has made a collection. We explain world heritage of topography, San-in Coast Geopark. The Ramsar Wetland, an internationally important wetland for waterfowl, is home to storks, a natural monument. Cycling along the river to the Sea of Japan. It is a tour where you can feel the life of people in a small hot spring town and feel the earth in the large Japan Sea. The course is almost flat and it is a course that women can feel free to join.

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.

Swap the typical sightseeing tours for a local's perspective of Kobe. This private tour is fully customized to your own interests, which means that you'll spend your time seeing Kobe your way in the company of a like-minded guide. As you explore, you'll discover off-the-beaten-path spots that most visitors to Kobe miss.

Start your morning in Kobe with a refreshing guided hike to Nunobiki Falls, one of Japan’s most beautiful and historic waterfalls. Just steps from Shin-Kobe Station, this hidden gem once provided the pure “Kobe water” prized by sailors for staying fresh even across the equator. On this tour, you’ll enjoy the peaceful forest, feel the cool mist of the cascading water, and hear stories of its cultural and historical importance—all in the calm, early morning light. Escape the city, connect with nature, and begin your day in Kobe the best way possible.

I am not only a licensed guide with over a decade of experience guiding more than 1,000 private tours across Kyoto, Nara, and western Japan—I am also the author of The Hidden Language of Beauty: A Journey through Western and Japanese Ways of Seeing. My tours go beyond explaining temples and shrines. Together, we explore the deeper ideas that shaped Kyoto: why Japanese gardens feel so peaceful, how architecture creates harmony with nature, why simplicity can be more powerful than decoration, and how Japanese aesthetics differ from those of the West. Rather than rushing from one famous attraction to another, I invite you to slow down and experience Kyoto through stories, history, art, and quiet observation. You'll discover not only the city's iconic landmarks but also hidden places that many visitors never find. My goal is simple: by the end of the day, you won't just have seen Kyoto—you'll understand it in a completely new way of seeing.

It's impossible to see all Kobe's must-sees in a day! The important thing is that you get to experience the highlights that are unmissable to you so hand your bucket-list over to one of our hosts and get exploring! Whether you want to explore iconic monuments, check out the scenic gardens and beautiful waterfalls or sink your teeth into the famous Kobe beef- the choice is yours. From leisurely strolls along the Maiko Marine Promenade to hikes up Mount Rokko and food sampling in Kobe Motomachi- aka the street of shopping- adventure awaits. 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.

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.

Get to know Kobe better on a private tour that focuses on the city’s traditional crafts and the natural beauty that inspired them. Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, you’ll learn something new about Kobe. Be inspired at Nunobiki Falls, one of the most sacred waterfalls in Japan, learn about traditional carpentry at the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum, and enjoy the serenity at Sorakuen Garden, among other destinations.

Start your day with an expert-led tour of Himeji Castle, where a skilled guide brings its history, architecture, and artistry to life with captivating insights. In the afternoon, step into the world of traditional Japanese craftsmanship at the Myochin swordsmith workshop. Witness the intricate tatara ironworking process and the artistry of sword-making up close in a serene, small-group setting. Engage directly with the master swordsmith for an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t find anywhere else.

If you only have one day but still want to make the most of your time, this is the all-in-one tour you need. We will cover mountains and seas, from famous landmarks like Kobe Tower and Ikuta Shrine to wonders known to locals. We will also take you to taste local delicacies and visit Japan's most famous sake producing areas. Before ending the trip, we will not forget to show you the beautiful night view. You will walk around the city in a fun and relaxing way with a locally-based English-speaking guide. This tour will show you almost everything there is to know about Kobe City in one day.

Experience traditional Japan at Kotonoha, a charming café in a beautifully restored old Japanese house. Begin with a Japanese calligraphy lesson taught by a professional, where you’ll learn to write in Japanese and receive your name written in elegant calligraphy. Next, enjoy a tea ceremony where you make your own tea and relax in the peaceful atmosphere of the house. You can also take a stroll through the quiet, scenic countryside neighborhood. Finish the tour with a delicious lunch featuring Kobe beef in yakiniku style, traditional dishes like oden, and matcha jelly for dessert. The tender Kobe beef melts in your mouth—perfect for those who want to experience authentic Japanese culture and cuisine in one visit.

Sake has been brewed in Nada since the Edo period and accounts for 30% of Japan's total sake production. Nada's location, climate, quality of rice, as well as water, all make it the perfect place for brewing sake. This tour introduces you to sake brewing and tasting, as well as food culture using sake, which we will explore as we stroll local shopping streets.

Discover Himeji Castle, Japan’s first World Heritage Site, a majestic white fortress renowned for its unparalleled blend of defensive prowess and stunning beauty. Step into the shoes of a samurai and experience this iconic castle as if you were launching an attack. Your adventure begins at Himeji Station, where the castle’s grandeur unfolds before you. Cross the moats and gates, designed to thwart invaders, and enter the castle grounds. Explore the Nishi-no-Maru, the living quarters of the princess and her attendants, to get a taste of Edo-period life. Navigate through a labyrinth of defensive systems leading to the main keep. Confront intricate mazes, hidden traps, and elevated battlements. Upon reaching the tenshu, be rewarded with breathtaking views of the city.

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.

Discover the Timeless Beauty of Himeji Castle & Kokoen Garden Step into Japan’s rich past with a guided tour of Himeji Castle, the nation's most iconic and best-preserved feudal fortress. Nicknamed the “White Heron Castle” for its elegant, soaring appearance, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has stood untouched by war or disaster since the 1600s. Our expert guide will lead you through the castle’s impressive 6-story main keep, revealing hidden defensive designs, architectural marvels, and captivating stories of samurai, royalty, and resilience. After exploring the castle, relax in the peaceful Kokoen Garden—a stunning collection of nine Edo-style gardens featuring koi-filled ponds, tea houses, and seasonal blooms. It’s the perfect way to balance history with harmony. Join us for an unforgettable journey that blends majestic architecture, living history, and serene nature—all in one exceptional experience.