Top Hyogo Prefecture Outdoor Activities

Hello! This 3-hour guided tour offers a unique local perspective on Himeji Castle which recognized as the world heritage site and one of Japan's most iconic landmarks. The greatest feature of this tour is that it is led by a friendly local university student who will talk about Himeji Castle while incorporating what I have learned in my major, International Relations. With strong English communication and knowledge about the castle's fascinating history,I’ll provide you exploration of hidden spots, and help you capture memorable photos-all while experiencing Himeji through the tour. Lastly, I welcome all tourists who are interested in Japanese culture, who love history, who enjoy experiencing a different culture, and who apply out of curiosity as well and I’m looking forward to making your time in Himeji unforgettable!

Learn more about Himeji Castle than would be possible on your own. This small-group tour introduces you to the rich history of Himeji Castle, as well as Japanese culture. You'll explore the castle interiors, as well as its Japanese-style garden, and get photographs from a viewing observatory. Your tour also includes a tea ceremony experience for an authentic taste of Japanese culture.

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.

Embark on a personalized city walking tour of Kobe, tailored to your preferences. After completing a questionnaire, your local host will propose a customized itinerary based on your interests. Explore attractions like Maiko Marine Promenade and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, offering thrilling perspectives. Visit the Kitano Foreign Residents area for architecturally stunning buildings, or delve into Kobe's natural beauty with coastline and mountain range exploration, including Mount Rokko Garden Terrace. Your tour unfolds at your pace, ensuring an enriching Kobe experience tailored just for you. Please note that the itinerary may vary based on your preferences.

Begin your journey at JR Himeji Station and cycle to Mt. Tegara. Experience the spiritual side of cycling as you pedal through the city. Visit Tegarayama Peace Park, home to a memorial tower built with donations from private citizens to commemorate the civilian victims from around the country who died in air raids during World War II. Check out the Himeji Historical Peace Center and participate in a one thousand paper crane origami workshop. Fold origami cranes and pray for peace. Conversations will be in simple English or using a smartphone translation app. For the explanation, an audio recording is mainly used in order to convey the information as accurately as possible.

This tour is one of the very few hiking tours that start from Arima Onsen. This hiking tour takes you along historic roads winding through the scenic, healing forests of Arima Onsen. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers an immersive experience in both nature and history, following trails used by travelers and traders since ancient times.

Hanami – A Sakura Picnic Walk at a Hidden Cherry Blossom Spot near Osaka & Kobe Escape the busy tourist spots and experience hanami the local way. Slow down, breathe in the fresh spring air, and enjoy Japan’s most beloved season, with seasonal sweets, snacks and tea that capture the beauty of spring. On this relaxed small-group tour led by a local guide, you’ll visit one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots loved by locals. Cherry trees line the river for about 3 kilometers, creating a long, beautiful tunnel of blossoms. Feel free to stay as long as you like after the tour! Discover the history of hanami, a tradition that dates back to the Heian period. You’ll also explore waka poetry celebrating nature, the changing seasons, and love, and enjoy playing traditional Japanese games. Sakura in the rain have their own beauty. On light rainy days, enjoy a stroll, then a picnic under shelter or sweets at a nearby cozy shop. Please check the forecast, as heavy rain is not recommended.

Explore the scenic countryside of Yasutomi in Himeji City on a guided cycling tour that blends nature, culture, and local charm. Begin with a peaceful ride to Shikagatsubo and enjoy a short forest hike to a quiet reservoir surrounded by seasonal greenery. Then visit Tomisu-no-Sato for a unique radon therapy session inside an actual mine tunnel — a dry, non-bathing wellness experience. A simple local lunch is served before or after. In the afternoon, stop at Anji Inari Shrine to learn about local traditions, then visit Shimomura Sake Brewery to discover their brewing process and enjoy a sake tasting. End the tour at Yuzu Kobo, where you can shop for yuzu-based products made with local fruit. Perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed cultural experience in the Japanese countryside. Suitable for all fitness levels.

Nozato Kaido, which was once the gateway to Himeji, The town of Senba, which flourished along the Saigoku Kaido road that passes through Himeji castle town, Many traces of history and atmosphere remain. With an electric bicycle, you can easily navigate narrow roads that are difficult to go on by car, or roads that are a bit tiring to walk on. This is a 3-hour tour that will make you love Himeji even more before and after sightseeing at Himeji Castle.

Soar by ropeway to the stunning Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, where 200+ varieties of flowers and herbs bloom across scenic hilltop gardens. Enjoy seasonal displays, breathtaking city views, and a relaxing break with fragrant herbal tea. A perfect escape for travelers seeking beauty, nature, and unforgettable photos.

This tour provides a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Mount Rokko and participate in various attractions. First, visit the Music Box Museum, where you can listen to enchanting melodies and learn about the history of music boxes. Next, relax at the Rokko Garden Terrace, surrounded by seasonal flowers and greenery, while enjoying breathtaking views of Kobe city and the sea. Experience an exhilarating ride on the Rokko Cable Car and the Arima Rokko Ropeway, offering stunning aerial views of the landscape. Finally, unwind at Arima Onsen, soaking in the luxurious golden hot spring, perfect for relieving fatigue and rejuvenating your body and mind. This tour combines nature, culture, and relaxation for a memorable day for all participants.

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.

When you visit Kansai, be sure to come to Awaji Island and enjoy stand-up paddleboarding! All equipment is free, and you can easily participate with just swimwear and a change of clothes. It's easily accessible from Osaka and Kobe by highway bus (120 minutes and 60 minutes + a 5-minute taxi ride). Once you arrive at the center, change into your swimsuit, and then walk to the beach with your instructor and high-quality board. After a safety briefing and a discussion about sea conditions, you'll jump into the water with your board! After the lesson, return to the center to check out your photos and videos taken by our photographer, or purchase souvenirs for yourself or your friends. We'll provide you with a digital copy of your photos and videos for free. You'll also be happy with our free changing rooms and hot showers.

Step into Japan's timeless countryside—just a short ride from Kobe. Yamada Village, in the northern Rokko foothills, has a farming history dating back to the Yayoi period. Once a major rice supplier to Kobe, its terraced fields and thatched-roof houses still reflect a lifestyle rooted in nature and Shinto beliefs. This tour explores three cultural gems: make rice balls at the 100-year-old Satoyama Experience House (Kerekele), visit the Shimotaniue Kabuki Stage at Amatsuhikone Shrine, and walk through the peaceful Rokujo Hachimangu Shrine, where Shinto and Buddhism coexist. The tour begins in Sannomiya with your guide. Pickup from Osaka is also available upon request. *In Japanese, "URA" means the "back" or "hidden part," which is the opposite of "OMOTE", meaning the front. It's like something quietly sitting just behind or right next to a place. So, "URA*KOBE" is about a village that's like a special, untouched treasure, quietly found on the "URA" side of the modern big city of Kobe.

Explore the natural beauty of Kobe on this 3-hour guided tour. Visit the stunning Nunobiki Waterfalls, where you can enjoy the serene environment and lush greenery. Ascend to the Miharashi Observation Deck for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and harbor. Then, take a scenic ropeway ride to the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, where over 200 varieties of herbs and seasonal flowers await your discovery. With a local guide, gain insights into the area's rich culture and unique flora, all just minutes from downtown Kobe. - 3-Hour guided walking tour starting from JR Shin-Kobe Station - Visit the tranquil Nunobiki Waterfalls and Miharashi Observation Deck - Scenic ropeway ride to the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden included - Explore themed gardens filled with diverse herbs and flowers

This tour is an adventurous journey where you kayak across the tranquil waters of the Seto Inland Sea to an uninhabited island, fully immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the region. With only one group per day, this private tour ensures a relaxed experience without the need to worry about other guests. The tour is accompanied by kayaking experts and multilingual guides, and transportation from Himeji Station to the activity location is provided in our comfortable minivan.

An overlooked gem awaits just outside the bustling cities of Kyoto and Osaka. The Fukuchiyama Line Abandoned Railway offers a unique hiking experience where nature has gracefully reclaimed the path of a former railway. Walk at a leisurely pace along the original track bed, passing through unlit tunnels that whisper tales of the past and crossing iron bridges over a stunning river gorge. As you explore, breathtaking views of the Mukogawa River unfold, surrounded by lush landscapes and remnants of history. This immersive journey leads you to the serene hot-spring village of Takeda, making for a remarkable adventure into Japan’s hidden heritage.

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. The tour ends with a drink at the Asago Cycling Station.

"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.

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! Explore Totoro's world "Momoshima" and the beautiful rice fields of "Nakanoshima" that appear when you pass through the back alleys of Kinosaki!

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!

・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).

・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.