Kobe Trip Overview
Kobe is one of Japan’s most fashionable areas and known for having an unusual mix of cultures. This walking tour will take you to some of the must-visit places in Kobe alongside a private guide who will help you to better understand Kobe’s cultural background.
Kobe’s diverse culture is rooted in its history as a cosmopolitan city that has always adopted and developed new things. Kobe has prospered since the Middle Ages as a key point for domestic shipping, but its role as a residential area was limited and, consequently, there was no indigenous culture to speak of. The opening of the country to the outside world in 1853 led to the establishment of foreign settlements and the influx of Western culture. It absorbed and mixed the foreign cultures that came in with the opening of the country, and nurtured its own unique culture. Today, the city thrives as one of the leading international cities in Japan, thanks to its abundant flow of international cultural exchange.
Additional Info
Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Starts: Kobe, Japan
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Kobe Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
Kobe is one of Japan’s most fashionable areas and known for having an unusual mix of cultures. This walking tour will take you to some of the must-visit places in Kobe alongside a private guide who will help you to better understand Kobe’s cultural background.
Kobe’s diverse culture is rooted in its history as a cosmopolitan city that has always adopted and developed new things. Kobe has prospered since the Middle Ages as a key point for domestic shipping, but its role as a residential area was limited and, consequently, there was no indigenous culture to speak of. The opening of the country to the outside world in 1853 led to the establishment of foreign settlements and the influx of Western culture. It absorbed and mixed the foreign cultures that came in with the opening of the country, and nurtured its own unique culture. Today, the city thrives as one of the leading international cities in Japan, thanks to its abundant flow of international cultural exchange.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Ikuta Shrine, 1-chōme-2-1 Shimoyamatedōri, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0011, Japan
Ikuta Shrine: This is a magnificent shrine in the city that is visited by everyone who comes to Kobe. It is also the origin of Kobe’s name, and is dedicated to the god of marriage, with hundreds of couples getting married here every year. Be sure to try the water fortune-telling service, which can tell your fortune about your relationships.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Moegi no Yakata, 3-10-11 Kitanocho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe 650-0002 Hyogo Prefecture
Moegi no Yakata: Let’s take a stroll through Kitano-cho, an area of beautiful Western-style buildings where foreigners lived when the port of Kobe was opened in the 19th century. In particular, the “Moegi no Yakata” is a colonial-style building with distinctive yellow-green walls and lavish interior decoration. This house is located on a hill, so you can also enjoy the beautiful cityscape of Kobe from the skylight on the second floor.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: The Former Thomas House, 3-chōme-13-3 Kitanochō, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0002, Japan
Weathercock House: The Weathercock House is one of the most iconic buildings in Kobe, along with the Kobe Port Tower and the Kobe Maritime Museum. It was built in the German classical style, and its beautiful brickwork attracts visitors from all over. Inside the museum, there are permanent exhibits that show how people lived in back those days, and is a perfect place to spend a relaxed afternoon.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens, 1-4-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe 650-0002 Hyogo Prefecture
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden: 10 minutes by ropeway to the top of a 400-meter-high mountain, this is one of the largest herb gardens in Japan, with architecture reminiscent of medieval European castles. More than 75,000 plants, of over 200 different kinds of herbs, are planted here, and visitors can enjoy them in every all year round. You can also try dishes made with these herbs, and take a foot bath with herbal waters.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Chinatown (Nankinmachi), Chuo-Ku, Kobe Hyogo Prefecture
Nankinmachi: One of the three major Chinatowns in Japan, along with Yokohama and Nagasaki, Nankinmachi is an area with gorgeous traditional Chinese-style streets. There is a wide variety of Japanese-style Chinese food available, so feel free to enjoy casual Chinese-style dishes. This is also a great place to learn about how Chinese people and culture are integrated into Japanese society today.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Kobe Port Tower, 5-5 Hatoba-Cho,, Chuo-Ku, Kobe 650-0042 Hyogo Prefecture
Port Tower: Widely known as the symbol of the Port of Kobe, this bright red tower offers a 360° view of the city of Kobe, from the port all the way to Mount Rokko. The shape of the tower is inspired by traditional Japanese instruments and the shape of Dutch towers, reflecting Kobe’s deep-rooted spirit of mixing various cultures to create its own unique culture.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Kobe Maritime Museum, 2-2 Hatobacho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe 650-0042 Hyogo Prefecture
Kobe Maritime Museum (Kawasaki World): This museum has a unique appearance, reminiscent of waves and sails of a sailing ship. The museum features a permanent exhibition on the history of the port of Kobe as an international port city, and is an essential place if you want to learn more about Kobe. The technology that has supported Japan’s maritime industry can be seen up close and is a sight to behold. You can also experience riding a variety of vehicles, as well as a real cockpit experience, at the Kawasaki World.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Meriken Park, Hatobacho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe Hyogo Prefecture
Meriken Park: This park was created by reclaiming a former wharf, and offers the true atmosphere of a port town. It is a place where you can relax and enjoy the scenery of the ships passing by, contemplate the old city monuments, or simply take a break at a cafe.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Kobe Bay Cruise, Kamomeria Bus Stop, 7-1 Hatobachō, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0042, Japan
Kobe Bay Cruise (Ocean Prince/Royal Princess): Board a cruise ship and enjoy the views of Kobe Harborland and Port Island from the ship. This 45-minute cruise around the harbour is a romantic experience.
Duration: 50 minutes
