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Arima Onsen
Sorakuen Kobe
Kobe Cable Car
Sake Tasting
Kobe Port Tower
Arima Onsen
Kobe

Kobe's Hidden Gems: A Private Car Journey Through Mountains, Gardens, and Hot Springs

English
8 hours
Embark on a private vehicle tour from Osaka to explore the serene beauty of Kobe, featuring visits to the historic Arima Onsen, majestic Mt. Rokko, and stunning gardens. This customizable journey offers relaxation, cultural immersion, and scenic views, with convenient pickups from central Osaka or Kobe included.

Transport by private vehicle
Private driver/guide
What's not included
Entrance fees (1,000 to around 1,800 yen per person total, depending on your choices)
Mountain cable car ride (590 yen for adults, 300 yen for children under 12)
Lunch

Tour Highlights

  • Enjoy a historic ride up the mountain for breathtaking views from Osaka to downtown Kobe, with a chance to see expansive landscapes or clouds.

  • Visit Japan's famous natural hot springs, surrounded by a quaint town. Explore the "Golden Spring" and "Silver Spring" for rejuvenating properties, enjoy shopping, and try a hot spring foot bath.

  • Savour sake manju, a Japanese sweet dumpling showcasing the region's culinary delights.

  • Choose between the expansive Kobe Botanical Garden and the classic Japanese-designed Sorakuen, each offering unique botanical and aesthetic experiences.

  • Experience high-end shopping, Kobe Steak dining, a walk through Chinatown, and a visit to the 1995 earthquake memorial.

  • Visit Hakutsuru's restored sake production house for an educational tour and sake tasting, exploring Kobe's rich history as a sake-producing area.

Essentials to Know Before Booking

  • Historic Landmarks

  • Professional Guide

  • Fully Narrated Tour

  • Easy Access

  • Wear practical, comfortable shoes; walking is involved, especially at the Botanical Garden

  • Bring two towels for the hot springs; the option to buy/rent is available

  • Dress appropriately; cooler temperatures and potential snow at higher elevations

  • Flexible itinerary; can adjust based on interests and external factors

Pickup from one of these locations where our vehicle will collect you:
2 Chome-1-31 Dojimahama, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0004, Japan
Harbor Highway

  • Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.

Reviews

Kobe's Hidden Gems: A Private Car Journey Through Mountains, Gardens, and Hot Springs

Itinerary

Enjoy complimentary pickup from any location in central Osaka or Kobe! A small fee applies for those at USJ or the Osaka port, while pickups at Kobe port are also free of charge.

Kobe Port
2

Arima Onsen Station, Arimacho, Kita Ward, Kobe, Hyogo

Start your day with a journey on the historic Rokko Cable Car, ascending to 493 meters for breathtaking panoramic views of Osaka, the bay, and Kobe.

Kobe Cable Car
3

1364-1 Arimacho, Kita Ward, Kobe, Hyogo

Enjoy a flexible visit to Arima Onsen, soaking in its famed healing waters and exploring the charming town, with options for a full bath or a foot soak.

Arima Onsen
4

1 Chome-4-3 Kitano-cho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo

Explore the vast Kobe Botanical Gardens for a nature immersion or experience traditional Japanese beauty at Sorakuen Gardens, each offering a unique escape.

Sorakuen Kobe
5

1 Chome-5-2 Wakinohamakaigandori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo

Explore Chinatown, go shopping, and visit the 1995 Hanshin Earthquake Memorial.

Kobe Port Tower
6

4 Chome-5-5 Sumiyoshi Minamimachi, Higashinada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo

Discover the art of sake production at Hakutsuru, featuring a 1920s brewhouse re-creation, modern displays, and complimentary tastings within a 30-45 minute visit.

Sake Tasting

Drop off at your location of choice.

Kobe Port

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, this tour is suitable for all ages. An adult must accompany children.

Yes, admissions and cable car fees are not included in the tour price. These fees can range from approximately 1,000 yen per person for cable car and garden stops to 700 yen per person for hot springs admission (optional).

This tour is flexible and can be adjusted based on your interests and external factors. Please inform your guide before the tour starts if you have any specific requests.

Yes, complimentary pickup is provided. However, a small pickup fee may be at USJ or the Osaka port. Pickups at Kobe Port are free of charge. Please provide your pickup location when booking.

No, lunch and other food and drinks are not included in the tour price. However, your guide can recommend and assist with lunch arrangements at a location of your choice. Additionally, please note that admission to the hot springs is optional and not included in the tour price.

Some facilities may allow you to bring your towels, but it is recommended to check with your guide beforehand. Towels can also be rented or purchased at the hot springs.

There is no specific dress code, but dressing comfortably and appropriately for walking and potentially cooler temperatures is recommended.

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  4. Kobe's Hidden Gems: A Private Car Journey Through Mountains, Gardens, and Hot Springs
(9)
9 reviews
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1/1
Wonderful!
The trip was relaxing and filled with wonderful views and new and delightful experiences. Our host was excellent company. We really enjoyed ourselves!!
Tanya C
February 12, 2025
Tour guide makes the trip.
Amazing tour guide Kevin. Knowledgable. Funny. Great translator. Very safe driver. It felt like we got a super fun history lesson of the country. Would def recommend and do it again. Ask for kevin when you sign up.
Kevin H
April 24, 2025
Tanya C
February 12, 2025
Wonderful!
The trip was relaxing and filled with wonderful views and new and delightful experiences. Our host was excellent company. We really enjoyed ourselves!!
Kevin H
April 24, 2025
Tour guide makes the trip.
Amazing tour guide Kevin. Knowledgable. Funny. Great translator. Very safe driver. It felt like we got a super fun history lesson of the country. Would def recommend and do it again. Ask for kevin when you sign up.
March 2026
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