This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 12:00 Kobe Port Terminal
- 12:30-13:00 Ikuta Shrine
- 13:15-14:00 Lunch (conveyor belt sushi)
- 14:30-15:15 Nunobiki Herb Garden
- 15:45-16:15 Port Tower
- 16:30 Nankinmachi
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Kobe Port Terminal at 12:00, Ikuta Shrine at 12:30, Nunobiki Herb Garden at 14:30, Port Tower at 15:45 and Nankinmachi at 16:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Port Terminal to Sannomiya by train (210JPY); Sannomiya (Kobe New Transit) to Shin-Kobe by subway (210JPY); Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden・Ropeway／Shinki Bus to Port Tower-mae／Shinki Bus by bus (300JPY); Port Tower-mae／Shinki Bus to Nankinmachi South Exit／Shinki Bus by bus (600JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 1,320JPY per person.
What Is a Private Day Tour of Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ikuta Shrine, Nunobiki Herb Gardens, and Port Tower
We started about 30 minutes earlier than planned. At Ikuta Shrine, there were many Shichi-Go-San visitors taking photographs. Since the guests were hungry, I took them to a nearby sushi restaurant, which they were happy about. After playing a small game and chatting about sushi, we went to Nunobiki Herb Gardens, where there were many people and we had to wait in line for a while. At the top, the guests enjoyed ice cream and beer, and then we moved to the Port Tower, where one of the guests preferred not to go up as they did not like high places, so the rest of the group went up while that person waited below.
The Nunobiki Herb Gardens ropeway is normally 2,000 yen, but it was 2,800 yen this time, and when I asked, they said it was the Christmas rate. At Nankinmachi, I showed them where to catch the shuttle bus, and the tour came to an end. It took quite a long time, but it seemed that everyone enjoyed it.
Click here for more details: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Port Terminal～Sannomiya | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Sannomiya (Kobe New Transit)～Shin-Kobe | 210JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden・Ropeway／Shinki Bus～Port Tower-mae／Shinki Bus | 300JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Port Tower-mae／Shinki Bus～Nankinmachi South Exit／Shinki Bus | 600JPY |
| Total | 1,320JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Kobe Port Terminal, Ikuta Shrine, Nunobiki Herb Garden, Port Tower and Nankinmachi.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,320JPY per person across 4 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Harumi is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Hyogo itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.
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