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

  • 8:30 Meet @ Port Terminal
  • 9:20 Nunobiki Falls → Miharashi Observation Deck
  • 10:20 Ikuta Shrine
  • 11:30 Sorakuen Garden
  • 12:40 Nankinmachi
  • 13:00 Disband @ Nankinmachi
  • 13:00

What Can You See on a Private Walking Tour of Kobe from the Cruise Terminal? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were cruise ship passengers visiting from North America. They were both very friendly and asked many questions throughout the tour, which made for lively conversation. As requested, I guided them to four locations, and since the distances between each place were short, we were able to walk slowly and enjoy each stop. Although Nunobiki Falls is only 15 minutes from the station, the path is a mountain trail with many steps, so I guided them carefully with safety in mind. Thanks to the heavy rain a few days earlier, the water volume was abundant, and they were delighted by the powerful sight of the falls, so I took them a little further to the observation deck. At Ikuta Shrine, they visited Owatatsumi Shrine for safe voyages and the Inari Shrine for business prosperity, and they also drew omikuji fortunes. They were able to see a first-visit blessing ceremony as well. At Sorakuen Garden, it happened to be a special opening period for the former Hassam Residence, so they were able to enter the interior of the building. They also enjoyed the sago palm garden and the Japanese garden. At the rest area, they had kashiwamochi. It was apparently their first time trying Japanese sweets, but they seemed to enjoy them. I had intended to accompany them to the port terminal before parting ways, but once we reached Nankinmachi, they said they could look around on their own and return by the free shuttle bus, so we parted there. (They seemed to have returned to the ship early.)

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainPort Terminal~Sannomiya (Kobe New Transit)210JPY
Section 2TrainSannomiya (Kobe Municipal)~Shin-Kobe210JPY
Section 3TrainShin-Kobe~Sannomiya (Kobe Municipal)210JPY
Section 4TrainSannomiya (Kobe Municipal)~Kenchomae (Hyogo Prefecture)210JPY
Total840JPY

Hello! I’m Miyuki Konishi. It’s my great pleasure to guide visitors from other countries and welcome you to Japan. I would be happy if you make great memories in Japan with my support. Precious memories become our life treasures. So, I’d love to help you make them.
I love Japanese culture, history, customs and so on. I know a lot about Kyoto and Nara. Additionally, I have a certificate as an English speaking guide for Himeji Castle and as a kimono instructor.
I’ll do my best to make your trip wonderful. Let’s enjoy exploring Japan together!

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