Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Hiro

What Is a Private Kobe Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nunobiki Herb Garden and Kobe Beef

We met about 10 minutes after the scheduled time of 12:30 near the entrance on the 3rd floor of the Port Terminal building. The designated meeting point had been the Hotel, but the guests apparently thought it meant the cruise ship port terminal, so we decided to meet at the entrance on the 3rd floor of the Port Terminal. We took the Port Liner to Sannomiya, then boarded the City Loop bus and viewed the foreign residences area from the bus window on the way to Nunobiki Herb Garden. As it was Saturday, the ropeway was crowded, and although I asked to ride three at a time since some were larger, we were packed in six to a car. Still, the guests seemed to enjoy seeing the Nunobiki Falls and taking photos and videos. They explored the garden and shops at the summit, enjoyed each of the herb gardens along the path down to the middle station, and had fun taking photos, including with some people dressed in fairy cosplay. At the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, the guests said they rarely drink sake normally, and I think they looked at the sake-brewing exhibits with great interest. During the tasting, they said it was easier to drink than expected and even tried the paid tastings, seeming to enjoy it very much. After the tour, since I had heard in advance that they wanted Kobe beef for dinner, I had them confirm the Port Liner ticket gate and guided them to Kobe Steak Land Kobe near Hankyu Sannomiya Station before parting ways. Later I received an email saying the meal at the restaurant was excellent.

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Tour Report by Hiro

I am Hiromi Mizoi, call me Hiro. I mainly have Himeji tours because I live in Himeji. I got my National Guide Certificate in 2017. I started to guide tourists as a volunteer guide in 2004. I had been a volunteer guide for a long time. However, I could not have any tours from April in 2020 to November in 2022 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Now, many tourists have come back to Japan. So, I am very excited. I would like to share not only the beauty of Himeji Castle’s Main Tower Complex but also the tricky defense systems of the entire Castle Grounds, which many visitors do not realize, with you. I was born and grew up very close to the west side of the moats of the Castle. So, I love Himeji Castle. I like other tourists’ favorite sightseeing spots such as Kokoen Garden and Engyoji Temple in Mt. Shosya. As one of Himeji locals, I am greatly happy to share the local people’s favorite spots with you. I look forward to your tours.