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
- 9:30 Hotel
- 9:50-10:30 Kitano Ijinkan Street
- 11:00-12:00 Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
- 12:30-13:20 Nankinmachi, Motomachi Shopping Street
- 13:40 Harborland
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Kitano Ijinkan Street at 9:50, Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum at 11:00, Nankinmachi, Motomachi Shopping Street at 12:30 and Harborland at 13:40.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kobe-Sannomiya (Hanshin) to Mikage (Hyogo Prefecture, Hanshin Line) by train (200JPY). Across 1 sections the fare came to 200JPY per person.

What Is a Private Kobe Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private tour of Kobe for a group visiting Japan. The guests had visited Japan several times before for conferences and academic meetings, but it was their first time in Kobe. We explored the Ijinkan foreign residences district, including the Moegi House and the Weathercock House. The guests took their time and enjoyed the atmosphere reminiscent of old Europe. Since Kobe is also known as a city of jazz, I introduced some jazz bars. At the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, the guests learned about the sake-making process, and in Nankinmachi Chinatown we enjoyed Chinese-style burgers. At the Motomachi shopping arcade, one of the guests purchased a vintage obi, and we then headed to Harborland to conclude the tour.
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 | Kobe-Sannomiya (Hanshin)~Mikage (Hyogo Prefecture, Hanshin Line) | 200JPY |
| Total | 200JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Kitano Ijinkan Street, Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, Nankinmachi, Motomachi Shopping Street and Harborland.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 200JPY per person across 1 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.
Jul 11, 2026
Rahul_P
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Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour of kyoto. Our guide and driver were amazing. The guide was very knowledgeable and explained everything with great details as we toured around.
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This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is an incredible guide – she personalised our tour according to our interests, we laughed, we learned and she created memories – Thank you (one of the best).
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JenCBear
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Harumi was a fantastic guide – very friendly and very knowledgeable. Even weeks before the tour, her communication was outstanding, asking me what we would be interested in seeing, ages and interests of the members in our party, and laying out a thoughtful and perfect itinerary for our day. Her knowledge made our visit to Himeji Castle way more interesting and engaging than if we had just gone by ourselves. We would definitely book again!
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Amazing guided experience
Harumi is an amazing guide. Knows everything about the sites she takes you to. She is excellent with kids and even brought them oregami and treats. The heat was a bit oppressive and we were so glad we paid for the driver with a large and clean air conditioned van. Harumi, the guide, was a true professional. She devised a very good itinerary and was also flexible when the kids were hungry, etc. Would highly recommend.
