Kobe Private Tour Guides

Contact a private tour guide to plan your Kobe itinerary and Book Online.

Popular Kobe Tour Guides

Hideo Y.

4.57 / 5
(165 reviews)
Japan

Hello, I'm HIDEo YOSHIda. Please call me HIDEYOSHI, the same name as the famous shogun who built the Osaka Castle in 1585. I was born in Kobe and worked in Osaka for nearly 40 years. I would like to introduce the Kansai region to you ,including Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Wakayama. Kobe is one of the two largest ports in Japan, along with Yokohama. After the opening of the Port of Kobe in 1868, foreigners built their residences on the hillside of the Kitano-cho area, overlooking the ocean. Many of the foreign residences are now open to the public as museums, including the Weathercock House, with it's symbol weathercock on the triangle-shaped roof. In Meriken Park, the red Port Tower (the city's landmark), creates a beautiful contrast against the white Kobe Marine Museum. The museum's design was inspired by the waves and sailing ships. When you have a chance to visit Osaka, please join my tour. I'm sure you'll enjoy the interesting and historical, scenic spots. For example, Shin-Sekai is a downtown area with a strange mix of nostalgic atmosphere and contemporary energy. You can try local foods (kushikatsu, sushi, tempura) at a reasonable price. Billiken (a famous statue of the spirit of luck) will be waiting for you!!. Dotombori is a popular street with a lot of flashy signboards. Osaka is widely known as a "Kuidaore-no-machi", or literally "drinking and eating luxuriously to death." Osaka Castle was built by Toyotomi HIDEYOSHI in 1585. Oh, it's my residence, isn't it ! These days "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" area in USJ, or Universal Studios Japan, is also attracting more and more people. I'll be looking forward to seeing you !!

Yoshihisa T.

4.97 / 5
(208 reviews)
Japan

Hi. My name is Yoshihisa. Call me "Yoshie", please. It means good or O.K. in Japanese. I live in Joyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, located just in between Kyoto and Nara. I was born and raised in Iga, Mie Prefecture. Iga is a birthplace of ninja and a renowned haiku poet, Matsuo Basho. I might be a descendant of ninja. I aim at becoming a linguistic ninja, following a part of Basho's lifestyle with the incorporation of seasonal changes into my tours. In addition to visiting famous temples and shrines, I invite you to lesser-known places of historic interest. Once in a month I go hiking or mountain climbing with some friends mainly in mountains surrounding Kyoto and Nara basins. Recently I have got intrigued by the charms of Buddhist statues, which are manifestations of people's wishes and prayers. I also like izakaya (Japanese-style taverns) hopping, tasting delicious dishes and locally brewed sake at reasonable prices. Especially I like communicating with people from home and abroad, talking face to face. Some of the above-mentioned elements are included in my walking tours. I hope you will discover new aspects of cultural and natural beauty in Kansai area through one of my tours which you could never gain otherwise. One of my favorite phrases that come from Zen Buddhism is Ichigo Ichie or this meeting-but only once in a lifetime. My interpretation goes this way: This place and this moment never cross again. Each and every good encounter, however, lingers on like the sound of a temple bell. Won't you explore a deeper world of Japanese culture in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka with me?

Kazuhiko G.

4.75 / 5
(169 reviews)
Japan

Hello, I’m Kazuhiko. Please call me “Kazu”. I'm a national-licensed tour guide. I have a wife and 4 children. I was born in Osaka city near Kyoto, although I have lived in many places across Japan. I used to work for multinational electric company and I traveled to many countries (U.S., Thailand, Hong Kong etc.) on business. I have enjoyed guiding many foreign tourists in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Tokyo, Mt. Fuji etc. for many years. During your tour, you can discover a rich Japanese history spanning about 2,000 years, learn about and experience profound Japanese arts (tea ceremony, flower arrangement etc.), feel the spiritual atmosphere of Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines, see a breathtakingly beautiful scenery of Mt. Fuji, bamboo forest, Japanese gardens etc.. Moreover, you can taste Japanese cuisine that each season has to offer (Sushi, Tempura, Soba or ramen noodle etc.). You can get close to nature and feed wild deer or monkeys or even a build snowman in winter. I’m sure that I can provide a splendid tour of Japan that will be a lasting memory for you to treasure. Experience the mysteries of Japan with 5 senses !! Your memorable tour awaits you. Please feel free to contact me!!

Kaori K.

4.95 / 5
(147 reviews)
Japan

Hello! My name is Kaori. When I was young I was interested in tourism. I was studying and working as tour conductor around Kanto area in Japan. I lived abroad from my early 20s to mid 30s. Australia, Taiwan, Central America, Great Britain, Spain and Italy. Now I came back and live in Osaka where I was born. The reason why I applied for the tour guide is because I was pleased when I guided my foreign friends around Japan. Me personally love traveling a lot. Especially trekking in the mountains and MTB trip by myself! I’ve done El Camino De Santiago in Spain 4times! Camino francés, Vía de la plata, Camino Norte, Camino de Madrid, Camino de San Salvador, Camino primitivo. I’ve done Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, too. I’ve travelled around Morocco, Greece and Italy by MTB :) I love adventure! I love to look up sightseeing informations and listen to the story of travelers! In japan I also lived in several different prefectures such as Osaka, Nara, Wakayama, Tokyo, Kanagawa. I might be able to guide you not only popular touristic sites but also to local hidden sights! Please focus things what you like and want!! I promise to do my best to organize a tour that is consistent with your interests! Thank you for paying attention for my self-introduction. I’m looking forward to see you soon. LOVE Kaori

Seiko T.

4.98 / 5
(89 reviews)
Japan

Hello! I am Seiko, National Licensed Guide since 2007. I was born and raised in Kurashiki (Okayama pref.), spent my college days in Kyoto, lived in Osaka for more than 15 years and recently moved to a city near Nagano (guiding in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara etc during peak season). I studied in Wisconsin, USA and worked as a translator/interpreter, market researcher, and executive assistant for global companies for many years where I enjoyed spending a precious time with people from different backgrounds and cultures and broaden my world and horizons. I myself am a traveler for life, been to more than 30 countries and all the prefectures in Japan, and always excited to help my clients with their planning. I am also a hiker, kayaker, scuba diver, and snowboarder enjoying myself mostly outdoors in every season. Besides city tours in Osaka and Kyoto, my tours can stretch to introducing local food and drinks, sake/beer brewery visit, visiting less-touristy areas, excursions to enjoy the nature such as walking/hiking tours, baseball games, tours for kids, onsen day-out, and more! Let's have a fun time and unique experience with me! Important Notes before booking: 1. Please check availability with me, even for open dates, before booking! 2. Transportation fee, entrance fee, and lunch/dinner for you and guide during the tour are NOT INCLUDED in the guide fee and to be paid at each site. Please bring enough cash to separately pay them during the tour. (Licensed guides get free admission at temples/shrines/castles and most tourist attractions, except for some facilities like aquarium, zoo, amusement parks, etc.) 3. Please let me know IN ADVANCE if anyone in your group has any physical challenge and/or food allergies. Thank you!

Makoto Y.

4.95 / 5
(101 reviews)
Japan

Hello, I’m Makoto (Mac) and I'm a national-licensed tour guide. My previous career as an automotive engineer, gave me the opportunity to learn English and to live in the US, Germany, and England. After I retired, I learned more about the Japanese history especially focusing on Nara and Kyoto to become a historical specialist of the Nara area. I now live in Ikaruga town in Nara prefecture, where the UNESCO World Heritage, Horyuji temple is located. I regularly offer guides on the Fujinoki tumulus, which is located near the Horyuji temple. It contains very interesting Archaeological findings from the end of the Kofun Period. Recently, there are many foreign tourists who come to Japan, and I hope they enjoy learning about the culture and history of Japan. I would like to help tourists have a broader and deeper understanding of the Japanese culture and that is the reason why I decided to become a tour guide to help and support their experience in Japan. Nara is the place where Japan started. The capital was located in Asuka, Fujiwara and Nara before it moved to Kyoto. Therefore, there are many places to visit in Nara to trace the original history of Japan, which I have a depth of knowledge. Let’s explore the roots of Japan together!!

Kenji M.

4.71 / 5
(82 reviews)
Japan

Hi I'm Kenji I have a government license of tour guide interpreter in English. I was born and raised in Kyoto, an old capital of Japan over one thousand years So I'm very familiar with many sightseeing spots and attractions of the city Kyoto is a fascinating and picturesque city drawing lots of foreign tourists every year I can show you around not only popular historical sites and relics but also its various attractions such us Zen silent meditation, traditional sweets cooking, kimono-clad walking and so on. I can also provide tailored tours fitting to your liking. I like a famous Zen phrase "Ichigo Ichie" meaning "Treasure every encounter for it will never recur" So I always try to enjoy guiding every tourist with my best hospitality. Zen concepts have greatly influenced many aspects of Japanese culture I will explain some of them and allow you to explore Zen world through some of my tours Please contact me any time. I'm looking forward to seeing you and spending wonderful time with you. See you soon !

Toichi N.

4.98 / 5
(56 reviews)
Japan

I'm Toichi. Please call me Ichi, which means No.1 in Japanese. Or you can remember it as 'itchy' Ichi. Born and bred in Osaka, I would like to introduce you to this extremely diverse and interesting city. I have travelled extensively around the globe, and I think one of the greatest pleasure of travelling abroad is meeting people who have different ways of lifestyle and thinking. Japan may not be an easy place for tourists to get to know its people. So, I hope to help you to get closer to meet real Japan and Japanese people. I would like to show you how ordinary Japanese people live and think. And I am happy if you could have a day of unique cultural experiences which you can look back to in ten years' time!

Reviews

S

Sujith somraaj S.

5 / 5
Aug 24, 2024

Perfect day trip exploring hidden gems of Asakusa and Ueno

Yoshie is amazing ! She guided me throughout the trip and helped me explore some local Japanese places that took me apart !! Def recommend her to anyone who’s planning to walk and explore Japan from its heart and culture. You’ll visit places that aren’t touristy and will blend into the culture of Japan. The craft beer shop she took me to will be closest to my heart for a very long time.

C

Charles C.

5 / 5
Aug 24, 2024

Fukushima Coastal Tour

I spent an amazing day with Go. He picked me up at my hotel and was on time. He took me to some awesome spots that I really enjoyed. It was one of my favourite parts of my trip as I got to see a side of Japan that you don’t see in the major cities. Go had the itinerary all laid out and I never felt rushed exploring the whole day. I went solo with him and his English is excellent.

Go E.

Charles-san, I'm really glad you enjoyed the tour. I’ve learned a lot from you through the tour. I will continue to strive for a better tour. I look forward to seeing you again in the future. Thank you very much. Go

Frederik K.

5 / 5
Aug 23, 2024

Excellent guide for family!

Mimi is a wonderful guide that cares for everyone in the group. She picked a great restaurant that had typical Japanese dishes but also tasty vegetarian offers for our daughter. She made a great itinerary for our visit in Shibuya with lots of memorable photo spots, excellent shopping and even helped out with the store managers to find the right sizes. With her history in the travel industry and her flawless English it is no wonder she is the best guide you can hope for to navigate this huge city with its vast metro system. We hope we will see her again and highly recommend her to anyone looking for an easy start to their Tokyo adventure!

Mimi T.

Thank you so much for your kind message. I had a lot of fun spending time with such a wonderful family as you. I was also honored that you chose me to be your guide for your long-awaited trip to Japan. I believe that one day I will definitely meet your family at the real Oktoberfest:) Your trip to Japan has only just begun, so please be safe and enjoy it until the end! Kind regards, Mimi

Peter G.

5 / 5
Aug 23, 2024

Fantastic experience - culture, history,food,sights

It was a pleasure to spend the day with Carol as our guide. Great advice and suggestions in helping my daughter and I decide what to see during our tour, while being happy to change things on the day if we wanted to. We managed to see everything we had planned including specialist shops which Carol had researched and found. It was great to get Carol's insight into the places we visited but also Japan in general, and this made the day so much more special. Thank you, I am sure this will be the standout highlight of our vacation. Peter and Katie.

Carol N.

Thank you Peter for the great review! And very good shots of the sights! It was definitely my pleasure to share my knowledge about Tokyo and get to show the beautiful sights and more … to you and your daughter. Have a wonderful and fruitful trip ahead! Best wishes, Carol.

The best tours and activities

With a real local of your choice

The option to personalize your tour

Just contact your favorite local

Only private tours!

So no group tours with strangers

Local Tour Guides in Kobe

Our local guides are ready to help you plan, customize and realize your ideal tour in Kobe. All GoWithGuide guides are real locals who know the area on a deep and personal level, and they can’t wait to share their knowledge with you. When traveling, everyone wants to get the most bang out of their buck. How to do that? Ask the right person to be your tour guide, of course! As opposed to fixed itineraries that are too formal and geared towards large groups, arranging a trip with the help of a local guide will mean the trip will be about what YOU want to see and do. Go ahead and send a message to one (or several!) of our local guides. They would love to show you their Kobe!