Cherry blossom season in Kobe
Cherry blossom season in Kobe
Cherry blossom season in Kobe
Cherry blossom season in Kobe
Cherry blossom season in Kobe

What you'll do

Nestled between sparkling sea and magnificent mountains, Kobe is already considered to be one of Japan’s most beautiful cities, but during sakura season it becomes something from a fairytale. With a local insider leading you down the prettiest sakura-lined paths, you’ll celebrate this special time of year exactly as the locals do. You’ll see some of Kobe’s top cherry blossom viewing locations (and squeeze in some sightseeing along the way) as you walk down tree-lined central streets to parks bursting with newly-bloomed cherry blossom trees. In Kobe’s Chinatown, you could shop for tasty street food like steamed buns and gyoza dumplings for your very own celebratory hanami picnic – one of the beautiful traditions that define this blissful time of year.

Where you’ll go

You could stay in and around the city center, where top sakura season spots like Hanakuma Park, the riverside Ikutagawa Park, and Ōji Zoo are each just a mile apart (the zoo and its surrounding area have over 700 trees that become especially magical when illuminated at night.) Or, you could hop on a train west to some incredible cherry blossom-viewing locations further afield – late bloomer Sumaura Park is just eight miles away, giving you stunning views of Kobe in the distance under the boughs of over 3000 mountainside cherry blossom trees. A further seven miles west in Akashi Park, one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom spots, you could take a boat out on the crystal clear central lake surrounded by sakura trees for an experience you won’t soon forget.

  • Private & 100% personalized tour

  • 4 hours

  • Matched to your ideal host

  • Walking Tour

  • Hosted in English (On request: Danish, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin)

  • Meet at your accommodation or a central location

Experience outline

  • Celebrate cherry blossom season in Kobe with a local host to guide you to the best locations
  • Shop for snacks at Kobe’s Chinatown and enjoy your very own hanami picnic
  • Walk down cherry blossom-lined roads, and maybe take a boat out on the petal-blanketed lake in Akashi Park
  • See some of the top central viewing spots, or head further afield to those off the beaten tracks
  • Have your local host on hand to give you plenty of tips and recommendations for the rest of your trip

Things to know

What’s included

  • A private and personalized experience
  • 4 hours with a host
  • Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)
  • A traditional Japanese picnic - one traditional Bento box, a shared sushi platter, traditional Japanese sweets and a couple of canned beers or soft drinks.
  • Local knowledge, insights and advice
  • Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)

What’s not included

  • Food and drinks, other than the ones included above
  • Tickets to any attractions
  • Transportation costs
  • Gratuities (optional)

Cancellation

  • Cancel 14 days before the experience for a full refund
  • COVID-19 Flexible Policy: you can cancel for free up to a day before the experience and receive a full refund.

Photos taken by our hosts and guests

City Unscripted guests photos

Meet our local hosts in Kobe. One of them will tailor this experience to your wishes!

We’ll expertly match you to your best suited host based on your interests, personality and the experience vibe you’re after.

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