Seasonal Highlights • 4 hours 5.0
(6)

Cherry blossom season in Kobe

Discover the enchantment of the sakura season through "hanami" festivities with a local host who knows all the insider secrets.

If you only have one day to spend in Kobe, consider buying  a pass for the City Loop bus that hits all of the major tourist sites

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • 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

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

4 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

A traditional Japanese picnic - one traditional Bento box, a shared sushi platter, traditional Japanese sweets and a couple of canned beers or soft dr
A traditional Japanese picnic - one traditional Bento box, a shared sushi platter, traditional Japanese sweets and a couple of canned beers or soft dr
A private and personalized walking experience
4 hours with a host
Local knowledge, insights and advice
Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or taxi options)

What’s not included

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

Meeting point

Lawson Kobe Wakana st. 5-chome - The host will be waiting in front of the convenience store

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

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.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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What travelers think of this experience

Gregory May 2025

Michelle was wonderful! I didn't know what to expect with the trip to Kobe as we didn't know much about it compared to the other cities. It was nice to walk with someone who lived in Kobe their entire life, along with time in the US which certainly helped us connect. Got a real feel of the life here. What a wonderful place. Nice living in the mountains and on the water at the same time. Truly beautiful.

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Diane May 2025

Silver did an amazing job of showing us the perfect day, even though it started out with a horrible rain storm. Our favorite part of the day was the herb gardens which by the time we got there the rain had stopped. We had a wonderful leisurely experience there with no crowds. We had a great lunch at his favorite local restaurant and he made my sister very happy by finding her a family store that specialized in homemade rice crackers. Her suitcase home was filled with them.

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Barbara May 2025

Our tour guide, Max, made this tour an unforgettable one. We learned a lot about Japan, its people, the food, and the city of Kobe from him. We look forward to coming back soon!

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Margaretha May 2025

Kobe is not a bustling city when compared to others in the area like Osaka and Kyoto. Having a host that explores Kobe with you is really special. Lovely to go to the herb gardens to see the city from the top, go onto the longest suspension bridge in the world, eat magnificent local sushi, see the earthquake memorial site and even play pachinko! A wonderful day out.

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Barbara May 2025

Max was an excellent guide. The places he took us to and the food he chose and had us try (and the beer!) were all very delicious. We felt more like locals and learned a lot in this specific tour out of all the ones we participated in. If you want to know more about Kobe and even other cities in Japan, he’s your guide!

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Margaretha May 2025

It was a delightful day. We started at the herb gardens. Once we sat down to share a drink and talk, it felt like a day out with a friend. By lunchtime, when we popped into a fantastic sushi place and drank local saki, it definitely felt like it. And our guide assisted with making a dinner booking at a Kobe beef restaurant. The day was just perfect, ending with him showing us how to play pachinko. Fun, insightful and all round a great experience.

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