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What you’ll do

Take the train to Kyoto with your local host, and discover another side of Japanese culture in its 8th-century capital. From discovering the centuries-old architecture of Kyoto Imperial Palace to catching a glimpse of a mesmerizing geisha along the cobbled streets of Gion, you’ll experience what makes Kyoto unique. You could explore the Fushimi sake district and sample fresh sake at a historic brewery, taste authentic wagashi (sweets) at Nishiki Market or experience a traditional tea ceremony. Visit the Fushimi Inari shrine and marvel at its famous, flame-colored tunnel or let your host reveal a hidden temple to you - whatever you choose to do, you’ll discover more than just the Kyoto that’s in guidebooks.

  • Private experience, tailored to you

  • 8 hours

  • Matched to your ideal host

  • Walking tour (may use public transport)

  • Hosted in English (On request: Arabic, French, Hindi, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish)

  • KOBE PORT TERMINAL - The host will be waiting in the arrival lobby.

Experience outline

  • With your local host leading the way and taking care of transport, travel to Sannomiya station from Kobe Port via a taxi, and to Kyoto from Sannomiya station (Kobe) on public transport
  • Walking experience once in central Kyoto (if required, your host can suggest public transport, one day Kyoto pass or private taxi options, extra charge of $150 applies for a private taxi)
  • Explore Kyoto and visit its most famous shrines, temples and districts in just one day
  • Discover what makes Kyoto so unique, from its ancient culture to traditional food and drink
  • You could sample sake from a historic brewery in the sake-brewing district or experience a traditional tea ceremony
  • Visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, or explore central Kyoto and its geisha district
  • But more than just the top landmarks, your host will also reveal a few secret spots you can’t find in a guidebook!
  • Don’t worry, we’ll make sure you get back well on time… for your peace of mind….

Things to know

What’s included

  • 100% private and personalized itinerary
  • 8 hours with a host (including travel time) - this can be customized, just get in touch to let us know how long you will be docking for.
  • Return taxi transport from Kobe port to Sannomiya station
  • Walking experience once in the city center (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options, extra charge of $150 applies for a private taxi)

Meeting point

KOBE PORT TERMINAL - The host will be waiting in the arrival lobby.

What’s not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Tickets to any attractions
  • Transportation costs other than the ones included in the experience
  • Return tickets from Sannomiya to Kyoto (Covered by JR pass if you have one)
  • Gratuities (optional)

Cancellation

  • Cancel 14 days before the experience for a full refund
  • Worry-free cancellation terms: book with peace of mind knowing that you can cancel for free up to a day before the experience and receive a full refund.

Photos taken by our hosts and guests

Travelers having fun right now!

Travelers having fun right now!

Reviews

    Great day out. Very different from a ship excursion, only the 3 of us and Ryan the guide. Saw much more, travelled and ate with the locals and no waiting for everyone to catch up. Great experience and a great guide.

    April 2024

    Andrew D

    A bit of a new experience. Travelling on local trains and trying the food and drink with the locals. Saw all the sights we needed too and had a good time.

    April 2024

    Andrew D

    The sites were great and our tour guide was well informed, communicated with us well and was very interactive with us. Marwan was a great guide!

    April 2024

    Camille J

    He knew a lot about the sites we saw. He was fluent in english and was just a great tour guide.

    April 2024

    Camille J

See more reviews

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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