Osaka · KOBE DAY TRIPS FROM OSAKA
Twenty minutes west for beef, a harbour and the ropeway up Mount Rokko. These 7 are compared on whether the wagyu lunch is really included, and on how much of the day goes on Arima Onsen.
Join a small volleyball session in Osaka, Kobe, or Kyoto with English and Japanese instructors. Expect friendly games, shared equipment, and players from Japan and abroad. All levels are welcome, but some sessions move quickly, so bring indoor shoes and be ready to play.
“amazing, friendly and fun to meet everyone that came from around the world”
Leave Osaka at 8:00 a.m. for a long but efficient day covering Himeji Castle, Kobe’s Nankin-machi, and Nara Park. An English and Spanish-speaking guide handles the transport and timing. You get castle admission, free time in each city, and a return to Osaka after about 11 hours.
“The tour ddn’t feel like a “tour”. It felt like we were just dropped off at the places we wanted to see. How I wish the guides could tell us more about the history of these places. Telling the background of the places and what made it significant makes the tour interesting.”
Join English and Japanese-speaking hosts, including Shuu-san or Mark, for friendly doubles pickleball at a gym in Osaka. All skill levels are welcome. Balls, showers, and lockers are provided, while paddles can be rented and indoor shoes are required.
“We had so much fun playing pickleball with the Osaka locals in Japan. We were visiting from Hawaii and I wish I could have planned more play time. Everyone was super friendly and they keep score in English!”
Meet a national licensed guide such as Kaori, Keiko, or Minako at your Osaka or Kobe port or hotel. Over about eight hours, visit Kinkakuji, Sanjusangendo, Gion, Tatsumi Daimyojin, and Fushimi Inari, with lunch included. Choose public transit or add a private van for easier travel.
“It was incredible. Our tour guide, Asuka H was the nicest man. He was so knowledgable and attentive. We have never been on a tour where it was just us and the tour guide. My wife and I could not believe all the information he provided. HRead more”
Leave central Osaka in a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide such as Kevin or Levi. Ride a historic Mount Rokko cable car, walk through Kobe Municipal Arboretum, then spend two hours at Arima Onsen. The itinerary can shift to suit your group.
“A great day out in Kobe and nice experience in hot springs. Kevin the tour guide was very knowledgeable and fun to be with.”
Meet a licensed guide such as Ichiro, Kaori, or Akie for an eight-hour private Kobe outing from Osaka or Kobe port. Ride the Nunobiki Ropeway, taste sake at Hakutsuru, stroll Harborland, and visit Kitano’s former foreign residences. Transport uses public options rather than a private vehicle.
“We really enjoyed the Herb Garden. The Sake Brewery was very insightul too. Our guide was wonderful and ensured that we had a good time and we got back to our hotel happily exhausted.”
Spend about eight hours exploring Nara with a private guide from Osaka or Kobe port. Meet deer in Nara Park, see Todaiji’s giant Buddha, visit Kasuga Grand Shrine, tour an old Naramachi house, and enjoy lunch. Guides such as Ichiro, Aki, Miyo, and Kaori have led past departures.
“We had a wonderful time on this private tour to Nara. Ichiru was instrumental is getting us through the public transportation system from the Kobe Port to Nara. He was so patient with us as we got sidetracked with feeding the bowing deer. It was a worthwhile, unforgettable excursion.”
Pick a district, a kitchen or a train out of town.
