Full Day Walking Tour Around Kobe Mountains Sea and Sake

Exploring the stunning Kobe Mountains and discovering the rich sake culture of the region – this full-day walking tour promises an immersive experience in nature and local traditions. From breathtaking sea views to a guided tour of the Nunobiki Herb Garden, you will embark on a journey that blends natural beauty with an authentic taste of Japanese heritage. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a sake connoisseur, this tour offers an opportunity to uncover the hidden gems that make Kobe a truly captivating destination.

Key Points

• A full-day walking tour that explores the scenic Kobe Mountains, including views of the sea, visiting a herb garden, and tasting local sake.
• The tour is operated by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours with a maximum of 20 participants and starts and ends at Shin-Kobe Station.
• The tour includes entrance fees, transportation, a sake tasting, an English-speaking guide, and a provided lunch.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible but suitable for most travelers and accommodates a wide range of fitness levels.
• Highlights of the tour include ascending the Nunobiki Ropeway, strolling through the Nunobiki Herb Garden, and visiting the ancient Nunobiki Waterfalls.

Tour Overview

The full-day walking tour around the Kobe Mountains takes travelers on an immersive experience exploring the sea, nature, and local sake.

Operated by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours, the tour has a maximum of 20 participants and is priced from $155.43 per person.

Inclusions cover entrance fees, transportation, a sake tasting, a guided tour with an English-speaking guide, and lunch.

The tour starts and ends at Shin-Kobe Station, running from 9:30 am with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Most travelers can participate, though the tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible.

Inclusions

Included in the tour are the entrance fees for the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden and Ropeway, along with the necessary train tickets.

Travelers also receive one paid sake tasting ticket, allowing them to sample the local drink. The tour is led by an English-speaking guide who provides insightful commentary throughout the day.

Lunch is also included, ensuring participants are fueled for the walking tour. With these inclusions, travelers can fully enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of Kobe without having to worry about additional expenses.

Meeting and End Points

Travelers will meet at the Shin-Kobe Station, located at 1-chōme-3-1 Kanōchō, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0001, Japan.

Look for a sign that says "Snow Monkey Resorts" between the 7-Eleven and cafe.

The tour will end at the same meeting point.

Key details:

• Meeting Point: Shin-Kobe Station
• Look for "Snow Monkey Resorts" sign
• End Point: Returns to meeting point
• Start Time: 09:30 am
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Tour Schedule

The tour begins promptly at 9:30 am, with travelers advised to arrive at the meeting point in advance.

The experience is fully guided, with an English-speaking expert leading the way. Participants can expect the tour to last a full day, exploring the Kobe Mountains, the coastline, and sampling local sake.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund, ensuring flexibility. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, allowing travelers to plan their day accordingly.

The tour returns to the original meeting point at the end of the experience.

Accessibility and Participation

Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most travelers. The tour includes:

• Near public transportation for easy access
• Infants allowed to sit on laps for family-friendly participation
• Minimal physical demands, making it accessible to a wide range of fitness levels
• Guides well-versed in accommodating various needs and abilities
• Tour schedule designed to balance activity and rest, ensuring a comfortable experience.

While the tour may not be suitable for those with limited mobility, it offers an engaging and accessible way for most visitors to explore the stunning Kobe mountains and local culture.

Reviews

Across Viator and Tripadvisor, the walking tour around Kobe Mountains has an impressive 5.0 rating based on 3 reviews.

One reviewer, Ann_T, praised the guide Wingki, describing them as "very nice, very polite, and lots of information about Kobe." The reviewer highly recommended the tour.

The other reviews were equally positive, highlighting the tour’s informative and enjoyable nature.

With its stellar ratings and enthusiastic feedback, this walking tour appears to offer a remarkable experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of Kobe’s mountains, sea, and sake culture.

Exploring the Kobe Mountains

What awaits visitors on this walking tour of the Kobe Mountains? Breathtaking scenery, rich history, and cultural exploration.

Hike through lush forests, gaze upon stunning views of the city and sea, and discover hidden gems:

• Ascend the Nunobiki Ropeway for panoramic vistas of Kobe
• Stroll through the serene Nunobiki Herb Garden, home to over 3,000 plants
• Visit the ancient Nunobiki Waterfalls, a sacred site for centuries
• Explore the iconic Kitano Ijinkan, a neighborhood of historic foreign residences
• Taste premium sake at a local brewery, learning about the region’s rich winemaking traditions.

Discovering the Kobe Sake Experience

How does the Kobe sake experience unfold for visitors on this walking tour?

First, they’ll receive a paid sake ticket, allowing them to sample a local brew. The guide then leads them to a renowned sake brewery, where they’ll learn about the region’s storied sake-making traditions.

Visitors can observe the brewing process and gain insights into the craft. Afterward, they’ll have the chance to savor the sake, appreciating its unique flavors and aromas.

This immersive sake experience allows participants to explore Kobe’s rich cultural heritage and beverage traditions, complementing the day’s exploration of the mountains and coastline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drink on the Tour?

The tour information does not explicitly state whether guests can bring their own food and drink. It’s best to check with the tour operator to confirm the policy on outside food and beverages for this walking tour.

Is There an Option to Extend or Customize the Tour?

The tour does not offer options to extend or customize the experience. It’s a set full-day itinerary that can’t be modified. However, travelers can contact the tour operator to inquire about any available add-ons or customization options before booking.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a casual dress code. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as the tour involves both indoor and outdoor activities. There’s no specific dress code, but participants should dress for comfort and ease of movement during the full-day walking tour.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available?

The tour doesn’t mention any discounts or packages. However, travelers may want to check the tour provider’s website or inquire directly for any current promotions or bundle deals that could be available.

Can I Book Private or Group Tours for This Experience?

The tour operator offers both private and group tours for this experience. Travelers can book a private tour for their party or join a small group tour with a maximum of 20 participants. Discounts may be available for larger group bookings.

The Sum Up

Explore the scenic Kobe Mountains on this full-day walking tour. Experience stunning nature, breathtaking sea views, and a local sake tasting. The tour includes a guided visit to the Nunobiki Herb Garden, scenic hikes, and the Kitano Ijinkan district. Enjoy a delicious lunch and sake tasting while learning from an English-speaking expert. With a maximum of 20 participants, this intimate tour offers an immersive experience in nature.