Kobe: Mt Rokko Night View & Arima Onsen & Sanda Outlet Tour

Kobe offers a unique blend of cultural experiences that captivate visitors. This full-day tour showcases the city’s top attractions, from the bustling Sanda Outlet for shopping to the serene Arima Onsen for relaxation. Capping off the day is a stunning view of Kobe’s skyline from Mt. Rokko, where the night lights create an unforgettable backdrop. Whether seeking retail therapy, traditional hot springs, or breathtaking vistas, this tour provides a well-rounded exploration of Kobe’s diverse charms.

This experience made our article of 20 Best Tours In Kobe.

Key Points

• A full-day excursion that visits Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets, Arima Onsen, and Mount Rokko, offering shopping, hot springs, and scenic views.
• The tour provides transportation, a professional guide, and multilingual options, with a duration of 9 hours.
• Highlights include 4 hours at Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets, a visit to the historic Arima Onsen, and a 1.5-hour photo stop at Mount Rokko.
• The tour offers a range of experiences, from shopping to local cuisine and therapeutic hot springs, with an option for a cable car ride to the Mount Rokko Observatory.
• Customer feedback indicates mixed experiences, with some issues reported regarding communication, guide involvement, and the pacing of the itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

The Kobe: Mt Rokko Night View & Arima Onsen & Sanda Outlet Tour is a full-day excursion that allows visitors to explore various attractions in the Kobe region.

Priced from $53.95 per person, the 9-hour tour is offered in English, Japanese, and Chinese.

Participants can visit the Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets, the historic Arima Onsen hot spring town, and enjoy the famous night view from Mt. Rokko.

Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, and a professional guide serves as the driver.

The tour has a cancellation policy that allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights of the Itinerary

The tour’s itinerary highlights several key attractions in the Kobe region.

First, visitors will spend 4 hours exploring the Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets, featuring a LEGO store for kids.

Next, the group will venture to Arima Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot spring towns, where they can sample local cuisine and enjoy the therapeutic mineral-rich waters.

Finally, the tour includes a 1.5-hour photo stop and sightseeing at Mount Rokko, renowned for its breathtaking night views. Guests can opt for a cable car ride to the Mount Rokko Observatory at their own expense.

Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets

Visitors will spend 4 hours exploring the Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets, a picturesque shopping destination featuring a variety of stores and a LEGO store for kids.

Situated in a scenic setting, the outlets offer a wide range of shopping options, from high-end fashion to sportswear and home goods. Shoppers can browse through the many brand-name stores, seeking out great deals and unique items.

The LEGO store is a highlight for families, providing an entertaining experience for children.

With ample time to shop, visitors can indulge in a rewarding retail therapy session at the Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets.

Exploring Arima Onsen

After exploring the picturesque Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets, the tour next takes visitors to the historical hot spring town of Arima Onsen.

Known for its therapeutic mineral-rich waters, Arima Onsen offers a chance to immerse in Japanese bathing culture.

Visitors can:

1. Sample local cuisine, including the renowned Arima onsen manju.
2. Opt to visit Taiko no Yu, a large hot spring theme park, for an additional fee.
3. Wander the quaint streets and soak in the town’s traditional atmosphere.

The Arima Onsen experience provides a tranquil respite and opportunity to appreciate Japan’s centuries-old hot spring traditions.

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Experiencing Mount Rokko

Following the visit to Arima Onsen, the tour culminates with a stop at Mount Rokko, renowned as one of Japan’s top three night views.

Guests are treated to a 1.5-hour photo stop and sightseeing experience. An optional cable car ride to the Mount Rokko Observatory provides panoramic city and mountain vistas at an additional cost.

Visitors can also enjoy coffee and meals with scenic views at Tenran Cafe.

While the itinerary may adjust due to weather or other factors, this highlight allows travelers to capture the breathtaking night skyline of Kobe from the picturesque Mount Rokko.

Transportation and Guide Services

The tour includes air-conditioned vehicle transportation based on the group size, ranging from a 10-seat Hiace to a 45-seat bus.

A professional guide also serves as the driver, identifiable by a yellow flag with the Gogoday logo. Important contact information, including the guide’s phone number and vehicle details, is emailed to participants the night before the trip.

The tour offers these key features:

1. Comfortable, climate-controlled transportation to ensure a pleasant journey.
2. A knowledgeable guide who can provide valuable insights throughout the tour.
3. Convenient communication channels to stay informed and connected during the experience.

Important Considerations

Travelers should be aware of the tattoo policy for hot spring entry, as they may need to cover any visible tattoos with skin-colored stickers. Entry may be denied otherwise.

The tour’s itinerary is subject to change due to weather, road conditions, or other factors. To ensure a smooth experience, guests are advised to arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes early.

While the guide provides transportation and basic information, their role may be somewhat limited. Some past travelers have reported issues with changes to meeting times and lack of communication.

Customer Feedback

According to customer reviews, the Kobe tour received a mixed reception, with an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars based on 5 reviews.

Feedback highlighted several issues:

1. Changes to meeting times without proper communication.
2. A guide whose role was perceived as minimal, mainly focused on drop-off and pick-up.
3. A sense that the itinerary could be improved, with some activities feeling rushed or lacking in depth.

While the tour offered a diverse range of experiences, the lack of consistent communication and a more engaged guide seemed to detract from some customers’ overall satisfaction.

Things To Know

Is There an Option to Visit Kobe City Center?

The tour does not include a visit to Kobe city center. The itinerary focuses on exploring Mount Rokko, Arima Onsen, and the Sanda Premium Outlets, without any scheduled stops in Kobe’s downtown area.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, the tour does not provide any facilities for storing or preparing outside food. Participants should plan accordingly and be mindful of any restrictions at the tour sites.

Are There Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any student or senior discounts. Passengers are responsible for their own food and drinks during the tour, as no outside food or beverages are allowed on the vehicle.

How Accessible Is the Tour for People With Disabilities?

The tour’s accessibility for people with disabilities is limited. Wheelchair users may have difficulty accessing some sites, and the guide’s assistance level is unclear. It’s recommended to inquire about specific accessibility accommodations before booking.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Suit Our Preferences?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to suit individual preferences. Customers should contact the tour operator to discuss any modifications they’d like to make, such as additional stops or alterations to the existing activities.

Sum Up

The Kobe: Mt. Rokko Night View & Arima Onsen & Sanda Outlet Tour offers a well-rounded experience, blending shopping, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery. Visitors can indulge in retail therapy at the Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets, unwind in the therapeutic waters of Arima Onsen, and capture stunning views of Kobe from Mt. Rokko. At $53.95 per person, this tour provides excellent value for a full-day adventure in Japan.

You can check availability for your dates here: