Private Car Day Trip to the Kobe Mountains, Gardens and Hot Springs From Osaka

Escape the bustling city of Osaka and experience the tranquility of the Kobe Mountains on this private car day trip. Soar above the lush greenery on a scenic cable car ride, explore the vibrant Kobe Municipal Arboretum, and unwind at the historic Arima Onsen hot springs. Tailored to your interests, this exclusive journey showcases the stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the region. Enjoy the serene landscapes and discover the hidden gems that make this day trip truly remarkable.

Key Points

• Experience a private day trip from Osaka to explore the scenic Kobe Mountains, lush Kobe Botanical Gardens, and rejuvenate at the historic Arima Onsen hot springs.
• Enjoy a 30-minute cable car ride on the Mount Rokko Arima Ropeway for panoramic views, followed by 45 minutes of exploration on Mount Rokko.
• Spend an hour wandering through the Kobe Municipal Arboretum, home to over 3,000 plant species, before relaxing for 2 hours at the Arima Onsen hot springs.
• The private day trip is priced at $620.00 per group of up to 6 people, with additional costs for entrance fees, cable car, and pickups outside central Osaka.
• The flexible itinerary can be customized based on guest interests, but the trip is not wheelchair accessible.

Overview and Experience

As a private day trip from Osaka, this excursion to the Kobe Mountains, Gardens, and Hot Springs offers visitors the opportunity to experience the scenic beauty and cultural attractions of the Kobe region.

The trip includes transportation via a luxury vehicle with pickup from centrally located Osaka hotels. Key stops include Mount Rokko, Kobe Botanical Gardens, and the historic Arima Onsen hot springs.

Highlights of the tour are the panoramic views from the 1930s cable car ride to Mount Rokko and the chance to explore the natural wonders and cultural heritage of the Kobe area.

Itinerary

The itinerary for this private day trip begins with a 30-minute ride on the Mount Rokko Arima Ropeway, a historic cable car that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Guests then spend 45 minutes exploring the scenic Mount Rokko, taking in the fresh air and natural beauty of the area.

Next, the tour visits the Kobe Municipal Arboretum, a lush botanical garden, for approximately 1 hour.

The final stop is the famous Arima Onsen hot springs, where guests can relax for 2 hours and enjoy the soothing therapeutic waters.

Pricing and Inclusions

The price for this private day trip from Osaka to the Kobe Mountains, Gardens, and Hot Springs is $620.00 per group, accommodating up to 6 people.

Entrance fees range from 1,000 to 1,800 yen per person, with the cable car ride costing 590 yen for adults and 300 yen for children under 12.

Additional costs include a child seat (1,000 yen) and pickup fees for locations outside central Osaka, such as Shin-Osaka (1,000 yen) and Universal Studios (2,000 yen).

The package includes transport by private vehicle, a private driver/guide, and lunch.

Mount Rokko Arima Ropeway

The Mount Rokko Arima Ropeway is a historic cable car system that takes visitors on a scenic 30-minute ride up the slopes of Mount Rokko.

Offering panoramic views of the Kobe region, the ropeway provides an efficient and enjoyable way to ascend the mountain.

At the top, guests can explore the scenic vistas and trails of Mount Rokko.

The ropeway ride is an included activity in the day trip, though the admission ticket must be purchased separately.

With its rich history and picturesque setting, the Mount Rokko Arima Ropeway is a highlight of the Kobe mountain experience.

Mount Rokko

Mount Rokko, a prominent mountain range in the Kobe region, offers visitors a wealth of natural beauty and outdoor exploration. The panoramic views from the summit are a highlight, accessible via the historic cable car ride. Guests can spend up to 45 minutes taking in the sights and scenery before continuing their journey.

Attraction	Duration	Admission
Mt. Rokko Arima Ropeway	30 minutes	Not Included
Mt. Rokko	45 minutes	Free
Kobe Municipal Arboretum	1 hour	Not Included
Arima Onsen	2 hours	Not Included

The flexible itinerary allows guests to customize their experience based on personal interests while enjoying the tranquility and natural splendor of the Kobe mountains.

Kobe Municipal Arboretum

What is the Kobe Municipal Arboretum?

The Kobe Municipal Arboretum is a botanical garden located within the itinerary of the private car day trip from Osaka. Visitors can spend approximately 1 hour exploring the diverse collection of plants and trees.

The arboretum features over 3,000 species from around the world, including a Japanese garden, rose garden, and a forest trail. Guests can stroll through the peaceful grounds and observe the vibrant flora and fauna.

Admission tickets are not included in the tour package, but can be purchased separately upon arrival at the arboretum.

Arima Onsen

After exploring the Kobe Municipal Arboretum, the private car day trip proceeds to Arima Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot spring resorts.

Visitors can soak in the therapeutic thermal waters and enjoy the rejuvenating experience. The tour allocates 2 hours to explore Arima Onsen, allowing guests to enjoy the traditional spa culture.

The historic onsen town offers a variety of bathing facilities, from outdoor communal baths to private ryokan inns. Guests can also sample the local cuisine and browse the charming shops before returning to Osaka.

Additional Information

The private car day trip is not wheelchair accessible, although service animals are allowed.

Several important details to be aware of:

1. Infant seats are available, but car seats are required for children under 6 or less than 140cm.
2. The itinerary is flexible based on guest interests, and timing may be adjusted due to traffic.
3. Pickup locations outside of central Osaka, such as Shin-Osaka or Universal Studios, incur additional fees ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 yen.

Travelers should keep these considerations in mind when booking and planning this private day trip from Osaka to the Kobe Mountains, Gardens and Hot Springs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The cancellation policy for this tour is not explicitly stated in the provided information. Travelers should check with the tour operator directly for their specific cancellation terms and any applicable fees.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Include Additional Stops?

Yes, the itinerary can be customized to include additional stops. The tour provider offers flexibility to adjust the schedule based on your’ interests, though timing may need to be adapted due to traffic conditions.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Hot Springs Experience?

There are typically no age restrictions for the Arima Onsen hot springs experience, though children under 12 may pay a discounted cable car fare. Some ryokans or onsen may have their own policies regarding children, so guests should inquire ahead of time.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Towels and Toiletries for the Hot Springs?

For the hot springs experience, towels and basic toiletries are typically provided. However, guests may want to bring additional amenities like facial cleansers or hair products if desired. It’s best to check with the tour operator for specific details.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The tour allows for flexible itineraries based on guest interests. Guests can request to extend the duration of the tour, which may incur additional costs. The tour operator can provide more details on customized options upon request.

The Sum Up

Experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Kobe on this private car day trip from Osaka. Soar over the mountains on the Rokko Arima Ropeway, stroll through the lush Kobe Municipal Arboretum, and unwind at the historic Arima Onsen hot springs. Enjoy a flexible, tailored itinerary showcasing the region’s stunning landscapes and rich traditions.