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Historical and Cultural Tour of the Heart of Kobe

Walk with me through the beautiful city of Kobe! Often left off of traveler's itinerary, this beautiful city should not be skipped! A city marked by multiple tragedies and destruction, but each time has built back stronger. Together we will explore the history of Kobe, the cultural impact Kobe has had on the world, and the impact of the world on Kobe.

We will see:

Bullet holes in an active train station from WWII fighter planes
Back streets of Kobe seeing where the locals spend their time and enjoy themselves
One of the oldest shrines in Japan and how it influences the city to this day
The cosmopolitan side of Japan
A beautiful park with a memorial to those lost in the Great Hanshin Earthquake
A European style flower clock

As I take you on this "pay what you like" tour, as local I will share all the hidden gems that are found in this "hidden gem" of a city!

The tour lasts 2 hours

Available in English

Guide: Jarrod

Guiding since 2026

Thank you so much for visiting my profile! My name is Jarrod Goetz, and I was born and raised in California, USA. Now I am living in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan since March 2025 along with my beautiful wife and 4 cats and a dog (yes, nearly all of our animals came from California when we moved!) After being in the IT industry for over 18 years, I decided to start giving tours here in Japan and I couldn't be happier! I have been touring in Osaka and really enjoy getting to share all the fun things about this beautiful country with others. I like to make my tours fun, engaging, but also informative! My goal is to make your trip here to Japan the most memorable trip it possibly can be. I know it can be a lot being in a foreign land where the locals don't speak your language, so I like to make sure my guests are comfortable and can enjoy their time with me in a low stress way. I also love answering any questions you have about Japan! If you have any questions at all, please, don't hesitate to ask me anything!

7 stops

1.4 km walking

2 hours

Meeting point:JR Sannomiya East Exit meeting pointI will be standing at the East exit of JR Sannomiya station wearing the tan bucket hat with a red panda on itOpen in Google Maps →

1

Outside visit

WWII Bullet Holes in Sannomiya StationSee bullet holes from WWII American fighter aircraft in the steel beams holding up Sannomiya Station today

2

Outside visit

Higashimon StreetLearn more about cultural nightlife in Kobe from the 1940's to today

3

Outside visit

Ikuta ShrineSee a shrine originally founded in 201 CE, learn its history and how its importance to Kobe and every day life now

7 stops

1.4 km walking

2 hours

Meeting point:JR Sannomiya East Exit meeting pointI will be standing at the East exit of JR Sannomiya station wearing the tan bucket hat with a red panda on itOpen in Google Maps →

1

Outside visit

WWII Bullet Holes in Sannomiya StationSee bullet holes from WWII American fighter aircraft in the steel beams holding up Sannomiya Station today

2

Outside visit

Higashimon StreetLearn more about cultural nightlife in Kobe from the 1940's to today

3

Outside visit

Ikuta ShrineSee a shrine originally founded in 201 CE, learn its history and how its importance to Kobe and every day life now

Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.

Accessibility

Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Groups

Does not accept large group bookings.

Pets

Not suitable for bringing pets.

Minimum attendees

Requires a minimum of 2 people to conduct the tour.

Additional costs

The tour does not require payment for entries or additional expenses.

Free cancellation

If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.