• Kobe Sannomiya Station Hanshin Electric Railway Service Center - Start your journey right at the cruise port, where your host will greet you in the arrival lobby. From there, enjoy a taxi ride to Sannomiya Station, followed by a picturesque train ride to Kyoto. With all travel logistics managed and a total of eight hours, including transportation, you’ll explore Kyoto from a local’s perspective. Prior to your visit, you’ll receive a brief online questionnaire to help us customize your itinerary. Here’s a sample route to inspire your day:
• Gion - Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district, where traditional wooden machiya houses and serene tea rooms maintain centuries of heritage. Your host will guide you through its hidden gems and share the neighborhood’s cultural importance.
• Kyoto Imperial Palace - Discover the former residence of Japan’s emperors, surrounded by vast gardens and historic paths. Your host will provide insights into its architecture, royal history, and the evolving role of Kyoto in Japanese history.
• Fushimi Sake Village - Explore the charming Fushimi neighborhood, renowned for its historic sake breweries. Taste regional varieties, explore traditional shops, and learn how this local craft has influenced the area’s identity and economy.
• Nishiki Market Shopping District - Immerse yourself in Kyoto’s culinary hub. Your host will guide you through this vibrant arcade, highlighting regional specialties, introducing you to vendors, and helping you savor the best of Kyoto’s street snacks and sweets.
• Shirakawa Lane - End your day along the willow-lined Shirakawa Canal, just east of Gion. This tranquil, scenic stretch is ideal for reflecting on your experience before returning to Kobe by train.

• Return train transport via regular train to Kyoto and back
• 8 hours with a host (including travel time) – customizable
• Return taxi transport from Kobe Port to Sannomiya station
• Hotel meet-up available on request for central location
• Private and personalized walking tour with a passionate local

• Food, drinks and tickets to any attractions
• Transportation (primarily a walking experience. Additional transport available at extra cost.)
• Gratuities (optional)

Take the train to Kyoto with your local host, and discover another side of Japanese culture in its 8th-century capital. Explore the cobbled streets of traditional entertainment district Gion, see the famous flame-colored tunnel of Fushimi Inari Shrine, or visit the Arashiyama bamboo grove in western Kyoto. At dusk, when the city’s iconic paper lanterns are lit, you could even spot a mesmerizing geisha floating through the streets. Whatever you decide, you’ll discover more than just the Kyoto in your guidebook.

Within 24 hours after booking you’ll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you’ll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

• This is a private City Unscripted experience: real people, real connections
• After booking, you’ll receive a short online questionnaire to share your interests, preferences, and must-sees. Your City Unscripted guide will personally reach out to craft a fully customized itinerary that suits your style—whether you love history, food, hidden gems, or cultural experiences.
• This private tour is a walking experience. A private vehicle is not included.
• Public transportation or local taxis may be used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with your host after your reservation is finalized.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.