URA*KOBE Japan’s Rural History and Hiking

5.0(1)7 hFree cancellationBy MY Travel Consulting

About this activity

Step into Japan's timeless countryside—just a short ride from Kobe.

Yamada Village, in the northern Rokko foothills, has a farming history dating back to the Yayoi period. Once a major rice supplier to Kobe, its terraced fields and thatched-roof houses still reflect a lifestyle rooted in nature and Shinto beliefs.

This tour explores three cultural gems: make rice balls at the 100-year-old Satoyama Experience House (Kerekele), visit the Shimotaniue Kabuki Stage at Amatsuhikone Shrine, and walk through the peaceful Rokujo Hachimangu Shrine, where Shinto and Buddhism coexist.

The tour begins in Sannomiya with your guide. Pickup from Osaka is also available upon request.

*In Japanese, "URA" means the "back" or "hidden part," which is the opposite of "OMOTE", meaning the front. It's like something quietly sitting just behind or right next to a place. So, "URA*KOBE" is about a village that's like a special, untouched treasure, quietly found on the "URA" side of the modern big city of Kobe.

What's included

✓Public Transportation fee
✓Admission Fee
✓You can enjoy a hands-on experience making rice balls.
✓Hotel Pickup
✓National Licensed English Speaking Guide. Please let us know if you prefer any other languages.

Not included

✕Personal Expenses

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
The itinerary might be changed due to weather condition or other reasons.
We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.

Cancellation policy

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

More things to do in Kobe

Kobe Sake Tour with Expert Guide: 3+ Breweries, Tastings Included

This is more than a brewery walk. With a local sake expert guide, visit three or more breweries and taste a carefully selected range of sake while learning how rice, water, fermentation, and brewing methods shape each flavor. Discover the true taste of Japanese sake in Nada Gogo—Japan’s most celebrated sake-brewing region and the heart of Kobe’s sake culture. Through clear explanations and guided…

4.9(191)3 h 30 minFree cancellation

From £77.58 per person

Kobe : Customizable Private Tour w/ Local Student Guide

【Overview】 Discover Kobe in 4 hours with Local Student Guide! Every tour includes Kobe’s two iconic landmarks—Ikuta Shrine and Nankinmachi (Chinatown). 【Customize your Tour】 You can personalize the rest of your trip by picking your favorite stop from the options below: ①Higashiyama Market (1 hr / Local Food & Culture) – Bustling market with street eats. ②Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum (1.5 hrs / S…

4.9(93)4 hFree cancellation

From £72.06 per person

Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Kobe! Perched on a hillside sloping down to the sea, Kobe is one of Japan's most attractive and cosmopolitan cities. Compact and designed for walking, it is easily visited as a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto. Immerse yourself in the city's distinct atmosphere and din…

4.8(97)6 hFree cancellation

From £72.06 per person