Published on Apr, 2025

We had an absolutely wonderful tour with Michelle. She is from Kobe but spent many years in the US. She showed us a couple of shrines, which were beautiful but explaining her inside knowledge of the everyday life of the cities residents was something that really fascinated us. She explained different shops, hotel, the inside daily activity of neighborhoods etc. that you never get on a regular tour. Because this wasn't just seeing tourist attractions, this was one of our favorite tours ever... and we do a lot of traveling.

Published on Apr, 2025

We really liked this tour because the guide was born and raised in Kobe but lived in the US for many years so she was able to explain parts of her city that would be new to us. She showed us a couple of wonderful shrines, a neighborhood and how people lived their daily lives, local shops, malls, waterfront, etc.. She was very accommodating to our needs and wishes. It was a great day.

Published on Apr, 2025

Michelle's tour around her town was a lot of fun. The tour is really custom to what you want to see. We learned a lot about Japanese history, things we didn't learn from other guides in Japan. We got to see the sights, see great views, eat Kobe beef, drink Kobe sake and stroll around local neighborhoods. My wife enjoyed shopping with her and learning about local stores/souvenirs and buying some Japanese candies. She's also a great photographer, we got some great photos together. A very personalized tour, it felt like strolling around a town visiting an old friend. I would definitely recommend her tour.

Published on Mar, 2025

Michelle was a terrific guide. She fashioned an interesting itinerary of venues that we were thoroughly delighted with and made our visit to Kobe memorable. Michelle met us at the Kobe Port Terminal and guided us through the public transportation network to a subway station near the Minatogawa Jinja a beautiful Shinto shrine where we learned a little about this indigenous Japanese culture. From there we walked to Harbor Land passing through malls and shopping areas. Took photos at the popular “BE KOBE” signage in Meriken Park and marveled at the stones etched in Kanji with the names of notable American actors. Michelle led us through local neighborhoods, passing Sōrakuen Garden, the former residence of the Mayor of Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture government offices and the public library. We visited many residential side-streets where we saw how neighborhoods were organized and people went about their daily lives. Michelle led us through entertainment areas, Chinatown, shopping areas from luxury to inexpensive, and made a recommendations for a Kobe beef lunch we thoroughly enjoyed. Michelle was a superb guide. Personable, energetic, knowledgeable, and flexible in altering the itinerary. We had a wonderful day and learned much about life in Kobe. I highly recommend Michelle as a guide.

Published on Feb, 2025

Kobe is such a lovely city. Many different atmospheres in one smaller city. We tried the famous Kobe Beef, and popular Kobe sake. The tour was less about temples and shrines, and more the life of a typical Japanese local, and what separates Kobe from other popular cities like Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo.