Autumn Leaves in Kobe: Boat Cruise and Ropeway (from Kyoto)
Description
Discover Kobe from the sea, mountains, and sky on this scenic autumn day trip. Cruise through Kobe Harbor, enjoy panoramic views while soaring above colorful mountain landscapes on the Rokko Arima Ropeway, and stroll through the charming streets of Arima Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot spring towns. The journey concludes at Rokko Garden Terrace, where sweeping views over Kobe create one of the region's most celebrated nighttime panoramas. A buffet lunch featuring local Kobe specialties and seasonal autumn flavors is also included, making this tour a perfect combination of scenery, local culture, and regional cuisine. - Enjoy a sightseeing cruise through Kobe Harbor - Ride the Rokko Arima Ropeway above autumn foliage - Explore the historic streets of Arima Onsen - Experience panoramic night views from Rokko Garden Terrace - Includes a buffet lunch featuring Kobe and seasonal specialties
Tour Options
Itinerary
After meeting your tour conductor, travel to Kobe Harbor. Board a sightseeing cruise and enjoy views of Kobe's waterfront from the sea. As the vessel travels through the harbor, you can admire the city's modern skyline, port facilities, and surrounding mountains from a different perspective than is possible on land.
After approximately 45 minutes, arrive at Kobe Hotel Fruit Flower. Enjoy a buffet lunch featuring a variety of dishes inspired by Kobe cuisine and seasonal autumn ingredients. The menu may vary depending on ingredient availability, allowing you to sample different flavors of the region during your visit.
After approximately 35 minutes, arrive at Rokko Summit Station and prepare for one of the highlights of the day. Board the Rokko Arima Ropeway for a scenic journey above the mountains between Rokko and Arima. As the ropeway glides over valleys and forests, you can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding autumn foliage from above. The elevated perspective provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the seasonal colors that cover the mountainsides during autumn. Autumn foliage is typically at its best from early November through late November.
Arrive at Arima Onsen Station, the gateway to the historic hot spring town.
After a short 10-minute transfer, enjoy free time in Arima Onsen, one of Japan's oldest and most famous hot spring towns. Stroll through the atmospheric streets lined with traditional shops, local food stalls, and historic buildings. The combination of mountain scenery, seasonal colors, and a long-established hot spring culture makes Arima Onsen one of the Kansai region's most beloved destinations. Autumn foliage is typically at its best from early November through late November.
Travel approximately 30 minutes to Rokko Garden Terrace. Located high on Mt. Rokko, this viewpoint is famous for its sweeping views over Kobe, Osaka Bay, and the surrounding region. As daylight fades, the city lights gradually illuminate the landscape below, creating one of Japan's most celebrated night views. Please note that visibility of the night view depends on weather conditions. After enjoying the evening scenery, begin the journey back to Kyoto.
Highlights
What's included
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. A Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
- Infants (0-2 years old) are free of charge with no tour inclusions. Child (3-5 years old) price includes bus seat, ropeway & cruise fees, and lunch.
- Delays, shortenings of the tour or omissions made to the itinerary due to traffic, weather or other circumstances that are beyond the control of the tour operator are not subject to a refund
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be contacted 5 days prior to your travel date and offered an alternative or full refund.
- Due to traffic conditions, the order of the itinerary may change. Moreover, if sightseeing attractions are crowded or there is heavy traffic, the time spent for each activity may be shortened or in extreme circumstances canceled altogether. The scheduled return time could also be significantly delayed.
- According to traffic conditions etc, the order of the itinerary may be changed and the bus arrival may be delayed
- During the autumn foliage viewing season, roads and sightseeing spots might become congested and arrival to each place might be delayed. In some cases, shortenings or omissions may occur due to congestion during this time
- Please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes plus warm clothing for the evening activities.
- Waiting time to ride the Rokko-Arima Ropeway could be significant during the autumn leaves season. Due to expected congestion during the autumn foliage season, passengers may be divided into two groups for the ropeway ride. As a result, the time available for exploring the Arima Onsen area may be shortened.
- If the Kobe Port Cruise or the Rokko-Arima Ropeway is suspended due to bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the itinerary will be modified and a refund equivalent to the applicable group fare will be provided.
- There is a 10-15 min walk up a steep slope from the parking lot to Arima Onsen town.
- The visit to Arima Onsen is for walking sightseeing rather than hot spring bathing. However, you can visit one of the day hot springs if you so wish but please be aware that it will have to be rather quick and you will not have much time for sightseeing.
- If you would like to foot bathe, please bring your own towel. Please note that Kin-no-yu and Gin-no-yu are closed on Tuesdays.
- This tour will pick up travellers from various meeting points. There may be a chance that the bus is running late but please wait at your meeting point as the bus will eventually come.
- The best time to view autumn leaves varies depending on the weather and temperature of the season. The tour schedule is based on the condition of the autumn leaves in the past years. However, there are some cases where you are not able to enjoy the scenery as in the photo. Please note there will be no refund regardless of the conditions of the autumn leaves. If the conditions of the autumn leaves are poor, visiting times may be shortened. Typical Peak Season: early to late November.
- Please note that we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests, including food allergies. If you have specific dietary needs, we recommend making your own meal arrangements. No refunds will be provided for meals.
- Delays or non-participation due to public transportation delays will be subject to cancellation fees. The tour will depart at the scheduled time listed.
- If you are traveling alone or the total number of participants is odd, seating on the bus may be shared with a passenger of the opposite gender.
