
URA*KOBE Japan’s Rural History and Hiking
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is URA*KOBE Japan’s Rural History and Hiking worth booking?
URA*KOBE Japan’s Rural History and Hiking is a 7-hour experience in Kobe, Japan, from $284 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (1)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $284 per person
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
What you get
About this experience
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
Included
- Public Transportation fee
- Admission Fee
- Lunch
- Hotel Pickup
- National Licensed English Speaking Guide. Please let us know if you prefer any other languages.
Not included
- Personal Expenses
What you'll see and do
You will take a train or a bus to Minotani Station.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Walk through the scenic satoyama backed by the Tanjo mountains and visit the Shimotanigami Rural Kabuki Stage inside Amatsuhikone Shrine. This thatched-roof stage, still used for local festivals and rituals, preserves a unique form of kabuki once performed as a sacred offering. Discover the deep connection between nature, faith, and sustainable rural life.
30 minutes here
Visit the Satoyama Experience House (known locally as Sumibiraki House Kerekele), a beautifully restored 100-year-old farmhouse in the hills of northern Kobe. Join a hands-on experience making onigiri (rice balls) with locally grown rice. Through this simple yet heartfelt activity, learn about rural traditions and the sustainable lifestyle rooted in this region.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Rokujō Hachimangū Shrine, located in the heart of Yamada Town, dates back nearly 1,000 years. Surrounded by a quiet forest, the site exudes a timeless atmosphere. Unique for its coexistence of Shinto and Buddhist structures, the shrine reflects Japan’s once-unified religious traditions. The deity enshrined here is also worshipped at the summit of nearby Mt. Tanjo
90 minutes here
You will take a train or a bus to Sannomiya Station.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
From Osaka Pickup
Duration: 9 hours: Please select this option if you wish to be picked up from a hotel in Osaka City. Pickup included
Hidden Hills of Ura Kobe Discover Shrines and Quiet Villages
Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- MY Travel Consulting
Know before you go
- 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.
Photos






Traveler reviews
1 verified traveler reviews for URA*KOBE Japan’s Rural History and Hiking. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Zen in the fields and mountains
Wonderful walk through the pastoral farmlands outside Kobe. Enjoyed meeting local family, learning their culture, making nigori for our lunch, viewing shrines, a pagoda, and even a Zen master. Warmed up with hot coffee in a local cafe. Jun was a wonderful guide and avid walker like us.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your wonderful review. I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the walk through the peaceful countryside outside Kobe. This tour is designed to let guests experience not only the beautiful rural landscapes, but also the culture and daily life of the local community. I’m glad you were able to enjoy meeting local people, visiting the temple, and spending time in such a serene setting. Thank you again for joining the tour. I hope the memories of the fields, mountains, and warm encounters in the countryside will stay with you for a long time. Warm regards, Manami
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $284 to $641
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
URA*KOBE Japan’s Rural History and Hiking: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kobe.
How much does URA*KOBE Japan’s Rural History and Hiking cost?
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Prices start at $284 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kobe usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does URA*KOBE Japan’s Rural History and Hiking take?
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Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kobe is not rushed.
Is URA*KOBE Japan’s Rural History and Hiking worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kobe, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule URA*KOBE Japan’s Rural History and Hiking?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is URA*KOBE Japan’s Rural History and Hiking suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book URA*KOBE Japan’s Rural History and Hiking?
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Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kobe can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kobe and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does URA*KOBE Japan’s Rural History and Hiking start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kobe within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kobe?
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On Outty we rank every Kobe experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kobe Sake Tour with Expert Guide: 3+ Breweries, Tastings Included, Kobe: 100% Personalized Tour with Local Student Guide, Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kobe?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kobe?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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