Art Tourism Hyogo: A One-Day Tour of Kobe & Ashiya’s Iconic Architecture and Art
**Tour Highlights**
The highlight of this tour is an exclusive visit to **KH Gallery Ashiya**, the former private residence and studio of **fashion designer Hiroko Koshino**, designed by the world-renowned architect **Tadao Ando** in his early years (1981).
This unique space, where two of Japan’s leading artists collaborated, offers an exceptional artistic experience like no other.
Additionally, we will be joined by **Masaya Mizuta**, the Grand Prize-winning artist of the **”Kobe Rokko Meets Art 2024 beyond”** public competition. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with him during lunch and later hear his personal insights while viewing his artwork—an experience exclusive to this tour.
The journey also includes a visit to **Museum Road in Kobe**, lined with sculptures by contemporary artists such as **Kenji Yanobe**, and the **Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art**, one of the largest architectural works by **Tadao Ando** in western Japan.
Furthermore, guests will explore the **Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum**, the only museum in Japan dedicated to traditional carpentry tools, featuring an exclusive tour of its tea room, which is typically not open to the public.
For dinner, enjoy **Kobe’s renowned cuisine**, showcasing the region’s rich climate and culinary heritage. The meal will be served at the scenic **Kobe Kitano Terrasse**, where award-winning **French chef Hiroshi Yamaguchi**, known for his commitment to marine resource sustainability, will present a curated course featuring **Kobe beef and locally sourced ingredients from Hyogo Prefecture**, complemented by a special talk from the chef himself.
The tour will be guided by staff from **Study: Osaka Kansai International Art Festival**, who are highly knowledgeable in art and architecture. Through this experience, we aim to provide a deeper understanding of **Hyogo’s unique arts, culture, architecture, sustainable gastronomy, and natural heritage**, fulfilling the participants’ intellectual curiosity.
Professional **English interpretation** will be provided throughout the tour.
■ Itinerary
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10:00–11:45 | Visit **Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum** Includes an exclusive tour of the **tea room**, which is normally closed to the public. |
| 12:00–13:10 | Lunch at **Kobe Nadaman** Enjoy sophisticated cuisine while admiring a stunning glass-themed interior and a breathtaking view of Awaji Island. We will be joined by **Masaya Mizuta**, the Grand Prize-winning artist of “Kobe Rokko Meets Art 2024 beyond.” |
| 13:50–14:40 | Visit **Rokko Mountain & Church of the Wind** – One of **Tadao Ando’s** three iconic churches, typically not open to the public. – Special viewing of works by **Aiko Miyanaga** from the **”Kobe Rokko Meets Art 2024 beyond”** exhibition. – **Artist talk** by Masaya Mizuta about his award-winning piece. |
| 15:20–15:50 | Visit **KH Gallery Ashiya** – Explore the former private residence of **fashion designer Hiroko Koshino**, a masterpiece of **Tadao Ando’s** architecture. – View Koshino’s artworks, with opportunities to purchase her products and books. |
| 16:50–17:40 | Visit **Museum Road & Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art** Experience public art and one of the largest **Tadao Ando** architectural works in western Japan. |
| 18:00–20:00 | Dinner at **Kobe Kitano Terrasse** – Enjoy a **French course dinner featuring Kobe beef and local ingredients from Hyogo Prefecture**. – Experience exclusive **pairings of premium sake and wine** crafted in collaboration with contemporary artists and historic breweries. – Special talk by **Chef Hiroshi Yamaguchi**, Executive Chef of Kobe Kitano Hotel. |
| 20:30 | End of tour at **Shin-Kobe Station** |
■ **Tour Price**: ¥220,000 per person (tax included)
■ **Meeting Point**: 10:00 at Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum, 1st-floor reception
■ **Ending Point**: 20:30 at Shin-Kobe Station
■ **Minimum Participants**: 7 people
■ **Age Requirement**: 12 years and above
■ **Tour Escort**: Included
■ **Guide**: Yes (A dedicated English-speaking guide will accompany the tour, along with supplementary brochures in English and Chinese at select locations.)
■ **Transport**:
– Yasaka Kanko Bus (for travel from the meeting point to Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art)
– MK Hire Car (for travel from the museum to Kobe Kitano Terrasse and from there to Shin-Kobe Station)
■ **Meals**: 1 lunch, 1 dinner
### **Special Notes**
– Please inform us at the time of booking **if you have any food allergies**.
– If you require **special assistance (wheelchair, cane, etc.),** please let us know in advance.
– Some areas, such as the **Church of the Wind**, have unpaved paths, so we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
**[Travel Terms & Conditions (Excerpt)]**
For the full **Domestic Package Tour Terms & Conditions**, please review the following link before booking:
[**Full Terms & Conditions**](https://tobutoptours.jp/yakkan/2005_html/jyoken_kok_bosyu.html)
By making a payment, you agree to the full terms and conditions.
**Travel Price Includes:**
– Meals (1 lunch, 1 dinner)
– Transportation (on-tour transfers via hire car)
– Admission fees and special experience fees
– Tour guide fees
**Not Included in the Price:**
– Transportation from your home to the meeting point
– Any personal purchases made at the visited locations
**Cancellation Policy:**
| Cancellation Period | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| 10 days before departure | 20% of the tour price |
| 7 days before departure | 30% of the tour price |
| 1 day before departure | 40% of the tour price |
| Same-day cancellation | 50% of the tour price |
| After tour starts or no-show | 100% of the tour price |
For any questions, please contact us at:
**Tobu Top Tours Co., Ltd. – Nationwide Support Office**
Travel Agency License: No. 38, Japan Tourism Agency
**Address:** 18th Floor, W Building, 1-8-15 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0075
**Business Hours:** Mon–Fri 10:00–18:00 (Closed on weekends & holidays)
**Tel:** 090-3131-5113
**Email:** arttourism@tobutoptours.co.jp
**Travel Supervisor:** Shosuke Hiruta
