Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Himeji!

Himeji is home to Japan's biggest and best-preserved feudal-era castle, Himeji-jo. Its white-plaster facade and elegant presence earned it the nickname Shirasagi-jo (White Egret Castle). Widely considered Japan's finest castle, it is worthy as the focus of a day trip to the area.

Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that's best for you!

Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Himeji Castle, 68 Hommachi, Himeji 670-0012 Hyogo Prefecture

The castle was registered as world heritage in 1993. The castle is known for its specific architecture. The construction of the castle would represent sophistication of their defence system and political power.

This was the tallest castle in Japan which meant that this castle represented once the highest power and sophistication of military power in the samurai period. In 1346 Akamatsusadanori started to construct the castle during the civilisation war in Japan many other people took over the castle after that.

During the time of under different ownership the castle changed its shape but the Castle we can see today was the same shape as 1909. End of samurai rule in Japan, the owner of the castle gave the castle to the new-formed government.

After that the government decided to use the castle as educational and historical display purpose. Because of that reason, the castle is now open to the public.

Do you know why now is the best time to visit the castle? The reason would be, in 2015 they refurbished the very famous white wall of the castle, however this white paint will lose its brightness when the time passes so now is the time to visit the castle and take great pictures front of the freshly repainted white wall!

Stop At: Engyo-ji Temple, 1-3221 Iriya, Zama 252-0024 Kanagawa Prefecture

Engyo-ji is Tendai sect temple on the top of the mount Shosha. The mountain is located the north side of the city. This is a very authentic temple which is constructed in 970.

It has a resemblance of the very famous temple in Kyoto, which also constructed on the side of the mountain.

The wooden construction of the main building and dining hall were registered as one of Japanese culture heritage. Also, it was one of the filming locations of Tom Cruise’s Last Samurai.

Stop At: Mt Shosha hiking, Shosya, Himeji 671-2201 Hyogo Prefecture

Mount Shosha (書写山, Shoshazan) is the site of Engyoji (円教寺, Engyōji), an atmospheric temple complex with a history of over 1000 years. Located at the edge of Himeji City, the mountain can be accessed in only 30 minutes from the city center by bus and ropeway.

Engyoji's temple buildings are spread over a spacious, densely forested area on the mountain top. From the ropeway station it takes a 10-15 minute walk uphill to reach the Niomon Gate and another 10-15 minutes to reach the Maniden, a beautiful wooden temple hall, constructed on pillars on a steep slope. Alternatively, a minibus operates between the upper ropeway station and the Maniden every 20 minutes (500 yen for a round trip).

Stop At: Himeji City Museum of Literature, 84 Yamanoicho, Himeji 670-0021 Hyogo Prefecture

If you want to enjoy a bit of European art in Japan, you can! The building of the museum used to be an old army headquarter; it has a unique construction of using red bricks.

The museum has strong focus on Belgian art because one of the Belgian city is a sister city of Himeji. The museum collections include traditional European art to modern art.

The museum also exhibits local artist collections. There is a café that is very popular amongst tourists. If you walk around the castle it’s a great place to stop over to have a coffee.

Stop At: Koko-en, 68 Honmachi, Himeji 670-0012 Hyogo Prefecture

The garden was constructed for 100 anniversary of the city. It’s about 3.5ha, a large garden next to the castle. The land was originally belonged to the part of the castle however in 1618 they excavated some of the oldest settlements.

Now the garden was designed around its original excavated plan. It’s divided into nine different gardens. Inside gardens you can enjoy tea or food at the restaurant and have relaxing time.

The garden is next to the castle so you can enjoy it before or after your castle visit. You can relax and forget about noise from inner city.

Stop At: Nadagiku Shuzo Sake Brewery, 1-121 Tegara, Himeji 670-0972 Hyogo Prefecture

Due to a mention in a very old manuscript, Himeji was given a name as birthplace of Japanese Sake. This particular Sake brewery is famous for female member of stuffs who are making sake. Inside the brewery, you can taste different sake and purchase them of course!

If you don’t drink, the restaurant front of it, you can try healthy tofu product or healthy course meals. There is a kiosk outside, you can buy or try sweetie sake (non alcohol) or soft cream.

So even you are not a drinker, you can enjoy other products.

Stop At: Hiromine Shrine, 52 Hiromineyama, Himeji 670-0891 Hyogo Prefecture

This shrine was built in 733 on top of Hiromine Mountain. This is famous shrine because Shinto (the Japanese original religion) and Buddhism (later came from India) were studied together in this shrine.

So the construction of the shrine is a mixture of Shinto and Buddhism. There was a samurai captain who made lots of wealth selling eye drops with this shrine’s amulet.

From the shrine, you can enjoy the great view of the Himeji castle to the sea front.

Stop At: Egret Himeji, 68-290 Honcho, Himeji 670-0012 Hyogo Prefecture

It is a public complex building that comes with shopping center, restaurants, public halls and its rooftop is open to public for free to enjoy the view of the Himeji castle.

When you’re near to the castle you may not be able to enjoy whole view however if you come to the top of this complex you can see the clear view of the castle because there is nothing obstructing your view!

From the restaurants inside, you can enjoy the view of the castle also eating wonderful food or local cuisine. During very hot summer, there is a rooftop beer garden; you can enjoy your favorite alcohol while watching light up castle at night.

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.