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Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

icon 4 hours Mobile ticket Free Cancellation
Tickets from € 94.15

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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.
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  • Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
  • Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Himeji
  • Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 sites from 'What to expect' list
  • Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
  • Private Vehicle
  • You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
  • Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
Departure Point

Traveler pickup is offered

Pick up from Osaka is not available for this tour.
This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs. If you wish to arrange for a private vehicle, please contact us directly. All Private vehicles must be booked 5 days in advance. Maximum number of passengers: 7.

Traveler pickup
  • HIMEJI STATION, 188-1 駅前町 姫路市 兵庫県 670-0927, Japan
  • Himeji Castle, Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
    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!
  • Engyo-ji Temple, Zama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
    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. Mt. Shosya Ropeway to access Engyo-ji temple will be suspended due to the annual maintenance from February13th 2024 to March13th 2024
  • Mt Shosha hiking, Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
    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).
  • 68-25 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012, Japan
    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.
    10 minutes
  • Koko-en, Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
    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.
  • Nadagiku Shuzo Sake Brewery, Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
    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.
  • Hiromine Shrine, Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
    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.
  • Egret Himeji, Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
    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.
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Tour dates can be changed up to 2 days before the tour. Any tour date change may result in a change of tour guide or tour unavailability.
  • This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
corinnemX9698JD
11 Apr 2023
Himeji's sights are beautiful. Mt Shosha, Himeji Castle, and Koko-en - each were worth a visit, with a lot of history. Mt Shosha's Engyoji Temple and natural landscape made for a very serene, quiet adventure. Himeji Castle is authentic, picturesque, and a great example of dedicated historical preservation. Koko-en is beautifully designed and peaceful. But the highlight? Our guide: Yama-san! Yama-san (Yamashita) is engaging and super friendly! Throughout the trip, he would share facts about Himeji and Japan in general, as well as stories from his other travels (ask him about the alligator). When I felt a little unwell, he was quick to find a cafe to rest in for a little bit, and he was very understanding, which I appreciate. His patience, humour, and dedication is highly appreciated - he was a lot of fun to be with! You can experience Himeji, or you can experience Himeji with a great guide like Yama-san. Thank you, Yama-san!
David R
10 Apr 2023
Noboru was the best!! Before we arrived in Japan he reached out to customize our experience. We wanted three things- Himeji Castle, Japanese gardens and sake. He delivered! First, Noboru took us through Himeji Castle from the viewpoint of an invading force, to show just how impenetrable the castle was built. He also weaved in history, culture and a bit of local lore to really make the castle shine. A fantastic way to see the castle and really understand it! Next we went to Koko-en garden, which is right next to the castle. Wow!! While wandering the garden, Noboru told us about the art of gardening and the historical setting of this particular garden. He also introduced us to the customs of a tea ceremony. Last but not least, Noboru took us to a little known family-run sake bar where we tried a few types of sake and ended out the day. I learned that dai-ginjo is definitely the way to go! What a great experience! I highly recommend Noboru for all he can do to make your trip a success!
Spencer_T
09 Apr 2023
Booking this does not guaranteed a guided tour. They cancelled the trip less the day before due to lack of a guide. Now, Viator is spamming me with emails. I will not be a repeat customer.
This tour in Hyogo Prefecture is organized by Japan Guide Agency

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