Himeji Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Explore More in This Location
About This Tour in Himeji
Why Visit Himeji?
Himeji, Japan offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Himeji provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Himeji
You can reach Himeji, Japan by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city has excellent public transportation systems, including trains, subways, and buses. Taxis are widely available, and the transportation infrastructure is efficient and reliable.
What's Included
- Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
- Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Himeji
- Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list
What's Not Included
- 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.
Cancellation Policy
Additional Information
- 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
- IMPORTANT NOTICE: Mt. Shosha Ropeway operation is suspended from January 20 2025 to March 23 2025 due to regular inspections and maintenance.
- This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
Photo Gallery
Customer Reviews
Individual reviews are not available through the API. View all 63 reviews on Viator
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: Pickup available for all travelers
Pickup Time: 10 minutes before departure
Itinerary
Tour Itinerary
The castle was registered as world heritage in 1993 30 minutes
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.
Mt 10 minutes
Mt. Shosya Ropeway to access Engyo-ji temple will be suspended due to the annual maintenance from February 5, 2026 to March 18, 2026. 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 10 minutes
Mt. Shosha Ropeway to access Engyo-ji temple will be suspended due to the annual maintenance from February 5, 2026 to March 18, 2026. 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).
If you want to enjoy a bit of European art in Japan, you can 10 minutes
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.
The garden was constructed for 100 anniversary of the city 10 minutes
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.
Due to a mention in a very old... 10 minutes
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.
This shrine was built in 733 on top of Hiromine Mountain 10 minutes
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.
This public building that comes with shopping center,... 10 minutes
This public 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!
Explore More
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.
