Himeji Full-Day Private Tour: Explore Japan's Biggest Feudal-Era Castle with a Licensed Guide
5.0
33 Ratings
Himeji
Discover Japan's biggest feudal-era castle, Himeji-jo, on a full-day private tour with a licensed guide. Customize your itinerary and explore this well-preserved architectural marvel!
Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Himeji Castle - 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!

What's Included
  • Licensed Local Guide
  • 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.
Additional Information

Enjoy an action-packed trip with a state-certified, seasoned multilingual tour guide for an excellent and time-effective visit to Himeji!

Himeji is the location of Japan’s largest and most well-preserved castle from the feudal era, known as Himeji-jo. Recognized for its pristine-plaster exterior and majestic appearance, this castle is often referred to as Shirasagi-jo (White Heron Castle). Being Japan’s premier castle, it is an ideal focal point for a day trip to the region.

Tell us your preferred experiences, and we will tailor a six-hour tour that best meets your preferences!

Note 1: Kindly pick your must-visit spots from the provided list in the tour details to establish your personalized itinerary.
Note 2: The certification for the National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter is granted by the Japanese government, indicating a deep knowledge and comprehension of Japanese culture and history.

  • This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
Location
Himeji Castle
68 Hommachi,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(33 Ratings)
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Johannes_d
Mar 26, 2024
Himeji Day - We had a great time that day, the excursion was well thought out, and the guide provided clear explanations.
Review provided by Viator
Samson_l
Mar 14, 2024
Very enjoyable tour of Himeji - We had a very enjoyable and informative tour of Himeji Castle and the Koko-en Gardens. Yama-San brought us to a local soba noodle house where we enjoyed a tasty lunch. We ended the tour with a fun tour of a sake brewery which included sampling some of the fine products. A terrific day in Himeji with a 5 star tour guide.
Review provided by Viator
558rizalm
Mar 10, 2024
An excellent guide for Himeji - Hiromi-san, our guide, provide an itinerary before our arrival. It is very helpful to orient ourselves to the venue. We manage to see the Himeji castle, Koko-en garden, and Hiromino shrine in one day. It was an eventful experience. Hiromi is a knowlegable guide, she knows her stuff, and has a pleasant personality. I would recommend her highly for a tour in Himeji!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephaniebi4313vn
Mar 2, 2024
Himeji full day private tour - Mr Yama was a great tour guide. Everyone on our trip enjoyed our day with him. Mr Yama is knowledgeable about what he’s showing you and makes every effort to arrange your tour to your exact likes and hopes. A couple of things we wanted to do were closed for maintenance and Mr Yama knew what was open and what was closed and offered great alternatives. I would totally recommend this tour and Mr Yama as a tour guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nicolas_s
Feb 16, 2024
Himeji Experiences with Nishi - With Nishi, we visited the Himeji castle, which was spectacular! She pointed out many interesting facts about the castle that we probably would not have known if we didn’t have her. She took us to a wonderful Japanese restaurant located within Koko-en gardens and got to try their local conger eel and wagyu beef while sitting next to the window looking at the koi’s in the pond and waterfall. She gave us pointers for where to go shopping and dining for dinner. We had a wonderful experience in Himeji with Nishi!
Review provided by Viator
Richard_k
Feb 15, 2024
Ask for Hiromi - The vast knowledge of the guide was freely shared with us. She was friendly, attentive to our interests and totally accommodating. We have done countless excursions all over the world and Hiromi ranks as one of the top three. She personalized our tour for us. She was enthusiastic and justifiably proud of her city and anxious to share it with us. We highly highly recommend Hiromi for anyone visiting Himeji. Her knowledge of the castle and city are unsurpassed.
Review provided by Viator
Ryansx7325mc
Feb 10, 2024
Fantastic day in Himeji - One of the best tours I've had. Our guide Yama was an incredibly knowledgeable and fun guide for us. His English was very easy to understand and we definitely appreciated his great sense of humor. Even went out of his way near the end of the tour to take us by certain restaurants that he personally recommended based on what we were in the mood to eat. Would definitely book again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anatl1759yh
Feb 9, 2024
Wonderful tour and tour guide! - Took this tour with family and friends - our guide Norihide Yamashita was fantastic! He was very friendly and funny - also provided us with very good recommendations around the Himeji area. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Road62210466000
Jan 25, 2024
Wonderful tour with guide Yama: Engyo-ji Temple, Himeji Castle, garden and sake brewery - We had a fantastic day with our guide Yama. He was good fun to be with and had a great sense of humour! We chose to use taxis rather than the bus to get us to Engyo-ji Temple and the sake brewery to give us more time. The temple in the mountains was lovely and peaceful and Yama told us was where Tom Cruise filmed one of the scenes from The Last Samauri. Himeji Castle is beautiful and Yama gave us lots of historical information to bring the visit to life. The garden was pretty with lots of small bridges and koi ponds. Finally we walked around the outside of the sake brewery which had brewing information and history and tasted a few different sakes in the shop afterwards. Thank you Yama for a wonderful day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tmtmtmtmtmtmtmtm
Dec 24, 2023
Magic of Himeji Castle and 'Last Samurai' Temple in Engyoji - Great Private tour with our knowledgeable guide Hiro that guide us thru Himeji Castle and other point attractions arund the area including the secrets of the 'The Last Samurai' Temple. Really recommended tour for first time in Himeji and/or in Japan.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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