• 84 Nishinikaimachi - Japanese Sweets

Visit a Japanese sweets shop with a rich history of over 300 years and enjoy tasting “Tamatsubaki.”

“Tamatsubaki” is a refined Japanese sweet that was once presented to the castle lords.

• Himeji Castle - Explore the Castle and discover its history and the stories of its past inhabitants.

Explore the stunning Himeji Castle, also known as Shirasagi-jo, or “White Egret Castle.” During the visit, a local guide will explain why the castle is considered impregnable and celebrated for its beauty, offering insights into its architecture, exhibits, and historical importance.

Constructed in the early Edo period, the castle’s main structures, including the tower and turrets, remain intact and are recognized as national treasures and important cultural properties. Additionally, the inner section of the central moat, including the main fortification, is designated as a national special historic site as the “Himeji Castle Site.” The castle is also listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List and is among the 100 best castles in Japan.

• 73 Ōnomachi - Lunch

Cycle through the historic castle town and enjoy a Japanese lunch at a restaurant in the area. After lunch, visit a shrine that provides a scenic spot for taking stunning photographs of Himeji Castle.

• Otokoyama Hachimangu Shrine - View the back of Himeji Castle from a hidden lookout.

After lunch, head to a shrine that offers a scenic spot for capturing beautiful photographs of Himeji Castle.

• Koko-en - Experience a traditional tea ceremony while exploring a Japanese garden.

Relax and savor a cup of tea in Kokoen, a splendid Daimyo garden.

The name “Kokoen” is derived from “Koko-do,” a domain school that was located near the entrance to the current garden during the Edo period.

• 5.5 hours with a local guide
• Entrance fee for Himeji Castle & Kokoen garden
• Photos
• Rental Bike
• Lunch at a Japanese local restaurant
• A cup of tea at a garden

• Extra drinks and food

After meeting at Himeji Station, we will collect our bicycles and proceed to the shopping street in the castle town. There, we will visit a Japanese sweets shop with a history spanning over 300 years and sample “Tamatsubaki,” a refined Japanese confection that was once presented to feudal lords within the castle. We will then explore the magnificent Himeji Castle, also referred to as Shirasagi-jo, meaning “White Egret Castle.” After ascending to the summit of Himeji Castle, we will cycle through the historic castle town and savor a Japanese lunch at a restaurant located in the castle town. We’ll then proceed to a shrine that offers picturesque spot for capturing beautiful photographs of Himeji Castle. Relax and enjoy a cup of tea in Kokoen, a beautiful Daimyo garden. After exploring the shrine, we will cycle once more around Himeji Castle, heading to the picturesque Kokoen Garden. Following a leisurely cup of tea at a café within the garden, we will make our way back to the station.

• The itinerary for this tour includes some locations that are not accessible by a wheelchair or stroller.
• Summer in Japan is very hot and humid, so we recommend that you bring water and wear a hat to prevent heat stroke.
• There are many stairs inside the castle, so please check if you have companions who are concerned about navigating stairs without an elevator beforehand.
• You must remove your shoes upon entering. Please wear shoes that are easy to walk in and remove.
• Individuals aged 12 and above can join this cycling tour.
• If you’re a vegetarian, please note that the lunch options and quantities are limited. (However, we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.) Please contact us before the tour date.
• If you have specific dietary restrictions, especially if you’re vegan, we may not be able to provide the lunch option for you.
• Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate gluten-free requests for this tour.
• You are not required to cover the cost of the guide’s food and drinks.
• Please bring cash if you wish to purchase additional snacks and beverages.
• Out of consideration for our other guests and to ensure the best experience for everyone, the tour must start on time.
• Please be aware that if you arrive more than 15 minutes late for the meeting time (10 minutes before the tour start time), you will not be permitted to join the tour, receive a refund, or reschedule.
• Please note that we are unable to guarantee allergy-free or cater to dietary restrictions as the food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to MagicalTrip. Additionally, there may be instances where substitutions are not possible at certain stops; however, we will make every effort to compensate at different stops throughout the tour.

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