Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
4.9
106 Ratings
Himeji
Discover the best of Himeji on a half-day private tour with a government-licensed guide. Explore the iconic Himeji-jo castle and customize your itinerary to suit your interests. Book now!
Duration: 4 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
  • Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 sites from the ‘What to expect’ list
  • Licensed Local Guide
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

Experience an enriching journey with a multilingual guide licensed by the government, making this a wonderful and time-efficient way of discovering Himeji!

Himeji boasts Japan’s largest and best-kept castle from the feudal era, Himeji-jo. With a facade of white plaster and its graceful appearance, it has been aptly dubbed Shirasagi-jo (White Egret Castle). Recognized as Japan’s premier castle, it justifiably demands a day’s visit.

Tell us what you aspire to discover, and we will tailor-make a four-hour tour suited to your interests!

Note1: Kindly choose your preferred sites from a list provided in the tour details to formulate your personal itinerary.
Note
2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certificate, issued by the Japanese government, testifies to an in-depth comprehension and knowledge of Japanese culture and history.

  • 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.
Location
Himeji Castle
68 Hommachi,
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(106 Ratings)
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Anngracef2024
May 18, 2024
Beautiful site with a wonderful tour guide! - Chiyuki was the most welcoming, knowledgeable, and patient tour guide we could have wished for! She had so many fascinating details to point out, and information to impart, but even more importantly she was patient with our mobility limitations and allowed us to travel at our own pace and rest as needed. Nothing was too much trouble. If I could have hired Chiyuki for our entire holiday in Japan I would have!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I9470kuscotth
May 14, 2024
GREAT guide! - Yama was an amazing guide. He was kind, and easy to talk with and be with. He was very knowledgeable as well. Great person! GREAT overal experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Destall
May 13, 2024
Great half-day tour of Himeji - Our guide Hiromi Mizoi was not only a very nice person, but she was also incredibly knowledgeable about Himeji Castle and its history. We also visited a sake brewery and tasted several different sakes. It ended up being a lovely and enjoyable day. Thanks so much, Hiromi!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I8559wxedwardl
May 11, 2024
Excellent guide - Rie was fantastic. She pointed out many areas of interest, communicated perfectly, and kept moving at a good pace. We felt truly lucky to have her as our guide and would recommend her to anyone visiting Himeji.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cathybc1745qq
May 11, 2024
Himeji Castle, well worth visiting! - The castle and the gardens were amazing! It is well worth visiting. Our guide Norio was very organized, helpful and knowledgeable. After the castle we had a lovely traditional Japanese lunch. Thank you, Norio, for making our tour special.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lissysmit
May 8, 2024
Himeji Castle - We met our guide Norio Oki at the train station. He took my husband, daughter (10 yrs) and me to see the Castle and gardens. The Castle is incredibly beautiful and very impressive, well worth the trip from Osaka. The gardens are also very nice to visit. Nori is very knowledgeable, kind and has a good sense of humor. We very much enjoyed our afternoon in Himeji.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karenfpage
May 5, 2024
Beautiful Himeji Castle - Himeji Castle lived up to all expectations!! Our guide Yama was knowledgeable and took us to all the places we wished to see. Prior to our trip he was helpful in providing us with notes in Japanese to show to taxi drivers/train station staff so we could travel from Kobe to Himeji easily. He had several tips for us to make our trip enjoyable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karen_p
May 5, 2024
Beautiful Himeji Castle - Seeing Himeji Castle from afar from the Egret allows you to understand the scale of it. But seeing it close up was amazing as you could see all the details. We also enjoyed strolling round the Kōko-en Gardens which are next door to the castle. As you can see from the photos the weather was perfect for showing off the castle against the blue sky.
Review provided by Viator
Davidjc4740wg
May 2, 2024
A beautiful day at Himeji - A half day at Himeji Castle and Koko-en. Hiromi Mizoi was a wonderful guide and made our experience amazing. Would highly recommend checking out Himeji Castle and the surrounding area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mayalikestotravel
Apr 29, 2024
Loved our guide Yama! - Great local guide Yama who was very knowledgeable and charismatic. We would definitely book another tour like this, especially with all of the half-day options!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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