Himeji Full-Day Private Tour: Explore Japan's Biggest Feudal-Era Castle with a Licensed Guide

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 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.
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
(38 Ratings)
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Erickq9900oj
Jul 27, 2024
Private Tour to Himeji Castle and Garden with Norio Oki - It was amazing. The Castle of Himeji is one of the best castles ive seen in my life. Our Guide Norio Oki show us The Castle and the Garden. After that we had a real good Meal and he Show us a Sake brewery with tasting. Thank you
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L2451toalexd
Jul 19, 2024
A great day in Himeji! - Our tour guide was Noboru and he was very insightful of everywhere we went! We went to the Mount Shosha Engyoji Temple, Himeji Castle, and we ended our day in the Koko-en Garden. Everywhere was filled with beautiful buildings but our favorite was the Koko-en Garden where we had matcha and a sweet! This was a definite must do and thank you for such an awesome day Noboru! Make sure to bring extra money for transportation from the meeting site as well as for entry into the beautiful locations since they are not included in the price of the tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Feelini2023
Jul 4, 2024
Himeji with Norio, a true Japanese adventure - What an amazing day of learning. Norio has so much knowledge and experience, he made the day great even in stifling heat and humidity. Communication was great and he took all of our preferences into consideration from activity level to food. Arigato Norio, for the wonderful day in Himeji, we will never forget what you have taught us, "Just in case"
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C8781objasonm
May 24, 2024
Hemaji Half Day Tour - Norio Oki was amazing, wealth of knowledge, friendly and patient. Got to see everything I wanted and more. Cannot give enough praises for the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sharonc32
May 21, 2024
Beautiful castle, fantastic guide - Mariko was a fantastic guide. She made our visit to beautiful Himeji Castle so interesting. We thoroughly recommend Mariko and this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
919bennye
May 2, 2024
Amazing Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden - The tour with Hiro was amazing. We got much informations and she was really kind and interrested in satisfying us. Unfortunatly the wheater was not good but we did the best.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Catherine_m
Apr 12, 2024
Fantastic Full Day Himeji Tour - We had a fabulous full day with our guide Mariko. She first took us up the gondola to My Shosha where we walked to see Engyoji Temple and more. We even rang the huge bell by swinging a timber! Next was a delicious lunch at a Japanese restaurant. Then we enjoyed the castle gardens and tour through the grounds and to the top of Himeji castle. Mariko stayed an extra 1.5 hours with us and told us many interesting facts and stories. She took our photos along the way and suggested good places to photograph the castle. We were delighted to be able to visit during peak cherry blossom season. Finally, she walked us to the top of a commercial building for a final view of the castle nestled amongst the myriad of cherry blossoms. Mariko walked us to the covered vendor-lined street that led straight back to the train station. We truly enjoyed everything and thank Mariko for her great tour!
Review provided by Viator
Laurie_b
Apr 10, 2024
Day in Himeji - Our tour guide, Rie, made our day in Himeji very memorable. She was excellent and extremely knowledgable about Himeji Castle. She also paid very close attention to our needs throughout the day. I would highly recommend this tour. I hope you get Rie for your tour guide.
Review provided by Viator
Laurieby4181ob
Apr 10, 2024
Day in Himeji - Our tour guide, Rie, was EXCELLENT. She has been to Himeji Castle 3,000+ times. She is very knowledgable about the castle. My husband and I were very appreciative of her special care with not rushing us. We highly recommend this tour and hope that you get Rie as a tour guide. She was highly attuned to our needs and the pace of our tour. We had a great experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K6375mlalb
Apr 7, 2024
Truly one of the best tours of our trip! - We got lucky enough to go with Hiromi to Himeji castle. She was very nice and friendly and funny. She was very informative about the history of the area and the castle itself. She had phrased the tour like an assault on the castle calling out the castles tricks and stratagems on unsuspecting invaders. The garden tour afterwards was quite nice as she showed us flowers of the area and the meaning behind them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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