Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

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
  • Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
  • Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Himeji
  • Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 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

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
(139 Ratings)
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Username_kris
Jul 17, 2024
Very passionate - Great guide with lots of conversation and very curious of the world outside of Japan. We discussed a lot about the similarities and differences between the West and here as well as customs and traditions
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Isabelaay4971ve
Jul 16, 2024
Beautiful walk through the castle - Our tour guide - Mariko was amazing. She knew and explained everything perfectly. We walked through beautiful places and it was just delightful for me and my family. 100% recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Davidax8814hm
Jul 15, 2024
Himeji tour that ended in a restaurant - Rie was very knowledgeable and helpful. She spoke great English! We were very pleased to have had the opportunity to pick her brain.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Salmx5878vq
Jul 14, 2024
See it with an expert! - A must of going to see Himeji castle! Our guide Noboru was great and pointed out many facts and details that 99% of the other visitors didn’t know.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sean_m
Jul 14, 2024
A great tour of the “gem” of Japan - An amazing time! If you go to Japan don’t miss out on this. And taking a tour made it 100% better! We learned and saw things that others missed. Our guide Noboru was Great!! He communicated with us in advance to set everything up and then day of took us in an amazing tour!!
Review provided by Viator
Josephbd8954tq
Jul 14, 2024
An excellent day in Himeji Castle - An incredible tour with Ms. Rie Ito. It is not often one is fortunate enough to meet a guide who enjoys sharing their love to a given place with guests. She loves this castle, enjoys walking around with her guests (that is how we felt) and enthusiastically shares detailed information, stories details, etc, She is very personable and in no time at all we shared stories about life experience, local culture and economy, family, kids and grandkids. She is very knowledgeable and her English is excellent. Over all, an excellent guide, a beautiful place and a wonderful experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Luceroh65
Jul 11, 2024
Great experience! - We had a great experience in Himeji with Yama San our private tour guide. He took us to the Himeji castle, Hiromine Shrine and Nadagiku sake brewery. Yama San was very attentive, friendly, and helpful all the time. I really recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tomas
Jul 9, 2024
Just great - Yama was super friendly, nice and responsive guide. We had great time visiting with him the castle, gardens and a shrine. He gave us many great tips. Highly recommend for any future visit
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carl_y
Jul 9, 2024
Nice tour of Himeji castle and Sake Brewery - Norio designed our tour as per our requirements. We wanted to visit the Himeji castle and a sake brewery. He took us around the castle explaining us it’s key features and the history behind it. Then, he took us to a sake brewery explaining how sake is made and we were able to taste and purchase our favorite. Norio is a very gentle and polite person.
Review provided by Viator
702satishk
Jul 2, 2024
Amazing Castle - One of the best tours we had with the Amazing guide Rie. She is so passionate and full of information. She kept us informed of all the details, very patient and our entire family enjoyed her company. Thank you so much Rie for making our trip memorable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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