Osaka to Hyogo: Discover Historic Landmarks

Explore Himeji Castle, relax at Arima Onsen, and enjoy panoramic views from Mt. Rokko on this enriching day trip from Osaka.

Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Himeji Castle - Known as “White Heron Castle,” Himeji Castle is Japan’s first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and is one of the country’s national treasures. Unlike many historical structures in Japan, it has never been destroyed or burned down, making it one of the 12 original castles still standing today. Visitors can explore its vast…
What's Included
  • Entrance fee to Himeji Castle and Kokoen garden
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Lunch (if this option is selected)
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • English / Mandarin-speaking guide
What's Not Included
  • Hot Springs entrance ticket for those wishing to bathe
  • We do not provide hotel pick-up or drop-off.
  • Towels
Additional Information

Embark on a bus tour from central Osaka to discover the historical landmarks and natural beauty of Hyogo Prefecture in just one day. Enjoy a comfortable bus ride with guided commentary as you visit:

  • Himeji Castle: Famous for its immaculate white facade and stunning architecture. In spring, it is surrounded by cherry blossoms, with their delicate…
Location
VIP Villa Namba
Osaka Villa Namba Meet up 7:50am (Depart at 8:00AM) 3 min-walk from subway Midosuji Line Namba Station Exit 7 Address: 556-0011 Osaka, Osaka-shi, Naniwa-ku, Nanbanaka 1-2-1 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/41MjX9k7hghqgyLt7 Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10-15min before departure.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.1
(27 Ratings)
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Soomic546
Nov 18, 2025
Amazing Himeji Castle - Gary , our guide was kind , knowledgeable and friendly. Bus was clean , driver was so experienced. We had lunch that offered with tour, food was really good. I will recommend this tour to my friends and family .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jd-mak
Nov 17, 2025
Himeji Castle, Arima and Mt. Rokko - The tour was well organized well priced. The guide “ Gary” is of great knowledge and explained a lot about the historic fact about the spots we’ve been to. I do recommend this tour for first timers like me.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bradley_p
Nov 5, 2025
Had a great day with... - Had a great day with Harry our guide who was super knowledgeable and a great character . Loved the castle and gardens , arima was a nice to explore and my rokko views of osaka were fantastic. The pick up point VIP villa namba is not hard to find , bus was clean and comfortable.
Review provided by Viator
Harish_j
Oct 19, 2025
Hemji trip - This trip was very good. We had good amount of time to see everything. The only negative is the fluency of English of the guide.
Review provided by Viator
Angel_z
Oct 7, 2025
Bus tour to Himeji - This was a long day but totally worth it. Gary did a great job of giving a brief history and tid bits on what we would be seeing before each location. It made things so much easier to navigate with his guidance. Lunch waa amazing! Arima has tattoo friendly public baths so don't be discouraged if you have tattoos and think you'll be missing out.
Review provided by Viator
Eviekaye
Sep 28, 2025
A true 5 star Experience for informed History - The Tour is Fantastic for those who are wanting the history behind the castle. Our Guide Gary was Brilliant with lots of knowledge. Well organised and very helpful. The amount of time at each stop was perfect. Always make sure on any tour in Japan - always arrive early. Everything leaves on time from tours to trains. For those who do suffer motion sickness - take medication. It does get quite windy up the hill towards the Onson etc. Thank You Gary for all your kindness and thank you to a brilliant driver. Cheers
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scott
Nov 22, 2025
Great trip. - The trip was great. Informative and full of great things to see. The lunch option was fantastic. But there is good food around if you choose not to. I’d do it. Food was great. It was a long day. But worth the trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karen
Nov 14, 2025
Stunning old castle, gardens and night vistas - The castle was amazingly beautiful. As lunch was booked did not have enough time to reach the top of main keep after seeing princess living quarters. Very steep steps can be very challenging for some seniors like me with knee problems. Arima onsen only 1 person went and rest of us didn’t have towel to take advantage of public foot spring. A little disappointed as not much else there except souvenirs and food. Stunning night panorama from Mt Rokko. Would give 3.5 rating if I could. Found it rather odd and a little offensive when guide repeatedly addressed the group as “My dear guys”.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Qsdf123
Oct 29, 2025
Easier than on your own. And more done you could alone. - Himeji castle was definitely worth it. Arima was a surprise: a small tourist town with fine onsen. View from Mt Rocco of Kobe and Osaka was nice. On my first day in Japan, the food was an introduction to Japanese cuisine. I was disappointed that the guide didn't share so much even though we were on the bus together for so long.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sheta_s
Nov 17, 2025
Unimpressed - To be honest, I was not that impressed by this tour. Our tour guide was someone who was simply taking us around. He was more concerned about managing time rather than providing a great opportunity for the group. Yes he obliged us by offering to take pictures but I think he needed to be more knowledgeable about the places he was taking us to. This is a Viator experience that did not impress.
Review provided by Viator
From $73
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).