Half-day Himeji Castle Town Bike Tour with Lunch
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.
Options
Half-day Himeji Castle Town Bike Tour with Lunch
What's included in Half-day Himeji Castle Town Bike Tour with Lunch
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Japanese Sweets We will visit a Japanese sweets shop with a history spanning over 300 years and sample "Tamatsubaki" “Tamatsubaki,” an elegant Japanese confectionery once offered to the lords of the castle.
Himeji Castle
Explore inside the Castle and learn the history of the castle and the people who used to live there. we will explore the magnificent Himeji Castle, also referred to as Shirasagi-jo, meaning "White Egret Castle." During our visit to Himeji Castle, our local guide will elucidate why the castle is deemed impregnable and renowned for its beauty, providing insights into its architecture, exhibits, and historical significance. Built in the early Edo period, the castle's main buildings, including the castle tower and turrets, are still standing and are designated as national treasures and important cultural properties. In addition, the inner part of the central moat, including the main fortification, is designated as a national special historic site as “Himeji Castle Site. The castle is also on UNESCO's World Heritage List and has been selected as one of the 100 best castles in Japan.
Lunch We will cycle through the historic castle town. We will savor a Japanese lunch at a restaurant located in the castle town. Following lunch, we will proceed to a shrine that offers a picturesque spot for capturing beautiful photographs of Himeji Castle.
Inclusions
- 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 tee at a garden
- Extra drinks and food
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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 by the day 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 late, you will not be permitted to join the tour, receive a refund, or reschedule. Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour start time.
- 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.
- Guests may be refused participation in this tour if they have consumed alcohol beforehand, in accordance with the law.
- Please note that we cannot guarantee allergy-free meals or accommodate dietary restrictions, as the food is prepared in kitchens not operated by MagicalTrip. Additionally, some stops may not allow substitutions; however, we will make every effort to offer alternatives at other locations throughout the tour.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- In front of Seven Eleven at North Exit of JR Himeji station In front of Seven Eleven at North Exit of JR Himeji Station. (There is another Seven Eleven, so please be careful.) A guide will be holding an orange sign saying "MagicalTrip tour"
