Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Mt. Shosha Ropeway operation is suspended from January 20 2025 to March 23 2025 due to regular inspections and maintenance.
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Himeji!
Himeji is home to Japan's biggest and best-preserved feudal-era castle, Himeji-jo. Its white-plaster facade and elegant presence earned it the nickname Shirasagi-jo (White Egret Castle). Widely considered Japan's finest castle, it is worthy as the focus of a day trip to the area.
Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that's best for you!
Note1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
Options
Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Pickup included
What's included in Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
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.
Engyo-ji Temple
Engyo-ji is Tendai sect temple on the top of the mount Shosha. The mountain is located the north side of the city. This is a very authentic temple which is constructed in 970. It has a resemblance of the very famous temple in Kyoto, which also constructed on the side of the mountain. The wooden construction of the main building and dining hall were registered as one of Japanese culture heritage. Also, it was one of the filming locations of Tom Cruise’s Last Samurai. Mt. Shosya Ropeway to access Engyo-ji temple will be suspended due to the annual maintenance from February13th 2024 to March13th 2024
Mt Shosha hiking
Mount Shosha (書写山, Shoshazan) is the site of Engyoji (円教寺, Engyōji), an atmospheric temple complex with a history of over 1000 years. Located at the edge of Himeji City, the mountain can be accessed in only 30 minutes from the city center by bus and ropeway. Engyoji's temple buildings are spread over a spacious, densely forested area on the mountain top. From the ropeway station it takes a 10-15 minute walk uphill to reach the Niomon Gate and another 10-15 minutes to reach the Maniden, a beautiful wooden temple hall, constructed on pillars on a steep slope. Alternatively, a minibus operates between the upper ropeway station and the Maniden every 20 minutes (500 yen for a round trip).
Inclusions
- 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
- 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.
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- IMPORTANT NOTICE: Mt. Shosha Ropeway operation is suspended from January 20 2025 to March 23 2025 due to regular inspections and maintenance.
- 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.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 10 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
Pick up from Osaka is not available for this tour. This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs. If you wish to arrange for a private vehicle, please contact us directly. All Private vehicles must be booked 5 days in advance. Maximum number of passengers: 7.
