Japanese Sword Workshop & Himeji Castle Guided Tour from Kyoto
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
*The photos of Himeji Castle are of Courtesy of Himeji City
Explore the rich history of Himeji area on this 1 day tour from Kyoto, featuring a visit to an authentic swordsmith and the UNESCO World Heritage Himeji Castle. The journey begins with a comfortable ride in a deluxe bus that feels like business class on an airplane, offering a selection of complimentary soft drinks and sake.
Visit a Japanese Sword (Katana) workshop for an authentic sword-making demonstration and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local sake brewery. An English-speaking guide will lead you through the breathtaking Himeji Castle, showcasing its architecture and samurai history. After a memorable day, we will accompany you by bus to Himeji JR Station and provide you with a shinkansen (bullet train) ticket to return to Kyoto or Osaka on your own.
- Deluxe bus transportation from Kyoto to Himeji
- Return by shinkansen (bullet train)
- Japanese sword workshop
- Himeji Castle guided tour
- Sukiyaki lunch at sake brewery
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please arrive 10 minutes before departure.
If you are late for the tour start time, you will not be able to join the tour midway.
If you decide to leave the tour midway, we will not be able to give you the return Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket
Please be aware that Himeji Castle has many steps. Additionally, you will be required to remove your shoes inside the castle, so we recommend bringing a pair of socks.
We only serve alcoholic drinks for travelers 20 years old and above. Minor travelers below 20 years old will be served non-alcoholic drinks.
Detailed info about Kyoto meeting point: If you are arriving via JR, please head towards the JR Hachijo East Exit (located near McDonald’s). Please note that this exit is on the south side of the station, which is the opposite side of the JR Central Entrance. If you are on the 1st floor of the JR station, please go up to the 2nd floor and follow the signs for the West Exit (Nishi-guchi). After passing through the West Exit, follow the signs for the Hachijo-guchi West Exit. Go down the stairs and continue straight, keeping the Shinkansen exit on your left. Continue walking straight until you see the sign that says "Group Bus Terminal" and take the stairs on your left. Walk straight past the lockers, and once you are in front of McDonald's, turn right and cross the street. Then, immediately turn left and cross the street again toward the Tourist Bus Terminal. Our bus attendant will be waiting for you in front of our blue bus.
What To Expect
Observe the process of making an authentic Japanese Sword (Katana) with an experienced swordsmith in the countryside of Himeji. Here, you will have the opportunity to learn about this ancient technique by witnessing firsthand the process of heating, hammering, and folding the metal. You will also have the unique chance to ask questions to the artisan and learn about the true essence of the katana and what it takes to become a real swordsmith.
Nadagiku Shuzo Sake Brewery
Enjoy lunch at a famous sake brewery in Himeji.
Options
Return train ticket to Kyoto
Return train ticket to Kyoto: At the end of the tour we will accompany you by bus to Himeji JR Station & give you a train ticket to go to Kyoto on your own
Return train ticket Shin-Osaka
Return train ticket Shin-Osaka: At the end of the tour we will accompany you by bus to Himeji JR & give you a train ticket to go to Shin-Osaka on your own
What‘s Included
English-speaking service attendant
In a sake brewery
USB plugs on board
WiFi on board
Enjoy a curated selection of complimentary local beverages, including sake, plum wine, and fruit juices made from regional ingredients, along with other soft drinks onboard.
Himeji Castle's entry fee and guide tour
Amenities
Return Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket : Himeji → Osaka/Kyoto
Restroom on board
Hotel pick up and drop off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Unforgettable Japanese Sword Making and Himeji Castle trip
jefferym422,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An unforgettable day blending history, craftsmanship, and comfort This Japanese Sword Making and Himeji Castle Tour was one of the most unique experiences I had in Japan. Traveling in a deluxe bus made the journey incredibly comfortable, with an English speaking attendant taking care of guests throughout the day. The drinks served on board were endless and set the tone for a relaxed and premium experience. One of the highlights was meeting an authentic Japanese swordsmith and watching a katana being crafted up close. It is rare to witness such a traditional art form in person, it gave a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship. The tour also included a stop at a local sake brewery where we enjoyed lunch and sake tasting. This was a great way to experience regional flavors. Exploring Himeji Castle was another major highlight. This World Heritage site is breathtaking, and having an English speaking guide made a huge difference. The stories and lesser known details brought the castle to life in a way you would not get on your own. Overall, this tour perfectly combines cultural depth with comfort and convenience.
An Unforgettable Luxury bus Journey through Hyogo’s Hidden Gems!
Excursion50905901969,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00An Unforgettable Luxury bus Journey through Hyogo’s Hidden Gems! It was a true honor to join this fabulous bus tour. From the moment we stepped on the bus, the experience felt premium and well-curated. Here are the highlights of my journey: Premium Comfort & Drinks: We traveled in a luxurious aqua-blue bus with spacious 3-row seating. As a bus enthusiast, I was impressed by the sleek interior. The "all-you-can-drink" local selection was a highlight—don’t miss the Ehime Mikan juice and Hiroshima Lemon cider! Cultural Immersion in Aioi: Visiting an authentic Japanese swordsmith was a rare treat. Although there was a slight language barrier, the blacksmith’s passion was palpable as he used Google Translate to explain the refining process. Being able to touch the materials made it a truly immersive experience. Expert Trilingual Guide: Our guide was exceptional, seamlessly switching between Japanese, English, and Mandarin. Her storytelling brought the history of Hyogo to life. Himeji local sake brewery: We enjoyed a delicious Sukiyaki set lunch at a local sake brewery. I even picked up a bottle of yuzu wine as a souvenir! Seamless Logistics: The inclusion of a Shinkansen or JR ticket back to Kobe, Osaka, or Kyoto made the end of the day stress-free and incredibly convenient. Small Suggestions for an Even Better Experience: While the tour was fantastic, I think faster Wi-Fi and upgraded USB charging ports would be great for long drives. For the lunch portion, it might be a bit light for those with a larger appetite. Lastly, reducing highway rest stops to 20 minutes could save more time for sightseeing!
Wonderful tour !
OnAir58132565686,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I recently joined this tour which included visits to a Japanese sword exhibition, a sake brewery, and Himeji Castle. It was a very fulfilling and memorable experience. First, during the Japanese sword visit, I had the opportunity to see real swords up close. I was deeply impressed by the high level of craftsmanship and the long history behind each piece. Learning about the spirit and traditions embodied in Japanese swords helped me gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. Next, at the sake brewery, we received a detailed explanation of the sake-making process. It made me realize that sake, which I usually drink casually, is actually produced through a long history and careful craftsmanship. The tasting session was also enjoyable, allowing us to experience the differences in flavor among various types of sake. Finally, visiting Himeji Castle was truly impressive. I was amazed by its grand and beautiful appearance, and I clearly understood why it is recognized as a World Heritage Site. Walking through the castle allowed me to feel the history of Japan firsthand. Overall, the guide’s explanations were clear and helpful, and the schedule was well organized. I felt comfortable and enjoyed the tour throughout the trip. It was a highly satisfying tour that allowed me to experience Japanese tradition, history, and culture all at once. I would be happy to join another tour in the future if given the opportunity.
It was a fun trip.
OnAir58132565686,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I recently joined this tour and experienced Japanese swords, sake breweries, and sightseeing at Himeji Castle. It was amazing to see the city, beautiful scenery and Aurora in my own eyes. First of all, the tour of Japanese swords allowed us to see them up close and personal, and we were deeply moved by the depth of traditional Japanese crafts and the high skills of the craftsmen. I learned about the history and spirituality behind each and every move, which deepened my understanding of Japanese culture. Next, on a tour of the sake brewery, the students were able to hear a detailed explanation of the sake production process, and realized that sake, which they usually drink casually, has been made with a long history and effort. There was also a tasting, and we were able to enjoy the different tastes of sake. And when we visited Himeji Castle, we were blown away by its magnificent and beautiful appearance. I was able to understand the reason why it is known as a World Heritage Site in person, and I was able to feel Japanese history firsthand while walking around the castle. Throughout, the guides explained the trip in an easy-to-understand manner, the travel and schedule management was smooth, and I enjoyed the trip with peace of mind. I think it was a very satisfying tour where you could experience Japanese traditions, history and culture at once. If I had the chance again, I would love to participate.
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