Private Tour

A Tour to Visit Himeji's Popular Destinations in a day!

Overview

Available languages

English

7 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

"Himeji Castle" and "Enkyoji Temple", both of which have a history of more than 1,000 years, are World Heritage Sites that must not be missed when you visit Himeji.

The attraction of Himeji castle is its pure white walls, which are called the most beautiful castle in Japan. Also, the inside of the castle still has the equipment used for warfare 400 years ago, when the samurai lived there. You also can't help but feel a sense of historical romance when you see the dignified appearance of the castle.

The tour at Himeji Castle alone would be enough to satisfy you, but afterward, we will take a bus and a ropeway to Engyoji Temple on Mt.Shosya. The temple is one of the largest temples in Japan and has many cultural assets designated by the government. Once you step into Mt. Shosha, you will be overwhelmed by the serene mountains and feel a sense of purity.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please wear comfortable clothes as you will be walking on a mountain path.

If the weather is bad on the day, there is a possibility that the means of transportation, destinations, and routes may be changed.

Please understand that tour spots might be changed to alternative spots in case of temporary closure.

Some of the spots we will visit on the day do not accept credit cards. Please remember to bring cash.

All transportation costs, entrance fees, food and drink costs, etc. incurred at the visited spots, will be borne by the customer.

If you are unable to make it to the meeting point by the start time, there is a possibility that we might not be able to provide the full experience this tour has to offer, due to the time taken to get to the meeting point via public transport. Please ensure that you have ample time to get to the meeting point on time.

If you will be using a stroller for either of the children, please note that strollers cannot be used inside Himeji Castle, and they must be stored in a designated area before entering the castle.

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Private Tour

Tour Guide

The necessary expenses for the guide during the tour

Estimated Costs of the Tour: 4470 JPY per Person

Breakdown: Transportation: 1420 JPY, Admission Fees: 2050 JPY, Meal costs: 1000 JPY per Person

Optional Experience Costs: 0 JPY per Person

Himeji Castle

What To Expect

Viewing Deck, Himeji Station Square

Castle View Deck: An observation deck at Himeji Station from which you can see Himeji Castle. Enjoy the unique views of the castle that you can only experience from this viewing deck, such as the long main street leading to the castle! The powerful image of Himeji Castle towering from amidst the modern buildings is a pride of Himeji.

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Otemae Street

Otemae Street: This is the main street connecting Himeji Station to Himeji Castle. As you walk along this exciting boulevard, the figure of the castle drawing closer and larger will surely make you look forward to exploring the castle even more!

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Without Enkyoji Temple(6 hrs)

Mt. Shosha Ropeway is suspended until 2025/03/23. You will skip Engyo-ji and the tour will be shortened to 6 hrs.

Standard

With Enkyoji Temple (7.5 hrs)

Wtih Enkyoji Temple: Mt. Shosha Ropeway is suspended until 2025/03/23. This option is for the booking after 2025/03/24.

Reviews

5.00

29 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

The guide Yoriko Nakagawa...
Ben C,
Jun 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00
The guide Yoriko Nakagawa took my family and me on an excellent tour on Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, and Engyoji Temple at Mt. Shosha on June 10, 2025, despite a heavy rain that day. She is very knowledgeable, professional, and caring. She also helped us bought the bus/ropeway tickets for Engyoji Temple at Mt. Shosha well in advance, saving us much time on the trip. At the end of the tour, she rode with us on the bus to get to Himeji Station where we can do some last-minute shopping and take the shuttle bus back to the cruise terminal on time. I highly recommend taking this tour!
Great tour!
Susan S,
Jun 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00
It was nice to not have to look at maps or public transportation schedules. Our guide spoke good English, was friendly, and knowledgeable. Great tour, even in the rain.
Castle plus Mt. Shosha is the Perfect Combination
Lucas K,
Apr 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00
First class service, as they begin by meeting you in Himeji Station with a sign with your name! Then you visit Himeji Castle with an amazing tour guide (in our case, it was the awesome Coco!!!) who will give you details about the castle and it's surroundings. You'll then get to go up to Himeji Castles top floor and be able to see all of the city! Second, you will go to an amazing garden and have lunch INSIDE the garden. Then, comes Mt. Shosha, with Engyoji Temple. Peaceful and the location for scenes in "The Last Samurai" movie. Highly recommend.
Fun day
Diane U,
Oct 2, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Loved all of it. Tatiko our guide was very good at planning the day and very nice. She always knew how to get where we wanted to go so saw a lot of sites. Loved the tea ceremony.
A tour of Himeji
Spencer H,
Oct 17, 2019
- Viator
5.00
The tour was really informative and friendly, Ms. Ishimaru answered all my questions and showed me everything I was interested in seeing from the ropeway and temples in the mountains, to the gardens and Himeji castle too. I was keen on the history and past culture and she knew all about these as well so I learned a lot and enjoyed the day thoroughly. I'd be very keen to take a similar tour again and do recommend this for anyone keen to explore Himeji or the surrounding areas. Thankyou.