Himeji Castle, Arima Onsen & Mt. Rokko: 1-Day Bus Tour from Osaka
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Join this bus tour from central Osaka to explore Hyogo Prefecture’s historical landmarks & natural beauty in one day. Enjoy a relaxing bus tour w/ guided commentary as you travel between stops, including:
Himeji Castle: Renowned for its pristine white exterior & exquisite architecture. In spring, it is framed by a sea of cherry blossoms, their soft pink petals enhancing the castle’s timeless beauty.
Kokoen: Features nine distinct-style gardens showcasing Japan's four seasons.
Kouroen Former Residence Park: Preserves the ambiance of past residences.
Lunch: Senhime Gozen
A delightful Japanese set meal (mini anago rice bowl, warm mini udon, tender mini steak, tempura, & mixed fruit.)
Arima Onsen: One of Japan’s oldest & most famous hot springs.
Mt. Rokko: Breathtaking panoramic views of Kobe & the Seto Inland Sea from its 931-meter peak.
Wrap up the day & return to Osaka, where our memorable journey ends. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the best of Japan in 1 day!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For those planning to use the hot springs, please be aware that tattoos and swimsuits are not permitted.
Depending on the number of participants, Chinese and English commentary might be given on the same bus.
Please note that the tour schedule may be subject to traffic conditions on the day.
Infants under 3 years old are free of charge without seat. If a seat is required, please book under the children's price.
Please refrain from booking any time-sensitive activities such as restaurant reservations, cruise ship departures, or other scheduled commitments immediately following your tour.
In the event of severe traffic caused by holidays or adverse weather conditions, there may be a reduction in planned attractions without refunds.
The tour schedule may change without prior notice due to weather, road traffic conditions, and other unforeseen reasons. (There might be delays in returning to the designated location.) The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions.
Please be present at the right meeting point 10 minutes before the departure.
Please check the photo in the product page & scan the QR code for the meeting point reference.
Our contact number may be unavailable outside business hours (Mon–Fri, 9:30AM–6:00 PM JST).
Regarding luggage, we allow one piece of luggage per person during the excursion. Please also ensure that the luggage is manageable and fits comfortably within our vehicle. (The maximum size for luggage stored in the trunk should not exceed a total of 155cm- combined height, width, and depth.) Please also be aware that any items stored in the trunk will not be accessible in between stops on the tour, so keep all valuables with you.
Upon arrival, please confirm your name with the guide or staff on the participant list.
In general, we do not send out confirmation emails prior to departure. If you would like more information or need to clarify something, please contact us and we will send you the relevant details.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Entrance fee to Himeji Castle and Kokoen garden
All Fees and Taxes
Lunch (if this option is selected)
Air-conditioned vehicle
English / Mandarin-speaking guide
Hot Springs entrance ticket for those wishing to bathe
We do not provide hotel pick-up or drop-off.
Towels
What To Expect
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle, also known as "White Heron Castle," holds the distinction of being Japan's first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and is counted among Japan's national treasures. Unlike many historical buildings in Japan, Himeji Castle has never been destroyed or burnt down, making it one of the 12 original castles still standing in Japan today. Visitors to the castle can explore its extensive grounds and climb to the top floor for a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Karoyashikiato Park
When visiting Himeji Castle, a notable area to explore for dining options is Kouroen Former Residence Park. Here, you'll find a charming lineup of restaurants and souvenir shops. This park creatively repurposes Edo-period residences, transforming them into dining establishments where you can enjoy a meal amidst historical surroundings.
Options
Osaka: Himeji Castle w/ Meal
Senhime Gozen: A delightful Japanese set meal (mini anago rice bowl, warm mini udon, tender mini steak, assorted tempura, & mixed fruits.)
Osaka Depart (7:50am meet up): Osaka VIP Villa Namba
(3 min-walk from subway Midosuji Line Namba Station Exit 7)
Osaka: Himeji Castle (No Meal)
Osaka Depart (7:50am Meet up): Osaka VIP Villa Namba (3 min-walk from subway Midosuji Line Namba Station Exit 7)
Reviews
26 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Had a great day with...
Bradley P,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Had 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.
Easier than on your own. And more done you could alone.
qsdf123,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Himeji 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.
Hemji trip
Harish J,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This trip was very good. We had good amount of time to see everything. The only negative is the fluency of English of the guide.
Bus tour to Himeji
Angel Z,
Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This 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.
A true 5 star Experience for informed History
EvieKaye,
Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The 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
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Allan H,
Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Directions to meeting point incomplete and missed the trip. Directions not clear to meet at office 2 blocks away.
Excellent Tour
Peter R,
Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We are getting pretty experienced and taking one day tours in Japan. This was a good one. We had a great guide., Harry. He was knowledgeable, focused on making the tour a successful for all of us, his English was good and he was pretty well organised. Meiji Castle was impressive.The little spa village of Arima Onsen was interesting to visit and the views from Mt Rokko were vast and it was a clear day.
Good value
SydneyDayTripper,
Sep 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I'd go again, good organisation, comfortable bus, good value, wasn't rushed. Plenty of time at the places. I would have liked more local information about the places we went to.
Best guided tour of Himeji Castle by Harry
IreneJ T,
Sep 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide, Harry, was what made the trip better than I expected. I was so looking forward to seeing Himeji Castle, and Harry didn’t disappoint. Harry is a history buff. He gave context to the castle, the occupants especially Hideyoshi, the invaders, and how it weathered through wars relatively unscathed. The lunch was good too!
Himejo castle
RAQUEL B,
Aug 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was well organized Our guide Gary was great. He was very knowledgeable and made the trip very amenable
From ¥11,300
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