Himeji

Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

Badge of ExcellenceHimeji, Japan

Himeji Half Day Private Tour with Nationally Licensed Guide

4 hours
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture

2.5 Hour Private History and Culture Tour in Himeji Castle

from $131.12

Per group

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Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture

World Heritage Himeji Castle &Traditional Sake Breweries Tour

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Overview

Make the most of your time in Himeji with a private half-day tour. Save time and hassle by picking 2-3 sites that most interest you: there’s no need to wander around places that don’t appeal to you. As well as Himeji’s famous castle–often said to be the most beautiful in Japan–you can also choose to visit a sake distillery, shrines and temples, and the Museum of Literature, among other attractions.

Customize your own personalized itinerary in Himeji
Learn more about local history and culture by going with a guide
Ask your guide questions and take your time on a private tour
Entry fees, food, and transport cost extra

What's Included

Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 sites from 'What to expect' list
Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Himeji

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.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

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.

What To Expect

Himeji Castle

Admission Ticket Free

Engyo-ji Temple (Pass By)

Mt Shosha hiking

Admission Ticket Free

Himeji City Museum of Art

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Koko-en

Admission Ticket Free

Nadagiku Shuzo Sake Brewery

Admission Ticket Free

Hiromine Shrine

Admission Ticket Free

Egret Himeji

Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Stroller accessible
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation is wheelchair accessible

Wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
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.
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.0

104 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 104 reviews

Beautiful Himeji Castle

Karen_P, May 2024

Seeing Himeji Castle from afar from the Egret allows you to understand the scale of it. But seeing it close up was amazing as you could see all the details. We also enjoyed strolling round the Kōko-en Gardens which are next door to the castle. As you can see from the photos the weather was perfect for showing off the castle against the blue sky.

Response from Host, May 2024

Many thanks for your most kind and thoughtful comment. I am glad to know that you have enjoyed the tour with me, I have also enjoyed the time with you two. I sincerely hope that I can see you again. Doomo Arigato Gozaiamashita, Yama

Great Tour!

Lauren_F, Apr 2024

Chiyuki was a great guide for our Himeji day trip. She guided us through the Himeji castle, the Kokoen garden next to the castle, and a nearby sake brewery. We learned so much more about the history of the castle and the sake brewing process than if we had gone on our own. We recommend Chiyuki!

Response from Host, May 2024

Hello! I am very delighted to know that you had a good time in Himeji. Thank you very much for taking a keen interest in Japan. Thank you for listening to me. I appropriate the joyous moments with you! I hope you enjoyed a lot in Japan. Thanks again. Best regards, Chiyuki

Fantastic friendly guide

Stephen_C, Apr 2024

Yama San was a fantastic guide for our family (which consisted of 2 adults, 2 teens and 1 child. He was knowledgeable, patient (when we wandered at our own place exploring) and had a great sense of humour. I would absolutely recommend Yama San as a guide to show you the highlights of Himeji and the surrounding area.

Response from Host, May 2024

I am very much glad to have your most considerate comment. I have also had a very good time with you and your wonderful family. I hope “Maneki-neko” will bring all happiness to you all. Besides, I would suppose you all like the dinner (lunch) in Himeji, right? Looking forward to seeing you again, maybe in my city of Kobe next time. Doomo Arigato Gozaimashita, Yama

Great visit to Himeji castle with our guide Hiromi Mizoi

Michelle_M, Apr 2024

We had an excellent visit to Himeji castle with our guide Hiromi Mizoi. Hiromi is an extremely knowledgeable guide and we learned so much from her. Thanks Hiromi! Michelle and Steven

Himeji-jo in the rain

Chris_D, Apr 2024

Himeji-jo was very impressive, even in the rain Our Gide, Yama-san was excellent. Be prepared to climb some steps!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Many thanks for your most kind and considerate comment. I have also had a very happy time with you all. How was Kushi-katsu? Good? I sincerely hope Maneki-neko will bring you all good luck and happiness. Doomo Arigato Gozaimashita, Yama

Excellent guide!

Yelena_S, Apr 2024

Chiyuki was great. She was knowledgeable about the history of the castle and generally about Japan. She was very enthusiastic. We really enjoyed the tour!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hello, I couldn't be happier. Thank you very much for your review. All of you were very good listeners and fantastic travelers. Thanks to you, I could guide you well. I also enjoyed a lot with you. Thanks again! Good luck with your job! Chiyuki

Excellent Tour - Highly Recommend!

Holly_T, Apr 2024

Yama-San was a very respectful, knowledgeable, and patient guide. He took us to all of the places we wanted to see, and even shared great food and sake recommendations. We learned a lot and really enjoyed his pace and humor. His English was fantastic and his kindness was the best of all guides so far.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Many thanks for your most kind and considerate comment and I am very much glad know you have enjoyed the tour with me. How was “Eki-soba” and “Tako-yaki with soup”? I do hope you like them. Please say “Do not drink too much Sake.” to your nice and cool partner. I sincerely hope that I can see you two again next time in the city of Kobe, my home. Doomo Arigato Gozaimashita, Yama

Extraordinary day in himeji

Amanda_S, Apr 2024

Yama was so polite and courteous and took us to all the places we wanted to visit. He was very knowledgeable about the places we visited and we learnt a lot from him about the history of these places He was delight to converse with. Many thanks Yama all the best for the future tours you guide

Response from Host, Apr 2024

I appreciate very much your most kind and thoughtful comment. I am glad to know that you have enjoyed the tour with me. I have also enjoyed the time with you two, particularly, talking with your nice partner was so funny and interesting. If possible, I hope I can see you again. Diomo Arigato Gozaimashita, Yama

Not to miss

aracely100, Mar 2024

Our guide was very friendly, patient and knowledgeable. He took us into the castle and around the grounds. Not to miss!

Worth it!

Abhilasha_J, Mar 2024

Yama-san was an excellent guide! He gave us great information about Himeji castle and was very friendly and easy to talk to. He gave a terrific explanation of the nearby shrine and even translated my husband's fortune paper for him!

Great guide.

James_M, Mar 2024

Hiromi was a great guide, very knowledgeable about Himeji and Japan history in general. She made the experience wonderful.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you so much for your warmest message. I am honored by your kind comments. I had a wonderful time with you. I was excited to find someone who knows about the story of the princess here. It was fun to share details of Japanese history and culture. I really appreciate it. Hiro

Great tour

Anniken_F, Mar 2024

We enjoyed our tour of Himeji with our guide Norio. Norio was very knowledgeable and friendly and gave us a great experience!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

I had a great opportunity to meet a couple from Oslo, Norway. We visited Himeji Castle, Kokoen and Egret Himeji rooftop. Although Himeji Castle's Main Keep was crowded, they were impressed to find a bigger Himeji Castle than their expectation. It was a nice day, and they were pleased with the quiet and peaceful Kokoen gardens too. They are such a nice couple that I was able to enjoy myself with them. Thank you so much. Norio

Hiromi was excellent

Steven_W, Mar 2024

Hiromi was an excellent guide. We greatly benefited from the knowledge of someone who has lived in Hirjee all her life. She shared a lot of insider information with us and gave us an excellent tour. She was friendly and funny and very caring. We would highly recommend her as a Tour Guide

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you so much for your warmest message! I am honored by your comments. I really enjoyed having you all, and got excited by sharing part of Japanese history and culture. And also the nice weather gave us a pleasant time. Everything was perfect for us. I appreciate all your kindness. Hiromi

Awesome Himeji White Castle and Garden Tour with Rie

Harris_K, Feb 2024

Our Tour Guide, Rie Ito was awesome. She spoke excellent English and was so cheerful! She knew everything about the history of Himeji and specifically the tour of the White Castle and gardens. The Tea Ceremony was an added treat. We would recommend her for any tour guide needs in Himeji - Thank you Rie!!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you for your fabulous review! I am very much honored to be complimented and I feel happy to know you liked Himeji Castle, the garden and the tea ceremony. You were all such a nice group that I myself enjoyed the time with you. Thank you again.-Rie .

Excellent Guide

Kenneth_B, Feb 2024

Yama, our guide, was excellent, and we learned a great deal about Himeji history, the Shinto religion and sake.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

I appreciate your most kind and considerate comment very much. I have also had a very good and pleasant time with you two. Moreover, I thank you very much for the sake, which is my one of my favorites. I do hope I can see you in the near future sometime somewhere. Doomo Arigato Gozaimashita! Yama

Half day tour of Himeji with Chiyuki

Grayson_L, Nov 2023

Chiyuki was an excellent guide.. very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. She was our best guide in Japan! Himeji castle was beautiful and fascinating.. and the gardens stunning. Really enjoyed our tour of Himeji!

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Thank you very much for your message. It encourages and motivates me a lot. The words you sent me are engraved in my heart! You asked me so insightful questions. Thank you for listening to me. I appreciate meeting such a wonderful family. I would like to say "Thank you again!". Chiyuki

Himeji Castle, Koko-en Gardens

Louis_C, Oct 2023

Our tour was perfect for our needs. We had 5 hours in Himeji, and our guide, Norio Oki met us promptly at the train station. He had a perfect plan and route that allowed us to see all of the amazing Himeji Castle and grounds along with the beautiful nearby Koko-en Japanese Garden. Norio gave great explanations with very interesting stories at every stop on the tour. He was very kind and friendly. We highly recommend visiting the Himeji castle and we highly recommend Norio Oki as your guide.

Rewarding experience

Jennifer_D, Oct 2023

I had the pleasure of touring the castle with my guide Hiromi who brought the experience to life. The castle did not disappoint nor did Hiromi who was so knowledgeable and very entertaining. She gave me a very rewarding travel experience. Thank you Hiromi.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Thank you so much for your warmest comment! I am so happy to hear it. Of course, I had a wonderful day with you. I am happy to show you not only the popular sightseeing spots such as the Castle and the Garden but also one of Himeji cultures such as the competition of chrysanthemums and those bonsais. The History Museum of Hyogo Pref. was closed because it was Monday unfortunately, but seemed to enjoy the Loop Bus ride after our tour. It was my pleasure to partly make your trip to Japan fun. I again would like to appreciate your kind message. Hiromi

Great day at Himeiji

HuiYong_T, Oct 2023

Hiromi told us interesting stories about the castle and answered our many questions. She kindly recommended other activities for the next day. It was a lovely introduction to Himeiji! We would love to be back.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Thank you so much for your warmest comment on me. I am so happy to hear it. I really enjoyed having you, and had a wonderful day. It was exciting to share one of my favorite sightseeing spots and locals' backyards, especially the latter. Those can be our secret places. It was my pleasure to help you show some other sightseeing spots for your own tour the next day. I usually take my guests to Engyoji Temple when I have full-day tours. I am glad that you enjoyed it there. I hope you will come back in a different time of seans again. Hiromi

Norio is the best

Diana_S, Oct 2023

Norio was a friendly and knowledgeable guide. He reached out ahead of our trip to plan our tour and gave us advice on the best way to spend the day. He met us at our station upon arrival and helped us navigate to the castle. He was very knowledgeable and gave us so much more information than the signs around the castle. He also made sure to take us to all the best places to take photos of the castle and of us. At the end of our tour he went above and beyond to help us navigate to our next stop in the city. I highly recommend booking a tour with him.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

They were so curious about many sightseeing spots in Himeji. We visited Himeji Castle, Kokoen and around the castle, but they wanted to visit Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, too. We didn't have enough time, so I gave them the history of the temple and helped them to go there. I see, you enjoyed this tour. I'm really happy to hear that. Thank you so much for your great review. Norio