Adrian A.
Nishi is a great guide for Himeji. She is a resident and knows everything about the city and the sights. Her English is very good and she's super organized. She has a fresh and engaging personality. I asked her to modify the itinerary to go to Engyoji Temple instead of the brewery and it was no problem. She's very flexible about taking you where you want to go. It's definitely good to have an expert guide for the castle. The grounds are huge and complex so just finding your way around is a challenge. Nishi knows all the good photo locations and as you go through the castle she will point out dozens of interesting things that you would never notice or know about on your own. She's very knowledgeable about the castle's architectural features as well. Going to Mt. Shosha to see the Engyoji Temple also is challenging. You have to catch the right city bus from the right bus stop, take a ropeway up the mountain, catch a shuttle bus to the temple area, and follow the right pathways to see the best monuments. Nishi planned everything out including the bus timing so we could fit in the temple visit in the allotted time. She also arranged a very good lunch at a local restaurant across from the castle. It was a national holiday so the area was packed. There was a long line outside the restaurant but she had pre-arranged our visit with the owner so he bypassed the line and took. us to a table inside he had saved just for us. I'm a vegetarian so Nishi had selected this restaurant because it had menu items I could eat. (She also had sent me useful tips on where to eat the night before the tour.) The owner also gave us free iced coffees, which was great as it was a hot day. If/when I return to Himeji, I would definitely use Nishi again.
Thank you very much for your warm review. I am very glad you enjoyed a lot in Himeji although the tour was a tough schedule. It was good to hear you liked the garden, too. I also learned from what you told me. I hope you will visit Japan with your family in different seasons, especially the sakura season. Thank you again.
Pamela V.
From the 1st initial contact Ken was the ultimate professional. We had a few requests that he could easily have said no too but was so happy to arrange for us. Communication throughout was fantastic. We are still traveling around Japan but both feel the tour experience we had with Ken cannot be topped. Memories of traveling a bullet train, eating with the locals and being given local information will remain. Ken was knowledgeable and personable and extremely kind with his time. Highly recommend contacting Ken and customizing your own tour of Osaka, Kyoto,. Nara or Himiji you will not be disappointed.
Pamela san, Thank you for your review. I hope you enjoy your trip in Japan. And hopefully, I would like to guide you in Kyoto and Nara next time. Ken
Hakan Y.
Noboru is a most pleasant person. He picked us up from the train station and started his narrative about Himeji and its sublime castle slowly but surely for 3-4 hours. Himeji castle’s tour will be one of our most memorable memories of Japan thanks to Noboru.
Thank you very much for your wonderful review. I was impressed to see such a nice family as yours and enjoyed your company very much. It was my great pleasure to show you Himeji Castle and its beautiful gardens. I hope to see you again next time you visit Japan! Noboru
Anushila M.
Noboru-san’s tour of Engyo-ji, Himeji Castle, and Koko-en Garden was excellent. He was very knowledgeable about the history of the castle and the temple. His explanations were very in-depth and informational. He also recommended a nice restaurant for lunch. We would highly recommend Noboru-san and this tour to see Himeji in a day trip.
Thank you very much for your warmhearted review. I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour very much. Although Anu-san couldn’t join us this time, I hope to see her and both of you again next time you visit Japan! Noboru
With a real local of your choice
Just contact your favorite local
So no group tours with strangers