Himeji Private Tours &amp; Local Tour Guides

Local Guides Private Tours

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Popular Himeji Tour Guides

Shuji O.

4.90 / 5

(10 reviews)

Hi, I am Shuji, a licensed tour guide living near Kansai International Airport. I taught world history in high schools for four decades. So, I can explain Japanese culture or history in an easier way tailored to you who have different cultural and historical backgrounds. I also practiced Kendo, Japanese fencing, for more than four decades, and now I enjoy growing vegetables and going fishing. Therefore, I can also share some Japanese culture and its nature. I have traveled to more than 25 countries and all over Japan. I’m also passionate about photography and know many photogenic places in Japan. If you prefer to go off the beaten track, I can take you to hidden gems, including some cozy restaurants. Of course, I also know how to enjoy the crowded, most popular tourist sites. I am here to make your trip stress-free. See you soon!

Kenji M.

4.73 / 5

(73 reviews)

Hi I'm Kenji I have a government license of tour guide interpreter in English. I was born and raised in Kyoto, an old capital of Japan over one thousand years So I'm very familiar with many sightseeing spots and attractions of the city Kyoto is a fascinating and picturesque city drawing lots of foreign tourists every year I can show you around not only popular historical sites and relics but also its various attractions such us Zen silent meditation, traditional sweets cooking, kimono-clad walking and so on. I can also provide tailored tours fitting to your liking. I like a famous Zen phrase "Ichigo Ichie" meaning "Treasure every encounter for it will never recur" So I always try to enjoy guiding every tourist with my best hospitality. Zen concepts have greatly influenced many aspects of Japanese culture I will explain some of them and allow you to explore Zen world through some of my tours Please contact me any time. I'm looking forward to seeing you and spending wonderful time with you. See you soon !

Kazuhiko G.

4.74 / 5

(159 reviews)

Hello, I’m Kazuhiko. Please call me “Kazu”. I'm a national-licensed tour guide. I have a wife and 4 children. I was born in Osaka city near Kyoto, although I have lived in many places across Japan. I used to work for multinational electric company and I traveled to many countries (U.S., Thailand, Hong Kong etc.) on business. I have enjoyed guiding many foreign tourists in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Tokyo, Mt. Fuji etc. for many years. During your tour, you can discover a rich Japanese history spanning about 2,000 years, learn about and experience profound Japanese arts (tea ceremony, flower arrangement etc.), feel the spiritual atmosphere of Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines, see a breathtakingly beautiful scenery of Mt. Fuji, bamboo forest, Japanese gardens etc.. Moreover, you can taste Japanese cuisine that each season has to offer (Sushi, Tempura, Soba or ramen noodle etc.). You can get close to nature and feed wild deer or monkeys or even a build snowman in winter. I’m sure that I can provide a splendid tour of Japan that will be a lasting memory for you to treasure. Experience the mysteries of Japan with 5 senses !! Your memorable tour awaits you. Please feel free to contact me!!

Kenji O.

(6 reviews)

I lived in Seattle, WA US for several years to study public policy and urban planning at University of Washington and Washington State Department of Transportation . The US life has awakened me to realize its beauty and value of the Japanese nature and culture. After coming back from US, I have started my professional career of the infrastructure development in both developed and developing countries as a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) expert for more than 20 years. I have provided hospitality and honesty as a Japanese during my professional career. I can give you not only sightseeing tours but also technical tours with my expertise. I live in Osaka where an ancient capital city, Kyoto is located within a hour by train. I can show you how Japanese has developed the capital city with urban planning and infrastructure development. I look forward to seeing you here in Japan.

Yoshiharu K.

4.69 / 5

(36 reviews)

Hi! I'm Yoshiharu. Please call me Yoshi. Yoshi means "good" in Japanese! I'm a good man (^^);;;. I was born in Kyoto but I lived there 3 months. Then my family moved to Osaka and I grew up in Osaka. So I am almost Osakan. When I was young, my hobby was traveling by bicycle. I went cycling around most part of Japan except Shikoku. In my family rule, Shikoku is in bad direction because my grand father died just after his Shikoku pilgrimage. So I want to have a cycling tour not only in Kyoto (coming soon!) but also all part of Japan someday. I am interested in Japanese history. I am a National Certificated Guide. And I have "Kyoto Tourism Culture Certification 3rd grade", "Osaka Expert Certification 3rd grade", "Nara Concierge 2nd grade" and "Karuizawa Web test 3rd grade". So I have expert knowledge about Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Karuizawa and common knowledge about Kobe. Besides I like gadgets, so I can guide you DenDen town in Osaka. When you have a chance to visit Kyoto or Osaka or other city in this area, please contact me anytime and join my tour! I'll be looking forward to seeing you, spending wonderful time with you.

Nishi N.

Hello, I am a national government licenced guide in Hyogo. I will help you enjoy your travel in Japan. My guiding areas are mainly Hyogo, especially the Himeji area. Spanish:conversational level

Mouloud H.

4.73 / 5

(11 reviews)

Hello, my name is Mouloud and I have been living in Japan for more than 9 years, more specifically in Kansai. I mainly worked in the tourism field and now I would like to introduce you to my Kansai. Nara, Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto and so on, so many things to do and to see! I already have some tours for you but do not hesitate to contact me if you have other wishes. I am waiting for you! Bonjour, je m’appelle Mouloud et ça fait plus de 9 ans que j’habite au Japon, plus précisément dans le Kansai. J’ai surtout travaillé dans le tourisme et maintenant, je voudrais directement vous faire découvrir mon Kansai. Nara, Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, etc., tant de choses à faire et à voir ! Je vous propose déjà quelques circuits mais n’hésitez pas à me contacter si vous avez d’autres envies. Je vous attends.

Hideo Y.

4.52 / 5

(143 reviews)

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Hello, I'm HIDEo YOSHIda. Please call me HIDEYOSHI, the same name as the famous shogun who built the Osaka Castle in 1585. I was born in Kobe and worked in Osaka for nearly 40 years. I would like to introduce the Kansai region to you ,including Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Wakayama. Kobe is one of the two largest ports in Japan, along with Yokohama. After the opening of the Port of Kobe in 1868, foreigners built their residences on the hillside of the Kitano-cho area, overlooking the ocean. Many of the foreign residences are now open to the public as museums, including the Weathercock House, with it's symbol weathercock on the triangle-shaped roof. In Meriken Park, the red Port Tower (the city's landmark), creates a beautiful contrast against the white Kobe Marine Museum. The museum's design was inspired by the waves and sailing ships. When you have a chance to visit Osaka, please join my tour. I'm sure you'll enjoy the interesting and historical, scenic spots. For example, Shin-Sekai is a downtown area with a strange mix of nostalgic atmosphere and contemporary energy. You can try local foods (kushikatsu, sushi, tempura) at a reasonable price. Billiken (a famous statue of the spirit of luck) will be waiting for you!!. Dotombori is a popular street with a lot of flashy signboards. Osaka is widely known as a "Kuidaore-no-machi", or literally "drinking and eating luxuriously to death." Osaka Castle was built by Toyotomi HIDEYOSHI in 1585. Oh, it's my residence, isn't it ! These days "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" area in USJ, or Universal Studios Japan, is also attracting more and more people. I'll be looking forward to seeing you !!

New Himeji Tour Guides

Noboru S.

(11 reviews)

Hello, everyone! Welcome to Japan. My name is Noboru. I’m a national licensed guide. I was born in Osaka and spent my university student life in Kyoto. And now I have been in Himeji for over 35 years. These cities are in Kansai aea. So,I'm very much familiar with the sightseeing spots and attractions in the area, especially Himeji and its neighboring cities. If you are looking for someone to show you around the area, please join my tour. I will show you special local dishes in the area as well. Looking forward to seeing your smile soon.

Kayoko S.

4.00 / 5

(2 reviews)

Soy guía licenciada gubernamental nacional. Nací y crecí en prefectura de Osaka, la capital gastronómica de Japón, asimismo el centro humorístico. Mi especialidad universitaria era historia, y me gradué con historia de Japón. Empecé a estudiar español a forma autodidacta para entender las letras de música latina. Desde 2000 hasta 2017 viví en Perú trabajando como guía de turismo y asimismo la encargada de counter de agencia de viaje. Por lo que domino historia del Perú y América latina más. Retornando a mi país me ha maravillado la belleza de Japón. Mi hobby es trotar y bailar marinera norteña, danza nacional de Perú en la cual he sido ganadora de algunos concursos. También soy aficionada de bunraku, marioneta tradicional de Japón. Como soy historiadora, me gustaría tratar lugares históricos dentro de una perspectiva histórica. Quisiera pedir a aquellos que desea guiado por mí que haga click de reserva después de comprender bien el circuito que ofrezco. Jamás no hagan reserva sin intercambiar mensajes. Espero con mucho entusiasmo comunicación de los amantes de historia y cultura de humanidad.

Shogo K.

4.80 / 5

(30 reviews)

Hi! I'm Shogo, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in English. "Shogo"? Looks a little bit hard to pronounce. So if you are interested in Samurai or Busho, call me "Shogun". (rather humble and hen-pecked at home, though.:) Just a little bit information about myself. I was born and grew up in Himeji, about 50km west of Kobe. When a child I quite often visited world-famous Himeji Castle. So it's like "MY castle." As a student, I lived in Kyoto for four years. I'm a father of three, and have lived in Kobe with my family for over 30 years. So I'm quite familiar with various tourist spots/attractions in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, Kobe and the like, all in western Japan. Also I've lived in Lawrence, Kansas, for two years in my 20s as a Jayhawk. Great old memory!:) Here are some of my specialties. First, I can show you around popular historical sites and relics in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Himeji. You'll surely feel the depth of Japanese culture by visiting these places. Second, I can offer you special tours of fancy sake breweries in Kobe, Nara and Kyoto. Third, I also guide you around Hiroshima, including magnificent Itsukushima Shrine. My goal/dream as guide interpreter is to help you explore and understand Japan and its culture with warm hospitality or Omotenashi. So please reach out to me any time, 24/7. For your super memorable trip, "Always with YOU" Shogo!:)

Kay F.

4.75 / 5

Hi, I'm a National licensed guide living in OSAKA. Raised between KYOTO and OSAKA, I've got two different unique cultures, customs and dialects. So called Bilingual?? I can guide you both cities from Major tourist spots to Off-the-beaten paths. Throughout the tour, I'll show you unique local cultures and history !! Since I got the license in 2015, I've guided foreign tourists to OSAKA, KYOTO and NARA and really enjoyed meeting with foreign guests. And also experienced Mt.KOYA, HIMEJI and KOBE. Based on your request, I suggest the best memorial tour just for you !!

Hiroyuki F.

4.90 / 5

(111 reviews)

Hi,I'm Hiroyuki Fukui. Please call me Hiro. I'm a government certified guide interpreter. I'm originally from Gifu Prefecture located in Central Japan and have lived in Nara city for more than twenty years. I used to be a civil engineer working for a construction company and experienced overseas projects mainly in South Pacific region for about nine years. During my stay abroad, I had an opportunity to look Japan from outside and realized the beauty of Japan from different point of view. Now I retired from the company and I'm guiding foreign visitors mainly over Kansai district including Nara, Kyoto and Osaka to help them know more about the history, the culture and the people of Japan. I'm looking forward to serving you soon. Thank you.

Azusa A.

4.91 / 5

(43 reviews)

Hello, my name is Azusa Arita. I'm a licensed tour guide in English. I think there is no big difference between what Japan is today and what you see about Japan in manga, except " Naruto." ( Sorry but Ninjya is no longer exist.) Japan is a two -faced society, a society of modern technology and that of tradition. That's why it seems mysterious and difficult to understand. Hiroshima is a good place to experience the both aspects of Japan. Do you know the darkness in which you 'll be a new person, or the special way you can gain the same amount of wisdom written in Buddhist scriptures at one time? Let's go and find the answers to these mysteries in Hiroshima. I'll make sure you have a great time in this tour.

Miki W.

¡Hola! Soy traductora de profesión y guía diplomada de habla hispana. Vivo en la ciudad de Okayama que situa entre las ciudades de Osaka e Hiroshima. Los lugares donde he ofrecido mis servicios de guía son, además de mi ciudad, Hiroshima, Naoshima, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji, y Tokio. Como una aficionada del turismo y amante de la naturaleza, me gustaría transmitir a los visitantes extranjeros los aspectos hermosos de Japón, siendo sus ojos y oídos.

Seiko T.

4.98 / 5

(88 reviews)

Hello! I am Seiko, National Licensed Guide since 2007. I was born and raised in Kurashiki (Okayama pref.), spent my college days in Kyoto, lived in Osaka for more than 15 years and recently moved to a city near Nagano (guiding in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara etc during peak season). I studied in Wisconsin, USA and worked as a translator/interpreter, market researcher, and executive assistant for global companies for many years where I enjoyed spending a precious time with people from different backgrounds and cultures and broaden my world and horizons. I myself am a traveler for life, been to more than 30 countries and all the prefectures in Japan, and always excited to help my clients with their planning. I am also a hiker, kayaker, scuba diver, and snowboarder enjoying myself mostly outdoors in every season. Besides city tours in Osaka and Kyoto, my tours can stretch to introducing local food and drinks, sake/beer brewery visit, visiting less-touristy areas, excursions to enjoy the nature such as walking/hiking tours, baseball games, tours for kids, onsen day-out, and more! Let's have a fun time and unique experience with me! Important Notes before booking: 1. Please check availability with me, even for open dates, before booking! 2. Transportation fee, entrance fee, and lunch/dinner for you and guide during the tour are NOT INCLUDED in the guide fee and to be paid at each site. Please bring enough cash to separately pay them during the tour. (Licensed guides get free admission at temples/shrines/castles and most tourist attractions, except for some facilities like aquarium, zoo, amusement parks, etc.) 3. Please let me know IN ADVANCE if anyone in your group has any physical challenge and/or food allergies. Thank you!

Popular Himeji Private Tours

Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden Half Day Tour

4 hours

Visit the most beautiful castle in Japan! It survived over 400 years and Japan’s first world cultural heritage. Find elaborately designed defensive tricks! Learn its survival history. Stroll in Koko-en garden next to the castle. It is about 3.5ha and divided into 9 different Japanese gardens. You can forget about the noise from the city. Details of my tour can be arranged according to your interest. Extension of this tour (Himeji Full-Day Tour / 7hrs) can be offered. Please contact me!

Himeji : Hyogo Golden Route (one of five tours)

9 hours

Hyogo prefecture is about 150km long in north-south direction. There are many sight seeing spots, not only Kobe, Himeji but also Izush-Toyooka, Tanba-Sasayama Awaji island. So Hyogo government decleared "Hyogo Golden Route" as recommended tours. I would like to guide those areas where tourists do not know well. Each area is one day tour. You can have a different experience from Kyoto or Osaka.

Himeji Castle, Garden & Sake Brewery

5 hours

Beautiful white castle will attract you! A world heritage site, Himeji Castle is waiting for your visit. At Nadagiku Sake Brewery, you can observe the traditional atmosphere of breweries. And sake tasting is available. The shop staff will explain the difference of sake and advise what to buy souvenirs. Situated near the castle, a Japanese style garden, Kokoen will impress you. You can experience tea ceremony, too.(optional）

Himeji Full-Day Trip from Kyoto

5 hours

I'll meet you at your hotel in Kyoto. And then we'll transfer to Himeji by the Shinkansen. We'll visit firstly Himeji Castle designated as Japan's first World Heritage Site in 1993, and ranked #7 as a place to visit among others in 2019 by NY Times, and also ranked #1 by the National Geographic Traveler. After Himeji Castle we'll head for beautiful Kokoen Japanese style garden nearby. Finally we'll go back to your hotel in Kyoto by the Shinkansen.

Exploring Himeji Castle with Sanctuary and Huge Bridge

8 hours

Guests can combine any of the following tourist destinations depending on their needs and tour time. 1) Himeji Castlea (magnificent fortress ) 2) Engyo-ji temple (a unspoiled Buddhist sanctuary) 3) Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (the world's longest suspension bridge) 4) Japanese garden Kokoen (various type of Japanese gardens)

Himeji Castle and Toy Museum

6 hours

We visit Himeji Castle and a roofed shopping arcade in Himeji. In the afternoon we move to Koro town by JR train to visit " Toy Museum." It takes about twenty minutes from Himeji to Koro by train.

Himeji Castle & Garden Afternoon Tour

3 hours

Hi, I am Nishi, a local guide in Himeji. Beautiful white castle will attract you! I will show you how the Japanese castles and the details of Himeji Castle. Situated near Himeji Castle, you can enjoy Japanese style garden,Kokoen garden. Nine different gardens will surely impress you. You can experience tea ceremony, too.(optional） I can speak spanish in the daily conversation,too. That will help you for Spanish speaking people.

Himeji Castle & Garden Morning Tour

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3 hours

Beautiful white castle will attract you! A world heritage site, Himeji Castle is waiting for your visit.Situated near the castle, a Japanese style garden,Kokoen will impress you. You can experience tea ceremony, too.(optional）

New Himeji Private Tours

A day trip from Osaka to the Himeji Castle and the Engyoji Temple.

8 hours

Among the many castles in Japan, Himeji Castle is truly special. You will feel happy just to be there when you see its beautiful figure over the surrounding cherry blossom or maple trees. It has a long and touching history. It is a must-see in Japan.

Day trip to Himeji from Osaka

6 hours

Among the many castles in Japan, Himeji Castle is truly special. You will feel happy just to be there when you see its beautiful figure over the surrounding cherry blossom or maple trees. It has a long and touching history. It is definitely a must-see in Japan.

Himeji Castle 2- Hour Morning Tour

2 hours

The beautiful white castle will attract you! If you don't have enough time, but you really enjoy visiting Himeji, this is the best tour. You can learn the history of the castle, strategic technique, Japanese architecture in the 17th century. In spring many people come to see beautiful cherry blossoms. You can enjoy autumn leave viewing, too.

Takeda Castle Ruins in the Sky, Tour from Himeji

6 hours 10 min

If you are interested in Japanese castles, this is the perfect one day tour for you! Starting from Himeji where world cultural heritage Himeji Castle is located, you can learn and enjoy different type of Japanese castle, mountaintop castle. Takeda Castle Ruin is a national important cultural property (historic site) of Japan and located on a mountain 354m above sea level. You can enjoy a magnificent stone wall, most of which are original and preserved for more than 400 years on the mountain top.

Morning Cycling Tour around Himeji Castle

2 hours

Enjoy the morning cycling around World Cultural Heritage Himeji Castle! Find gorgeous Himeji Castle from 360-degree views. Learn more about the Castle and the dramatic life of Princess Sen who is still remembered by citizens as a symbol of Himeji Castle. This tour takes you to her shrine, one of the best view spots. Many fantastic spots for taking photos. Tour starting time can be arranged upon your request.

Kamikawa Aqua Road Cycling Tour from Himeji

9 hours 30 min

Enjoy cycling in Kamikawa which is in mountains surrounded by rich nature. Up the mountain by bus, down the mountain by rental bike, 20km cycling with no sweat! During cycling down the mountain, you can enjoy nature spots such as high waterfall with a fall of 40m and some traditional spiritual spots. The town is blessed with its natural pure water. Enjoy Rural Japan!

Tatsuno, old castle town street -Half day tour from Himeji-

6 hours 30 min

If you are looking for a tour from Himeji, Tatsuno is a right place. Tatsuno is located on the west of Himeji city, about 20 minutes by train from Himeji station. It is famous for its well-preserved old castle town street which has been designated as National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Walk around the street and feel its relaxing atmosphere. Tatsuno is also famous as a birthplace of Usukuchi soy sauce which plays important role in Japanese dishes.

1 jour de circuit autour du château de Himeji

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8 hours

Le château de Himeji est l’un des 12 châteaux japonais encore très bien conservés avec leurs donjons de bois encore existants. Aux alentours du château, le temple Engyo-ji, à l'histoire millénaire trône sur le mont Shosha. Lieu de tournage fréquent, ce temple a notamment été rendu célèbre par le film "Le dernier samouraï". Nous pouvons aussi aller visiter le grand pont du détroit d'Akashi puis Gigantor, symbole du renouveau du Japon, de son génie technologique et de sa culture-pop.

Day Trips from Himeji

Kobe

Hyogo

Other Hyogo Locations

Himeji Tour Reviews

Kichi J.

5 / 5

Apr 15, 2024

Himeji Castle, Garden & Sake Brewery

5 hours

Apr 15, 2024

“A beautiful tour of Himeji”

We really had a great time exploring Himeji with Nishi. Very professional and won't forget it.

Nishi N.

Thank you for your kind review. I am so pleased you really enjoyed on that day. It was the best timing to see sakura. You also enjoyed tasting several sake at the brewery. Your talk was so interesting and informative. Please continue your journey and visit Japan in autumn next time! I wait for your next visit.

Phillip C.

5 / 5

Apr 13, 2024

Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden Half Day Tour

4 hours

Apr 13, 2024

“Himeji Castle”

Noburo, A great time in Himeji with Noburu, supplied a lot of information during our tour, well prepared and very factual without being burdensome. Highly recommend Noburu San to anyone travelling to Himeji

Noboru S.

(11 reviews)

Thank you very much for your wonderful review of our tour in Himeji. I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour. It was also my great pleasure to show Himeji Castle and its beautiful gardens to you. Did you find a nice bathrobe? I hope to see you again next time you visit Japan!

Svetlana L.

5 / 5

Mar 17, 2024

Himeji Castle & Garden Morning Tour

3 hours

Mar 17, 2024

“Highly recommended ”

Nishi provided very informative tour. She explained the history, the building defense strategy, the construction of the castle. She showed the best photo spots, the locations used in the movies, and even some videos about the usage of the castle.I highly recommend to take this tour and Nishi as a tour guide.

Nishi N.