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.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Osaka or Osaka station
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle is the most beautiful castle in Japan.
It's an original castle, amazingly survived for hundreds of years.
We use a very reasonable conventional train if you don't have a JR Pass. It will take only one hour and a little from Osaka Station.
lunch
There are many types of restaurants near the castle and the Himeji Station.
Kokoen
Beautiful Japanese Garden.
You will enjoy it in any season.
Ending point
At your hotel in Osaka or Himeji/Osaka station
Ending Point
At your hotel in Osaka or Himeji/Osaka station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee
hotel or station pickup
insurances
transportation fee for you and guide from Osaka Station: conventional train 3,040 yen (round) /per person
If we meet at Himeji Station, please pay the guide 3,040 yen
lunch for you and guide
admission fees for Himeji Castle (1,050 yen /per person) for you only
Please wear warm socks in the cold weather.
We can eat lunch at Kokoen Garden if we are lucky.
Please remember: Himeji Castle is very busy during the high season.
Especially in cherry blossom season, holidays, and weekends.
Please wear warm socks during the cold season.
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!
Julie M.
“Beautiful Day in Nara with Shuji San!”
We have just spent the most wonderful day visiting Nara with Shuji. If you are looking for someone who is friendly and very knowledgeable about the area, he is the guide for you. Also, we were there on a holiday for Japan and he was very skilled at leading us in such a way that we did not feel crowded even though there were many people visiting. A perfect way to finish our trip to Japan!
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for the great review. You are fantastic travelers because of your wide understanding of different cultures and history. I also enjoyed the conversation about history and culture very much. I hope this beautiful day will be added to the memories of your wonderful trip to Japan. Have a comfortable flight to California!
George B.
“2 wonderful days in Kyoto”
We have just spent 2 wonderfull days guided by Shuji-san around Kyoto through gardens, palaces, shrines and temples. It is a remarkable adventure enhanced a hundred times over by the experience, sensibility, and historical knowledge of Mr. Shuji. It is our first time in Japan and I believe that his advice and guidance have been wonderful, and in retrospect absolutely necessary. Would highly reccomend.
Shuji O.
Thank you for your warm words. Your wonderful fitness and curiosity opened up many possibilities for the tour. We enjoyed the unexpectedly late plum blossoms and had plenty of time to enjoy the popular sights that were not crowded in the early morning. And we also enjoyed the conversation very much. I hope this pleasant tour will be a wonderful memory for both of you. Shuji O.
Betsy H.
“We enjoyed Nara very much”
Shuji is knowledgeable and made good choices as to what sites we saw. There were problems, however. I had repeatedly told him about my husband's disabilities and he did not allow for these in some cases. It would probably have been better to have a private driver in Nara because there was never a taxi available between sites and we walked far more than was comfortable for my husband.
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for your review. Yes, I should have strongly recommended you a private car with a driver. Although I sometimes kept the taxi waiting for us in some places or used priority ways, it seems it was not enough for your husband. I'm so sorry if it was so hard for him. Because of your patience and cooperation, you could visit all the places we planned. I hope you can enjoy your long trip ahead.
$234/ per group