There are more than 300 castles in the Japan, but only 12 have original castle towers. Of the 12, Himeji Castle is the largest, most beautiful and designated as Japanese national treasure and World Heritage Site. Shoshazan Engyoji Temple in the same area, known as the filming location of the movie "The Last Samurai", is a prestigious temple and was said to be the three major dojos of the Tendai sect in the Middle Ages. *not available from January 23 through March 23.
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
Himeji Castle
Japanese Garden Kokoen and lunch
Engyoji temple on Mt. Shosha
Ending Point
TBD
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee
Insurance
Meals and drinks
Transportation fare from Osaka JPY9,680 for round trip per person plus same amount for guide
Entrance fees to Himeji Castle, Kokoen and Engyouji temple JPY1,750 per person plus guide
As this is a walking tour, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Tours are NOT covered by insurance. Make sure to be covered by your own insurance.
Transportation fare, entrance fees and lunch are NOT included in the guide fee.
Direct payment for these cost will be occurred in CASH on the spot on the day of the tour.
Transportation fare from Osaka will be JPY9,680 for round trip per person plus same amount for guide
Entrance fees to Himeji Castle, Kokoen and Engyouji temple will be JPY1,750 per person plus guide
Not available from January 23 thought March 23
Hi!
I had been working for Wakayama Prefectural Government for 38 years, mainly in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am a national certificated English guide and I have a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations.
I am very good at cultural heritages.
And Koyasan and Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture are inscribed in the World Heritage List as parts of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". I was a project manager of "the Koyasan and Kumano World Heritage Inscription Project” at Wakayama Prefectural Government. I know inside and out of Koyasan, Kumano, Wakayama and other places in the Kansai area.
I have a lot of experience of guiding as I was also in charge of international relations for a long time at the government.
I will be able to provide interpretive guiding service for you around Koyasan, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka and other places as I was a cultural heritage management and international relations professional.
I am sure you will be able to get deeper understandings on Japanese culture and that your trip with me will be memorable one.
If you need a good guide in the Tokyo area, I have a friend on GoWithGuide I can recommend you!
Christian W.
“Interesting day trip to Mount Koya”
We had a great day with Mr. Hiroyuki, traveling from Osaka to Koyasan and spending the whole day there. We learnt a lot about the concepts of Buddhism and Shintoism, their history and how they developed and partially mixed. He knows a lot about it and explains it very well and understandably, writing down the main facts. Easy to follow. Of course their was plenty of time to ask questions and learn. Thanks for the very interesting day.
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind message. It was really nice meeting you and your family, I am glad to know that you liked the tour. Did you go back to the Temple Complex after dark? Did you see a monk ringing the bell there? It is a quiet and beautiful place, isn’t it? You had a right choice. Koyasan is a place for people like you and your family. Hiro
Tiffany B.
“2 Days and 2 Cities With Hiro”
Hiro is the perfect guide if you are looking to achieve balance between old and new. He met our request for temples, shrines, anime, and fun. He is very knowledgeable about the history and various cultures within Kyoto and Osaka, as well as the temples and shrines that adorn the streets. He took us to the best locations for family pictures and recommended an excellent restaurant for lunch in both Kyoto and Osaka. I have already recommended him to friends touring Japan in 2026. Thank you, Hiro, for making our time in Kyoto and Osaka so enjoyable.
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind message. It was very nice meeting you; it was very hot and humid when you were in Osaka and Kyoto. We had a record-breaking hot summer this year (it is still very hot and humid). But we had wonderful days, I am very glad to know that you liked the tours. There are a lot more to see in this area, I hope that you have a chance to coming back here. I am looking forward to hearing from your friend for the tour. Thank you very much again, take care of yourself. Hiro
Michael C.
“Great Experience!”
My family had great time in Osaka with Hiro! He made us understand history and tradition of Japan. He was especially patient and wonderful with my seven year-old, who can talk your ears off. I highly recommend Hiro as a guide to your Osaka vacation!
Hiroyuki T.
Michael san, Thank you very much for your kind message. It was really nice to spend time with you and your family. You have wonderful children, I envy you! When I was seven years old, I was too shy to talk to an adult and I only knew that Tokyo is the capital of Japan. Are you back home now? Say hello to your family. Hiro
$306/ per group