You can experience a time travel to the feudal period to encounter Samurai, Japanese warriors.
Himeji Castle (姫路城, Himejijō), also known as White Heron Castle (Shirasagijo) due to its elegant, white appearance, is widely recognized as Japan's most spectacular castle for its imposing size and beauty and its well preserved, complex castle grounds.The first fortifications built on the site were completed in the 1400s. The castle complex as it survives today was completed in 1609.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
At your hotel
Meeting place depends on where you stay.
Arrival time depends on the train.
*From Kyoto by Shinkansen: Kyoto and Himeji are connected via the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen. With the Hikari shinkansen, the journey takes 55 minutes (you can use your Japan Rail Pass if you have one).
**From Kyoto by a local train: Local trains take 90 minutes on JR Special Rapid Trains (Shin-kaisoku).
***From Shin Osaka by Shinkansen: From Shin-Osaka, the journey takes 30-40 minutes by Hikari, Sakura, or Kodama trains. This is the fastest way to Himeji and if you have a Japan Rail Pass it is valid for this trip.
****From Osaka by a local train: Average trip time is one hour. If you do not have a Japan Rail Pass, this is the best option.
You can enjoy my guided tour in the castle.
Please enjoy the wooden castle and beautiful white plaster walls.
You can find Samurai armor, traps and gun windows in the castle.
At your hotel/JR Shin Osaka/JR Osaka
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide fee, Hotel pick-up
Shinkansen and Other Transportation (you and the guide), Admission of the Himeji Castle, Food
Transportation, admission, and food expenses are excluded from the tour fee.
Wearing sneakers and socks are recommended.
You can enjoy the huge wooden castle with a white plaster walls.
You can also enjoy the castle that is designed to prevent from the enemy's attack.
You can imagine Samurai's era in Japan.
This tour would be cancelled in case of harsh weather like heavy rain/snow/storm.
I can introduce you interesting spots including temples, shrines and yummy places including local foods though it is not fancy. Please note the following conditions;
-Mass transit fares, admission fees and meal fees must be self-pay.
-Please pay the guide its mass transit fares (2000JPY) by cash on the tour day.
-Let me know if you have any food allergies beforehand.
-Let me know if you have any food you cannot eat for your religious and dietary reasons beforehand.
-My tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
and
-My tour schedule will accomodate you to start earlier at 7:30AM for your convenience if you want to avoid crowds.
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.
“First Day in Kyoto ”
Kenji was an excellent guide for us as first-time visitors to Kyoto. He designed an interesting itinerary while accommodating the physical limitations of our party. He helped orientate us to the Gion area and we had a chance to enjoy delicious pastries and Matcha tea in between visits to shrines and temples. We really appreciated Kenji's wide range of knowledge, which made for a memorable experience.
Kenji O.
(9 reviews)Leslie and Mark, Thank you for having me with you. Please visit Kyoto again. I will definitely take you to other districts in Kyoto. Thanks, Kenji
“Kenji is the best! A wonderful experience in Kyoto. ”
I had a brilliant day in Kyoto with Kenji. His communication prior to the tour was excellent and he came up with the perfect itinerary based on what I’d already seen the previous day. Clearly knows Kyoto as a local and is knowledgeable and passionate about the sights. We visiting many wonderful shrines, temples and gardens and his commentary was perfect - enough information but plenty of quiet ‘zen’ time to take it all in. Kenji was even accommodating in welcoming friend who arrived unexpectedly halfway through the tour. Lunch was AMAZING. A locally run restaurant with the most delicious wagyu beef, all sourced locally. Probably one of the best meals I had in Japan. Kenji is a Kyoto treasure! I’d recommend unreservedly as a private or group guide to both Kyoto and Osaka (where he lives) visitors. Thank you Kenji!!
Kenji O.
(9 reviews)Jo san, Thank you for your wonderful message. I look forward to your next visit in Kyoto. I am going to guide you hidden gems of deep Kyoto. See you soon. Kenji
“Knowledgeable, organized, and professional”
Kenji from start to finish was excellent. He worked with our itinerary, helped to pick lunch, and also the most optimal transportation. Would highly recommend Kenji as a tour guide for the Kyoto area.
Kenji O.
(9 reviews)Tyler, Thank you for your message. I hope we see you each other either in Colorado, US or in Japan sometime. Kenji