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Himeji Castle Day Trip by Shinkansen from Osaka
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Joined 2022
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.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
Your hotel in Osaka or JR Shin Osaka/Osaka
Meeting place depends on where you stay.
JR Himeji
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.
Himeji Castle
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.
JR Himeji->JR Osaka/Shin Osaka
Ending Point
At your hotel/JR Shin Osaka/JR Osaka
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee, Hotel pick-up
Shinkansen and Other Transportation (you and the guide), Admission of the Himeji Castle, Food
-Mass transit fares, admission fees and meal fees must be self-pay.
Tour Important Information
Transportation, admission, and food expenses are excluded from the tour fee.
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.
Important Notice: Tour participants must negotiate many steep steps in the castle building. You must remove your shoes at the castle. Few exhibits within the castle have explanations in English. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations.
This tour would be cancelled in case of harsh weather like heavy rain/snow/storm.
Important message from the supplier
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.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2022
About Tour Guide Kenji O.
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.
Reviews
Anna R.
“Very nice tour!”
Kenji was such a such a kind guide and was able to take us around, not just to the places that he had planned for the tour, but to find a couple things that we were looking for. He also was super helpful because I lost my jacket and he filed out the lost and found paperwork for me! Kenji is very easy to work with, will work around thing/places that you want to go, and took us to a really great place for lunch that we would have never found without him! Thank you, Kenji!
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Kenji O.
Anna, Thanks for your message. I hope you have a safe and fun trip. Please stay in touch with me while you’re staying in Japan. Kenji
Luis T.
“Great way to know Kyoto’s alleys and less know but still great attractions ”
Kenji showed enthusiasm and knowledge of the city alleys. He pointed to interesting things along the way and held a good rithm all the way.
Kenji O.
Luis san, Kyoto has a lot of hidden gems. I hope you to come here again. Please say hi to other members including your wife. Kenji
Magnus K.
“Unforgettable First Visit to Kyoto with Kenji san as My Guide”
As it was my first time in Kyoto, I decided to hire a guide to make the most of my visit. From the very beginning, Kenji impressed me with his professionalism and attention to detail in planning the tour. He carefully crafted an itinerary that perfectly matched my wishes and requirements for the day. What truly set Kenji apart was his exceptional knowledge and ability to share insights about Kyoto’s history, culture, and hidden gems. Throughout the tour, he explained fascinating details that I would never have discovered on my own. His accommodating and helpful nature made the experience not only informative but also very enjoyable. The day ended with a lunch that was absolutely unforgettable - one of the best culinary experiences I’ve ever had. Kenjis thoughtfulness in organizing every aspect of the tour made this visit to Kyoto an amazing and enriching experience. If you’re considering hiring a guide in Kyoto, I can wholeheartedly recommend Kenji. He will elevate your experience and ensure your time in Kyoto is as special as it can possibly be.
Kenji O.
Magnus san, thank you for the review. I hope you visit Kyoto again and I look forward to guiding you and your wife for other hidden places. Have a safe journey! Kenji
$212/ per group
More tours by Kenji O.
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Golden Temple, Bamboo Forest, Nostalgic Tram Ride Tour
Keifuku Tram is beloved as "Randen" by Kyoto local. You can enjoy the nostalgic tram ride that takes you the Bamboo forest path in the precinct of Tenryuji temple. This tour takes you to Ryoanji temple that is famous for its rock garden and the Golden temple (Kinkakuji). This tour also includes strolling in the Geisya district of Kamishichiken.
Golden Temple, Bamboo Forest, Nostalgic Tram Ride Tour
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Kyoto Alley Walking Tour (Half Day)
Kyoto served as a capital city where the Emperor resided between 798 and 1868. The ancient capital city has been designated as a UNESCO cultural heritage. This walking tour gives you a fun time to experience strolling in the backstreets where few tourists visit. You can walk in the famous Geisya quarter including Miyagawacho and Gion, Keninji Zen Temple and Shirakawa riverside.You have a fun walking in the alley in Kyoto. You can encounter Geiko (Geisya) or Maiko if you are lucky.
Kyoto Alley Walking Tour (Half Day)
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Kyoto Alley Walking Tour (Full Day)
Kyoto served as a capital city where the Emperor resided between 798 and 1868. The ancient capital city has been designated as a UNESCO cultural heritage. This walking tour gives you a fun time to experience wandering in the backstreets where a few tourists visit. You can walk in the famous Geisya quarter including Miyagawacho and Gion, Keninji Zen Temple, Shirakawa riverside and more.You have a fun walking in the alley in Kyoto. You can encounter Geiko (Geisya) or Maiko if you are lucky.
Kyoto Alley Walking Tour (Full Day)
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Philosopher's Path Walking Tour; Silver Temple~Nanzenji
This tour invites you to walk along one of the most beautiful walkways in Kyoto. You visit several temples along the walkway, Silver Temple (Ginkakuji), Hounenin Temple, and Nanzenji Temple (Headquarter of Rinzai Zen Sect).
Philosopher's Path Walking Tour; Silver Temple~Nanzenji
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Osaka
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Taste and Tradition: A Guided Food Walk near Osaka Tenmangu
Experience the heart of Osaka in this immersive half-day walking tour that blends history, culture, and local life 9:30: Osaka Tenmangu Shrine 10:00: Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street Walk Take local favorites like Takoyaki and Croquettes 12:00: Explore Nakazakichō for a taste of old Osaka charm and retro vibes. *If we have time, let’s do some shopping in Umeda!
Taste and Tradition: A Guided Food Walk near Osaka Tenmangu
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Tour of Osaka-jo Castle
(Highlights) The present castle building looks beautiful, powerful and in perfect harmony with the surrounding environment. However, it was the venue of hegemony, bloody conflicts and natural disasters for many centuries. Once you visit the castle, you will be amazed at the magnificent structures, huge moats and the beautiful natural environment. The view from the top of the eight-storied donjon is splendid. You can reach there either by going up the steep stairways or taking an elevator ride. The castle is in the heart and the landmark of Osaka city, where many modern buildings stand. (How to enjoy) You can enjoy a leisurely walk along the one-kilometer road leading to the castle after you get off the train and, once inside the precincts, you cannot spare even a moment without marveling at the sight of an ancient technology and human wisdom, as well as the huge rocks building up the protection walls. Not only seeing the buildings, you can also sit on the grass and enjoy having lunch with your family members or friends. (Others) The entrance fee is 600 yen per person and the JR Osaka Loop Line train fare is 300 yen for the ride from Osaka to Osaka-jo-koen station. The fare for the ride between Kyoto and Osaka, meanwhile, is 510 yen.
Tour of Osaka-jo Castle
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Osaka Local Discovery Tour – History, Food & Retro Charm in One Day
A full-day adventure through Osaka’s best highlights. Walk through the historic Osaka Castle Park, taste local specialties at Kuromon Market, visit the peaceful Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, and explore the nostalgic streets of Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku — a perfect mix of culture, flavor, and local life.
Osaka Local Discovery Tour – History, Food & Retro Charm in One Day
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Perfect Trip in Osaka
There are many interesting and exciting places to visit in Osaka. But it might take at least a few days to visit all the popular places. So I chose the best places to visit in Osaka and I will take you to all in 1 day!! You will enjoy the culture and history and food of Osaka. And I'm sure that you will be in love with Osaka by the end of the tour ;)
Perfect Trip in Osaka
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