Kurashiki and Okayama (Korakuen Gareden & Castle) from Osaka
Joined 2019
We will visit Kurashiki and Okayama on this tour. Kurashiki is very well known for its beautiful Bikan Historical Quarters where the canal-side townscape has been preserved since the 17th century, and Okayama is very well known for Korakuen Garden which is one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, and Okayama Castle, which is called Crow Castle from its black painted walls.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At JR Shin-Osaka station
- At the Main Ticket Gate
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Kurashiki had been governed by the national government as a business center after the 17th century, and the Bikan Historical Quarter, which has been designated as an Important Traditional Building Preservation District, is lined with houses and warehouses with white walls and the townscape of the past is well preserved. In addition, the Ohara Museum of Art, the first Western art museum in Japan built in 1930, and Kurashiki Ivy Square, a tourist facility renovated from a former spinning factory, are also well known.
Korakuen Garden
Korakuen is a Japanese garden (daimyo lord garden) and is one of the three famous gardens in Japan. Build by the lord of Okayama in the 17th century, this garden represents the rich culture of those days and is designates as a special place of scenic beauty. It is a pond strolling garden centered on a building where the feudal lord entertained guests, and borrows Okayama Castle as a view.
Okayama Castle
The outer walls of the castle tower of Okayama Castle are covered with black-painted clapboard, which is also known as Crow Castle. In addition, according to excavations, gold leaf tiles from the 16th century have been excavated, and it is thought that gold leaf tiles were used throughout the main buildings in the castle at the time of construction, and it is also called Golden Crow Castle. The castle tower, which was built in the 16th century, was destroyed by fire in the air raids of World War II, and the one that exists today was rebuilt after the war.
Ending Point
JR Shin-Osaka station
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
guiding fee
transportation fee(you and guide); approx. JPY15,000 per person, lunch, entrance fee and insurance
I will have to ask you to pay my transportation cost of JPY15,000 between Osaka and Kurashiki
Tour Important Information
Tours are NOT covered by insurance.
Transportation fare (JR tickets); JPY 12,000 round trip. entrance fee; JPY 700 per person and lunch for guests and guide are NOT included. Ask for details.
I will have to ask you to pay my transportation cost of JPY12,000.
Direct payment for tickets, lunch and others will be occurred in CASH on the spot on the day of the tour.
IF YOU ARE GOING TO USE "JR PASS", PLEASE INFORM ME BEFORE BOOKIG.
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 2019
About Tour Guide Hiroyuki T.
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, Osaka and other places in the Kansai area as I am 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.
Reviews
Brandon P.
Historic Monuments of Ancient Capital of Nara - from Osaka
“Had such a great time!! ”
Thank you so much, Hiro-san, for your insightful guidance through Nara. The group had a fantastic time and truly appreciated your deep knowledge and engaging explanations of the history behind each location. Your presence made the experience all the more enriching! I highly recommend Hiro-san to anyone looking for a knowledgeable guide in Kyoto and Nara. The experience is well worth the small extra cost, as it transforms your visit from simply seeing the sights to truly understanding their rich history. Hearing the stories behind each location makes the journey even more captivating and memorable.
Hiroyuki T.
Brandon san, Thank you very much for another kind message. It was really nice to had been with you and your group in Kyoto and Nara. Your group showed a lot of interest and respects to our culture and history. I really appreciated it. I hope I can be of help to you in the future again. Hiro
“Outstanding way to become familiar with Osaka”
We met Hiroyuki at the Osaka train station and had breakfast. From there we travelled to the Osaka Castle where we spent considerable time learning about the building and the history behind it. From there we visited the Shitenoji Temple and learned a lot about the differences and similarities between Shinto and Buddhism. Lastly we had a blast visiting the Nippon-bashi (sub culture center), where we had okonomiyaki. Delicious!! Hiro is a patient and very knowledgeable person!!!
Hiroyuki T.
Steve san, It was really nice meeting you for the Osaka tour yesterday. Thank you very much for your kindness and generously. It was a cold day and I am sorry that JR train delayed. But I had a wonderful time with you and I really appreciated your warm words on the review. Please take care of yourself, have a wonderful time in Japan and also have a safe trip home to New Jersey. Hiro
Brandon P.
Spritual tour in Kyoto Higashiyama, Kiyomizudera, Sanjusangendo, Byodoin and more
“Outstanding tour guiding!! ”
Hiro was very knowledgeable and entertaining throughout our tour of Kyoto. He did a great job!! We all learned a great deal about Kyoto’s historical sites and the stories behind them! Great job, Hiro!!
Hiroyuki T.
Brandon san, It was really nice meeting you, Shino san and your group. I hope you and your clients liked the Kyoto tour and the Nara tour. I also hope that you will be successful with your client and that Shino san will deliver a healthy baby. Hiro
$342/ per group
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Mt. Koya is a very important part of the World Heritage site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountains”. Mt. Koya is in Wakayama Prefecture and I used to work for Wakayama Prefectural Government as a general manager of Cultural Heritage Division and I was also in charge of the World Heritage Project. I know this sacred mountain very well.
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