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.
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
You can enjoy both Shinkansen ride and cultural heritage of Himeji Castle.
You may be inspired by the cutting-edge transportation technology of Shinkansen and the well-designed architectual technology of the castle.
Guide fee, Hotel pick-up
Shinkansen and Other Transportation (you and the guide), Admission of the Himeji Castle, Food
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.
This tour would be cancelled in case of harsh weather like heavy rain/snow/storm.
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.
It costs you 1000JPY for an adult (Over 18yrs) and 300JPY for a child (6-17yrs).
It costs you 3280JPY for the unreserved seat per an adult and 1640JPY for a child (6-12yrs).
Notice: The fare would be changed by Japan Rail Company without prior notice.
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!!
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
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.
Tyler, Thank you for your message. I hope we see you each other either in Colorado, US or in Japan sometime. Kenji
I booked a tour with Kenji to explore Kobe's sake brewery district and learn more about my favourite drink, and what a fun time we had! There was a festival happening at various breweries so we got to sample the many options and eat street foods while watching performances and learning about all the work that goes into crafting one of the most strictly refined beverages in the world. Kenji was a delight to hang out with and very knowledgeable about both sake and the city that produces some of the best in Japan. I told him about a couple of sakes I had tried earlier in my trip and he even found a place down the road that carried it, so we went and scored some truly special bottles that I am excited to open and share with my friends. Another goal I had was to try Kobe's famous wagyu beef and he found us the perfect hole-in-a-wall restaurant that served it in a very authentic and affordable style and ensured I got the full experience I hoped for and more! I'm so glad I was able to book with Kenji and hope we can meet again in the future when I return to the source for more amazing sake and wagyu! Thanks Kenji!!
Jack, Thank you for your message. I am happy to know you are a big fan of Japanese Sake. I hope you will enjoy other Japanese Sake breweries next time. Kenji
Kenji was a magnificent guide and made our visit to Kyoto unforgettable. We would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for a tour guide in Japan. We are a family of 5 from Australia travelling overseas for the first time. Kenji was very friendly and welcoming. He organised a terrific itinerary for our day trip that was just right for the children but still satisfied all our cultural and culinary interests. He was very punctual and pleasant, full of interesting information and explanations about Japanese culture and traditions. He spoke excellent English and was entertaining to talk to - both for the adults and all the children with their endless questions about anything and everything. Kenji even went above and beyond by arranging an impromptu stop at a supermarket for us to experience an everyday Japanese shopping centre which was so much fun. Kenji even overstayed the end of the arranged tour time just to make sure we saw all we could for the day and left feeling very satisfied. We were all sad we had to say goodbye. Thanks so much for a terrific day in Kyoto Kenji. We very much appreciated seeing it with you. ;)
David, I enjoyed myself very much with your family in the end of year 2023. All of your kids are very smart. I hope their experience of Japan would certainly contribute to their feeling of diversity of the global culture. I hope to see you again either in Japan or Australia. Kenji