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Offered languages
- English
Experience the ultimate Himeji Castle adventure! While most tourists only see the surface of this World Heritage site, your local guide will bring its rich samurai history to life.
1. Easy & Leisurely Bike Ride : Walking the massive castle grounds is exhausting. Our easy bike ride makes exploring completely effortless and stress-free! We will cruise at a relaxed pace to a hidden local shrine for uncrowded, picture-perfect castle photos.
2. Deep Samurai History : Climb to the top of the majestic "White Heron Castle" while uncovering the brilliant secrets of its unassailable defensive architecture.
3. Sweets & Matcha Experience : Taste a 300-year-old traditional sweet once loved by feudal lords. End your journey at Kokoen, a stunning Daimyo garden, enjoying authentic matcha green tea in a serene setting.
4. Keep Your Bike! The tour ends at Kokoen, but you can keep your rental bike until 6 PM to explore further!
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
In front of Seven Eleven at North Exit of JR Himeji station In front of Seven Eleven at North Exit of JR Himeji Station. (There is another Seven Eleven, so please be careful.) A guide will be holding an orange sign saying "MagicalTrip tour"
Itinerary
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184 Nishinikaimachi
Japanese Sweets We will visit a Japanese sweets shop with a history spanning over 300 years and sample "Tamatsubaki" “Tamatsubaki,” an elegant Japanese confectionery once offered to the lords of the castle.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Himeji Castle
Explore inside the Castle and learn the history of the castle and the people who used to live there. we will explore the magnificent Himeji Castle, also referred to as Shirasagi-jo, meaning "White Egret Castle." During our visit to Himeji Castle, our local guide will elucidate why the castle is deemed impregnable and renowned for its beauty, providing insights into its architecture, exhibits, and historical significance. Built in the early Edo period, the castle's main buildings, including the castle tower and turrets, are still standing and are designated as national treasures and important cultural properties. In addition, the inner part of the central moat, including the main fortification, is designated as a national special historic site as “Himeji Castle Site. The castle is also on UNESCO's World Heritage List and has been selected as one of the 100 best castles in Japan.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included -
373 Ōnomachi
Lunch We will cycle through the historic castle town. We will savor a Japanese lunch at a restaurant located in the castle town. Following lunch, we will proceed to a shrine that offers a picturesque spot for capturing beautiful photographs of Himeji Castle.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Otokoyama Hachimangu Shrine
See the back of Himeji Castle from the hidden lookout. Following lunch, we will proceed to a shrine that offers a picturesque spot for capturing beautiful photographs of Himeji Castle.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Koko-en
Experience an authentic tea ceremony while exploring a Japanese garden. Relax and enjoy a cup of tea in Kokoen, a beautiful Daimyo garden. The name “Kokoen” is derived from “Koko-do,” a domain school that existed near the entrance to the present garden during the Edo period.
45 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The itinerary for this tour includes some locations that are not accessible by a wheelchair or stroller.
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The itinerary for this tour includes some locations that are not accessible by a wheelchair or stroller.
- Summer in Japan is very hot and humid, so we recommend that you bring water and wear a hat to prevent heat stroke.
- There are many stairs inside the castle, so please check if you have companions who are concerned about navigating stairs without an elevator beforehand.
- You must remove your shoes upon entering. Please wear shoes that are easy to walk in and remove.
- Individuals aged 12 and above can join this cycling tour.
- Please bring cash if you wish to purchase additional snacks and beverages.
- Out of consideration for our other guests and to ensure the best experience for everyone, the tour must start on time.
- Please be aware that if you arrive late, you will not be permitted to join the tour, receive a refund, or reschedule. Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour start time.
- Guests may be refused participation in this tour if they have consumed alcohol beforehand, in accordance with the law.
- After the tour, you are also welcome to continue using the rental bicycle to go for lunch or sightseeing. In that case, please make sure to return the bicycle by 6:00 PM.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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